LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Bokod used a second quarter 34-4 blitz to ease past Bakun, 119-66, Tuesday to win the first of a planned sweep of its last four games that could assure last year’s bridesmaid to fourth seed in the upcoming quarterfinals of the Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup – Benguet Basketball League at the Benguet Sports Complex.
While brothers John Ric and June Ray Buenaventura, Shane Balnges and Roy Pulac literally obliterated the defense set by Bakun during said canto, they went on a scoring rampage that saw the opposition gasping for breath. Bakun’s four points was the lowest output in a quarter this season.
Balnges poured in seven of his game high 32 points in that period, while the younger Buenaventura led with nine, the bulk of his 16 markers for the night. For Bokod, it appeared that the game was more of a tune-up for the upcoming three game grind that will determine if it will make it to the top four and the twice to beat advantage.
“We are really working on getting into the top four, and this is just the beginning that we hope to carry to the next games,” said Balnges in Iloko after the game where he was named best player.
Balnges said that they will take it one game at a time and be as dominant as they used to be. Last year, Bokod took the league by storm when it went 12-1 at the end of the elimination round. However, they fell short of the title when La Trinidad 1 avenged its elimination round defeat for a two-game sweep of the finals.
Despite acquiring former University of Baguio Cardinal Rey Bilibli this season, bit lost big man and former Saint Louis University Navigator Ramil Alimba, to form the “power guards” that is the most lethal backcourt duo in the league, Bokod struggled this season.
That, Pulac, said is more attributed to the lack of men during games.
Bokod suffered defeats from Kapangan, an 82-101 setback, Itogon (11-120) and Kabayan before the Christmas break, 85-91.
Bokod must now work doubly hard to get to the promise land of top four to avoid a twice to win to advance.
“It will be tough, but we must work doubly hard now. We can do that if most of our players come, practice and play,” said Balnges, who literally picked up balls from air despite efforts from his opponents during the Tuesday Bokod rampage.
While Itogon, La Trinidad and a surprising Kabayan are already assured of top four finishes, the last slot was opened when Tuba fell to Itogon last Saturday that brought last year’s third runner-up to 8-3 win-loss slate with one game remaining against Kabayan.
With the walk over win Tuesday night, Kabayan is now at third spot with a 7-2 card and has a tough three game stretch against three of the already eight seeded teams – Itogon, Tuba and Mankayan.
“We have to improve on our defense to get there,” added Balnges who saw big man John Rey returning after a one month lay – off to allow healing on a turn muscle at his right foot.
“It is okay already but I have to take it lightly,” said the older Buenaventura who, despite sitting the last quarter, added 12 markers on top of 10 boards, two assists, five steals and a block.
Two other Bokod players scored in double digits with Pulac, a former Cordillera Career Development College Admiral, adding 14 and Ameer Pablo with 10.
Despite a seven-point performance, Bilibli hauled nine boards and dished 11 dimes.
Anthony Lamsis, Jr. had a game high 13 rebounds to add to his seven markers as Bokod improved to 6-3.
Ryan Contada once again led Bakun with 26 points including 10 rebounds, five assists and a single steal. Ivan Kigisan and Hazriq Monte added 11 points a – piece.
Next stop for Bokod is Buguias on Saturday, then Tublay on January 14 and complete its elimination round with the awaited rematch with La Trinidad on January 18. CEGYCC Release
Bokod 2Q run breaks Bakun’s spirit in dominant win
