Smart, Health Solutions pace D-League caging

MANILA, Philippines - Smart-Manila and Health Solutions-Las Piñas/Muntinlupa each claimed a second win in as many outings in the Nokia National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League last weekend at the Jacinto Tiu Gym of the Xavier Sports Center in San Juan City.

Smart-Manila led from start to finish behind the sniping of Nokia RP U-16 mainstay Mike Tolomia (17 points), Dave Moralde (14) and Jayjay Alejandro (12) to beat Smart-Caloocan (0-2), 117-81, in the 18-and-under tournament backed by Nokia Philippines and TAO Corporation under the auspices of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas headed by Manny Pangilinan and executive director Noli Eala.

Tolomia had 13 of his total in the first half when his team cruised to a 64-44 lead. Moralde took over the scoring duties in the third period, when he scored 14, including two treys in the tournament that also has San Miguel Pure Foods Company, Smart Communications and Burlington as major sponsors.

Health Solutions-Las Piñas Muntinlupa, meanwhile, steamrolled Magnolia Chocolait-Parañaque (1-1) with a 119-63 score as Joseph Eriobu and Gelo Alolino had 17 points apiece followed by Justine Alano’s 15 markers last Sunday. Health Solutions led the half at 67-23.

B-MEG Integra Manila bounced back from an opening day loss to Health Solutions-Las Piñas/Muntinlupa by pummeling Xavier San Juan, 75-68, to tie its victim with a 1-1 card.

Kyle Neypes had a team-high 20 points, seven in the second and the rest in the fourth quarter when his team preserved a 28-22 halftime advantage by fighting toe-to-toe in the last two periods. Jed Salaveria supported Neypes with 10.

San Mig Coffee-Pasig, meanwhile, blasted Nilo Cares-Antipolo, 79-61, for a first win while dealing its victim with a first loss in their first games as the Nokia NBTC D-League is envisioned to be a feeder program for varsity squads and teams catering to leagues such as the UAAP, NCAA, Philippine Basketball League, Philippine Basketball Association and the Liga Pilipinas.