CEBU, Philippines - The USJ-R Jaguars-manned Ave Maria Sanctuary Park defeated the Mandaue selection, 83-72, at the start of the three-day 3rd Baybay Charter Day basket-ball tournament in Baybay, Leyte.
The Ave Maria cagers of team owner Raffy Senining needed only to win against the Gabisan Shipping in their next outing to make it to the finals. The Gabisan Shipping is reinforced by ex-pro Leo Bat-og and veteran commercial stars in the likes of Doroteo Almacin, Gerry Cavan and Eliud Poligrates.
Jercules Tangkay had a dazzling performance scoring 18 points for Ave Maria, while Jabe Delfino was hitting his target from the field to chip in 6 points.
Danny Aying, Jonel Baribe and Michael Luga also finished in double figures for Ave Maria.
Ex-USP Panther guard Arletroy Mercader led the Mandaue selection with 24 points, while Frangel Omolon and Alex Cainglet had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The scores
Ave Maria (83) - Tangkay 18, Delfino 16, Aying 12, Baribe 12, Luga 10, Isidro 10, Ponce 7, Malinao 4, Colegado 2, Doy 2
Mandaue (72) - Mercader 24, Omolon 11, Cainglet 10, Filoteo 9, Elim 6, Garcia 5, Cantonao 5, Benedicto 2. – THE FREEMAN