MIGHTY Sports pulled off an auspicious debut in the PCBL Chairman’s Cup by stunning Jumbo Plastic, 79-70, last Sunday while Sta. Lucia opened its campaign on a positive note at Malolos Sports and Convention Center in Malolos, Bulacan.
Former Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena delivered a noteworthy performance in his first PCBL game, finishing with 16 points and five assists, but it was Adrian Celada’s hot shooting down the stretch that lifted Mighty Sports past the Founders Cup champions.
Celada knocked in 15 points, including three triples that was part of a 12-0 run in the final period, where Mighty outscored Jumbo, 28-8, to wipe out a 14-point deficit in the third period.
“He (Celada) was hot, so his teammates were making a conscious effort to get him the ball,” said Mighty Sports coach Mike Fermin.
The Realtors leaned on the heroics of Kent Salado to tally a 66-64 victory over Euro-Med in the second game.
Salado delivered on both ends of the floor, completing a fast-break layup off a steal for the game-winning basket with 15 seconds remaining.
The Arellano U guard also broke up Euro-Med’s final play, preserving the victory for the Realtors in the tournament backed by LGR, Ambucore, Hahn Manila, Gerry’s Grill and Spalding.
“I always knew he can deliver on defense,” said Sta. Lucia coach Bonnie Garcia of Salado. Cedelf P. Tupas
The scores:
First Game
MIGHTY SPORTS 79—Akhuetie 21, Ravena 16, Celada 15, Banal 12, Mangahas 6, Gonzaga 4, Bringas 3, Lopez 2, Montilla 0, Wongchuking 0, Regalado 0, Oktubre 0.
JUMBO PLASTIC 70—Martinez 19, Viernes 19, Taganas 9, Oraeme 6, Lopez 4, Padilla 4, Santos 3, Arellano 2, Mandani 2, Siruma 1, Ibay 1, Eguilos 0.
Quarters: 13-19, 30-41, 51-62, 79-70
Second Game
STA. LUCIA 66—Gabriel 14, Cawaling 10, Sanjo 10, Salado 6, Ilagan, Escosio 6, Bautista 5, Vidal 5, Bangga 4, Koga 0, Dela Cruz 0.
EURO-MED 64—Custodio 15, Adeogun 15, Salcedo 8, Raymundo 6, Almario 6, Galsallano 5, Anza 4, Tajonera 3, Vigil 2, Saitanan 0, Quinto 0, Luib 0, Gil 0.
Quarters: 12-13, 35-33, 55-50, 66-64