Vipers, Rams survive foes in Elite Season 17

CEBU, Philippines — The Vipers and the Rams both pulled nerve-wracking wins over their respective foes in the Elite Basketball Club-Cebu City Season 17 at the Visayas Glass gym in Barangay Guadalupe.

Mark Tenebroso unloaded 24 points while Miguel Gastador banged in 20 markers for the Vipers, who needed a five-minute period before repulsing the gritty Kois, 80-77.

Tenebroso also had 10 rebounds, two assists and as many steals to emerge as player of the game.

Jose Acha tallied a game-high 29 points in a losing effort for the Kois.

In the other game, Jawein Ceniza fired 34 points to rally the Rams past the Bulldogs, 80-75.

Ceniza, who also finished with 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, drew huge support from Vince Ranile and Oliver Sanoy, who connived for 26 points.

The Rams trailed by five after three quarters, 49-54, but countered with a 31-21 blitz in the windup to turn the tables on the Bulldogs at the final buzzer.

John Rodrigo paced the Bulldogs with 17 points while Bryan Sumampong and Jimmy Ople combined for 27 points in a losing cause. EBV