IT&E outlasts Docomo in Budweiser caging

IT&E endured Docomo’s fourth-quarter rally and eked out an 86-80 win in the 2008-2009 BANMI/Budweiser Basketball League Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The victory gave IT&E a 2-0 start, while the loss dropped Docomo to a 0-2 slate.

Gyles Ruluked nailed seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter, including five of IT&E’s last eight points to help his team thwart Docomo.

IT&E led by 12 points, 66-54, going into the fourth quarter, but instead of going for the kill, it slowed down allowing Docomo to mount a comeback.

Ed Diaz nailed two triples, Mark Wallace had one, and James Villacrusis scored seven straight markers at one point in the third period to lead Docomo’s rally.

Ruluked answered with his own barrage of points, canning five consecutive markers to halt Docomo’s rally.

After Ruluked’s straight baskets, IT&E secured the win from the free throw line with Peter Mendiola splitting his charities and Jun Estolas going 2-for-2.

Docomo led only in the first period, 21-19, with Wallace and Diaz trading outside shots.

But IT&E grabbed the driver’s seat at halftime, 36-31, with Kae Bernardo making 10 straight points in the second half to match Docomo’s total output in that canto.

In the third quarter, IT&E widened the gap, as Bernardo continued to barrel his way in the paint adding 10 more points. Wowie Abuel and Ivan De Vero chipped in si
x apiece in the third to help IT&E take a 12-point lead.

In the second game, the Runnin’ Rebels ran out of gas in the fourth period, allowing Quichocho Law Office to cruise to an 87-70 victory.

Quichocho Law Office played its first game in the league and outscored the Runnin’ Rebels in the fourth period, 34-18 en route to an impressive debut in the seven-team competition.

Quichocho Law Office was ahead by only a point, 53-52, at the end of the third period, when Sonny Lerio led the team’s breakaway, drilling five triples in the fourth period.

Lerio finished with a game-high 28 points, making eight triples, while Bonbon Cadagat added 14 markers and had 11 assists. Darwin Barbo also had a double-double contributing 15 points and 16 rebounds. He added three assists, five steals, and three blocks for an all-around game.

First Game

IT&E 86 – Bernardo 29, Estolas 17, Abuel 9, Ruluked 9, De Vero 8, Artates 7, Ranola 5, Mendiola 2.

Docomo 80 – Wallace 27, Diaz 25, Ja. Villacrusis 11, Fitial 9, Palacios 4, Manibusan 2, Jo. Villacrusis 2.

Scoring by quarters: 19-21, 36-31, 66-54, 86-80.

Second Game

Quichocho Law Office 87 – Lerio 28, Barbo 15, Cadagat 14, Palero 10, Umali 9, Capalad 5.

Runnin’ Rebels 70 – Iguel 24, Norita 19, Tumaquip 19, Ogumoro 9, Coldeen 6, Kenty 2.

Scoring by quarters: 19-17, 39-37, 53-53, 87-70.