Tribes halt Insurers, 80-71

The Skygo-Tribu Sugbu extended to 15 its winning streak at home, conquering the Cavite Insurers, 80-71, last Thursday in the Panasonic-NBC National Basketball Championship at the Minglanilla Sports Center.

PBL star Joseph Ronald Quiñahan proved to be a big factor for the Tribes victory as they napped the Insurer's bid to win three straight games over their counterparts from the South.

Quiñahan, who scored 12 points in twelve minutes, was playing with four fouls in the third quarter but staved off disqualification and instead made his presence felt during the fourth quarter crunch time by pulling crucial rebounds. In imposing his dominance at the post, he grabbed five rebounds.

A 2-time Mythical Team member in the PBL, the 21-year old Quiñahan was actually loaned to the tribes by Granny Goose Kornets where he signed up for another one year.

Tribu Sugbu team owner Lito S. Gillamac, Jr. thanked Granny Goose management for lending to them Quiñahan, who is considered their franchise player.

Complimenting Quiñahan's presence was his former UV teammate Neil Rañeses, who had his second game with Tribu Sugbu.

Rañeses finished with 10 points even as Doroteo Almacin led Tribu Sugbu's offense with 13 points including three triples as they improved their win-loss record to 6-2.

Another revelation for Tribu Sugbu was Rex Mangubat, who had a perfect night, scoring eight points. He successfully banged in all his three field goals and two free throws, dished out three rebounds and two assists without a turnover in 20 minutes.

Tribu Sugbu went on to dominate the game in all corners and even took a 15-point lead, 46-31, at 2:04 in the second period courtesy of a triple by Almacin.

The Insurers wanted to come back in the fourth period when Melvin Mamaclay hit a triple, 58-63, but it was the closest they could muster as Trbu Sugbu never allowed the visitors to do their tricks.

The scores:

Tribu Sugbu (80) - Almacin 13, Quiñahan 12, Cainglet 11, Rañeses 10, Mangubat 8, Geurrero 8, Bucao 7, Briones 4, Binongo 4, Pening 2, Mercado 1.

Cavite (71) - Codamon 22, Mamaclay 12, Ortiguerra 11, Rodriguez 9, Abadia 7, Pañares 5, Sierra 3, Attunaga 1, Camañag 1. Quarterscores: 22-21; 46-40;61-55; 89-71.