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CUC thwarts Docomo Pacific
Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s John Santos pulls up for an off-balance shot against three Docomo Pacific defenders during the second quarter of their game in the JP World caging last Monday night at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
John Santos and Frank Mizutani top-scored in CUC’s debut win, making 14 points apiece, while Alain Nunez chipped in 11. James Benavente and Robert Lieto added 8 markers each to complete CUC’s balance scoring that proved to be the key factor in the win, as Docomo relied heavily on one man—Tony Diaz.
Diaz sizzled for 32 points, as he was forced to take over with his teammates struggling with their outside shots. Diaz was the lone double-figure scorer for Docomo, as Robert Sanciangco contributed only 9 points and muffed a lot of outside shots.
Docomo began missing a bundle of long jumpers in the second quarter and rarely had a chance for a second crack at the basket, as Mizutani and Lieto did a good job controlling the boards. With Docomo having a so-so offense in the second canto and tallying only 9 points, CUC turned a 13-all score at the end of the first period to a 33-22 advantage at the break. CUC gained control of the match after launching a 16-4 scoring in the first six minute of the second period. Mizutani and Nunez led CUC in the second quarter, drilling 6 points apiece, while four of their teammates also hit the board in the pivotal frame.
Diaz was scoreless in the second-quarter meltdown, but redeemed himself in the third, registering 8 points, as Docomo sliced the deficit to single digit, 42-51, entering the final canto. Diaz was still at it in the fourth period as he tried to bring Docomo back into the game, but clearly lacked support from his teammates, while Santos and company managed to protect CUC’s lead.
Diaz had a breakout quarter in the fourth, exploding for 15, but each of his teammates made no more than 4 points. On the other hand, CUC drew 6 more points from Santos, while Benavente added 4, and four more CUC players drilled important baskets in the fourth to thwart Docomo’s rally.
CUC 67 – Santos 14, Mizutani 12, Nunez 11, Benavente 8, Lieto 8, Poquiz 6, Masga 4, Camacho 2.
Docomo Pacific 63 – Diaz 32, Sanciangco 9, Hayes 4, Napu 4, Santos 2.
Scoring by quarters: 13-13, 33-22, 51-42, 67-63.
