IT&E remains one of the biggest contenders in the 2024 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government/Business League after handing Marpac-Budweiser their very first loss of the season, 91-83, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Monday.
The game was filled with four quarters of intense action and endless lead exchanges.
In the opening 10 minutes, IT&E’s Ervin Villarin stood at the frontline of the offensive end as he used his quick first step to blow by defenders with ease, scoring 10 uncontested points.
On the other end, Marpac-Budweiser emphasized teamwork and ball movement led by Choini Dela Cruz who delivered nine points alongside Greg Sablan who scored four to give their team a slight advantage, 20-15.
The seesaw battle continued in the second period with IT&E closing the distance. Thanks to Daniel Madreo’s speed and ability to finish at the rim, he scored seven consecutive points within the first four minutes, cutting Marpac-Budweiser’s lead to 26-27.
But Marpac-Budweiser’s Henry Sablan and Frank Mettao came off the bench to score four points each while teammate Greg Sablan led the run with eight points to keep their team afloat going into halftime, 43-41.
Although Marpac-Budweiser was in control, they struggled to keep up with Madreo and Villarin on the defensive end, committing fouls in their endless attempts to stop the duo. In the second half, several Marpac-Budweiser players found themselves in foul trouble, limiting their defensive capabilities.
IT&E used this opportunity to strike as Villarin and Madreo picked up where they left off, combining for 20 points while teammate Jhon Singca sank a pair of triples to seize the lead, 70-66.
Both teams fought vigorously throughout the fourth and final quarter, but with each passing minute, Marpac-Budweiser became desperate and was forced to foul in order to stop the clock. For his part, Villarin sank a clutch three-point shot and followed it with four successful free throws to secure IT&E’s upset victory, 91-83.
Joining the winner’s circle was Docomo Pacific, which outlasted CUC, 65-62.
Scores:
IT&E 91 – Ervin Villarin 40, Daniel Madreo 34, Jhon Singca 13, Jerald Rivera 2, Marlon Torres 2
Marpac-Budweiser 83 – Chioni Dela Cruz 29, Greg Sablan 27, Frank Mettao 9, James Lee 6, Henry Sablan 4, Jeffrey Castro 4, Ricky Riungel 2, John Diaz 2
***
Docomo Pacific 65 – Shane Deleon Guerrero 25, Anthony Diaz 17, Donnovan Santos 11, Pedro Lizama 6, Kenneth Palec 2, Richard Mendiola 4
CUC 62 – Rachel Langu 22, Joe Santos 17, John Nekaifes 12, Francisco Lieto 4, Fred Dionisio 4, Arvin Daluyen 2, Dave Hidalgo 1
IT&E’s Ervin Villarin gets fouled as he goes up for the jumpshot during a game against Marpac-Budweiser in the 2024 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government/Business League at the Ada gym.
IT&E’s Daniel Madreo drives past a defender during a game against Marpac-Budweiser in the 2024 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government/Business League at the Ada gym.
