Photo by Metro Manila Sports Fest
By Rafael Bandayrel
The Manila All-Stars survived the Mandaluyong Tigers, 72-69, giving their opponents their first taste of defeat in the 2018 16-and-under Metro Basketball Tournament, Monday, Apr. 23, at the Navotas Sports Complex.
The All-Stars led by as much as 10 points, 66-56, midway of the fourth quarter, but the Tigers went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to just two with 2:47 remaining.
Manila tried to widen the gap for good but Rymer Salon sank a clutch three-pointer from the left corner to bring his squad within striking distance, 71-69, with less than a minute left.
Chad Louise Amante, however, earned a trip to the foul line where he extended Manila’s lead to three after splitting his free throws.
Coming out of a Mandaluyong timeout, Salon attempted for a quick two but missed a mid-range jumper with 14 seconds remaining. He got the rebound back but Manila’s defense forced Luis Nitura to commit a turnover as the game clock expired.
Amante spearheaded the All-Stars with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Albert Nel Fontanilla contributed 14 points and four rebounds while Ibryhim Cyd Capulong added 10 points and three dimes for Manila.
Jacob Cortez of Mandaluyong led all scorers with his 19 points while Nitura pitched in 13 points for the Tigers.
With the win, the All-Stars are now tied with the Tigers with a 2-1 record. Manila will be back in action against Malabon on Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex. The Tigers, on the other hand, will have a chance to bounce back on Friday against Malabon at the Cuneta Astrodome, in Pasay.
Manila All-Stars (71) – Fontanilla 14, Amante 13, Capulong 11, Rodriguez 10, San Juan 6, Soliman 6, Morito 5, San Diego 4, Concepcion 2, Manzano 1, Chu 0, Pena 0
Mandaluyong Tigers (69) – Cortez 19, L. Nitura 13, Woodard 12, Salon 11, Dela Cruz 6, Domingo 4, Sibug 4, M. Nitura 0, Samaniego 0, Torres 0, Arceo 0, Geronimo 0, Reyes 0, Cetro 0, Cagang 0