Pecandela edges Pañeros to firm up solo leadership in IBP basketball tourney

CEBU, Philippines - The Pecandela Law Firm overcame a tough challenge mounted by the winless Pañeros to eke out a scrappy 70-68 win and take the solo lead in the second round of elimination in the 5th Lawyer’s League-2010 Mayor’s Cup basketball tournament at the Capitol Parish gym along Escario Street, this city.

In the other games, the Litigators defeated the Super Idols, 74-69, Mt. Zion outsmarted the Iron Eagles, 60-54, while the Bros’ N Law led by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama chalked up its first victory at the expense of YLAC, 79-65.

Tommy Yu and Francis Pepito paced Pecandela with 18 and 14 points, respectively.

Earlier, Jun Felicitas calmly sank two free throws in the final 29 seconds of the contest to give the Litigators their first taste of the lead, 70-69, before Richard Bauzon scored the final four points to complete the Litigators’ come-from-behind triumph.

Bauzon finished with 20 points for the Litigators followed by Felicitas with 16. Fermin Pepito and Cris Abayon combined for 43 points for the Super Idols. (THE FREEMAN)