CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion Super Idols of coach Bong Pepito nipped Mt. Zion, 60-59, for its second straight win in the 4th season of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) basketball tournament at the Capitol Parish gym along N. Escario street, this city.
The Super Idols, thus, created a three-way tie for the lead with the Pañeros and Bros. In Law, who both stayed undefeated after two starts.
The Pañeros led by playmaker Nilo Balorio defeated the Yan C. Rico, 59-51, while the Bros. In Law of the Rama brothers Estong and Enric gunned down the Iron Eagles, 70-64.
In the other match, the Pecandela Law Firm dumped YLAC, 60-53, behind the 14-point show by Jessie Capoy.
The Super Idols and Mt. Zion battled through several lead changes and at least six deadlocks in the fourth period alone, the last was at 57-all with 57 seconds remaining in the game.
In the ensuing play, Cris Abayon hit a crucial basket with seven seconds left to play to seal the Super Idols’ nail-biting win.Fermin Pepito topscored for the Super Idols with 28 points, while Abayon added 14 points.
The tandem of Ferdie Riveral and Lito Ortiz paced Mt. Zion with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Richard Bauzon had 28 points for the Bros. in Law, while Al Lagahit topped the Iron Eagles with 18 markers.
The scores
Super Idols (60) - Pepito 28, Abayon 14, Santiago 8, R. Quijano 4, Ibones 2, Heyrosa 2, Zosa 2
Mt. Zion (59) - Riveral 14, Ortiz 12, Macabaya 11, Gidayawan 4, Macion 4, Piquero 4, Narido 3, Flores 3, Geotina 2, Andal 2 (GGM) (FREEMAN NEWS)