The Next5Hoops Metro Manila Second Central Leg had its inaugural game last April 2 at the Asia Pacific College in Makati. In a battle within the Recreational Division, the EC Gasifiers came away with a 72-65 win over Region 3 Ballers.
Charles De Leon led his team with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Gabriel Cadano and Chris Millares meanwhile combined for 26 points and 10 boards.
The EC Gasifiers came out swinging as they held a 22-3 lead after the first ten minutes of play. Region 3 Ballers tried valiantly to make a comeback but their faulty start led to their demise.
Edward Centeno was Region 3 Ballers’ top scorer with 20 points while also adding 11 rebounds. Centeno shot 54 percent from the field but he was just 1-for-5 from downtown. He also had 5 turnovers in the loss. Vic Romero pitched in with his double-double performance of 16 points and 15 rebounds but his efforts were not enough to catapult his team to victory.
Romero was able to cut EC Gasifiers’ lead to just three points, 68-65, with 51 seconds remaining. EC Gasifiers however came up big in the endgame, getting late rebounds and converting on the free throw line. De Leon was able to hit a shot with 15 seconds left to push the advantage to 7 points and EC Gasifiers was able to hold for the win.
EC Gasifiers held Region 3 Ballers to an abysmal 26 percent shooting, including 3-for-11 from beyond the arc. Region 3 actually led the rebounding battle 62-50, but they were not able to convert most of their shots.
