SIP rules 2005 MDX

Defending champion Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense’s well-rounded lineup proved to be the difference maker as the team pulled together and completed its impressive run in the 2005 MDX Amateur Radio Club Inter-color Basketball League by downing JCN Enterprises, 102-87, to capture the coveted championship Sunday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

SIP was given a run for their money as JCN battled back and took the lead in several occasions, but with a good mix of veterans and young guns, and veteran bench tactician Rufino Aguon calling the shots from the sidelines, SIP was able to perform well in the clutch and turned a closely fought battle into a double-digit victory.

Veteran Edsel Mendoza played a key role for SIP and was in a zone of his own from the start, nailing 11 points in the opening period to help his team take a 26-25 advantage.

The contest remained close in the second period, with both teams having spurts of their own to keep the other from pulling away. SIP was still up by a point, 47-46, with less than a minute remaining in the half when shooter Jester Garcia pumped up SIP fans by nailing a triple despite getting fouled. He connected on his free throw attempt to complete the four-point play and gave his team a 51-46 advantage, but there was still time remaining and JCN took advantage as James Abuy connected for a triple of his own to bring his team back to within two points before heading into halftime, 49-51.

Troubles were already setting in for JCN at the break as two players—Ed Palma and Melvin Capalad—already recorded four fouls while youth standout Rowell Aranda was whistled for three fouls.

Action resumed and after a series of turnovers, JCN managed to get over the hill, using a 7-0 run to take a 58-57 lead. A layup by Andres “Jhun” Estolas Jr. gave JCN a 60-57 lead with 5:50 left. That, however, was the last time the team was ahead as its cagers failed to score in six straight possessions—four of them featuring costly turnovers—which SIP gladly took advantage of.

JCN was held scoreless for over three minutes, and while frustration began to set in, SIP was busy racking up the points. Jason Amado and Rick Alegre made good on layups, Elmer Esdrelon connected on two free throw attempts, and Amado nailed a triple and two free throws before JCN managed to put another point on the board. By then, 2:36 was left on the clock in the third and SIP was leading 68-62.

JCN was held to just two points for the remainder of the quarter, which ended with SIP padding its lead to 10 points, 74-64.

SIP opened the payoff period the way it wanted to, going on a 6-0 run to extend its lead to 16 points, but JCN responded and cut the lead to seven points, 73-80, with half of the period remaining to be played.

Esdrelon, however, nailed a big 3-pointer to stop JCN’s run. JCN came to within 10 points on a couple of occasions, but each time they closed the gap, SIP would find a response, preventing JCN from breaking to within single figures. Mendoza was a big part of that response and at one point, scored three straight baskets in less than a minute.

Mendoza finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and two assists to lead SIP and went home as the player of the game. Amado and Esdrelon supported him with 19 and 14 points, while Garcia, Junar Guiab, and Leo Factor each had 10 points.

SIP also won the inaugural MDX cagefest in 2003.

Estolas paced JCN with 22 points, while Kevin Cequena and Melvin Villarin had 16 points apiece. Abuy and Aranda also had 12 and 11 points.

Earlier, pennant champions Poohdeni secured third place with a 102-82 victory over 287 Club-Verizon.

Lester Babauta had 29 points to lead Poohdeni, while Pando Muleta and Danny Bicera had 18 and 14 points. Jorge De Guzman, Emil De Belen, and Mike Umali also finished in double figures.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

SIP 102—Mendoza 25, Amado 19, Esdrelon 14, Garcia 10, Factor 10, Guiab 10, Alegre 6, Ja. Villacrusis 6.

JCN 87—Estolas 22, Cequena 16, Villarin 16, Abuy 12, Aranda 11, Artates 6, Palma 3, Surima 1.

Scoring by quarters: 26-25, 51-49, 74-64, 102-87.

Referees: Noel Delos Santos, Dado Vistal, and Mike White.

CONSOLATION GAME

Poohdeni 102—Babauta 29, Muleta 18, Bicera 14, De Guzman 12, De Belen 11, Umali 10, Marasigan 4, Gamboa 4.

287 Club 82—Mungcal 29, Gatdula 14, Sampang 10, G. Barbo 8, Aguilar 7, D. Barbo 6, Pambid 5, Pineda 2, Bernardo 2.

Scoring by quarters: 18-19, 56-36, 75-58, 102-82.

Referees: Jess Pacheco and Arnold Mesa.