The first game was a matchup between youth teams MDX-Armatech and Samahang Laguna-Unity Lions Club, which ended up in a 28-point blowout with MDX crushing Laguna, 79-51.
MDX was off and running from the moment of tip-off scoring 21 points in the first period on fastbreak opportunities and dominating Laguna with their height on the boards and on defense.
The smaller Laguna team couldn’t keep up, scoring only five points in the first ten minutes of play from Ankie Manalili’s jumper and Reynald Cabaltica’s triple from the corner.
In the second quarter, Laguna put up a stronger fight, posting 13, but that didn’t stifle MDX who scored 20 in the second to go up 41-18 heading into halftime.
After intermission, Laguna scored another 13 points, but still couldn’t break MDX’s zone defense schemes as they scored 17 in the third.
Heading into fourth, MDX felt very comfortable and confident that they notched the first win of the UFO youth tourney.
But Laguna was still showing effort with a strong 20-point quarter.
Laguna’s Aydan Gagaring took advantage of MDX’s complacency by grabbing rebounds and putting them up for second chance points. He scored 11 points in that final period, but that obviously wasn’t enough as MDX grabbed their first win of the season.
Matt Duenas top scored for MDX with 15 points. Sheen Metran helped his team’s winning cause with 14.
Laguna’s Gagaring scored a team-high 15, while Manalili posted 10 in their ball club’s losing effort.
Scores:
MDX-Armatech – Duenas 15, Metran 14, Castro 10, Maravan 8, Feria 8, De Vero 8, Aiso 7, Ralf 6, Vertudez 3
Samahang Laguna-Unity Lions Club – Gagaring 15, Manalili 10, Cabaltica 7, Madreo 7, Aldan 4, G. Macahito 3, F. Macahito 2, Damatan 2, Habisan 1
Quarter scores: 21-5, 41-18, 58-31, 79-51
