Cebuano Shaq Imperial of Zamboanga Sibugay is defended by a Basilan player during their match in the VisMin Super Cup on Monday evening. | Photo from VisMin Super Cup Media Bureau.
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Zamboanga Sibugay Anak Mindanao Warriors clinched their fourth straight win in the ongoing Choooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge by escaping the Basilan BRT Peace Riders, 62-61, on Monday evening, November 29, 2021, at the Pagadian City Gymnasium.
The Warriors are now tied with the BYB Buffalo Kapatagan at the top spot of the standings with identical 4-2 (win-loss) slates.
Meanwhile, Basilan, which suffered its third straight loss, is at fourth with a 3-3 (win-loss) card.
Tied at 58, Cebuano Shaq Imperial banked in a jumper to give the Anak Mindanao Warriors a two-point advantage, 60-58, with 1:33 to go.
In the ensuing play, Imperial drove to the basket and at the last second, dropped the ball to Enrique Caunan for an easy lay-in and a two-possession lead, 62-58, with 48.5 ticks left.
But Peace Rider Jorem Morada answered back quickly with a triple on the other end to inch to within one, 61-62.
But Med Salim and Morada’s attempts missed which could’ve gave Basilan the lead, and possibly the win.
“Stay composed lang kami palagi. Every possession composed lang,” said Warriors head coach Arnold Oliveros. “Huwag mataranta, isecure namin ‘yung boards, walang second chance points.”
Lester Reyes led the Warriors with 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Imperial, who is the reigning Cesafi men’s basketball MVP, chipped in 12 points, all from the second half, to go with four rebounds, and four assists.
Francis Camacho and Caunan combined for 15 points.
On the other hand, Morada finished with 20 points in a losing cause alongside five rebounds and four turnovers.
Dennis Daa chalked up 10 points and eight rebounds but committed four turnovers as well.
The Scores:
Zamboanga Sibugay 62 – Reyes 13, Imperial 12, Camacho 8, Caunan 7, Lacastesantos 4, Jamon 4, Octobre 4, Penaredondo 2, Sorela 2, Dumapig 2, Tayongtong 2, Bangcoyan 2, Acain 0, Albrecht 0.
Basilan 61 – Morada 20, Daa 10, Luciano 9, Salim 7, Panganiban 6, Hallare 4, Soliva 2, Lunor 2, Julkipli 0, Goloran 0, Ferrer 0.
Quarterscores: 17-18, 33-25, 51-48, 62-61.
/bmjo
READ MORE: Imperial tows Zamboanga Sibugay to first win in Chooks-to-Go Mindanao Challenge