X-Terminators grab FMI caging lead

The Advance X-Terminators squeezed out a 115-112 win over Shirley’s Coffee Shop/Blue Haus in Wednesday’s action in the 2008 FMI Inter-Color Basketball League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Jon Lim, who together with Manuel Ajoste and Lerio Pagarao formed the Big 3 of coach Jesse Tudela’s Southern Sonics, scored 12 of his team-high 25 points in the second half to help the X-Terminators secure their second win in as many games. The Foodmakers dropped to a 1-1 card.

Lim scored the needed points for the X-Terminators as he and veteran guard Andres “Jhun” Estolas kept the Foodmakers at bay especially in the third period when the Shirley’s crew of coach Robert “Onyok” Tamondong made a brief run to momentarily grab the lead.

Estolas added 21 markers, while forward Edsel Mendoza and Pagarao also finished with 21 and 18 points for the Xterminators, which built a 60-49 halftime lead but allowed Shirley’s-Blue Haus to comeback in the game setting up Lim’s endgame heroics.

John Santos, who plays for Tinian in the Inter-Government league, led the Foodmakers with a season-high 39 points and received a lot of scoring support from the speedy Elmer Esdrelon, who chipped in 24 markers.

Robert Sanciangco ended up with 18 points, with most of his shots coming from cross-court outlet passes made by either Santos or Esdrelon. Steve Rasa and Glen Mercurio scattered 10 each in the game.

Earlier, Price Costco bounced back from its 92-72 loss to TASI Tours Giants by grinding out a 96-94 win over MIGS.

Dave Sablan scored 22 points to lead the balanced scoring for the Storemasters with Stephen Johnson adding 14 markers.

Richard Brostrom netted 12 points, while Ivan De Vero finished with 11. Bill Babauta, Ernie Duenas, and Alex Lauron combined for 27 points to lead the Storemasters’ bench scoring.

Raymond Cadagat had another explosive game with 39 points but failed to lead MIGS to victory. Jun Tabora added 31 as they combined for more 70 of MIGS’ total points.

No other player finished in double digits with Rasty Doronilla having nine markers, while Jun Dugos and Ed Pascual netted six apiece and Melbert Delarma finishing with three to round up MIGS’ scoring.

Today’s matches will have the Ol’Aces testing the Star Waterkings at 6pm, while the Giants take on GEC Pawnshop in the second game.

On Sunday, April 13, after the HANMI Cup championship, the Fixers battle Bank of Saipan, while Taga Warriors clash with the CTSI Pacers.

Price Costco 96 – Sablan 22, Johnson 14, Brostrom 12, De Vero 11, Babauta 9, Duenas 9, Lauron 9, Irinaka 4, Loste 4, Teo 2.

MIGS 94 – Cadagat 39, Tabora 31, Doronilla 9, Dugos 6, Pascual 6, Delarma 3.

Scoring by quarters: 23-25, 44-41, 69-54. 96-94.

Referees: Arnold Mesa and Jess Pabula.

Advance X-Terminators 115 – Lim 25, Estolas 21, Mendoza 21, Pagarao 18, Ruluked 8, Gamboa 6, Barrios 5, Aranda 4, Artates 4, De Dios 2, Dayrit 1.

Shirley’s Coffee Shop/Blue Haus 112 – Santos 39, Esdrelon 24, Sanciangco 18, Rasa 10, Mercurio 10, Guiab 4, Marasigan 4.

Scoring by quarters: 28-24, 60-49, 88-85, 115-112.

Referees: Gilbert Espinosa and Michael A. White.