Convergys, SSI Pure Science go 2-0 in CSCC E-League

CEBU, Philippines - The Convergys Wolves and SSI Pure Science hacked out contrasting wins over sepate foes to go 2-0 in the Sun Cellular-presented 8th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym in Ayala Business Park.

Ellison Rivera had 14 points on top of six steals and two assists as Convergys overcame a spirited resistance by the Aegis Vipers in the windup to ease through a 70-65 victory, while Dennis Noel Poquite exploded with 19 points spiced up with five steals and two assists in SSI's masterful 82-62 demolition of the SupportSave Jaguars.

Convergys, which drew 11 points and two steals from Ibhar Je del Mar, suffered a monumental endgame collapse but the lead it piled up in the first three quarters of play was more than enough to vault them to a five-point triumph.

After a 19-17 start, Convergys pummeled Aegis in the second and third periods, 44-27, to mount a commanding 63-44 lead heading into the final canto. Aegis replied with a 21-7 blast but time wasn't on its side.

Clifford Amarado dished out 17 points, five steals and two assists, while Ryan Veloso cashed in 16 points for Aegis, which suffered its first setback in three starts.

On the other hand, Poquita was heavily backed up by Rhett Romeo Tomakin and John Denver Rivera with 32 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocks combined for SSI, which dominated SupportSave from start to finish.

From an early 16-14 edge, SSI pounded SupportSave on all range highlighted by a 46-30 blitz in the middle quarters to come up with a 20-point blowout.

Janille Kristianne Bantilan and Fritz Vincent Blanes each had 13 points but they couldn't make any difference as SupportSave tasted its first defeat.

In the other game of a featured triple-header, the Sykes Pioneers improved their win-loss record to 2-1 with a 74-64 drubbing of Odusee Rooz behind the 21-point explosion of Gerald Bien Galarido.

Frederick Montelibano added 14 points and three steals, while Vernie Jose Diotay chipped in 11 markers for Sykes, which dictated the pace the match with authority since wresting the driver's seat at halftime, 34-3.

The Pioneers completely dominated the final half to hand Odusee its first defeat. Jovet Iglamo paced Odusee with 20 points followed by Brian Downey and Kenneth Robert Abrantes with 16 and 11 markers, respectively, in a losing cause.

The scores

First game

Sykes (74) - Galarido 21, Montelibano 14, Diotay 11, Sultan 7, Umabong 5, Te 4, Pal 4, Alajas 2, Castañares 2, Momongan 2, Ontal 2

Odusee (64) - Iglamo 20, Bowney 16, Abrantes 11, Gonzales 8, Abellanosa 7, Acaba 2

Second game

Convergys (70) - Rivera 14, Del Mar 11, Tapic 9, Villarin 6, Yam 6, Johnston 6, Reyes 5, Auman 4, Mabanto 4, Codilla 2, Española 2, Mora 1

Aegis (65) - Amarado 17, Veloso 16, Escalon 12, Navaja 11, Arriesgado 5, Javier 2, Yballe 2

Third game

SSI (82) - Poquita 19, Tomakin 17, Rivera 15, Español 6, Alinson 5, Auditor 4, Gabutin 4, Inot 4, Lacsamana 2, Lepaopao 2, Orbe 2, Ardiente 2

SupportSave (62) - Bantilan 13, Blanes 13, Dandan 11, Campomanes 9, Fuentes 6, Paradian 3, Perez 3, Rubi 2, Pongan 2    - THE FREEMAN