By Brian Yalung
The Taguig Generals turned back the Paranaque Green Berets, 84-78, to advance to the next round of the 2018 Metro League Open basketball championships South Division held at the San Juan Knights gymnasium last Tuesday.
The Generals got a huge lift from Jerry Lumongsod who topscored for Taguig with 23 points. Richard Albo also made a good account of himself, contributing 12 points and eight rebounds.
Alfonso Rodriguez led the Green Berets with 17 points and 11 rebounds while an injured Gwayne Capacio chipped in 14 markers.
In the second game, Isang Pateros unleashed a sizzling third quarter flurry to force a do-or-die match with San Juan Big Chill.
Rickson Gerero, who struggled in the first half, managed to get his act together in the final two quarters. He ended up with 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Ariel Capus backed him up with 8 points and eight rebounds.
“Sabi lang sa akin ni coach, focus lang ako kasi masyado ako nanggigil. Kaya pagpasok namin nung second half, nag-focus kami sa defense and they ayun nakuha ko rhythm ko,” said Gerero in a post-game interview.
San Juan failed to hit their stride from the outside despite playing in their home turf. Emmanuel Elarmo led the way with a double-double performance of 12 points and 12 rebounds while Jahn Ryan Magbanua added 10 points and six caroms.
Meanwhile, action resumes today at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate in the North Division.
The Quezon City Junior Capitals face the Valenzuela Workhorses at 5:00 p.m. while the Manila All-Stars clash with the Caloocan Supremos All-Star at 7:00 p.m.
QC and Manila enjoy twice-to-beat advantages over Valenzuela and Caloocan respectively.
Scores:
First game:
Taguig 84 – Lumungsod 23, Albo 12, Mayo 10, Alcantara 10, Gilbero 10, Oliveria 6, Lontoc 5, Ajero 2, Dela Virgen 2, Ferriols 2, Cambaya 2, Almerol 0, Tiburcio 0.
Parañaque 78 – Rodriguez 17, Capacio 14, Dalaten 14, Encela 9, Labog 9, Villareal 3, Baguio 2, Danac 0, Partosa 0, Elorde 0.
Quarterscores: 15-22, 42-41, 64-51, 84-78.
SECOND GAME
Pateros (66) – Gerero 15, Capus 8, Lopez 8, Mabazza 8, Quinga 7, Mercado 7, Singontiko 7, Navarro 6, Brojan 0
San Juan (62) – Elarmo 12, Magbanua 10, Corpuz 8, Saret 8, Rosopa 7, Acol 5, Astrero 5, Jagunap 4, Dada 3, Paras 0
Quarterscores: 10-20, 29-32, 48-44, 66-62
