Rising Suns halt streakin’ Tile Masters

MANILA, Philippines – Cagayan Valley stunned erstwhile unbeaten Caida Tiles, 81-77, while Jumbo Plastic continued its winning ways and toppled Sta. Lucia, 76-63, in the PCBL Founders Cup at the JCSGO Gym in QC last Thursday.

Mark Brana delivered 12 points, including the crucial jumper in the last 28.9 seconds to lift the Rising Suns to the four-point victory while dealing the Tile Masters their first loss after a sweep of their first five games in the tournament supported by Spalding, Ambucore, Accel and Aquabest.

Earlier, Jumbo Plastic sustained its streak after an opening game loss as it coasted to its fifth straight win with that eight-point romp over Sta. Lucia, putting it in step with Caida Tiles at 5-1.

Mark Lopez stepped up to fire seven of his 15 markers in the final quarter as Jumbo Plastic outscored Sta. Lucia, 23-13, in the last 10 minutes to pound out the victory. 

Lopez teamed up with ex-pro Marcy Arellano and John Lopez in a crippling 13-0 run as Jumbo Plastic pulled away, 74-61, entering the final two minutes of the contest.

The scores

First Game

Jumbo Plastic 76 – M. Lopez 15, Viernes 13, J. Lopez 9, Taganas 9, Martinez 8, Arellano 8, Mandani 5, Padilla 5, Eguilos 2, Alabanza 2, Acosta 0, Perez 0.

Sta. Lucia 63 – Montilla 13, Escosio 12, Vidal 7, Celiz 7, Ilagan 6, Camasura 5, Bautista 5, Onwubere 3, Sarangay 3, Wetherell 1, Gabriel 1, Castanarez 0, Gabriel 0.

Quarterscores: 12-12, 34-35, 53-50, 76-63

Second Game

Cagayan Valley 81 – Isit 13, Brana 12, Flores 11, Bangga 10, Siruma 9, Managuelod 9, Arce 6, Caranguian 4, Acidre 4, Salcedo 2, Doligon 1, Palma 0.

Caida Tiles 77 – Ruaya 17, Maiquez 9, Rios 9, Gabawan 8, Robles 7, Hayes 6, Almario 5, Corpuz 4, Lozada 4, Terso 2, Jamon 2, Jalalon 2, Leynes 2.

Quarterscores: 18-11, 39-35, 60-54, 81-77