Despite many turnovers that allowed Celtics’ Tim Tagutchi to sizzle with 19 points in the second half, the Sonics managed to put themselves together and pulled away in the last few minutes of the game.
The first half was a tight battle between the two teams as Tagutchi and Dae Min Jeon helped the Celtics kept pace with the Sonics with their brazen attacks which at times, broke the Sonics’ tight defense.
However, Palacios’ power play inside the box and Cadiang successful jumpers inched the Sonics away handing them a six-point cushion at the end of the first half.
The Sonics who seemed to have changed their offense strategy stretched their lead but the Celtics managed to close in with Tagutchi sizzling with 19 of his 27 points and Richard Wung backing him up for a pick and roll.
Maratita and Cadiang continued their scoring surge in the second half to widen their lead with two-pointers and the Sonics never trailed.
Maratita led the Sonics as he tallied a total of 20 points while Cadiang added 16 points.
Kagman Ayuyu 79, Rollers B 40
Ichi Faisao scattered 30 points in the court to lead Kagman Ayuyu in routing the Rollers B, 79-40.
Faisao launched Kagman Ayuyu’s opening attack with a two-pointer. His second attempt did not make it but allowed him to make a pair of free throws.
He continued Kagman Ayuyu’s offense in the first half while Hossain delivered 10 of his 12 points to keep pulling away towards the half break.
Dominic Reyes picked up where Hossain left off firing nine markers in the second half while Faisao continued to pour in points and Kagman Ayuyu never looked back.
Scores:
Sonics 78 – J. Maratita 20, M. Cadiang 16, A. Palacios 13, T. Ecalnea 9, D. Brana 6, J. Villanueva 6, L. Byun 2, J. Del Rosario 2, R. Ferrer 2, M. Norita 2.
Celtics 55 – T. Tagutchi 27, R. Wung 12, J. Basa 6, D. Jeon 6, J. Villagomez 4.
Halftime scores: 33-27, 78-55
Kagman Ayuyu 79 – I. Faisao 30, Hossain 12, D. Reyes 10, K. Ogo 7, J. Brel 6, T. Pangelinan 5, B. Babauta 4, J. Kaipat 3, D. Camacho 2.
Rollers B 40 – J. Norita 15, L. Deleon Guerrero 8, J. Laniyo 7, J. Cenir 4, R. Lisua 4.
Halftime scores: 39-22, 79-40
