GMA-7 Kapuso edged the Cebu Daily News-Freeman Red Shamans, 71-67, in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals showdown in the Newsmen Basketball Association of Cebu (NBAC) basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Red Shamans were led by the 37 points of Jonas Panerio while Peter Romanillos added eight markers.
The Red Shamans started off hot by dominating the paint early to post a 10-point lead in the first period.
GMA 7 managed to counter the Red Shamans’ attack and erased the double-digit lead for a 36-32 score at the end of the first half.
The defending champions then showed off their true form in the second half as Gabriel Bonjoc led an offensive attack that gave the team a 10-point lead midway through the fourth.
The Red Shamans didn’t give up as they banked on their second-chance points to stay in the game but multiple turnovers spelled doom for the CDN-Freeman team.
Godfrey Rellin led GMA 7 with 18 points while Bonjoc added 16 markers.
The second game of the Finals this coming Sunday will be at the same venue. The Kapuso can wrest the crown with another win.
BOX SCORES:
GMA-7 KAPUSO(71) – Rellin 18, Bonjoc 16, Leolfil 10, Bautista 9, Pantino 4, Mendoza 2, Suarez 2.
CDN-FREEMAN RED SHAMANS(67) – Panerio 37, Romanillos 8, Cordova 6, Rosal 4, Villaruel 4, Navarro 4, Mayol 2, Maglinte 2, Melecio 2. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL