TEAM Codalian returns on the winning track by draining Benguet Electric Cooperative, 89-82 in bracket C of the ongoing eliminations of the 2nd Budz Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament.
Khing Pascual was unstoppable in the final two-minute frame of the pay off canto erupting for seven points to repel the power distributor Monday night at the Easter College gym.
Pascual eventually finished the ball game with a double-double figure earning 25 big points, 11 rebounds, including three steals which helped his team before fouling in the 1:04 mark of the payoff period.
Pascual together with Vic Nuñez and Joven Caleño combined for 39 points in the first half to lead Beneco by three, 48-45.
The power generators managed to trim down a nine point deficit, 69-60, at the 2:06 mark of the third period anchored on Regan Nabua’s eight straight points to trim the lead at 71-68.
Trailing 69-60 at the 2:06 mark of the third canto Beneco’s Regan Nabua scored eight straight points to narrow the gap, 71-68, Codalian in front.
The architects managed to stay ahead of the contest at the start of the payoff canto before Beneco shooting guard Sherwin Delos Santos tied the ballgame at 77 all with 5:12 remaining in the clock.
Three lead changes and five tie scores went on before Pascual unleashed might that brought Codalian back to a three-point lead, 83-80, with2:44 remaining.
Beneco tried to stage another comeback but it was a late as Caleño dominated the rebounding and dropped four more points from the free-throw line.
“Our key players really managed to contribute well tonight although we almost went short because of foul troubles, we still delivered a better finish,” Codalian playing coach Orville Wankey.
“Siguro we were lucky, but as long as someone sparks leadership among the team members, lahat kikilos rin talaga,” Wankey added.
Nuñez scored 25 points, Johnny Batanes added 16, while Caleño generated 16 markers including eight rebounds.
Nabua led Beneco with 27 points including 11 rebounds and two blocked shots. Delos Santos added 20, while Percival Aspillan and Pitoy Gamboa each delivered 10 points each.