By Adrian Stewart Co
MJAS Zenith-Talisay City Aquastars surged to solo first place in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup after 77-57 domination over KCS Computer Specialist-Mandaue City on Tuesday night at Alcantara Civic Center in Alcantara, Cebu.
Jaymar Gimpayan spearheaded the attack with double-double 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Hezy Val Acuña added 12 points as the Aquastars notched its second win in as many games.
The Aquastars were dominant from the start as they surged to a 16-0 score in the first six minutes. KCS trimmed the deficit to 25-17 but a 13-3 blast by Aquastars widened the lead to 38-20.
KCS made its last push in the second half by clawing to within 36-44 but the Aquastars leaned on Gimpayan’s baskets to build a 58-43 edge which later grew to its largest at 74-54.
“Kelangan namin mag-focus kasi malakas ang KCS,” MJAS-Zenith head coach Aldrin Morante said after the match. “Hindi kami magkumpyansa sa kanila and good start ang kelangan.”
Meanwhile, Tabogon Voyagers leaned on the clutch shot of Arvie Bringas to carry them past the Tubigon Bohol Mariners, 102-99. The Voyagers are now 1-1, while Mariners dropped to 0-2.
With the score tied at 99-all, Bringas surged Tabogon ahead at 101-99 with an inside hit with 56 seconds left. After a miss by the Mariners, Joemari Lacastesantos added up to Voyagers’ lead with a free throw with 36 seconds left.
Bringas finished the game with 24 points and eight rebounds while Jethro Sombero had a huge double-double of 15 points and 14 boards along with an assist and a steal for Tabogon.
In the other match, Reed Juntilla delivered the goods for the ARQ Builders-Lapu-Lapu City Heroes as they surged to a 67-57 win over Dumaguete Warriors. Juntilla finished the match with 12 points for the Heroes.
BOX SCORE:
MJAS Zenith 77 – Gimpayan 25, Acuna 12, Hubalde 8, Menina 8, Mojica 8, Jamon 4, Villafranca 4, Santos 3, Cuyos 2, Cabahug 2, Eguilos 1.
KCS 57 – Tamsi 18, Mendoza 11, Delator 9, Soliva 6, Octobre 4, Cachuela 4, Mercader 3, Roncal 2, Solera 0, Nalos 0, Exciminiano 0, Bonganciso 0, Imperial 0.
Quarterscores: 23-11, 42-28, 58-43, 77-57./ASC, WDJ