Lawsa lifts Team Manol in squeaker over Tisa

Ryan Lawsa converted a fade away jumper as Team Manol nipped Tisa, 73-72, to log its first victory in the ongoing elimination round of the Atan Guardo Cup basketball tournament at the Sitio Manga hardcourt last night in Barangay Tisa.

Lawsa, who topscored with 21 markers aside from plucking six rebounds, played Manol's lucky charm after sinking a mid-range jumper in the dying seconds of the game to give Manol the victory.

Manol played catch up in the first two quarters after Tisa made an imposing stint in the painted area with the daunting presence of Jun and Nestor Pacaña, who combined for 35 points.

Tisa also displayed good perimeter shooting with Jenjen Jorges and Victor Navarro at the offensive forefront, which gave Tisa a commanding 10-point lead in the second quarter. Jorges and Navarro scored 13 and six points, respectively.

Tisa's scoring spree was cut off immediately after Manol enforced rough defense on Pacaña while Lawsa and PJ Lebrado were above reproach in offense. Lebrado added 16 while Cris Legal chipped in 11 markers for the win.

Meanwhile, Juhnel defeated Bogie Mart, 48-45, with Elmer Quivete and Luel Sosobrado conniving for 24 points.

Rico Gidorio paced for the losing Bogie Mart with 27 markers.