ICTSI sets do-or-die duel vs Blu

ICTSI, boosted by the return of Mark Cardona, overpowered Nutri-licious, 110-76, in a high-scoring game that kept the Archers in the thick of the fight for the semifinals in the Sunkist PBL Unity Cup at the Pasig Sports Center yesterday.

ICTSI’s winning margin was the largest by any team since Red Bull routed Montana, 89-44, four years ago.

Back in harness after sitting out their last two games due to back spasm, Cardona scored 24 points coming off the bench, leading ICTSI to the win that lined the team up for a knockout duel with Blu Star Detergent also at the Pasig complex tomorrow.

"He (Cardona) just showed today that he can play even if he’s coming from injury. Hopefully, he can play like this again in our game against Blu," said ICTSI coach Franz Pumaren.

Cardona, who went 11-of-15 from the field, buckled down to work early, firing eight points as the Archers took a 24-18 edge in the first quarter.

In the other game, Welcoat Paints remained in semifinal contention after it ripped the Alex Compton-less LBC Batangas, 80-64.