ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR. – Jumbo Plastic-Basilan crushed Visayas champs KCS Mandaue94-67 in Game 1 of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup best-of-five Southern FinalsWednesday at the Pagadian City Gymnasium here.
The Computer Specialists made the first basket of the game, but that would be the last time they took the lead.
The Peace Riders took a 44-31 halftime edge and cruised to victory.
“Noong first half, we couldn’t pull away kasi on some plays disorganized kami sa executions. Sinabihan ko lang sila na just follow the pattern sa executions at mas tigasan pa ang depensa,” said Basilan coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Basilan went on a 16-3 run, capped by Michael Mabulac’s deuce in the paint, to take a 60-34 lead with 6:15 left in the third period.
Jong Baloria’s freebie put the Mindanao kings on top by 35, their biggest of the game, 86-50 with 5:43 left.
Mindanao Leg Finals MVP Chris Bitoon continued his fine play, producing 19 points, three assists, and two steals.
Baloria added 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Michael Mabulac had 11 points and six rebounds.Michael Juico, Philip Manalang, and Bobby Balucanag tallied 10 points apiece.
Steve Castro was the lone bright spot for KCS with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, to go with five rebounds and two assists.
