Cyclomax Titan wins, ends skid

Monday, February 20, 2012

THE Cyclomax Titan entered the winning column at last by nipping Zoelo Extreme, 66-64, in the resumption of the 3rd Trip Ko Phoenix Fuels U-16 Basketball Cup at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center Sunday.

Both teams engaged in a neck-and-neck battle, even forcing a 30-all deadlock at halftime.

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Zoelo Exreme, mentored by Dindo Pastor, capitalized on Cyclomax Titan's seven costly turnovers grabbed a 51-49 lead in the third period. The Allan Josol-coached Cyclomax Titan, however, made an 11-2 run highlighted by John Tahanlangit's two three-pointers. But Zoelo Extreme bounced back to equalize, 64-all.

Cyclomax Titan's Eric Patrick Dulay, who was limited by Zoelo Extreme defenders, passed the ball to Ritz Saludes who converted an open jumper to take a two-point lead with only 14 seconds left in the game.

JC Pestañas of Zoelo Extreme then tried to go for a three-point basket but succumbed to a crucial turnover. He later missed a key shot, amid Cyclomax Titan's solid defense, that would have given his team the win.

Coach Josol, in an interview, said: "We finally won a game. In the first three games, we have had problems with our defense and our ball handling. My players improved a lot in this game. We still need to keep the momentum for our next three games."

In other games, Cycle Fork Oil hacked out a 74-61 win over Zoelo Diesel Oil while 2t Max subdued 4T Force, 65-56. The latter held 0-4, win-loss record.

The Accelerate Supreme, meanwhile, defeated Accelerate Vega via forfeiture to stay unbeaten after four outings.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. marketing supervisor Neb Bulaclac said: "There should be at least 10 players present for each team in every game but only eight players of Accelerate Vega showed up. I hope that they have learned a lesson through this loss," Bulaclac said.

Games of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP)-sanctioned cagefest will resume on Sunday.