De Ocampo propels John-O five

John-O, behind the hulking performance of young 6-foot-5 slotman Ranidel de Ocampo, blasted Welcoat Paints, 67-56, in an impressive debut in the Sunkist PBL Unity Cup at the Makati Coliseum yesterday.

De Ocampo, the spearhead of St. Francis in its successful campaign in the inter-collegiate championship in Legazpi City earlier this year, dominated the Paintmasters offensively and defensively, piling up 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.

Ranidel, younger brother of FedEx 6-foot-8 sophomore slotman Yancy, scored nine points in a blistering 36-3 run bridging the first and second quarters that set John-O’s torrid pace.

"He (De Ocampo) played a splendid all-around game, inside and out. He got the rebounds and played solid defense," said John-O coach Dong Vergaire. "He was just too good today."

De Ocampo and John-O started out hot, opening up with a 34-9 blast.

The Paint Masters, the Challenge Cup champions, staged a chase in the fourth quarter, coming within eight at 59-51.

But De Ocampo personally defused the Welcoat rally, firing a trey that broke the Paintmasters’ back.

Former pro Ricky Calimag backed up De Ocampo with a solid offensive effort, finishing with 17 markers.

Welcoat, which sorely missed the services of former starters Romel Adducul, Eddie Laure and Ronald Tubid, was led by Marc Pingris and Herkules Tangkay with 12 points each.

Meanwhile, John-O team owner Sen. John Osmeña announced yesterday their acquisition of promising 6-foot-10 slotman Samigue Eman from University of Mindanao

Alex Compton came up with a solid all-around game with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists as LBC-Batangas ripped ICTSI in the second game, 66-51.