The dominant Pilots wouldn’t settle for a 35-35 deadlock after the first half. Pilot’s Art Trajano struck his second two-pointer of the night, followed by two free throw shots from Sonny Lerio.
Lerio, who shot five three-pointers in the first and second quarter, proved to be a critical player for the Pilots.
Grocers’ Eugene Mangali, Joel Javier, and Jeff Pagarao staggered on the defense, letting Trajano push through for a one handed lay up.
The Pilots slowly scored ahead of the Grocers, who relied on Pagarao’s baskets in the final quarter. After a jump shot from Pilots’ White Capalad, Jun Itaas piled three more points for the team.
Earning a combined total of 49 points, Itaas and Lerio controlled the court in the game’s final minutes. Capalad scored four more points for the Pilots before the time ran out.
Scores:
Saimar Pilot 79 – S. Lerio 31, L. Itaas 18, W. Capalad 14, A. Trajano 10, B. Musni 4, J. Itaas 2
Pacific Grocers 77 – J. Pagarao 17, E. Mangali 14, E. Moises 13, J. Javier 12, L. Apelo 8, C. Lansang 4, J. Ong 2, J. Camacho 1
Quarterscores: 19-17, 35-35, 58-48, 79-72
