THE Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Crusaders who donned the Sumo Brand G.I. Sheets colors posted their first victory over Three Seven Equipment Rentals 48-40, in the Basketball Avenue Champions League held Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Colleges Activity Center.
Patrick Quidato paced Sumo Brand with 10 points but the ever-reliable Jhayston Oquias, who finished with nine points, provided the much needed spark in the final stretch to maintain their lead.
Although the All-star-laden Three Seven had their answers, the Isaias Gravador-mentored Crusaders Sumo Brand focused on their defensive game that forced the former with low percentage shots and turnovers.
Joshua Cerbas contributed 10 points for the struggling Three Seven that barged into battle sans their hustle player Tony Suaybaguio.
The Sumo Brand will try to improve their record when they collide with Phenom Lifestyle on Saturday, January 20 while Three Seven sights their redemption against the Mafs Warriors which is set on Thursday, January 18.
Meanwhile, the early-favorite Goldstar Hardware lived up to expectation as they beat Cherrylume 59-49, in a tight game that almost became a three-point shootout.
Goldstar leaned on everyone's performance but Paolo Dailisan led the scoring with 12 points, Tibot Blanco added 10 while veteran Winsjohn Te had nine for the victory.
Cherrylume, however, depended on Lloyd Lacida's 15 points that was braced by Bob Ombecan's 10 points in a losing effort.
The event is sponsored by Cherrylume, Mark Anthony Construction and Supply, Alibaba Shawarma, the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Abuelos and RMC.