LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Seven players scored in double digit as Kabayan held off a fighting five Itogon to move into one game of claiming one of the top four spots in the Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup Benguet Basketball League at the Benguet Sports Complex here.
Kabayan used speed to tire out the five Itogon players early and take a commanding 20-point lead in the third canto, but Itogon mounted a strong comeback to move within three, 73-76.
But Kabayan put on the gas as it went to win the game easily.
“We had to play fast in the first canto, then slow down in the second half, but we did not sustain that so they were able to comeback,” said coach Randy Alis.
With two more games remaining the former number nine team seeks to win it all and maybe take the second spot, said Alis as they improve to 8-2.
They are set to face Tuba (8-3) on Thursday to decide which of them will make it to the top three.
Kyle Naisod finished with 23 points, but it was Teofilo Albert who did the yeoman task as the cop finished with 15 markers but dished 17 assists. He added seven boards and five steals in the process.
Arvin Gamboa, who fouled out with more than three minutes remaining, added 14 and pulled 10, Big men Dexter Casio and Yzer Neil Palispis added 12 each, while Karvell Pucay and Johnny Pascua chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
All Itogon players scored in double digit with Lenz Antolino making a game high 25, six of which from long distance, Kim Padawag had 20, while their three biggies Nadres Bugnay, Michael Dannang and David Cosmos added 19, 17 and 14. Same guys pulled down 16, 15 and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.
Itogon has Mankayan as its last game.
Six volleyball games are scheduled at the same venue tomorrow where Itogon (4-4) tries to survive when it tangles with the queens of five sets, Tublay (5-4).
Tuba starts the day when it tangles with Atok in an effort to bounce back from the four set loss to Kapangan last Sunday. Bakun and Bokod are slated in the second game, while seventh ranked Buguias is slated to meet Kibungan.
League leader Sablan tests Kabayan which is eyeing an eighth-place finish. Kapangan is also set to fortify its top three position when it tangles with eighth ranked Mankayan. CEGYCC Release
