CEBU, Philippines - The streak-shooting Rene Abcede stole the show as the Pañeros downed the Spartans, 67-63, in the 2017 Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Cebu Basketball League at the Capitol Parish gym along Escario Street, Cebu City.
Abcede, a former Eagle, scattered 25 points on top of 10 rebounds in his first double-double show in Pañeros' uniform. They now hold an even 2-2 record in a tie with the Dissenters and Rebels, who notched their second win at the expense of the Badboys, 62-59. Marco Pacoli and Nikki Alcordo each scored 14 for the Rebels.
The Punishers stayed on top of the heap with an immaculate 4-0 slate after crushing the Dissenters, 100-78, behind a 29-point effort by Tope Ang.
In the other game, Frank Dinsay had 17 points and nine rebounds as the Eagles cruised to their third straight win via a 76-75 cliffhanger over last year's champion Sub Zero Idols.
The Sub Zero Idols actually had a chance to wrap up the match but Judge Sammy Malazarte missed a potential game-winning shot with five seconds left to play.
The scores
First game
Pañeros (67) – Abcede 25, Retuya 10, Mañuz 9, Molde 6, Cruz 6, Manching 4, Cagulada 3, Dinopol 2, Luib 2
Spartants (63) – Regis 16, Tan 13, Pelayo 10, Majarocon 10, Gonzalodo 4, Avila 4, Biton 4, Teodorico 4
Second game
Punishers (100) – Ang 29, Ligutan 16, Santiago 14, Juban 12, Bas 11, Hupp 4, Avila 4, Prieto 3, Velez 3, Hernaez 2, Remedio 2
Dissenters (78) – I. Gamallo 20, Sususco 19, Rosal 15, Gabales 8, Garcia 8, Sarno 8
Third game
Eagles (76) – Dinsay 17, Lagahit 17, Velmonte 13, Villegas 13, Gealon 8, Fernandez 4, Negapatan 2, Guaren 2
Sub Zero Idols (75) – Nuñez 14, Capoy 12, Piquero 10, Pepito 9, Miralles 8, Arrabis 8, Malazarte 6, Enad 4, Malig-on 2, Daluz 2
Fourth game
Rebels (62) – Alcordo 14, Pacoli 14, Codera 12, Lopez 6, Sibay 3, N. Rama 3, E. Rama 2, Pascua 2, Hontanosas 2, Señegan 2, Tabotabo 2
Badboys (59) – Riveral 15, Del Prado 12, Apolinario 12, Busi 8, Narido 8, Esmeralda 4 (FREEMAN)