Ferriols, Aldeguer key Slashers win

MATI, Davao Oriental -— Newly-crowned First Conference champion RCPI Negros leaned on John Ferriols and Dino Aldeguer as it turned back Casino Cagayan de Oro, 103-94, yesterday in the MBA National Conference at the Davao Oriental Sports and Cultural Center here.

Ferriols finished the game with a double-double of 15 points and 17 rebounds while Aldeguer, the former La Salle Green Archer, was all over the court with his 22 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals.

Ferriols and Aldeguer also played key roles in the Slashers’ victory over the LBC Batangas Blades in the finals of the recent First Conference. It was the first MBA title for RCPI Negros in the five-year-old league.

The Cebuana Lhuillier Gems and the Professional Davao Eagles were still playing at presstime.

The Amigos fought the Slashers on even terms in the first three quarters as they responded well to the heads-up play of quarterbacks Joseph Gumatay and Aldrich Reyes. Recaredo Calimag started hot and pumped in 10 points as the Amigos led, 24-23.

The Amigos allowed the Slashers to close in at halftime, 47-53, but Calimag continued to carry his team en route to a 75-72 edge entering the final period. It was where Ferriols and Aldeguer took matters into their own hands to lead the Slashers to victory.

Action in the Northern side resumes today at the newly-renovated Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center (BZGCC) in San Fernando, Pampanga, with the Stars taking on the Gilbey’s Olongapo Volunteers at 6 p.m. The other game at 3 p.m. pits LBC Batangas against Osaka Pangasinan.