The Roxas Vanguards routed the Pagadian Explorers, 85-61, in the Pilipinas Super League Pearl of the Orient Cup on Sunday at the Manuel Roxas Sports Complex.
The lopsided victory was Roxas’ fourth victory in five games, putting them in second behind the unbeaten Davao Occidental Tigers, which boast of a perfect 4-0 mark.
The Vanguards got off to a fast start in the first canto and led by 16, 28-12. They then crushed the Explorers some more in the third with a massive 32-9 run that put them in front by a wide margin, 72-37, heading to the last 10 minutes of action.
Kentoy Segura paced Roxas with 19 points, while Mario Bonleon had 14. Mel Mabigat had 11 while Jeric Nacpil finished with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Joseph Peñaredondo scored 18 points to lead Pagadian, which fell to 1-4.
Meanwhile, in the other match of the day, the Basilan BRT edged the Bicol Spicy Oragon, 59-58. It was a sorry loss for Bicol, which had a shot to steal the victory after trailing by eight with two minutes left in the ballgame. However, John Cantimbuhan missed a transition layup with just seconds remaining as the Spicy Oragon fell short.
Med Salim paced Basilan with a double-double performance of 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Yves Sason added 13 markers and eight boards. Basilan improved to 3-2 while Bicol fell to 2-3. (JNP)