Thursday, August 12, 2004
Sugbu wins again; Tangkay back
FOR the second time, lanky center Marvin Mercado towed Tribu Sugbu to safety denying the Cagayan de Oro Stars’ entry to the win column, 84-70, in the NBC National Championship southern swing at the packed Xavier University Gym.
Mercado’s spoiler role included making 10 of his 11 points in the second half highlighted by five straight points and a thunderous dunk in a crucial stretch that pushed the Tribesmen closer, 54-56.
Cebu never looked back holding the Stars scoreless in the next five minutes before the debuting Randy Alcantara broke the spell with an unintentional trey, supposedly intended as a lob pass to Jayson Alfeche, 74-66, two minutes left.
The win strengthened Cebu’s lead down south and gave it temporary overall leadership, while it was the sixth loss for the still winless Stars, who led by as many as nine points, 32-23, at the bend behind the excellent shooting of Julius Navales.
“It was a very physical game. I’m glad my players showed composure down the stretch,” Tribu coach Al Solis said.
Mercado, named the game’s Best Player, also plucked down eight boards and swatted three shots in just 15 minutes of play.
Sugbu skipper Ruben dela Rosa ejected at the 1:30 mark of the second quarter for repeated complaints and intentionally bumping into referee Lito Contreras.
Tribu Sugbous scoring machine Jercules Tangkay, on the other hand, saw action for the first time since being sidelined for knee injury last July 4 and made his presence felt by sinking two triples.
Tribu Sugbo will hit the road against the skidding Iloilo Warriors on Friday.
Cebu (84) – Grijaldo 15, Mercado 11, Bucao 11, Larong 10, Sanders 7, Tangkay 6, Lanete 5, de la Rosa 5, Concha 4, Licanda 3, Elim 3, Alamacin 2, Galinato 2. CDO (70) – Navales 21, Alfeche 14, Alcantara 13, Sese 6, Numeran 6, Culdora 5, Pong 4, Lantong 1. Quarterscores: 17-17; 33-36; 59-57; 84-70. RCM
(August 12, 2004 issue)
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