Arthro/Skygo hits back at Aquastars

The Arthro/Kontra Arthritis and Skygo-backed Tribu Sugbu lashed back at the Talisay City Aquastars, but not without going through a scare before escaping with a 72-69 victory during their exhibition match the other night at the Lapu-Lapu City open hardcourt.

Orphaned by the departure of Joseph Ronald Quiñahan and Ronaldo Bucao to the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), Tribu Sugbu countered the quickness of three Talisay guards from the University of the Visayas by also fielding a former UV standout in Mark Ababon.

Ababon lived up to Tribu Sugbu's expectations to topscore the team with 18 points.

During their first encounter in Boljoon last October 28, Ababon was not a factor when the Aquastars drowned Tribu Sugbu, 109-91. It was Bucao who topped the Arthro and Skygo-bankrolled squad with 25 points in that match.

Former FEU Tamaraw Jereome Gadiane heavily backed up Ababon with 17 points, while Marvin Mercado had a silent nine points from the undergoal. Veteran Joel Co and Tioy Almacin added eight points apiece, while Nyok de Guzman had seven.

Jaysar Esperat paced the Aquastars of coach and MLSDF executive director Eddie Ybañez with 20 points followed by Von Harry Lanete and Kim Calo with 19 and 13 markers, respectively.

This time, no Bruce Dacia and Leo Bat-og scored well for Talisay. Not even Morsie Akad and Rino Berame could make things happen for the Aquastars.