MANILA, Philippines - The Gators drew a superb game from Vladimir Singh as they dumped the Blue Sharks, 82-65, to sweep the first round of the Canadian Cup of the 2014 FIBL Season at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last Sunday.
Singh exploded with a season-high 30 points, including a clutch three-pointer that staved off a blazing Blue Sharks rally late in the fourth.
Dinesh Mohnani also dished out a solid game of 24 points and nine rebounds, while Sanjeev Gangwani overcame a 0-of-11 outing from the free throw line and scored 14 points and completed a double-double with a season-high 24 rebounds.
Manoj Chandumal paced the Sharks with 27 points in his return from a one-game absence while Prashant Dargani scored 12 points in the first quarter but struggled the rest of the way with a right hand injury. Mahesh Mirpuri and Ken Pessumal had 11 and 12 rebounds, respectively.
Lavesh Chandnani scored 31 points while Mukesh Mohnani fell an assist shy of another triple-double as the Warriors firmed up their hold of second spot with a 98-68 romp over the Kings in the other game.
Mohnani scored 10 of his points in the fourth quarter while Chandnani added seven markers to fuel a 35-15 fourth quarter binge that broke the game wide open.
Ajeet Singh paced the Kings with 31 points, but struggled on the field with 11-of-35 shooting. Hiren Gangaramani added 13 points for the Kings, who fell to 0-3. Rookie Rajkaran Singh also had 12 points.
Meanwhile, the second round elims starts Sunday with the Warriors clashing with the Gators at 2 p.m. and the Sharks taking on the winless Kings.