Convergys smothers Global in Inter-BPO cage tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Strong title contender Convergys banked on a blistering 25-6 rally in the first quarter to pummel Cebu Global, 75-42, in the 5th Inter-BPO Basketball Championship at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Cebu Global failed to recover from that slump, allowing Convergys to navigate smoothly to a 33-point demolition behind the efforts of Venerando De La Pena Jr. and Arnold Caesar Esteban, who connived for 30 points.

In the other games, Western Wats fell prey to Wipro, 50-53, while the ICT Group spanked the 1&1 Internet Philippines, 66-59.

The triple eight scores of Alain Alonzo, Dandy Pestaño John and Paul Escudero powered Wipro to victory. Western Wats was led by its star player Rhett Tomakin with 14 points.

Jomie Mendez was the lone bright spot for ICT Group with 20 points. He was heavily backed up by Ellery George Ariate and Earl Lyle Abellanosa with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Ivan Ong topscored for 1&1 with 14 markers.

The scores

First game

ICT Group (66) – Mendez 20, Ariate 11, Abellanosa 10, Jumarito 7, Lumagbas 7, Lebrando 3, Jacaban 2, Kahulugan 2, Momongan 2, Tan 2

1 & 1 (59) - Ong 14, Amante 10, Garcia 9, Andrino 7, Guisadio 5, Wagas 5, Javierto 2, Santos 2, Tacadoro 2, Vaflor 2, Abella 1

Second game

Wipro (53) – Alonzo 8, Escudero 8, Pestano 8, Gardoque 6, San Juan 6, Molina 5, Canoy 4, Mike Gabutin 3, Jucoy 3, Briones 1, Gabutin 1

Western Wats (50) - Tumakin 14, Poquita 9, Alinson 8, Lago 8, Sanchez 4, Rivera 3, Lumagbas 2, Silagan 2

Third game

Convergys (75) - Delapena 16, Esteban 12, Cochero 8, Pabilona 8, Conson 7, Corbet 7, Pajo 6, Contrera 4, Goricho 4, Codilla 3, Tero 3, Ngo 2

Cebu Global (42) - Pagdalian 15, Belena 13, Ermia 4, Melgar 4, Castro 3, Osorio 3 – Marigold P. Lebumfacil   (THE FREEMAN)