Unmindful of the tiresome land trip from Valencia-Bukidnon to North Cotabato and the agony of its 80-82 defeat to the Golden Harvest the other night, Tribu Sugbu kept its focus in the game to avoid what would have been its worst start in the NBC.
Tribu Sugbu mounted a solid defense that held off ex-pro Tata Fernandez to only eight points, while Mark Ababon had to sacrifice his points to handcuff slippery guard Boboy Tanigue to only five points.
Joseph Ronald Quiñahan topscored for Tribu Sugbu with 18 points, while Doroteo Almacin added 14 markers.
It was very timely for Almacin to contribute since Alex Cainglet is no longer with the team. Another gunner, Joel Co, also did not play because he has to attend some pressing matters in Cebu.
Nyok de Guzman, who finished with six points, ably assisted Quiñahan at the post as well as Marvin Mercado and Randy Sevilla. Quiñahan scored 16 points in two games that they lost.
Ex-pro Tony Boy Espinosa carried the offensive load for the Braves with 16 points.
The scores
Tribu Sugbu (64) - Quiñahan 18, Almain 14, Bucao 8, De Guzman 6, Mercade 5, Abelong 5, Caparros 3, Gadiane 3, Sevilla 2
N. cotabato (61) - Espinosa 16, Tamayo 10, Ligue 9, Fernandez 8, Tanigue 5, Dagatan 4, Mañalac 3, Allado 3, Martinez 3
Quarterscores: 16-17; 37-35; 54-49; 64-61