THE BANK of Philippine Islands leaned on the shoulders of former Negros Slashers slotman Julius Gastador to wither the tough challenge thrown their way by the Allied Bank for an 82-75 overtime win in the 2008 Cebu United Bankers Association (Cuba) 1st Conference Basketball League at the Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish Gym.
The game was closely fought from start to finish with Gastador winning his personal duel with former USP Panther Bogart Nemenzo. The former Panther was largely responsible for keeping Allied Bank in contention most of the time.
Nemenzo a wily inside operator in his college days, evened the game at 70 with four seconds to go but the overtime period became an eye opener for BPI, which was in control of the extra period despite protecting a slim lead.
Gastador scored 25, while Edwin Mabanto and Edmond Tecson contributed 10 points each for BPI’s win. Nemenzo topped Allied Bank with 19 markers.
In the other game, the Cuba Nets pulled away early and never looked back to beat Wealth Bank 87-65.
Nets (87)—Rosal 20, Yap 12, Batucan 14, Soon 11, Solermo 10, V. Bacalla 8, Cortez 4, Malahay 4, Toring 2, A.J. San Juan 2. Wealth Bank (65)—Ortiz 11, Rizada 11, Miñoza 9, Allera 8, Navarro 6, Sigue 5, Dominguez 5, Mantos 4, Osorio 4, Mirafuentes 2. (RCM)
