Andhok’s Grille regroups, beats QQ

After dropping three straight games and losing two players, Andhok’s Grille finally got a break, winning over QQ Rent A Car, 70-61, in the lone game played in the 2nd Domino Lux International Fraternity/Miller Lite Basketball Invitational Friendship League last Monday night at the Gualo Rai Basketbal Court.

Big men Jorge De Guzman and Tim Wesley and guard White Capalad delivered solid games for Andhok’s, which earned only its third win in eight games and first in about three weeks. Andhok’s had an even 2-2 record at the start of the month after outlasting SCS Heavy Equipment Rental in overtime, 88-83, last March 3, but lost its next three games. The Boy Garcia-coached squad played two of those three losses without point guard Mike Olaitiman and defender John Artates, who were both banned from the league after figuring in a fight against Smart Cagers’ Edwin Santos last March 9.

Wesley was also involved in the altercation, but was only slapped with a one-game suspension. He returned to action against Crystal Pure last Friday, but scored only 10 quiet points before redeeming himself against QQ and teaming up with De Guzman in the paint.

Wesley had 17 points, while De Guzman tallied 19 to support the 23 of Capalad. The trio combined for 20 of Andhok’s 24 points in the third period, turning a 33-24 halftime lead to a 57-42 advantage, entering the final canto.

Andhok’s managed a nine-point lead at the break, as after a close first quarter, 19-16, it held QQ to eight points in the second period. QQ shooters, particularly Elgene Mangali, struggled all night. Mangali was limited to seven points, a far cry from his 29 markers in their 80-69 upset over Mobil, and made only one triple. He logged only one field goal in the first half, was held to four points in the third period, and scoreless in the fourth.

Lerio Pagarao top-scored for QQ with 12, but failed to score in streaks, while Rolly Paraiso, who had 19 in their previous game, finished with only 10 and was a non-factor in the first three quarters.

Meanwhile, the make-up game featuring Shirley’s Coffee Shop and Blue Haus last Monday night was reset due to miscommunication between the organizers and former.

Andhok’s Grille 70 – Capalad 23, De Guzman 19, Wesley 17, Castro 4, Umali 3, Camacho 2, Garcia 2.