CEBU, Philippines — Elijah Homes/A. Lopez wasted away a double-digit lead in the second half but recovered just in time to grind out a nerve-wracking 136-135 win over Wilkris in the Barangay Labangon Basketball Association (BLBA) 2018 Season First Conference at the Labangon Sports Complex.
The Ramesh Mulchandani-coached Elijah Homes was in control from the onset and sailed off to 68-53 lead at halftime. They were still comfortably ahead after three quarters, 104-92.
Wilkris, however, staged a daring fightback in the endgame but Elijah Homes of team owner Jeson L. Guardo played cool under heavy fire to escape with a hairline victory.
Former pro and commercial veteran Jercules Tangkay exploded for 46 points on top of seven rebounds, three steals and two assists, while Resty Getubig banged in 22 points and four dimes even as three othees dished out twin figures for Elijah Homes.
Jonel Villarosa and Dennis Acebron connived for 35 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Trifon Nacua scored 10 as Elijah Homes notched back-to-back wins to forge a four-way traffic at third place in the standings with Wilkris, CRV/Fatima and Dtops on identical 2-1 slates.
Dtops logged in its second win at the expense of CIT-Alumni, 115-104.
CIT-Alumni slumped to its third straight loss in as many starts to join Station 6 and JG Travel and Tours at the cellar.
Trangia Sportswear and Rufrance PNP are still on top of the leaderboard with an immaculate 3-0 records.
Randy de la Pisa paced Wilkris with 47 points and 14 rebounds, while Lyle Vasquez nailed 26 markers in a losing cause. (FREEMAN)