RnT pummels Spire in MGBL cagefest

CEBU, Philippines — Team RnT fired an early warning shot to its rivals after it annihilated Spire, 111-58, in the 17 Under division at the start of the maiden Minglanilla GSports Basketball League (MGBL) developmental age-group tournament over the weekend at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.

Hans Cañada emerged as Best Player of the Game after exploding for 20 points laced with six rebounds and two assists.

The outcome of the lopsided match was already a foregone conclusion when RnT posted a commanding 57-29 lead at halftime. RnT kept its relentless offensive in the last two quarters to pulverize Spire by 53 points at the final buzzer.

In the 13 Under action, Chedreck Benitez stole the show with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists to power the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) to a close 50-45 victory over the Mighty Technologian.

In the other U13 games, Mark Rivamonte nailed 18 markers as the Tungkil Warriors trounced the Red Vipers, 55-38, while Kirbey Wagas and Denver Jimenez each scored 12 as the Minglanilla Archangels whipped the Tulay Seabzz Jr, 49-36.

The Warriors were never seriously threatened after racing to a 17-7 start, which they parlayed into a 33-17 advantage at the break.

The Red Vipers, led by Jian Bastida with 11 points, could only come close within eight, 34-42, as the Warriors handcuffed their rivals to only four points in the final period to dish out a 17-point romp.

On the other hand, Jhon Mico Castañares scored all his nine points from the 3-point land to help the Archangels down the Tulay Seabzz Jr.

Ahead by just four after three quarters, 30-34, the Archangels punished Tulay at the endgame on the way to crack a double-digit triumph.

Spearheaded by MGBL founder Gerry Canonigo, the two-month tilt is supported by Klix Syrup and Klix teens, Moskee, Red Bull, and Grim’s Restaurant and Catering Services.  Games are under the supervision by league commissioner Archemai Aquino. - EBV