Lourdes outlasts UE five

MANILA, Philippines - Lourdes School of Mandaluyong clamped down on defense then leaned on Aljun Melecio and Rhayjun Baquial in the second half to trounce University of the East, 68-44, in a duel of unbeaten teams in the Metropolitan Schools Athletic Association at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati.

Melecio frolicked with 26 points while Baquial and Gian Robert Mamuyac tossed in 11 and seven points, respectively, for the Mandaluyong-based squad, which stretched its win run to six for the solo lead in the MSAA mini division.

The LSM dribblers, handled by coach Mike Escobido, shackled the Kid Warriors with a man-to-man defense early on, scoring in transition and breaking away from a tight first quarter game to post a 14-point cushion at the turn.

LSM’s big men Benedict Cruz and Aaron Dale Lara then took charge of the board and the shaded area in the third, frustrating Joshua Santos and Ritchie Rivero no end as the Trojans stretched their lead to 19 at the end of the third.

It was smooth sailing for Lourdes from there with Melecio making mincemeat of UE’s defense, scoring almost at will.