Party Rockers regain solo lead

Party Rockers reclaimed the solo lead in the 2011 BANMI Women’s Summer Basketball League after beating Aye Par Battay, 64-50, Wednesday night at the TSL Sports Complex.

Before the second match of the day, Party Rockers and Aye Par Battay shared the No. 1 spot in the team standings with their identical 3-1 records. Then the deadlock was broken when Party Rockers played better in the second half en route to a 14-point win.

The victory was Party Rockers’ second against Aye Par Battay as the former posted a 53-44 triumph in their first round meeting on July 5.

The second encounter between Party Rockers and Aye Par Battay was a close fight in the first half, as only one basket separated the two teams, 32-30. Lily Williams gave Aye Par Battay a two-point lead when she scored 15 points in the first half, including seven of the team’s last eight points in that period. Mae Angelie Ito also helped Aye Par Battay in the first half when she started the game with six straight markers and finished with 10.

In the second half, Aye Par Battay could not hang on to the driver’s seat, as it failed to neutralize Rachel Abrams and Jeraldine Castillo. Castillo exploded for 14 points in the second half, making two triples in that canto and drilling 11 of Party Rockers’ last 13 markers. Abrams, who had 12 points in the first half, added eight in the second half to help in Party Rockers’ break away.

Ito was held to only one field goal in the second half, while Williams made only two baskets and two charities. Williams and Jeralyn Castillo were the only two Aye Par Battay to nail more than two field goals for Aye Par Battay in the final frame.

With Party Rockers finding their mark in the second half, they outgunned Aye Par Battay, 34-18.

Jeraldine Castillo led all scorers with 27 points, while Abrams chipped in 20. Williams paced Aye Par Battay with her 21 markers, while Ito contributed 12.

In the first game, Mix-A-Lot downed the Lazy Buttsss, 46-36.

Lalaine Pagarao carried the load for Mix-A-Lot, as she sizzled for 32 points. Mix-A-Lot improved to a 3-2 record, tying Aye Par Battay for second place.

The Lazy Buttsss remained winless in five games.

Wednesday’s opening match started with both teams hitting a triple. Elilai Pialug put the Lazy Buttsss in the scoreboard with her trey, while Pagarao answered with her own shot from downtown. Pagarao went on to score 10 more points, giving Mix-A-Lot a 17-14 halftime lead.

The former Marianas High School standout continued burning the hoops in the second half to foil Lazy Buttsss’ bid to enter the win column.

Mix-A-Lot 46[/B] – Pagarao 32, Mesa 6, Hofschneider 6, Iriarte 2.

Party Rockers 64[/B] – Castillo 27, Abrams 20, Lebria 8, Gozon 4, Johnson 3.
[B] Aye Par Battay 50[/B] – Williams 21, M. Ito 12, Castillo 8, Palero 5, Arboliras 2, K. Ito 2.