CEBU, Philippines - Gerald Jacaban split his charities with no time left in overtime, but that was all he needed to power the Qualfon Knights to a 65-64 cliffhanger over the listless Calltek Trojans in the resumption of the Sun Cellular-presented 8th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament at the City Sports Club-Cebu.
The score stood at 64-all at the end of the five-minute extension, but Cedrich Junius Uy was whistled for a foul against Jacaban just in time the buzzer sounded. Jacaban converted only one free throw, but it was more than enough to lift the spirits of his teammates.
Jacaban sealed his heroics for Qualfon with 19 points on top of nine rebounds and two steals. Mari Anolito chipped in 12 points and five rebounds, while Rafael Cuico added 10 points as they evened their win-loss record to 3-3.
Aerl Genebraldo fired 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Jan Pierre Gelez unloaded 17 markers on top of six rebounds, two assists and two steals but their efforts went for naught as Calltek crashed to its fifth straight defeat in as many starts.
In the other games, the Aegis Vipers and Stream Global Ingenyouity pulled off lopsided wins over separate foes. Clifford Amarado pumped in 23 points as Aegis shackled the 1&1 Marauders, 74-49, while Stream Global personified teamwork in its 73-45 demolition of JP Morgan Bankers.
Dean Junber Escalon and John Louie Arriesgado combined for 22 points for Aegis, which never looked back after a 25-17 start on the way to grab its fifth victory against only one loss, so far. They outscored 1&1 in the final half, 37-18, to come up with a 25-point blowout.
Orland Bastida finished 18 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two assists for 1&1, which fell to 3-3.
On the other hand, no player cashed in double figures as Stream Global tallied its fourth win in five games. Curiously, all 15 players fielded in by Stream hit the scoring chart to underscore their balanced offensive.
After taking a 32-20 advantage at halftime, Stream continued to pounce on JP Morgan in the remaining two quarters, 41-25, for the 28-point cakewalk.
Joel Anthony Obungen had 12 points for JP Morgan, which suffered its fifth setback against a solitary win.
The scores
First game
Aegis (74) - Amarado 23, Escalon 12, Arriesgado 10, Yballe 6, Navaja 6, Pastoral 4, Zanoria 4, Bas 3, Gamallo 2, Morgia 2, Nayon 2
1&1 (49) - Bastida 18, Basañez 10, Talan 6, Rosales 5, AJ Andrino 3, Cortes 3, Ralloma 2, AH Andrino 2
Second game
Stream (73) - Millevo 9, Bibera 9, Mancao 8, Flores 8, Castañeda 6, Cajuelan 5, Franza 5, Recla 4, Tejam 4, Galicia 4, Ratilla 3, Alquilos 2, Egay 2, Lucero 2, Sarmiento 2
JP Morgan (45) - Obungen 12, Roma 9, Zaragoza 9, Barrera 6, Cabanday 5, Daamo 2, Tundag 2
Third game
Qualfon (65) - Jacaban 19, Anolito 12, Cuico 10, Luzon 7, Edano 5, Perez 4, Llesol 3, Matuguina 3, Enriquez 2
Calltek (64) - Genebraldo 27, Gelez 17, Ced. J Uy 7, Junio 3, Celiz 3, Martinez 3, Magsanay 2, Abellana 2
— EBV (FREEMAN)