Manda, QC claim easy zonal wins

MANILA, Philippines - Mandaluyong and Quezon City posted a pair of victories Sunday at the start of the Inter-Zonal phase of the second Coca-Cola Hoopla at the Mandaluyong gym.

The host team nearly squandered a 20-point lead but recovered in time to repulse Antipolo, 96-86, while Quezon City routed Caloocan, 96-75.

Rafael Refugio frolicked with 31 points for Mandaluyong, which raced to a 63-43 lead to the delight of the crowd, including Mayor Ben Hur Abalos.

Antipolo, however, refused to give and moved to within 69-71 but Rebugio and LJ Cerbito, who finished with 27 points, and MJ Menosoba, who added 13 points, bailed the hosts out of trouble with clutch baskets.

“The boys hung tough because they really wanted to win. I’m happy for them,” said Mandaluyong coach Romeo Bolido in Filipino.

Abalos, the guest of honor, made the ceremonial toss assisted by Coca-Cola Export vice president for communication and public affairs JB Baylon.

Bernardo Repato led Antipolo with 21 points but failed to draw solid support from his teammates.

Handled by University of the East assistant coach Rene Baena and backed by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, QC crushed Caloocan with a dominating performance with Christopher Villarosa, Kevin Boquiren and Alvin de Leon leading the charge.

The scores:

Mandaluyong 96 - Rebugio 31, Valerio 27, Cerbito 17, Menosoba 13, Tendenencia 8, Posadas 8, Reyes 4, Hugo 1, Giron 0, Gambala 0

Antipolo 86 - Repato 21, J. Mocon 18, Dizon 13, K. Mocon 10, De Mesa 5, Baliton 5, Somberto 4, Abila 2, Say 2

Quarterscores: 20-20, 50-37, 67-60, 96-86

Second Game

Quezon City 96 - Villarosa 21, Boquiren 15, De Leon 14, Estrellaq o, bitoon 8, Niyon 8, Gadian 4, Abragan 4, Porciuncula 4, Cayetano 4, villar 2, Diaz 1.

Caloocan 75 - Napenas 22, Garcia 12, Tsutsui 12, Valeriano 8, Frsncisco2, Agustin 1.

Quarterscores: 26-16, 46-33, 81-56, 96-75