Black Mamba, Spigen outclass foes

Black Mamba’s Alex Lauron takes off for an open shot during their game against Spigen in the Ali’i Blue Haus caging last week at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Black Mamba and Spigen saved the best for last to down their respective opponents in the 2nd Ali’i Blue Haus Invitational Basketball League last Sunday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium.

Black Mamba exploded for 30 points in the fourth and final quarter en route to a 93-77 victory over Green Minded, while Spigen made 23 markers for an 80-64 triumph against Team Sawi.

With the win, Black Mamba is still undefeated after three games, moving up to solo second place in the team standings behind Tropang Ridhors (4-0), while Green Minded is in the middle of the rankings with its even 2-2 card.

Before its fourth-quarter assault, Black Mamba was only ahead by 3 points, 63-60. Art Salazar stepped up in the final period, scoring 10 of his 15 points in that pivotal canto, while Alex Lauron and Mel Capalad combined for 12 more markers for Black Mamba as the trio outgunned the entire Green Minded crew.

Lauron ended up leading Black Mamba with his 29 points, while Capalad was among the five double-figure scorers for the team after finishing with 11 markers. Chris Lansang and Ben William chipped in 14 and 11, respectively.

Ivan Devero carried most of the load for Green Minded with his season-high 40 points. Leo Itaas and Edwin Santos also tallied twin digits with 13 and 10, but their baskets were scattered and did not help Green Minded’s cause.

In the third game, Spigen battled back in the third period and pushed harder in the fourth canto to top Team Sawi.

Behind at halftime, 28-33, Spigen turned the table on Team Sawi, 57-50, thanks to the 12 third-quarter points of Lerio Pagarao. Pagarao, who did not play in Spigen’s loss to Black Mamba early last week, was still at it in the fourth, adding 10 more markers to lead the squad’s 16-point win.

Pagarao finished with 32 points and also drew enough support from Bruce Berline and Adrian Flores, who tallied 14 and 13 markers, respectively. Spigen improved its record to 3-2 for fourth place in the team standings, while Team Sawi is still winless in two games to remain at the bottom half of the rankings.

Second Game
Black Mamba 93 — Lauron 29, Salazar 15, Lansang 14, William 11, Capalad 11, Gabaldon 5, Odicta 5, Ibanez 5, Echavez 3.
Green Minded 77 — Devero 40, Itaas 13, Santos 10, Armia 5, Tibayan 3, Omampo 3, Vergara 2, Dela Cruz 1.
Scoring by quarters: 22-11, 42-35, 63-60, 93-77.

Third Game
Spigen 80 — Pagarao 32, Berline 14, Flores 13, Sanciango 8, Cortez 8, Tibayan 4, Aniciete 2.
Team Sawi 64 — Peredo 23, Gragasin 14, Talania 13, Directo 8, Factor 2, Buenabajo 2.
Scoring by quarters: 14-16, 28-33, 57-50, 80-64.