Pardz, Mawati prevail in One Pacific caging

A Pardz Ballers player, right, dribbles past a Connie’s BBQ defender during an earlier game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League at the Civic Center Court in Susupe. Pardz split its two matches over the weeked. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The Pardz Ballers showed consistency on offense to beat IT&E Light, 81-71, in a regular match in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Frday at the Civic Center Court in Susupe.

Pardz scored at least 20 points in the first three quarters to gain cushion en route to its third win in the Tsingtao Beer-sponsored competition.

J.R. Barrios had 8 markers for Pardz in the opening period, lifting their team to a 22-17 lead. Pardz then had another 20-plus output (24) in the second canto to keep the upper hand at the break, 44-39. Pardz leaned on Mike Santos’ three triples in the second quarter to remain in front.

IT&E Light despite being outgunned by Pardz in the first half, kept its opponent within striking distance after drawing 15 points from Henry Divinagracia in the second quarter. However, IT&E Light found itself behind by double digits after the third frame, 50-66, after drilling only five field goals.

Pardz, on the other hand, managed to make eight baskets for the 16-point margin, going into the final quarter.

The fourth period had IT&E Light rallying behind Jaymark De Guzman, but Pardz hit back, as it had multiple options on offense.

Meanwhile, Pardz also played last Sunday, but Mawati won the make-up game, 80-73.

It was a come-from-behind-win for Mawati, which entered the final canto facing a 55-60 deficit.

Mawati was able to battle back after nearly doubling Pardz’s production in the fourth quarter, 25-13. Frank Ferrer stepped up in the payoff canto after scoring 12 points, including 8 straight markers. He added four important free throws and Mawati nailed 7 of their last 9 points from the foul line. Raymond Velasco made the final three charities and Mawati’s last 5 points to finish the fourth frame with 7 markers.

Mawati’s 25-point output made up for its second-quarter meltdown where the team delivered only 12 points, allowing Pardz to take a 43-34 halftime advantage. Mawati moved within 5 after the third period, as it logged 21 points and continued its uphill climb in the fourth to steal the win.

Mawati improved its record to 4-1 for third place behind Tsingtao (5-0) and Connie’s BBQ (5-1), while Pardz fell to a 3-2 slate for a three-way tie for fourth to sixth place with Saipan Adventure and IT&E Light.