Cagayan continues PCBL rise; Jumbo Plastic strikes again

MANILA, Philippines -- Cagayan Valley picked up its second consecutive win as it shackled down Euro-Med, 89-78, Wednesday in the PCBL Founders Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

Led by CJ Isit, the Rising Suns were able to outscore Euro-Med, 19-5 in a five-minute stretch of the third period to turn a close game into a rout and build a commanding 70-56 lead entering the fourth period of this tournament supported by Spalding, Ambucore, Accel and Aquabest.

But it was Cagayan's defense on Euro-Med's Bong Gallanza which spelled the difference.

The sweet-shooting Gallanza scored 11 points in the first half, but was held scoreless by the relentless defense of Cagayan.

"Siya talaga ang marked man sa amin so our gane plan was to stop him. He did score a lot in the first half but we paid a conscious effort on stopping him sa second half," said Cagayan coach Ronnie Dojillo, whose team now improved its record to 2-2 and forged a tie for second place of Group B standings with its victim.

Jumbo Plastic continued its streak as it blasted hapless Supremo Lex, 91-69, in the other game.

Jeff Viernes and JR Taganas combined in producing Jumbo Plastic's inside-out game, scoring 16 points apiece to lead their team to its third straight victory and in solo lead of Group A.

Jumbo Plastic now holds a 3-1 record whole dealing Supremo Lex its fourth loss in as many games.

Ex-pro James Martinez added 15 for Jumbo Plastic.

Supremo Lex was paced by former PBA player JP Belencion's 14 markers.

First Game

CAGAYAN VALLEY (89) – Isit 25, Bangga 17, Siruma 11, Arce 7, Brana 6, Flores 6, Caranguian 5, Managuelod 5, Acidre 4, Elmejrab 2, Doligon 1, Salcedo 0.

EURO-MED (78) – Cortes 12, Galanza 11, Abundo 11, Santos 11, de Leon 8, Cruz 7, Villahermosa 6, Alberto 6, Custodio 5, Celso 1, Cenal 0, Manalo 0.

Quarterscores: 22-13, 45-38, 70-56, 89-78.

Second Game

JUMBO PLASTIC (91) – Viernes 16, Taganas 16, Martinez 15, M. Lopez 10, Mandani 9, Eguilos 5, Padilla 5, J. Lopez 4, Ferrer 3, Perez 3, Acosta 2, Arellano 2, Tayongtong 1, Alabanza 0, Gomez 0.

SUPREMO LEX-OLFU (69) – Belencion 14, Gabayni 13, Bitoon 11, Marquez 10, Juanico 9, Teodoro 4, Importante 3, Jornacion 2, Escueta 2, Santos 1, Bargola 0, Rosales 0, Yaya 0.

Quarterscores: 19-15, 40-30, 67-49, 91-69.