Aces prolong Bulldogs’ agony in E-Leagues

CEBU, Philippines — The Amazon Aces literally went through the wringer before edging the comebacking Executive Boutique/Select Voicecom Bulldogs in overtime, 89-87, at the start of the Tanduay Athletics E-Leagues for Basketball Season 15 last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Returning from a six-year hiatus after going winless in 24 games for three years in the league from 2011 to 2013, the Bulldogs were poised to end their pitiful drought after they stormed to a 52-44 advantage after three quarters.

The Bulldogs, however, wilted under pressure in the final minutes of the regulation period and in the extra five-minute of play, enabling the Aces to complete the come-from-behind triumph.

Jonas Conception showed the way for the Aces with a sizzling 34-point show. He was ably backed up by Clark Navaja with 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and as many steals and Ian Kent Pagobo with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks.

Yvess Carlo Suan unloaded 15 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Mark Loyola nailed 12 markers on top of  10 rebounds, three steals and two assists but to no avail as the Bulldogs crashed to their 25th straight loss.

In the other EVO League duel, Al de los Santos Jr. scored 10 while M.C. Ace Kint Chua and Jykell Atillo tallied 16 points in between them as the Optum Knights downed the Results Newtown Spartans, 55-44.

In the lone Elite Classic match, the Concentrix (formerly Convergys) Converters needed two overtimes before fending off the Teleperformance Vipers, 87-83.

Jaime Pacquiao Jr. powered the Converters with 23 points, while Lourenz Limpangog and Admir Gerard Batiancila connived for 29 points for the winning side. (FREEMAN)