Basilan stays unbeaten with win over Globalport-MisOr

The Basilan BRT emerged victorious over the Globalport-MisOr, 74-70, to keep its perfect record in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge on Wednesday at the Pagadian City Gymnasium.

Down by eight, the Valientes went on an 8-3 blitz, capped by Reil Cervantes' triple, to cut the deficit to just three, 67-70, with 49.5 seconds left. But just when Cervantes was heating up from deep, he fouled out of the game with 45.7 ticks remaining as Darwin Lunor made both shots from the line for Basilan before Ar Raouf Julkipli split his charities, 73-67.

On the ensuing play, MisOr's Dahrrel Caranguian drained a three-pointer to inch back within three, 70-73, with 22 seconds to go. Jerome Ferrer then split his charities for Basilan before the Valientes missed their remaining shots.

"Sinabihan ko lang sila sa dulo na lahat tayo gusto manalo. Kung sino ang unang bibitaw, siyang matatalo," said Basilan head coach Ron Jalmanzar.

Trailing 17-19 after the first period, the Peace Riders took advantage of the middle quarters, outscoring the Valientes, 45-32, to enter the fourth frame ahead by 11, 62-51.

New recruit Jorem Morada led the Peace Riders with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while wily veteran Dennis Daa had 14 points and six rebounds. JC Luciano added a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.

The Peace Riders rose to 2-0 while the Valientes dropped to 2-1.

Caranguian had a game-high 20 points and five assists for MisOr while Joel Lee Yu went for 19 points but needed 18 shots.

Captain Mac Baracael played just 6:58 due to a calf injury. He finished with four points, three rebounds, an assist, and a turnover. (JNP)