Sonics still undefeated in TanHoldings caging

The Sonics’ Christian Bravo takes off for a floater during the second half of their game against the Ol’Aces 2 in the boys U18 division of the 2019 TanHoldings Christmas Basketball Tournament last Saturday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The 670 Sonics earned two more victories to remain unbeaten in the boys U18 division of the 2019 TanHoldings Christmas Basketball Tournament.

The Sonics downed the Ol’Aces 1, 53-45, at the resumption of play at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium last Thursday and then routed the Ol’Aces 2 last Saturday, 61-46, to improve to a 6-0 record. The Sonics are gunning for an elimination round sweep yesterday when they faced the Ol’Aces 3 and regardless of the results of their last game, the division leaders are already assured of one of the four playoff berths.

Versus the Ol’Aces 2, the Sonics foiled their foes’ upset bid after rallying in the second half that started with the former ahead, 24-17.

Khristian Itaas, who did not play in the first half, showed up in the final 20 minutes of play and helped the Sonics fight back after scoring 12 points. Christian Bravo, on the other hand, added 8 markers in the second half for his consistent showing for the Sonics, as he finished with a game-high 17 points.

In their earlier game against the Ol’Aces 1, the Sonics had a good start, leading at 26-18 after the first half to gain enough cushion en route to their fifth win in the competition.

Itaas, Jedial Manalo, and Jeffrey Seo teamed up for the Sonics in the first half after combining for 18 points. They also hit key baskets in the closing minutes of the second half to withstand the Ol’Aces 1’s rally and hand their foe its first loss.

Ol’Aces 1 49, Rollers 1 43
The Ol’Aces 1 recovered quickly from its first defeat after outclassing Rollers 1 last Saturday.
Jesstin Laniyo top-scored for the Ol’Aces 1 with his 15 points, while Duncan Laxa also finished in twin digits with his 11 markers. Gregory Deleon Guerrero and Chioni Dela Cruz had 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for Rollers 1.

WOMEN’S DIVISION
Baby Ol’Aces 41, Lady Rollers 26
The Baby Ol’Aces whipped the Lady Rollers in the second game in the division last Saturday.

Sedrei Camacho stood out in the Baby Ol’Aces’ lopsided victory after firing 21 point, including 9 of the team’s last 11 markers. Angel Roligat also had twin digits after adding 10 points.

CTSI 58, Lady Ol’Aces 46
In the other match in the division, CTSI also eased past the Lady Ol’Aces.

CTSI built a 34-19 victory in the first half and never looked back.

Irish Pagarao paced CTSI with her 17 points, while Jan Travilla chipped in 13.