San Beda-powered TRMH-CMO downs Zambo 67-77
Investing on youth, defending champion The Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office, powered by the San Beda Red Lions “B” squad, opened its campaign on a high note with a 77-67 win over RM Zamboanga City in the Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte Araw ng Dabaw Basketball tournament at the Almendras gym Monday night.
TRMH-CMO relied on its teamwork to compensate for height and heft deficiency over the struggling Zamboanga squad that’s owned by world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. Lancelot Abude and Francis Abarcar, two of the four San Beda players from Davao City, led TRH-CMO with 13 and 12 points respectively.
The other Dabawenyo Van Adam Abatayo added nine points while Baser Amer remained in Manila to try a spot with the PH Sinag national training pool.
The Red Lions of coach Ford Arao only enjoyed a 14-13 lead in the first quarter before taking a 33-29 halftime advantage. The Red Lions used their speed and trapping defense to widen their lead, 58-52 midway in the final half.
Instead of recruiting former PBA players and a foreign import, TRMH-CMO decided to go with a youth-laden line-up and hooked up with the San Beda squad of the NCAA. The Red Lions, however, could only send six of their Team A players and the rest are “B” squad members.
“I am happy with the win. Not much expectations now because I know the other teams are big and experienced,” said TRMH-CMO team owner Glenn Escandor.
Ping Masaglang scored 17 points for RM’s losing effort while former MP Pacman pointguard Louie Medalla added 12 while Atoy Guiab had 11.
In the nightcap, Montana Pawnshop led by burly 6-foot-7 import Lanory Sanjo from Cameron exploded in the final quarter to beat arch-rival Goldstar Hardware, 64-59.
As of press time, Montana of coach Nick Serafica was playing against the RM Zamboanga coached by Dennison Miller while TRMH-CMO takes on archrival Goldstar with coach Ice Gravador at the helm.
The champion will earn P100,000, second P60,000, third P40,000 and fourth P30,000 with trophies. The Most Valuable Player and Best Coach will both received P5,000 each.
City Sports Development Division OIC Butch Ramirez welcomed all the teams and guests during the opening together with Mayor Rody Duterte’s Special Assistant Bong Go, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas regional director Regino “Boy” Cua, city sports consultant Glenn Escandor and former national coach Joe Lipa.
