New Changming’s Christian David attempts to drive past the Saints’ Leo Galarse during a Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 game at the Ada gym on Saturday.
New Changming’s Juan Camacho takes the shot over the Saints’ Eli Aughenbaugh during a Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 game at the Ada gym on Saturday.
NEW Changming is heading to the playoffs next week after vanquishing the Saints, 94-72, and improving their record to 9 wins and 2 losses in the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Saturday.
New Changming established control by using speed and aggression to get past the Saints. Christian David’s ability to shift speeds when needed kept the Saints on their toes as he started off the run with the first two buckets of the game. Along with a strong defensive presence, fastbreak opportunities came pouring in led by Ronald Bernardo to give New Changming a comfortable lead, 20-13.
The Saints played with sheer hustle as they tried to catch up. They may have lacked the height without their big man Melvin Manibusan, but they still had the strength and speed to keep up. Jude Tengco used his crafty footwork to find the bottom of the net alongside teammates Eli Aughenbaugh and L Rock Reyes with six points apiece, but their team still trailed, 39-50.
Every player in New Changming’s lineup was an offensive threat, and among them was Daryl Foronda, who only saw action in the third quarter. He provided scoring options from the middle of the key with consistent jump shots while teammate Benardo continued to finish each cherry picker.
Dominic Blas, JR Thongaram and Tengco fought back in the name of the Saints, but they only delayed the inevitable and their team had to eventually bow to New Changming, 72-94.
Other games
Akkari Eet 1 entered the playoffs by moving up to the no. 6 spot after they were given their seventh win by Lakay via forfeit.
Team Marianas, for their part, solidified their perfect regular season record with 11 wins and no losses after dismantling Bridge Capital, 111-67.
Scores
New Changming 94 – Ronald Bernardo 24, Christian David 16, Juan Camacho 14, Mark Ferrer 12, Daryl Foronda 10, Elmer Esdrelon 8, Su Diwa 7, Ivan De Vero 3
Saints 72 – Eli Aughenbaugh 16, Jude Tengco 14, L Rock Reyes 9, JR Thongaram 9, Jeff Yugummang 7, Dominic Blas 6, Dominic Blas 5, Trevor Ogumoro 4, Leo Galarse 2
