1&1 now 3-0, Sykes hands SSI first defeat in CSCC E-League

CEBU, Philippines - The 1&1 Marauders displayed great teamwork in their 76-66 whacking of the Calltek Trojans, while the Sykes Pioneers rode on explosive opening assault to hand the SSI Pure Science its first defeat, 53-42, in the Sun Cellular-presented 8th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Raymond Basañez netted 17 points on top of six rebounds, two assists and two steals as 1&1 raced to its third win in a row to grab the solo lead in the Nothern Conference.

Four other players cashed in double figures for the Marauders, who were in complete control of the match after taking an early 20-15 lead.

John Paul Talan tossed in 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Orland Bastida added 12 points, 11 rebounds and two steals for 1&1, which kept its searing offensive in the middle quarters to post a dozen-point edge, 57-45, heading into the final 10 minutes of the contest.

Joniel Roy Rosales and Jess Warren Santos each scored 10 to underscore 1&1's offensive wealth.

Aerl Genebraldo fired 28 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Jan Pierre Gelez banged in 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks but their all-around showing went for naught as Calltek crashed to its third straight loss in as many starts.

In the other game, Frederick Montelibano finished with 12 points for Sykes, which battered SSI Pure Science right after the opening buzzer to mount an imposing 25-8 bulge at the end of the first period.

Sykes toned down in the second canto, but again waxed hot after the halftime break to pad its lead to 23 points, 47-24, heading into the payoff period. SSI fired back with an 18-6 burst in the final quarter but time wasn't on its side.

Sykes, thus, improved its win-loss record to 3-1, while SSI Pure Science saw its two-game winning run come to a sudden halt. John Denver Rivera paced SSI with 16 points and six rebounds followed by Dennis Noel Poquita with 11 points and three steals.

The scores

First game

Sykes (53) - Montelibano 12, Sahilan 9, Savior 8, Sultan 7, Galarido 6, Diotay 4, Pal 2, Pardenilla 2, Castañares 2, Diputado 1

SSI (42) - Rivera 16, Poquita 11, Impoc 4, Alinson 2, Auditor 2, Gabutin 2, Inot 2, Leopaopao 2, Lacsamana 1

Second game

1&1 (76) - Basañez 17, Talan 14, Bastida 12, Rosales 10, Santos 10, Wagas 4, Camposo 3, Buot 2, Andrino 2, Mahilum 2    

Calltek (66) - Genebraldo 28, Gelez 17, Fernandez 6, Ced. J. Uy 5, Junio 3, Abellana 3, Martinez 2, Con. J. Uy 2— EBV (FREEMAN)