THE Rams sneaked past the Eagles, 80-72, in the Elite Basketball Club Cebu Season 15 powered by Tough Gear SportsWear at the Visayas Glass Gym in Guadalupe, Cebu City on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019.

Jerome Soque led the way for the Rams with 24 points, Sam Hermosa was equally impressive with 22 points, Winly Besin chipped in 13 and Careem Micarandayo contributed 12.

The Rams waxed hot in the opening quarter as they rushed to a 26-18 lead. The Rams stretched the lead to double figures, 44-34, at halftime.

The Eagles managed to get within seven points, 52-59, at the end of the third quarter. But the Rams imposed their well again in the payoff period to come away with the eight-point win.

Former University of the Visayas Green Lancer Randy dela Pisa exploded for 26 points, while JL Manila handed 21 in a losing effort for the Eagles.

The Rams and the Eagles now share the second spot with a 6-2 (win-loss) record, behind the league-leading Cheetahs with an 8-0 slate.

In the other game, the Tigers relied on their balanced scoring to defeat the Raptors, 116-107. Five players finished in double figures for the Tigers.

Marsun Tabay canned in 21 points, Joel Bensig handed 19 points, Jonathan Adlawan chipped in 16 points, Juvan Tabag added 15 points and Jezrel Gersana contributed 12 points.

Carl Valencia’s 49-point explosion went to naught as the Raptors fell short to the Tigers. Leslee Cannen added 25 points, Raymond Jimenez had 15 and William Appari had 11.

The Tigers improved to 4-4 card while the Raptors dropped to 3-5 slate.

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs solidified their solo lead after beating the Hawks last week, 94-89.

Kimo Bajamunde led the Cheetahs with 23 points. Jareve Yee and John Rodrigo scored 18 apiece, Bryan Gumampong had 12 while Micko Kardenas added 10.

The Cheetahs remained perfect after eight games, while the Hawks fell to 3-5. (RSC)