Blue Sharks, Gators prevail in FIBL

MANILA, Philippines - The Blue Sharks held off the Kings, 88-83, while the Gators downed the Warriors, 89-80, to lead the opening day winners in the Canadian Cup of the Filipino Indian Basketball League (FIBL) revival at the Ynares gym in Pasig recently.

Manoj Chanduman fought off fatigue and cramps to fire 30 points and help the Sharks fend off the rallying Kings. He also hauled down 11 rebounds and dished off seven assists in a superb all-around performance.

Manesh Mirpuri backed him up with 13 points while rookies Rahul Motwani and Parminder Sidhu combined for 24 points.

The Kings, led by Chand Daryanani and Ajeet Singh’s 20-point effort each, actually rallied to within one but failed to sustain their comeback, enabling the Sharks to pound out the win.

“We celebrated early and had some mental lapses,” said Blue Sharks assistant coach Rafa Dinglasan.

Vladimir Singh, Dinesh Mohnani and Sanjeey Gangwani combined for 20 of the Gators’ 26 fourth quarter points as they trampled the Warriors to match the Sharks’ big start.

Mohnani wound up with 26 points and completed a double-double job with 14 rebounds. He also made seven assists while Gangwani also turned in a double-double with 16 markers and 15 rebounds.