Mandaue stuns Talisay in Game 1

MANILA, Philippines — Do-it-all wingman Jaymar Gimpayan of the MJAS Zenith-Talisay Aquastars was crowned MVP in the inaugural Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Visayas leg.

His coronation night, however, was spoiled as the previously unbeaten Talisay absorbed a stunning 67-66 loss to Mandaue in the thrilling Game 1 of the best-of-three finals late Friday night.

It was the first tournament loss for the Aquastars after completing a 10-0 sweep of the elimination round, including two wins against the Computer Specialists, 77-57 and 81-73.

Talisay and Mandaue were playing Game 2 at press time at the Alcantara Civic Center in Cebu.

Gimpayan was joined in the All-Visayas team by Tubigon Bohol’s Joseph Marquez and Mandaue’s Gryann Mendoza along with Talisay teammates Paolo Hubalde and Jhaymo Eguilos.

The Oleras, Northern Samar pride normed 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds to amass 415 points and clinch the Visayas leg MVP award over Tubigon aces Marquez (358) and Pari Llagas (301).

Gimpayan put up seven points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block in Game 1. of the finals but was not enough as Patrick Cabahug (12) and Darell Menina (11) were the only other contributors for the stunned Talisay.

Mandaue young blood Shaq Imperial was the thorn on Talisay’s side with 16 markers including the game-winning trey in the last 40 seconds while All-Visayas team member Mendoza also chipped in 15.