ITOGON, Benguet – Itogon survived an upset conscious Buguias, got back its composure in the end game and score a 98-89 victory at the Tuding barangay gym Saturday in the Cong. Erikc Go Yap Congressional Cup Benguet Basketball League.
It was a close call for the host squad which found itself in Kapangan’s shoes in the last quarter when Buguias made a run that saw the host team’s 18-point go down to only a marker with less than three minutes remaining.
Kenneth Antonio made this possible after back-to-back treys and Fernando Bacani, Jr. drained one to make it 89-86. A short stab at a crowded paint by John Paul Agayao brought Buguias to just a point behind, 88-89.
However, Itogon made a 10-1 closing run to put the game away and escape what befell Kapangan to the same team last Nov. 9.
It will be recalled that Buguias came from 24 points down to upset Kapangan. Buguias was staring at a six-point deficit with barely a minute left when it conjured a miracle that ruined the table against Kapangan and the eventual victory.
“It was difficult for us with most of the big men absent, but we survived,” said Kim Padawag who nearly made a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. He also added three steals and a single block.
Michael Dannang carried the load for the absent big men with the game high 24 points and 14 boards. He also added six steals.
Sachi Caballero added 17 points before he hit the shower halfway into the last quarter.
Five Buguias men scored in double digits with two of them with double-double performances.
Kapangan game hero Bacani had a team high 23 points on top of 14 boards, the second straight game with that effort. However, this time came up short. He added 14 rebounds, dished four assists and had a steal and a block for the northern town boys.
Antonio also had a stellar performance with his 18 markers, most of which in the second half, while Jerry Olsim, who fouled out with nearly three minutes left chalked 16 markers and 11 rebounds. Effort that were vital in the Buguias last quarter insurrection. He had two assists and two steals.
Karl Pangosban and Jumar Pulido added 10 a – piece.
Buguias played catch the whole 40 minutes encounter and actually never led.
Meanwhile, Tuba and defending champion are tied 27-all early in the second quarter in the last of the five scheduled games here.
