Smileys, Solar Boys off to winning start in PSA Cup

MANILA, Philippines — The Say Chiz Smileys had the last laugh after surviving a close one against the Smart Sports Scribes while the Capital1 Solar Boys delivered a wire-to-wire victory over the Strong Group Athletics Press Row Bros in the opening of the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday.

An eventual game-winning floater from Jeric Lopez with 39 seconds left, a big offensive rebound by Aivan Episcope, and crucial stops in the last 8.4 seconds helped the Smileys of Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Francis Ochoa escape the Smart-backed side of Spin.PH’s Dodo Catacutan, 66-64, in the tournament which is one of the projects of PSA resident Nelson Beltran of The Philippine STAR.

In the first game, Christian Jacinto and birthday boy Aldo Aviñante were all business for Capital1 of Manila Bulletin’s Ramon Bonilla, leading the squad to an 86-74 victory against SGA.

The tournament inaugurals were graced by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann and ACES chief Dr. Ian Laurel.

Jonas Terrado of the Inquirer finished with game-highs 21 points and 14 rebounds, along with four steals, two assists, and a block.

Lopez followed with 16 points, three rebounds, and four assists while Cedelf Tupas added 15 points, four assists, and four steals.

AJ Bolando topscored for Smart Sports with 19 points, but was limited to two points in the fourth quarter.