Prior powers Blu Star past Batangas

John Paul Prior, one of the smallest players in the league, delivered the biggest baskets yesterday as Blu Star Power turned back LBC Batangas, 75-70, and assumed the solo lead in the Sunkist PBL Unity Cup at the San Juan Gym.

Stepping up in the absence of former starter Aries Dimaunahan who is now in the PBA, Prior erupted for eight points in the final period and drew the needed support from Lou Gatumbato who drilled in a key triple down the stretch.

It was the second win in a row for Blu Star Power while LBC Batangas, which missed main man Alex Compton due to injury, slipped to 1-1.

While praising Prior and Gatumbato for their impressive performance, Blu Star Power coach Leo Isaac also credited his team’s defense down the stretch.

"Lou and JP (Prior) played huge games for us but I think it was our defense that really spelled victory for us," said Isaac.

"We were able to shut down their shooters in the crucial endgame kaya nakalusot kami," added Isaac.

Fil-Canadian Joe Dominguez stepped up in the absence of Compton, scoring 18 points but still failing to carry his team to victory. LBC Batangas was held to just four points in the last five minutes.

The Detergent Kings, who posted a thrilling 92-90 double-overtime victory over the Nutri-licious Juicers last Thursday, took a 65-58 lead early in the final quarter before Dominguez buried a pair of triples to help LBC cut the deficit to one point.

However, it proved to be the best the Blades could offer as the Detergent Kings held their ground en route to victory.

In the second game, ICTSI barged into the win column after an opening-game loss by beating John-O, 71-62.

The loss was the first in two games for John-O.