Aegis starts title defense on right track in CSCC E-League

CEBU, Philippines - The Aegis Vipers served early notice on their serious title defense after they slammed the opening day winner 1&1 Marauders, 62-40, in the second playday of the 10th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Ryan Veloso churned out 12 points, five rebounds and two assistsfor Aegis, which was in full command of the match after taking a 28-20 lead at halftime.

The Vipers outscored the Marauders in the third period, 14-8, then closed the game with a 20-12 bang to come up with a 22-point rout.

Veloso was heavily backed up by James Lester Navaja and Kevin Clark Navaja, who conspired for 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Raymaond Basañez was the lone double-digit scorer for 1&1 with 17 points on top of nine rebounds.

In the other games, the Lexmark Stallions, Convergys 1 Wolves and ePerformax Reds also triumphed over their respective foes, albeit in contrasting fashion.

Franco Angelo Cipriano charted 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists to power Lexmark to a 65-47 thrashing of the Supportsave Dragons, Mark Alvarez had 16 points and five rebounds in leading Convergys 1 to a 56-54 squeaker over the Accenture Sharks, while Joey Mari de Guzman netted 15 points, three assists and two steals as ePerformax bested the Teletech Titans, 53-43.

Lexmark was never threatened after cruising to a 20-12 start, while Convergys 1 used a blistering 21-11 rally at the endgame to turn the tables on Accenture.

ePerformax, on the other hand, rode on a sizzling offensive in the final half to turn back Teletech. They trailed by nine points at halftime, 28-19, but completely outclassed Teletech in the last two quarters, 34-15, to seal the big turnaround. (FREEMAN)