LBC Batangas survives Montana; Welcoat wins

LBC Batangas nearly blew a 25-point lead and needed to pull off some escape act in the end to turn back the Montana Jewellers, 84-77, in its debut yesterday in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Pasig Sports Complex.

Led by American Alex Compton, who played in two MBA champion teams, LBC launched its title bid on full throttle, erecting a 25-point lead late in the second quarter only to see it cut down to a point in the fourth before recovering in time to notch its first win.

Miko Roldan, a forward out of Far Eastern University, delivered the killing blows as he erupted for six of his 10 points in the final four minutes of play when the Blades outscored the Jewelers, 11-5.

"It’s a good debut for us because we learned not to relax even if we’re way ahead," said LBC coach Nash Racela.

The trio of Compton, an American whose PBL stint was approved by the league board, Froilan Baguion and rookie Al Magpayo teamed up in a first quarter run when LBC roared to a 16-6 start, a lead it protected until the end of the first quarter, 25-15.

But the Blades did not stop from there as two big runs in the second quarter gave them their biggest lead of the match, 51-26, less than a minute into the halftime break.

And then came the speedy Edgar Echavez.

Echavez, an MBA journeyman, came out of the break like a man-possessed as he exploded for 16 of his 21 points, igniting a spirited rally that saw Montana closing in at 72-73, a second over four minutes left in the contest.

But it was to be the last show of force for Montana, a second placer in the PBL-CBF Dual Meet II in Cebu City last month, as Roldan entered the fray to tow the Blades out of trouble.

In the other game, Welcoat Paints lived up to its top billing as it bashed John—O, 87-66, for its first win after a one-conference absence.