MANILA, Philippines—KCS Computer Specialist-Mandaue City started off on the right footing and dealing Siquijor a 66-46 beating in the main game of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Cup’s opening day Friday.
Mandaue held on to a slim 42-37 lead late in the third, despite leading by as much as 20 earlier in the game held at at Alcantara’s Civic Center in Cebu, but the team buckled down and held the Mystics to just five points in the final quarter.
Gryann Mendoza and Al Francis Tamsi led Mandaue with 17 and 12 points, respectively.
KCS head coach Mike Reyes said they were subjected to Siquijor’s physicality in the paint and that manic style of play forced them to adjust and find other ways to secure their offense.
“They’re sonning us,” said Reyes in Filipino. “We were making mistakes on defense so we adjusted and did what we had to do. The right helpers came and we started fronting the post and that’s when we were able to pull away.”
Miguel Castellano put up 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Mystics.
Meanwhile, MJAS Zenith-Talisay City crushed Tubigon Bohol in the first game 104-66 as the two teams opened the Visayas leg of the cup.
Patrick Cabahug put up 22 points to lead the Aquastars as they took command of the game as early as the first half taking a 58-32 lead.
Jan Jamon added 14 points while Egie Mojica chipped in 11 for Talisay City while Jaymar Gimpayan had a near double-double of 10 points and nine rebounds.
Pari Llagas led the Mariners with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks while Joseph Marquez had a his double-double of 13 points and 11 boards.