Copper, MRD triumph in VECO caging

CEBU, Philippines - The Dennis Tamarra-skippered Team Copper drubbed Guard Anime, 93-74, while the MRD cagers blasted Centro-7, 93-79, at the start of the 3rd VECO Contractor’s Cup basketball tournament at the VECO open court along D. Jakosalem Street, this city.

With Lito Navarro and Mark Gocotano leading the charge, Copper jumped off to a hot 28-16 start.

Guard Anime pulled within four, 14-18, but that was the best it could muster as Copper regained a commanding 42-24 lead and never looked back from thereon.

Navarro fired 20 points for Copper, while Gocotano added 17 markers.

 Leif Gasul paced Guard Anime with a game-high 26 points followed by Ern Zamonte with 15.

In the other game, Kent Alvarado had 22 points and Rowel Sumalinog added 21 for MRD. Alvin Coca posted 31 points for Centro-7.

The games are supervised by tournament commissioner Voltaire Castillo.

The scores

First game

Copper (93) - Navarro 20, Gocotano 17, Tamarra 15, Caballero 14, Coyoca 8, Belocura 6, Cortez 5, Gallardo 4, Rojas 2, Castillo 2

Anime (74) - Gasul 26, Zamonte 15, Roque 6, Togono 6, Neil 5, Beloria 4, Solon 4, Judal 4, Esmero 2, Brioso 2

Second game

MRD (93) - Alvarado 22, Sumalinog 21, Medel 14, Alcordo 11, Aniñon 11, Laborte 4, Beltran 4, Serrano 2, Borres 2, Ybañez 2

Centro (79) - Coca 31, Bejaresco 22, Comendador 12, B. Flores 6, L. Flores 4, Memdoza 2, Asingua 2 (GGM)    (FREEMAN NEWS)