Daniel, Isaiah keep top spot

Daniel and Isaiah are still tied for the lead in the 4th Genesis Cup Christian Churches Inter-Color Basketball League following their separate wins last Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Daniel’s Dindo Pablo pulls up for a shot against Samuel’s Eric Abragan, while Jessie Pacia, left, stands by for help defense during the second half of their game in the Genesis Cup last Monday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Isaiah improved to a 3-0 record after downing Ezekiel in the first game, 68-59, while Daniel earned the same perfect mark following a 76-57 triumph over Samuel in the second match of the night. Daniel and Isaiah lead Gideon (2-1), Caleb (2-1), Ezekiel (1-2), Joshua (1-2), Samuel (0-3), and Jeremiah (0-3).

Both Daniel and Isaiah went to business in the second half after a so-so performance in the first frame to keep their immaculate slates.

In the first game, the towering Fred Fatialofa used his height advantage against the much smaller Ezekiel frontliners to dominate the paint and scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half. Fatialofa also drew support from Marlo Ibanez and Walter Brillo, who chipped in 9 and 8 markers in the second half, which started with Ezekiel holding a precarious 28-27 lead.

Ezekiel hung on to the slim advantage at the break after getting 8 points from Roy Alcantara and at least two baskets each from four other players. Alcantara then faded away in the second half as he was held to two free throws, while only Travis Eubanks and Vhoi Francia nailed more than two field goals for Ezekiel, allowing Isaiah to grab the driver’s seat en route to the 9-point win.

In the second game, Daniel also fought back in the second half after facing a 32-35 halftime deficit, thanks to Angelo Hernaez’s 13 points in the final 20 minutes of play.

Reli Del Rio stepped up too in the second half, adding 8, as he and Hernaez nearly matched the total output out Samuel in the second half, 21-22. Andrew Palino, Mark Robles, and Alain Nunez contributed 6 points apiece in the second half turnaround, while Chris Joson scored 4.

Jerome Reyes was the lone Samuel player to hit more than two baskets in their second-half meltdown, knocking in three field goals. Ronnie Gueverra, who finished the half with 10 points, was limited to 4 in the second frame, failing to put Samuel in the win column after three games.

Meanwhile, Daniel will shoot for win No. 4 when it takes on Joshua tomorrow at 6:30pm. In the second game, Jeremiah will try to end its three-game slide when it faces Ezekiel at 8pm.

First Game
Isaiah 68 – Fatialofa 17, Brillo 13, Estanislao 12, Ibanez 9, Cortez 7, De Leon 4, Gragrasin 3, Dalusung 3, Arroyo 2.

Ezekiel 59 – Eubanks 13, Alcantara 10, Surima 10, Irog 8, Francia 7, Rebong 6, Conti 5.

Scoring by halves: 27-28, 68-59.

Second Game
Daniel 76 – Hernaez 24, Del Rio 15, Palino 13, Nunez 9, Robles 6, Pablo 4, Joson 4.

Samuel 57 – Guevarra 14, Reyes 13, Belgado 6, Bordon 6, Calibo 6, Ponce 4, Badal 4, De Luna 2, Abragan 2.

Scoring by halves: 32-35, 76-57.