THE Spartans bucked a slow start with a big wind-up in the second period and sneaked past Aniceta Red Vipers, 86-84, in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu Basketball League First Conference at the Capitol Parish Gym on Saturday, July 6, 2019.
Redemtor Regis led the way for Spartans with 21 points, Nate Garcia chipped in 15, Matt Medalle added 14, Andrew Entera contributed 12 and Charles Divinagracia handed 11.
The Spartans were down 12-18 in the first quarter before uncorking the 28-15 blitz in the second period to bring a 40-33 lead at halftime.
But the Red Vipers responded in the third period with a 29-18 run to take back the lead going to the final quarter, 62-58. The Spartans controlled the fourth period with a 28-22 output to escape with the two-point win.
The Spartans improved to a 2-0 (win-loss) record while the Red Vipers dropped to a 0-2 haul.
The Pañeros, on the other hand, extended their win streak to two games after beating Cebu Lex Idols, 67-59. The Pañeros dropped a backbreaking 19-9 run in the third period to break away from the Idols, 51-38.
Benedict Salizon and Barrytone Busi combined for 31 points, while Franklin Manching and Jesse Capoy handed 12 and 11 points for the winning team.
Eddu Ibañez and Benjo Macion were the top scorers for the Idols with 20 and 10 points, respectively.
The Dissenter Bad Boys made it to the win column with a clinical 89-61 triumph over the Young Lawyers Association of Cebu (YLAC).
Reiner Apolinario finished with a game high of 21 points, Angelo Ortiz added 19, Dax Maloney Montealegre pitched in 11 and Ivan Carl Gamallo contributed 10 for the Bad Boys.
Mark Avila, John Fernandez and Leonard Elacion each scored 15 points in a losing effort for YLAC.
The Badboys improved to 1-1 while YLAC dropped to 0-2.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Gilas Defenders defeated the Rebels, 78-69, to stay perfect after two games.
Van Ligutan lifted the Defenders with 20 points, while Christopher Ang and Rowell Juban added 17 and 14 points.
Prince Rayner Robles scored 18 and Dean Martin Padoga added 17 for the Rebels. RSC