Thursday, July 07, 2005
Mantawi beaten
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
With lanky forward Melvin Mamaclay around, Cavite proved unstoppable.
Mamaclay, the Insurers’ new acquisition, proved his worth as Cavite picked its third straight win in the hostile south with an 89-87 escape over the erstwhile undefeated Mantawi Sparkling Nights in the 2005 Panasonic-NBC National Championships Tuesday night at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
Along with Mamaclay, the Far Eastern Insurance-backed squad also signed veteran center Marvin Ortiguerra, swingmen Tristan Codamon, Boboy Rodriguez and Mark Abadia,
Tonight, the Insurers will try to complete a rare southern campaign sweep when they play against defending champion Tribu Sugbu, still undefeated in 14 home games, at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.
Aries Gloria and Ardy Larong combined for a 14-0 run after the Sparkling Nights trailed, 66-77, three minutes into the fourth quarter.
However, the Knights settled for hurried 3-pointers that didn’t fall instead of protecting its lead, giving back the momentum to the visitors.
Rodriguez regained the lead for the Insuirers, 81-80, at the 3:19 mark and the Knights trailed the rest of the way.
Larong had a chance to send the game into overtime with 2.4 seconds left, but missed the first of three free throws. He deliberately missed the second, hoping to get the offensive putback. But Rodriguez secured the leather after a brief scuffle, giving Cavite its fifth win in nine games, while handing Mantawi its first defeat at home.
Cavite (89) – Mamaclay 19, Codamon 17, Rodriguez 15, Abadia 6, Sierra 5, Ortiguerra 4, Attunaga 3, Camañag 3, Piodo 2. Mantawi (87) – Larong 22, Capati 20, Gloria 15, Tundag 11, Moreño 7, France 5, Carretas 3, Limbo 2, Huelar 2. Quarterscores: 26-20; 51-44; 69-64; 89-87.
(July 7, 2005 issue)
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