Photo by Metro Manila Sports Fest
By Rafael Bandayrel
The Valenzuela Workhorses trumped the Caloocan Supremos, 71-59, in the 2018 16-and-under Metro Basketball Tournament, Monday, Apr. 23, at the Navotas Sports Complex.
Caloocan had a fiery start with Jemuel Rafael’s nine-point explosion as the Supremos led, 22-18, at the end of the first.
The second quarter, however, was the turning point of the game as the Workhorses claimed the lead and staged a 7-2 run to build momentum heading into the second half. Valenzuela capitalized on the Supremos’ scoring drought in the third and widened the gap 56-43.
The Workhorses maintained the lead to secure the victory. Ivann Railey Salinel led the Valenzuela with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists while Enrico Sebastian Flores added 13 points and pulled three boards.
Caloocan’s Rafael topped all scorers with 17 points while Argin Gabriel Gamboa listed eight points and 11 rebounds.
Valenzuela remained undefeated while Caloocan crashed to 1-3. Both teams will be back in action on Wednesday, Apr. 25, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila. Workhorses will face Mandaluyong next while the Supremos will take on Navotas.
Workhorses (71) - Salinel 16, Flores 13, Yambao 10, Tapenio 8, Evite 7, Y. Catipay 6, Morato 4, Madamba 3, K. Catipay 2. Del Pilar 2, Herrera 0, Grafani 0, Magat 0, Garcia 0
Supremos (59) - Rafael 17, Gamboa 8, Pallingayan 7, Rivera 6, Alvarado 5, Punzalan 5, Gonzaga 4, Tong 3, Borja 2, Diwa 2, Tiu 0, Natividad 0, Dizon 0, Ibasco 0