Sharks repel Kings in Fil-India opener

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time reigning MVP Manoj Chandumal and Vladimir Singh combined for 57 points as the Blue Sharks rallied to post a 75-69 victory over the Kings at the start of the Fil-India Cup at the Makati Coliseum last Sunday.

The Sharks battled back from 54-63 down in the fourth, outscoring the Kings, 19-5, in an eight-minute stretch to fashion out the come-from-behind victory.

“We slowed them down and broke their rhythm, so we were able to capitalize again on our fast break points in the fourth period,” said Sharks coach Gabby Velasco.

Kishore Mirpuri debuted with 15 rebounds while Amit Chotrani also had 10 boards for the Sharks.

RJ Chandumal, meanwhile, fired 32 points, including a twisting layup over three defenders, as the Bombay Bombers eked out an 80-77 win over the Knights. 

Chandumal also had 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals to bag the game’s MVP honors in his debut.

Chirag Chugani also scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.

The Knights were up 19-17 at the end of the first quarter but Chandumal’s 15 first half points helped the Bombers tie the score at 34 at halftime. 

The Knights also struggled from the foul line, missing 12 of their 23 tries.

The Bombers actually had a more dismal stint on the line, making just 16 of 35 attempts. But they dominated the boards, 71-56.