Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Mantawi defeats top team
The Mantawi Sparkling Knights went on a roll up north after handing the erstwhile undefeated Forward Taguig a 97-85 beating in the 2005 Panasonic-NBC National Championship at the CP Tinga Gym in Taguig Monday night.
Mantawi’s McDonald Santos, newly acquired from the free agency, made immediate impact with 17 points on top of nine rebounds and two assists.
Release papers
Santos, among the eight players Cavite released late June, was supposed to play for Mantawi when the Mandaue team played the Caviteños last July 5 at home. However, Cavite did not give his release papers until yesterday.
The host team pulled within 80-81 with 4:39 left in the game, but Mantawi dropped six unanswered points for an 87-80 lead in the final two minutes.
Mantawi improved to 7-4 to tie defending champion Tribu Sugbu.
“Beating the No.1 team in the north is a big accomplishment,” said Mantawi coach Jun Noel. “We didn’t have any idea how they would play or what kind of team they are. We just made all the adjustments during the game and we’re fortunate the breaks came our way.”
The Knights have two more elimination games at the Mandaue City Sports Complex – against Manila on Sept. 3 and Tribu Sugbu on Sept. 5.
Meanwhile, the Mandaue City Government has boosted its support to its team after Mayor Tadeo Ouano offered to provide free rides to fans.
The Mandaue City Sports Development Commission will field six buses with pickup points at SM City-Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Gaisano Country Mall and Super Metro-Mandaue from 5-6 p.m. during the next two playdates.
Mantawi (97) – Santos 17, Daa 15, Moreño 11, Carretas 11, Alminario 10, Gloria 10, Tundag 9, Limbo 9, Larong 3, Huelar 2.
Taguig (85) – Ricafuente 26, De Castro 14, Vilar 13, Dulay 9, Robillos 9, Sinco 6, Reguera 4, Marucot 2, Magsambol 2.
Quarterscores: 29-21, 52-47, 70-67, 97-85. (RCM)
(August 10, 2005 issue)
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