Unitec starts title-defense with close win

THE DEFENDING champions Unitec started its title-defense on a rousing note as it upended last year’s runners-up Durabend, 66-64, at the start of the United Architects Basketball Club (UABC) 3rd Corporate Cup last Sunday at the Cebu Eastern College gym.

It was a close game all throughout with Durabend threatening to pull away when it erected a 59-50 lead behind the efforts of center Elmer Laguna.

However, United refused to give in and came back to take the lead at 66-64, after a lay-up by Oliver Tan with just seconds remaining in the game. Durabend had one last shot to win the game but this writer missed a three pointer as time expired.

Criz Matunog paced the winning squad with 18 points while Jay-R Decatoria and Tan each had 13 markers. Laguna and this writer paced Durabend with 19 and 12, respectively.

In other games, Puyat Steel edged Cebu Home and Builders, 66-63, while Boysen routed Matimco, 66-48.

BOX SCORES

Unitec(66) – Matunog 18,Decatoria 13,O.Tan 13,Pansit 7,J.Ong 5,Baladya 4,Tiro 4,A.Tan 2.

Durabend(64) – Laguna 19,Panerio 12,Pepito 10,Sasan 7,Tan 6,Somosot 4,Geonzon 2,Siaotong 2,Radomes 2.

2nd game

Puyat Steel(66)–Rizarri 12,Belga 10,Romero 10,Marquita 9,Lacbayo 8,Go 6,Quiling 5,Silao 4,Tomaquin 2.

Cebu Homes(63)– Maspiñas 21,Osmeña 19,Lastimosa 6,Sanchez 6,Paradero 5,Abellana 2,Basalo 2,Donasco 2.

3rd game

Boysen(66)–Cinco 14,Villacorta 12,Partosa 11,Parba 10,Anino 6,Badayos 6, Alberto 4,Manal 3.

Matimco(48)– Dabon 14,Pandaan 10,Branzuela 9,Vidal 5,Magtuba 3,Lumayag 3,J.Flores 2,Castillo 2. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio