UNITEC took one big step towards attaining the championship in the 2011 United Architects Basketball Club Corporate Cup after they upended reigning champions Durabend, 65-53, in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series at the Cebu Eastern College gym.
Unitec led from the opening tip until the final buzzer as they took advantage of Durabend’s undermanned roster which was missing several key players.
Raymund Gonesto led the onslaught with 21 points while Klein Baladya added 11 markers.Durabend, with its title reign at the brink of disaster, was paced by Criz Matunog who had 15 points, Jonathan Suico added 12 while reigning MVP Elmer Laguna was held down to just 10.
Game 2 will held this Sunday at the same venue.
BOX SCORES
Unitec (65) –Gonesto 21, Go 12, Baladya 11, Decatoria 7, Tan O. 4, Arboil 4, Ong 4, Sia 2, Pepito 0, Baring 0, Caro 0, Tan A. 0, Camello 0.
Durabend (53) – Matunog 15, Suico 12, Laguna 10, Pepito 5, Choachuy 4, Radomes 4, Tan 2, Lim 1, Hisula 0,Dy 0.
Quarter Scores: 13-7; 23-21; 44-39; 65-53. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio