Joshua snaps skid; Gideon wins

Joshua is back on track following a 76-66 victory over Samuel in 4th Genesis Cup Christian Churches Inter-Color Basketball League last Friday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Gideon’s Lawrence Borja drives against Jeremiah’s Jay Nunag, left, and Raymond Casuncad during the first half of their game in the Genesis Cup last Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Darwin Gonzales and Allan Chavez joined forces in lifting Joshua to the 10-point win, that snapped the team’s three game-losing skid and improved its record to 2-3. Joshua won its season-debut against Ezekiel last month, 60-54, but dropped its next three matches versus Isaiah, Gideon, and Daniel.

Gonzales scored a game-high 26 points to give Joshua its second win, while Chavez backed him up, adding 25. Both players hit double figures in the second half to help Joshua maintain a safe distance against slumping Samuel, which remained at the bottom of the team standings with its 0-5 record.

Samuel was still very much in the game after the first half, behind by only 2 points, 23-25. Ronnie Guevarra sizzled for 15 first-half points to keep Samuel afloat. He single-handedly carried the fight for Samuel, as his four other teammates who made it to the board tallied no more than 3 points.

Joshua, on the other hand, offset Gonzales’ first-half explosion, after drawing 9 and 8 points from Gonzales and Chavez, respectively. Rusell Dequito and Jess Calub were the other scorers for Samuel in the first 20 minutes of play chipping in 4 apiece.

In the second half, Joshua doubled up its output with Gonzales and Chavez still or target, while Dequito picked up his scoring and the team got contributions from two more players. Gonzales poured in 17 points off six field goals and five free throws, while Chavez fired 15. Dequito hit a triple and finished with 10 in the second half, while Roger Abe came off the bench and added 6. Allaneth Montoyo also knocked in a triple in Joshua’s second half domination.

Guevarra still led Samuel in the second half, gaining 11 more points and although five of his teammates also lit up the board, their baskets came in late, as Joshua had the game in the bag.

Meanwhile, Gideon won over Jeremiah in last Monday’s second game. Gideon moved up to a 3-2 record for solo third place in the team standings behind Daniel (5-0) and Isaiah (4-1) and Caleb (4-1). Jeremiah joined Samuel at the cellar with its 0-5 slate.

Joshua 76 – Gonzales 26, Chavez 25, Dequito 14, Abe 6, Calub 4, Montoya 3.

Samuel 66 – Guevarra 26, Reyes 12, Badal 8, Bordon 8, Samonte 6, Belgado 4, Ponce 4.

Scoring by halves: 25-23, 76-66.