The Department of Justice and Bureau of Immigration shackled their respective rivals as the inaugural Sinag Liga Asya DOJ Inter-Agency Secretary’s Cup got going Saturday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Propped up by AG Santos’ 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists, the Saviors ripped the Presidential Commission on Good Government Guardians 68-41 in the match that kicked off the tourney co-presented by Okada Manila, the country’s leading casino resort and hotel complex, and along with Hotel 101 Global and Fulitech.
Mon Guera had 10 points and three rebounds for DOJ which also drew three points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal in only 7:03 of action from Assistant Secretary Atty. Mico Clavano.
Justine Jocson led PCGG with nine points while Jim Andrei Cabadin and Ramon Mangilit Jr. also had eight each.
Later, the Sentinels overpowered the National Bureau of Investigation Sharpshooters 70-51 to likewise launch their bid in the nine-team tilt on a high.
Nino Antonio Hipolito shone for BI with 12 points, two rebounds and three assists while Christopher De Lucas, Raymond Yambao, and Raymond Hermie Tolentino added nine points apiece.
Lou Abad showed the way for NBI with 17 points while Erwin Duran and Paul Reguera got 17 and 10, respectively.
PBA greats Alvin Patrimonio and Johnny Abarrientos also graced the opening along with San Juan City councilor and former pro Don Allado and University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio.
Former PBA star Rodney Santos serves as league Commissioner with deputies and fellow former cagers John Ferriols and EJ Feihl in the meet supported by 0107 Management Inc., Izakaya Geronimo, Sunsport, J Project, with broadcast partners Blast TV, Fiber TV, and Cablelink.
Seamus Pangilinan scored 12 points, grabbed eight rebounds and issued five assists as Jasper Emjay Basketball X Luid One Kapampangan turned back LEAP Basketball in the 12-Under charity exhibition duel before the opening ceremony.
