CEBU, Philippines - The Punishers sustained their hot streak, even as the Eagles also soared high in the 2017 Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Cebu Basketball League at the Capitol Parish gym along Escario Street, Cebu City.
Van Ligutan unloaded 26 points and eight rebounds as the Punishers vanquished the Rebels, 60-50, to stay as the only unbeaten in the eight-team tournament with a 3-0 slate, while Argao councilor Jonathan Villegas sank six 3-pointers of his 21 points as the Eagles escaped past the Pañeros, 73-69.
Villegas, who also had three assists, fired three triples in the first period to set the offensive tone for the Eagles. He knocked in three more trifectas in the third as they continue to dictate the pace of the match.
The Pañeros actually had a chance to send the game into overtime but Mikmik Molde missed what could have been a game-tying shot.
The Eagles now holds a 2-1 record in a tie with the Sub Zero Idols and Dzntrs, while the Pañeros and the Rebels dropped to 1-2.
In the other game, Cebu City prosecutor Rogelio del Prado, Jr. netted 13 markers on top of five rebounds as the Badboys bested the Spartans, 54-43, to final barge into the win column after three attempts. The Spartans are still without a win in three starts.
The scores
First game
Punishers (60) – Ligutan 26, Ang 11, Arnaiz 9, Juban 4, Prieto 2, Bas 2, Hernaez 2, Avila 2, Velez 2
Rebels (50) – Padoga 17, Robles 13, Pacoli 8, Nollora 3, N. Rama 2, Hontanosas 2, Lim 3, E. Rama 2
Second game
Badboys (54) – Del Prado 13, Apolinario 11, Geotina 9, E. Bauzon 7, Narido 7, Montealegre 3, Esmeralda 2, Yap 2
Spartans (43) – Patiño 15, Lorenzo 7, Ocupe 5, Tan 4, Lim 4, Avila 2, Teodorico 2, Marquez 2, Velez 2
Third game
Eagles (73) – Villegas 21, Lagahit 16, Ajoc 11, Dinsay 11, Vallecer 9, Fernandez 3, Negapatan 2
Pañeros (69) – Molde 15, Cruz 12, Aliño 11, Retuya 9, Luib 5, Cabilte 5, Cagulada 4, Dinopol 2, Balorio 2, Abcede 2, Manching 2 (FREEMAN)