Slashers bludgeon Patriots, gain lead

Negros rode on another superb performance by John Ferriols as it scuttled Nueva Ecija, 111-99, yesterday to join LBC Batangas at the helm in the second phase of the 2001 MBA season at the Tinga Gym in Taguig.

Ferriols, the league’s maiden season MVP, turned in another huge game, scoring 23 points, pulling down 10 rebounds and dishing off four assists as he powered the Slashers to their second straight victory.

Riding the crest of a 111-103 triumph over first phase finals tormentor Andoks San Juan last Wednesday, Negros made its move at the start of the third quarter where it launched a 14-7 blast that transformed a tight 55-54 contest to a 69-61 lead midway in the same period with Johnadel Cardel doing most of the damage.

The Slashers unleashed another blistering run early in the fourth period that took the fight out of the Patriots, who went on to absorb their first loss after starting out with two straight victories.

Reserve Ramil Ferma, who was acquired a week before the second phase unfolded, tried to rally the Patriots late in the third period when he came up with a string of baskets that put Nueva Ecija within, 77-81, going into the last quarter.

But it was to be the Patriots’ last show of force as they were outgunned, outplayed and ousteadied by the Slashers.

While Ferriols led in scoring and rebounding, Reynel Hugnatan starred in Negros’ fourth quarter breakaway as he scored in put-backs several times that broke the backs of the Patriots to seal the win.

Andok’s San Juan drew 32 points from Chris Calaguio as it subdued Socsargen-Taguig, 94-82, in the second game and levelled its slate at 1-1.

The Marlins suffered their fourth straight defeat.