Two in a row for SIP, Microl in Bud Cup

Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense-Bud Light and Microl-Bud Ice were victorious Sunday night as action in the ongoing 2006 Budweiser Cup BANMI Men’s Island-wide Basketball League continued at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

With their success, both SIP and Microl are tied on top of the team standings with identical 2-0 win-loss records.

In the opener, SIP was given a good test but still overcame the challenge to score an 84-77 victory over the Cyclones-O’Doul’s.

The SIP cagers had their shots from behind the 3-point rainbow working for them as the team hit four triples in the opening period and opened the game with a seven-point edge, 21-14, after 10 minutes of play.

SIP was able to pad its lead, but not by much as the Cyclones tried to keep within striking distance. Tyrone Palacios hit a triple and had seven points in the period, helping them keep close. The team trailed, 37-48, at the break.

The Cyclones managed to inch closer in the early stages of the second half as Palacios fueled their strong attack with 10 points. With things finally clicking in the Cyclones’ favor, the team cut the lead back down to seven, 59-66, heading into the final period.

The Cyclones tried to pull closer, however, SIP was just too strong as both teams matched each other point for point in the last 10 minutes.

Rick Alegre and Peter Mendiola had 16 and 11 points for SIP, while Palacios and center Bruce Berline pumped in 20 and 11 points for the Cyclones.

In the second game, Tony Diaz continued his impressive comeback to the sport but Microl still had enough juice to beat Diaz and No Zone-Bacardi, 106-98.

Diaz was phenomenal as he worked his way for a whopping 41 points, but No Zone was not able to hold on to their first quarter lead and put in a good fight before falling short.

Dalewin Cortez led six Microl players in doubles figures with 21 points, while Kevin Cequena and Ronald Delos Reyes pumped in 15 and 14 points. Andres Estolas added 13 points, Marlon De Dios had 12 points, and Rowell Aranda pumped in 10 points.

Ed Diaz was solid in support for No Zone with 22 points, while Gus Palacios and Tano Calvo contributed 15 and 12 points.

Meanwhile, BANMI released a revised schedule for the remainder of the regular season.

Games resume this Saturday with the CNMI Nationals taking on the Cyclones at 4pm, while No Zone and SIP clash at 6pm. Microl will then face the Ol’Aces at 8pm.

Games will be played every Saturday, with the regular season concluding on May 27.

The top two teams get first round byes in the playoffs, which means the No. 3 and No. 6 teams will battle and the No. 4 and No. 5 teams will face off to start the post season.

The winners of the bouts will advance to the semifinals on June 4.

The championship is scheduled to be played on June 10 following the consolation game.

FIRST GAME

SIP 84 – Sait 23, R. Alegre 16, Olson 14, Mendiola 11, Ulrich 8, Guiab 4, Tamondong 3, T. Alegre 3, Esdrelon 2.

Cyclones 77 – T. Palacios 20, Berline 11, Lashley 10, Yangilmau 10, D. Palacios 8, Yu 6, Fejeran 6, Villagomez 6.

Scoring by quarters: 21-14, 48-37, 66-59, 84-77.

SECOND GAME

Microl 106 – Cortez 21, Cequena 15, Delos Reyes 14, Estolas 13, De Dios 12, Aranda 10, Factor 9, Mendoza 4, Domingo 4, Dalangin 4.

No Zone 98 – T. Diaz 41, E. Diaz 22, Palacios 15, Calvo 12, Hocog 4, Lizama 2, Mendiola 2.

Scoring by quarters: 21-25, 51-48, 81-73, 106-98.