EMBATTLED defending champions Cebu Landmasters finally secured their first win of the season after blasting the San Remegio Aguilas, 85-50, in the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Mivesa Cup last Sunday at the Magis Eagle gym of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu campus in Canduman, Mandaue City.
After starting the season with two heartbreaking losses, the Landmasters wasted no time in asserting themselves over their opponents by posting a, 27-13 lead after the first quarter behind the sizzling play of Franco Te who scored all 16 of his points during that stretch.
It was all Landmasters from that point on as they improved to 1-2 (win-loss).
Serg Al Go Bui led the Aguilas (0-3) with 20 points.
Meanwhile, Goldberry Suites, the vastly-improved RDAK Transporter and Insular Square remain at the top of the standings with identical 3-0 marks after beating their respective opponents last weekend.
Goldberry did not even break a sweat as they won via default over A-Team while RDAK destroyed Alberto’s Pizza, 48-32. Insular Square routed the Milco Fresh Eggs, 85-64.
Meanwhile, Insular Square waxed hot in the first period with a 20-point bulge, 28-8, anchored on the scintillating play of guard Ed Macasling, who scored 14 of his 20 points in that telling 10-minute frame for the dominant win.
Macasling also got plenty of help from Leigh Dixon who had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds and John Samuel Lao who added 12 points.
Milco’s six-man crew was led by the 29-point performance of Roderick Mangubat.
Lastly, Gaisano Capital got a share of second place after beating San Jose Bakeshop, 45-37 with Reggie Abbu scoring 13 points. Both squads tote similar 2-1 cards after Sunday’s game. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio