IT&E notched their first win in the 2022 IT&E MIBL Fantasy Draft Basketball Tournament on Saturday by edging Aqua, 70-69, at the Agape Christian School gym.
Aqua’s Keith Santos protects the ball as he gathers for the layup during a 2022 IT&E MIBL Fantasy Draft Basketball Tournament game at the ACS gym.
It was a seesaw battle for control throughout the entire game.
IT&E were the first to seize the lead thanks to their balanced teamwork. Rodel Pastrana led the assault with six points while Airson Atan, Kelvin Fitial, Meljune Capalad and Preston Basa contributed three points each for a 16-13 IT&E advantage.
Aqua could only rely on the scoring abilities of Greg Sablan and Jack Aranda, but they also played tight defense and soon took over the game.
In the third quarter, Aqua’s Arrin Daluyan and Keith Santos joined the assault as their team enjoyed a 47-36 lead.
But in the final quarter, IT&E’s Fitial and Pastrana, who struggled to find their rhythm in the second and third quarters, heated up and carried their team back to the top by scoring eight points each while team mate Basa showcased his range with two triples.
Aqua’s Santos, Sablan and Aranda gave it their all but they fell short and had to settle for defeat, 69-70.
In the second game of the night, La Mesa Kusina reigned supreme with a blowout victory over Latte Built, 70-36.
Mac Mintac led La Mesa Kusina to victory with 12 points while team mate Coby Santos contributed nine points.
