Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur—Globalport-MisOr opened its Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge campaign in dominant fashion, routing Iligan, 89-77, Monday night at the Pagadian City Gymnasium here.
Trailing by double digits the entire third quarter, the Archangels embarked on a comeback trail in the fourth.
They went on a 13-4 start to be within eight, 68-76, but nine straight points from Jao Agbong, Reil Cervantes, Mac Baracael, and Andoy Estrella restored order for the Valientes, 85-68, with 2:23 to go.
"We just have to use our experience. Hindi tayo pwedeng makipagsabayan sa kanila. We have to settle down," said MisOr head coach Vis Valencia. "'Yun 'yung advantage ng may beterano, hindi sila nag panic."
The Valientes did not waste any time to assert their dominance, cruising to an early 14-point advantage after the first frame, 29-15.
Then in the ensuing period, MisOr was able to establish its biggest lead of the match at 24 after Joseph Nalos' drive, 48-24.
Team captain Mac Baracael spearheaded Valientes' attack with 23 points on a hyper-efficient 9-of-12 shooting from the field to go with 10 rebounds, three steals, and a block.
Joel Lee Yu added a complete statline of 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Joseph Nalos also got 14 points of his own.
Rendell Dela Rea, who also serves as an assistant coach, paced the Archangels with 19 points built on four triples.
Lester Tamayo was the only other Iligan player in double figures with 11 points and 16 rebounds as they dropped to a 1-2 win-loss card.
Jack Hoyohoy, last night's hero for the Archangels with 30 points and nine rebounds, did not play due to a minor ankle injury. He will be available come Thursday when they battle Kapatagan at 4 pm.
MisOr aims to keep the hot shooting going tomorrow when they play against Zamboanga Sibugay at 6:30 pm.
The Scores:
MisOr 89 – Baracael 23, Lee Yu 14, Nalos 14, Cervantes 9, Caranguian 8, Estrella 6, Agbong 5, Meca 4, Salcedo 2, Gonzales 1, Ubalde 0.
Iligan 77 – Dela Rea 19, Tamayo 11, Salo 9, Torres 6, Tagolimot 5, Aparice 5, Daguisonan 4, Benitez 4, Cuyos 4, Cru 3, Benedictos 3, Rivera 2, Villanueva 2, Quinga 0, Bautista 0.
Quarterscores: 29-15, 50-31, 69-55, 89-77.
