Marathon cagers amass 20,000 pts in 80-hour grind

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Marathon moved nearer to breaking the current world record with the players coping with the strain and stress four days into their non-stop basketball action at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the Filipino basketball marathoners have played 80 of their 120-hour target, staying in pace to also surpassing both team and individual scores set by the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Missouri on March 21-25, 2012.

Team Bounce Back made key runs yesterday to surge ahead, 10,619-10,578, in this special event organized by the Asian Cable Enterprises Inc. to generate funds for the typhoon Yolanda victims.

Helino Francisco remained the scoring leader at 2,713 but Jopet Quiro closed in at 2,382. Sandy Cenal still paced everybody in rebounding at 705, Quiro led the playmaking with 315 assists while Justo Quita was the steals leader with 62.

Renell Montecillo, a 20-year-old RTU student, has been the deadliest gunner. He has had 1,591 points, 1,542 coming from three-pointers.

“By 77th hour, each team has had 10,000 points. Should we keep this pace, both team and individual scores will be broken,” said Discovery-ACCESS chief operating officer Jacque Ruby.

The event top official said they have faced more health concerns but had it properly addressed, thus, keeping the players on track in their bid.

“Health concerns include foot blisters, dehydration and muscle strains. There’s a case of homesickness but it has been addressed. Diet program has been adjusted to ensure drinks,” said Ruby.

Day Four was dubbed “Yakult Throwback Thursday” with the players wearing knee-high socks by Burlington to give honors to past basketball legends.

Meanwhile, Accel provided running shoes to help relieve the feet of the players.

“Help continues to come in. Kaya talagang tuloy tuloy ang laban,” said Ruby.

Proving huge help are sponsors Mitsubishi, PG Flex, Ace Hardware, Yakult, Medical City, Security Bank, Phoenix Petroleum, Bacchus Energy Drink, Burlington, AirAsia-Zest, Lamoiyan, Iwata, Innovatronix, Timex, Canon, Power Mac, Segway, Spenco, Gold’s Gym, Accel, Molten, Coleman, Oster, Starcruises, Gerry’s Grill, Quiznos, Gong Cha, SL Agritech, GNC, Gatorade, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Fern C, Balls Channel, Slam PH, Spin, FHM, Wave 89.1, Business World, Discovery Channel, Pioneer Insurance, CMS-Asia, Reyes Haircutters, Crystal CATX, Highlands Coffee, CaliBurger, The Exchange Regency Residence Hotel, Maynilad, Ace Water Spa, Avis, Secure, and New San Jose Builders.