Cebu Drillers outclass E-League All-Stars

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Drillers, a selection of former collegiate varsity players, blitzed their way to a 77-70 victory over the E-League All-Stars in their goodwill encounter last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Keith Virtucio, who once played for the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, topped the Cebu Drillers with 19 points, four steals and three rebounds, while Merbien Dedace, who had a sting with the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras, also chipped in 19 points on top of six rebounds.

Ex-UV Lancer Alwin Aguirre added 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks for the Cebu Drillers, who used a 20-13 rally to break a 17-all deadlock and take a 37-30 lead at halftime.

The E-League stars countered with a 23-16 run in the third period to forge a 53-all deadlock, but the Cebu Drillers fought steadier in the final stretch to wrap up the match using a 24-17 spurt.

Ryan Veloso of the Aegis Vipers paced the E-League side with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists followed by Christian Judilla of the Calltek Trojans with 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The other double-digit scorer for E-League was Archie Batua of the Accenture Sharks with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

In the side events, Argiel Fernandez of the 1 & 1 Marauders topped the 3-point shootout, while John Alexon Loon of the ePerformax Reds won the Skills Challenge with the best time of 34 seconds.

Rex Barrientos and Gestoni Santos of the Executive Boutique Lycans dominated the 2-ball competition, while Archie Batua beat Sed Julian of Calltek Trojans, 14-11, to rule the Hoop King 1-on-1 tournament.

The scores

Cebu Drillers (77) -Virtucio 19, Dedace 19, Aguiree 10, Cavalida 9, Casquejo 6, Cleopas 4, Diapera 4, Abecia 4,

E-League (70) - Veloso 20, Judilla 13, Batua 11, Cipriano 8, Salibay 5, Agas 2, Montelibano 2, Matidios 2, Ygay 2, Gabest 2

Quarterscores:17-17;37-30; 53-53;77-70 (FREEMAN)