The Lapu-Lapu Chiefs showed not a single trace of rustiness coming off a long break, hacking out a 91-87 victory over host Cebu City Niños in the resumption of the multi-million 1st Cebu Inter-City Basketball Challenge Cup on Friday night at the Poblacion, Pardo gym.
The Chiefs squandered an 18-point lead twice, the last was at 63-45 with five minutes left in the third period, but banked on a better free throw shooting and a solid transition defense in the windup to preserve the win.
Sparked by two quick steals by Pardo’s hometown idol Richard Tabolong, the Niños staged a daring fightback in the final period and threatened, 83-85, on Butong Villanueva’s two charities with 1:47 to go in the game.
The Chiefs, however, made crucial hits to rebuff the Niños’ comeback bid.
Jarjar Degamo scattered 25 points at the Chief stayed on top of the totem pole with an improved 5-1 win-loss record. The other delightful sight for Lapu-Lapu, who poured in 15 of his 20 points in the second period that sent the Niños reeling the rest of the way.
Allen Abayata had 15 points for the Niños, who are further mired at the cellar without a win in five games, so far.
The scores
Lapu-Lapu (91) - Degamo 25, Morata 20, Amores 13, Falcon 9, Amistad 7, M. Pancho 7, Berido 6, Asoro 2, Baguio 2
Cebu (87) - Abayata 15, Potencioso 12, R. Maraño 11, Villanueva 9, Abellanosa 9, Cabo 7, Tabolong 7, Gabuya 3, L. Maraño 3 Halftime: 52-35 (GGM)