Isaiah gains share of lead in Genesis Cup

Isaiah joined defending champion Daniel on top of the leaderboard in the 4th Genesis Cup Christian Churches Inter-Color Basketball League after routing Joshua, 66-44, last Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Isaiah’s Francis Estanislao unloads a one-hander against Joshua’s Darwin Gonzales, while Roger Abe looks on during the first half of their game in the Genesis Cup last Monday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Isaiah improved its record to 2-0 to lead Joshua (1-1), Gideon (1-1), Caleb (1-1), Ezekiel (1-1), Samuel (0-2), and Jeremiah (0-2).

Marlo Ibanez and Walter Brillo scored 12 points each to hand Isaiah a clean record. Ibanez drilled 8 of his total points in the first half to help Isaiah control the match in the closing minutes of that period. Isaiah even managed to take a double-digit spread, 24-14, as Joshua was stuck to 14 points for nearly five minutes before Donnel Isip hit a wide-open short jumper.

Before going cold, Joshua even led at 14-13. It never recovered after facing a 21-29 halftime deficit as Brillo took over from Ibanez in the second half, firing 8 of his total output in the final 20 minutes of play. Five other Isaiah players scored at least two baskets apiece in the second half to ease past Joshua, while two more contributed one field goal apiece.

Only three players nailed more than two baskets for Joshua in the second half, as the team faltered in its bid for a follow-up of its 60-54 debut win against Ezekiel.

Ezekiel made for that first loss when it edged Samuel in the curtain-raiser last Monday, 61-54.

Ezekiel used a balanced offense to barge into the win column with its 7-point victory over Samuel. Vhoie Francia registered 12 points, Roy Alcantara added 10, and Travis Eubanks and Brendon Perez contributed 9 apiece. Alvin Rebong and Sam Ramirez combined for 13, while three more players scored for Ezekiel.

Jerome Reyes paced Samuel with his 18 points, but had only 6 in the second half.

Meanwhile, games in the eight-team league will resume Friday night with Caleb taking on Jeremiah in the first match at 6pm and Joshua meeting Gideon in the second tiff at 8pm.

First Game
Ezekiel 61 – Francia 12, Alcantara 10, Lizardo 9, Eubanks 9, Rebong 7, Ramirez 6, Surima 4, Irog 3, Conti 1.

Samuel 54 – Reyes 18, Ponce 10, Samonte 8, Guevarra 7, Bordon 4, Badal 3, Pacia 2, Bonquin 2.

Scoring by halves: 31-29, 61-54.

Second Game
Isaiah 66 – Ibanez 12, Brillo 12, Fataliofa 9, Puno 6, Dalusung 6, Gragasin 6, Cortez 5, Estanislao 4, De Leon 4, Bulaklak 4.

Joshua 44 – Chavez 11, Isip 10, Gonzales 10, Dequito 5, Sayas 4, Calub 2.

Scoring by halves: 29-21, 66-44.