LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Tublay had a slow start but finished strong to beat a fighting Bakun, 96-76, in the Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup Benguet Basketball League at the Benguet Sports Complex here Saturday.
Nicanor Menzi, Jr. had a double-double performance of 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead Tublay which was trailing by as much as three, 40-37, late in the second canto where they lost big man Radjih Andres with 2:53 left in that period after committing successive technical fouls.
Andres was contesting a foul called against him in a rebound against Dignus Menzi, but officials called it in favor of Bakun infuriating the former who chased after the official.
But it was a sort of wake-up call for the stronger Tublay squad as they unleashed a 9-1 run to finish the half at 46-41.
“It is still a problem of gelling. We are still trying to feel each other due to lack of practice and fact that many are busy with their personal stuff,” said Menzi, actually a football player like his brother Audi, who is with the national squad or Azkals.
Cassie Czen Tagulao had one of his better games with 16 markers, while Arjun Dagwasi, who came only in the second half due to a class at the Benguet State University added 13 markers.
Tublay improved to 4-6 (win-loss) and a small chance of pipping Mankayan for the last quarterfinals slot. But Tublay has two tough remaining foes – Bokod and Buguias.
Ryan Contada in his last game had 15 points and 15 rebounds to lead the team anew as he finished the elimination with a 21.42 points per game average.
Dignus Menzi and Tristan Antonio added 13 and 10 points, respectively as Bakun bowed out of the tournament with a 1-11 card. CEGYCC Release
