Smart-Manila, Laguna triumph

MANILA, Philippines – Smart-Manila routed Energen-Davao, 89-75, while Laguna-Health Solutions nipped Santos Petroleum Iloilo, 73-70, on the first day of the Nokia National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Nokia RP U16 standouts Kiefer Ravena and Von Pessumal fired 16 and 10 points, respectively, to give coach Ato Badolato his first win in the three-day finals supported by Nokia Philippines and TAO Corporation under the wings of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas headed by Manny V. Pangilinan and executive director Noli Eala.

“Naunahan lang namin sila. Actually the game was over after the first quarter, “said Smart-Manila coach Ato Badolato, whose team was to play Laguna last night.

Cris Tolomia, Cedrick Labing-isa and Dave Moralde fired nine apiece while Davao was led by Larry Malanday’s 19 followed by 14 points from Martin Delfinado.

In the second game, Laguna Health Solutions had a combined 45 points from Patrick Tumaneng, GJ Ylagan, Jed Salaveria and Gio Marasigan for their victory.

Orly Pelopero, who is already being eyed by the University of the East to play in the coming Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball tournament, had 13 for the Ilonggos who were headed by Jerry Abadiano’s 14.