Shark holds back erratic Pioneer, ends slump

Chester Tolomia and Gilbert Malabanan started out flat but finished strong as defending champion Shark Energy Drink repulsed upset conscious Ateneo-Pioneer Insurance, 64-59, yesterday and end a two-game slump in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Tolomia poured in 10 of his total 13 points in the pivotal fourth quarter while Malabanan scored all his four points in the homestretch as the Power Boosters notched their second win in as many losses.

"Medyo swerte na rin but we’ll take this win and hope that this starts something big for us," said Shark coach Leo Austria.

The Insurers, who remained winless in three games, had a lot of opportunities to pull off a stunner but rookie Fil-Am Miguel Nable muffed several crucial shots that cost them the game.

Shark was outrebounded by Ateneo-Pioneer, 32-47, but shot better from the field, making 26 of 55 field goal attempts compared to its rivals’ 19-of-60 shooting clip.

Compounding the woes of the Insurers was the poor s game of frontliners Enrico Villanueva, Richard Alvarez and Billy Mamaril, who were held to just 14 points the whole game.