THE defending champion Panthers defeated the under-manned Bulldogs, 78-54, to stay unbeaten in the elimination round of the Elite Basketball Club-Cebu City Season 8 at the Visayas Glass Gym last Sunday.
Former Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras guard Mark Panerio paced the Panthers as he scored 20 points, 15 boards and dished out seven assists. Stephen Sanchez contributed 15 points while Prince Panes added eight markers for the Panthers.
The Bulldogs, who played with only seven players, led by Third Uy and Warren Martinez who combined for 33 points, while Richiel Chavez added seven markers. The Panthers improved to 3-0 slate, while the Bulldogs dropped to 2-1 card.
In the other game, Jax Bautista scored 14 points and the Wolves escaped Seahawks, 73-67, in overtime. Dexter Cabasan also had 14 points and Ivan Espina added 11 for the winning team.
Joirene Salcedo top scored for the Seahawks with 17 points, while Vince Ranile and Val Quiapo combined for 27 points in a losing effort.