The Saints’ JR Thongaram looks behind as he drives for the fastbreak bucket during a game against the Ol’Aces in the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
The Saints’ Leo Galarse extends for the right-hand finish against two Ol’Aces defenders during a Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 game at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
THE Saints remain one of the top contenders in the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 after clinching their sixth win by defeating the Ol’Aces (Martech), 71-63, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Tuesday.
Both teams were matched in speed and height as they exchanged leads and buckets throughout all four quarters.
In the opening 10 minutes, both teams prioritized close-ranged shots. The Ol’Aces’ Melvin Sakisat Jr ignited the run with the first two shots followed by another pair by Sidney Quan. The Ol’Aces later extended their range with a triple from Kevin Kabriel.
The Saints had a similar output but with more ball movements led by Jude Tengco who delivered five points, including a triple, while his teammates on and off the bench contributed their share to tie the score, 15-15.
In the second quarter, the Saints started to gain momentum with constant offensive pressure. Orchestrating the offensive was JR Thongaram who acted like a sparkplug, lighting the fuse with eight points. With Luizi Reyes’s ability to finish at the rim, their team led at halftime, 35-31.
But the Ol’Aces managed to bounce back in in the third period using their defensive pressure to force turnovers and score on the other end. Sakisat picked up where he left off leading the run with six points while Gino Libuw and Quan contributed four points each. They also held the Saints to just eight points as the Ol’Aces seized the lead, 52-43.
However, the Ol’Aces’ reign was short-lived as the Saints gave them a taste of their own medicine with a full court press. Causing chaos before reaching half court, the Saints cooked up a quick comeback with each successful defensive stop. Tengco and Luizi Reyes stood at the frontline with four points each while L Rock Reyes and Jeff Yugummang provided the additional buckets to seal the deal, 71-63.
Scores
Saints 71 – Jude Tengco 13, Luizi Reyes 12, JR Thongaram 12, Jeff Yugummang 8, L Rock Reyes 6, Melvin Manibusan 6, Leo Galarse 4, Trevor Ogumoro 4, Aurel Mendiola 2
Ol’Aces (Martech) 63 – Melvin Sakisat 17, Sidney Quan 12, Jawn Joyner 10, Harry Kapwich 7, Kevin Kabriel 7, Elias Rangamar 4, KD Fiden 4, Omari Joab 2
