The Group A champions pulled away in a strong second half to defeat Sherwin Williams, 71-66 in the 2011 Blue Haus Invitational League last Friday at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
MBI’s Leo Galarse blasted seven free throws and led the scores at 28 points while Marvin Achas and Noel David scored 14 and 11, respectively.
Despite an early three-pointer from Dado Vistal, Sherwin Williams fell back three points in the first quarter.
Achas landed back-to-back baskets and Melbert Delarama fired a jump shot to tally six points in the opening five minutes.
Since ousting Inchcape from the playoffs two weeks ago, MBI didn’t disappoint on a steady offense. Galarse tallied 12 points on run and gun plays to hold their lead in the second quarter.
Sherwin Williams’ uphill battle grew more difficult after allowing Achas and Art Trajano a shot at the basket before half time.
Galarse, Aris Cordero, and Delarama each hammered three-pointers to secure the second half on a 36-33 run. Jeff Garcia posted seven points as Trajano squeezed in two.
Sherwin Williams – still in the game – remains two wins away from the finals.
MBI was scheduled to play Cellular Pro last night but results weren’t available during press time.
Scores:
MBI 71 – L. Galarse 28, M. Achas 14, N. David 11, J. Garcia 7, M. Delarama 6, A. Cordero 3, A. Trajano 2
Sherwin Williams 66 – J. Tabora 22, J. Garon 16, D. Vistal 13, V. Mallari 6, D. Dayrit 4, F. Tobias 3
Quarterscores: 19-16, 35-32, 55-47, 71-66
