THE Martech Ol’Aces and Team Marianas are one step closer to the coveted Michelob Ultra Cup after defeating their respective foes in the first round of the double-elimination playoffs Tuesday at the Ada gym.
The Ol’Aces were the first team to advance after manhandling Socho, 109-78.
The opening quarter had both teams firing from all cylinders. Doming Faisao started the offensive run for Socho before Jonathan Limes and Frank Mettao took over for a combined 11 points.
The Ol’Aces found their stride with Kiven Kabiriel at the frontline, delivering 12 points, including two triples, to put them ahead, 24-17.
In the second canto, the Ol’Aces established control thanks to their twin towers, Zack Diaz and Jack Lizama, who disrupted Socho’s rhythm even as the Ol’Aces turned each successful stop into an offensive push with Preston Basa connecting two buckets while Airson Atan and Riley Brungard took over in the remaining minutes to push a double-digit lead, 54-37.
Socho tried to bounce back in the third period with Athan Taisague scoring eight straight points, but they could not stop the Ol’Aces’ onslaught led by Aiferson Atan who delivered seven points en route to an easy victory in the fourth and final quarter, 109-78.
Team Marianas vs Save More
Team Marianas, for their part, eased past Save More, 98-65.
Team Marianas grasped control right from the start as Greg Sablan powered his way inside the paint with Coby Santos finishing the opening quarter strong with seven straight points for a comfortable 22-12 lead.
The lead continued to grow as Team Marianas started to gain more confidence. Sablan remained consistent from all around with one three-pointer while Eli Garcia delivered the buckets for a combined 17 points to outscore Save More in the second canto.
Save More’s best run came during the third quarter with Mi’i Tekiupua and Bryan Bernardo scoring inside the paint, but the extra firepower coming off Team Marianas’ bench was more than enough to pave their smooth road to victory, 98-65.
Martech Ol’Aces’ Airson Atan gets fouled as he goes up for the finish against Socho during a playoff game of the Michelob Ultra Cup 2023 Tuesday at the Ada gym.
Martech Ol’Aces’ Riley Brungard takes the uncontested three-point shot during a playoff game of the Michelob Ultra Cup 2023 Tuesday at the Ada gym.
