DECA 8990 remain on top of the Pool 2 standings of the Next5Hoops Metro Manila South Leg after last Sunday’s action at the EJG Lucky Gym in Paranaque.
DECA 8990 was able to pull out a 72-69 squeaker over the Chargers in Sunday’s first game. DECA 8990 was safely in control heading into the critical minutes of the ball game and even had a 12-point lead in one juncture. However, a three-pointer by Jan Michael Asido of the Chargers cut the lead to just five points with a minute and a half remaining. DECA 8990 was able to hold on to the lead as the Chargers failed to convert on the offensive end.
Mark Orias paced the DECA 8990 with 21 points while Daniel Flores had 14 off the bench. DECA 8990 remain unbeaten in Pool 2 and currently have the best record with four wins and zero losses.
Right behind them however are the South Hills Royals with three wins in three games. The Royals edged AVISO 82-75 in another tight ball game.
The Royals leaned on their 17-9 second quarter advantage to give them enough cushion in the latter periods. They converted on 11-of-35 triples that proved to be one of the decisive statistics of the game. JP Redelick tallied 24 points, including three long bombs while Melo Lahora and Marvin Alcala each contributed 12 points in the victory.
In another Pool 2 game, Tsek Repablik earned their second win with a convincing 85-63 win over Don Bosco Makati 2009. June Crespo has been stellar for Tsek Repablik so far and on Sunday, he did not disappoint. He scored 24 points, grabbed three rebounds, and dished out four assists. Crespo is now averaging 26.5 PPG in the tournament.
Don Bosco had the services of Mauro Lumba who netted 19 points and hauled down 11 rebounds. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to recover from their low-scoring outputs in the second and third quarters. They only manage to muster up 15 points in those ten minutes while allowing Tsek Repablik to 34.
Tsek Repablik ends this week with a 2-1 slate while Don Bosco Makati 2009 remain the cellar-dwellers of the pool.
