Defending champs start strong

Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense kicked off its defense of the 2005 MDX Amateur Radio Club Inter-Color Basketball League with a 107-90 rout of Mobil at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium Sunday.

The UFO cage league powerhouse got off to quick start, leaning on an explosion from the veteran Mutt-and-Jeff combination of center Edzell Mendoza and Robert “Onyok” Tamondong to bury Mobil 25-12 after first 10 minutes of action.

Andres “Jhun” Estolas Jr. and his Mobil teammates, however, were not about to give up the fight, as they crawled back in the second, chopping down SIP’s once-imposing lead to just a deuce, 42-40, at halftime.

After a little pep talk from playing coach Rick Alegre, SIP regained its first-quarter form at the start of the third and proceeded to once again dominate a now tiring Mobil team.

Second-year sensation Jason Amado led the defending champs frolicking run, pumping in all of his eight points in the third to help SIP breakaway once more, 70-58, going into the fourth and final quarter.

Despite another amazing display of scoring might by Estolas, SIP only pulled away some more in the fourth to the chagrin of the one-time SIP stalwart, who together with current Mobil coach Marvin Deocares, was part of SIP’s 2003 title romp in the same league.

SIP’s payoff period blitzkrieg was fueled by James Villacrusis’ own scoring outburst, as the stringy forward unloaded all but three of his team-high 20 points in the fourth.

Mendoza tied Villacrusis for scoring honors for the winners. He also grabbed 12 rebounds, while balik-SIP Junar Guiab added 18 markers and five rebounds.

Estolas fired a game-high 35 points and also had six boards, four assists, and five steals, but only former IVYBL MVP Kevin Cequena joined him in double figures for Mobil with 15 markers.

In the second game, Cavite-Diamond Fixers derailed the upset hopes of Subway-Coca-Cola beating them 99-81.

It was a thorough and complete domination by the Boy Garcia-coached team which had five players score 10 points or more, led by the 14 points each of forward William Opone and guard Bernard Montano.

Subway was paced by shooter Mike Achas and guard Beethoven “Bong” Sese with 21 and 17 points, respectively.

Before the games tipped off, MDX Amateur Radio Club prepared a one-of-a-kind opening ceremony and parade of teams, which included liveband Evolutuon.

Teams marched into the gym with their muses in toe, starting with Mobil, Pooh Deni, Subway, Verizon-287 Club, Cavite-Country House, SMF-Seabridge, Micronesian Brokers, Inc., and SIP.

Best muse went to Cavite’s A.J Magno, while the Pooh Deni team was adjudged having the best uniforms.

MDX president Bong Malasarte thanked all participating team in the league and extended his appreciation to their generous sponsors and supporters.

First Game

SIP 107 – J. Villacrusis 20, Mendoza 20, Guiab 18, Tamondong 9, Flores 9, Esdrelon 8, Amado 8, Alegre 6, Cabrera 2, Mendiola 2.

Mobil 90 – Estolas 35, Cequena 15, Abuy 8, Artates 8, Capalad 6, Aranda 6, Camacho 5, Surima 4, Canlas 2.

Scoring by quarters: 25-12, 42-40, 70-58, 107-90.

Referees: Dado Vistal and Jess Pacheco.

Second Game

Cavite 99 – Opone 14, Montano 14, Mendoza 14, Domingo 12, J. Dayrit 10, Tolentino 8, B. Dayrit 6, Aldan 5, Hernandez 5.

Subway 81 – Achas 21, Sese 17, Gapor 15, Soriano 15, Guinto 6, Salvani 6, Tabora 2.

Scoring by quarters: 20-17, 52-28, 71-54, 99-81.

Referees: Dado Vistal and Jess Pacheco.