Cabalen escapes 3’s Auto Parts in SIP

Second-running Cabalen dodged a bullet when it turned back upset-conscious 3’s Auto Parts, 74-69, last Saturday in the Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense Basketball League at the CMS Court in Gualo Rai.

Entering the match with a 3-1 card, Cabalen got the scare of its life as seldom-used Dick Garcia exploded for 13 of his team-high17 points in the first half to help 3’s Auto Parts to a 36-29 advantage at the break.

Guard Randy Arnedo however would team up with center Jun Alipio and forward Gary Rapanut in the third canto as the trio overhauled 3’s Auto Parts lead and transformed a 7-point deficit into a 57-48 Cabalen margin going into the last 10 minutes of the contest.

3’s Auto Parts would have one last gasp of life in the final canto as they managed to trim the lead down to manageable proportions in the dying seconds, but it would be too much of Rapanut and Alipio down the stretch as Cabalen notched its fourth win.

Rapanut went on to pace Cabalen with 22 points, while Alipio and Arnedo chipped in 21 and 18 points, respectively. Toto Banatasa backed up Garcia’s 17 points with 10 markers of his own.

In the first game of the night’s double-header, Kiosk-San Roque once again leaned on the hot-shooting hands of Ed Palma to upend CMC-Negros 77-65.

The former collegiate star pumped in 15 points in the first half to help Kiosk-San Roque to a 39-31 lead at lemon time.

Palma would then add 12 more in the second to give him a total of 27 points for the night as he also went on to win his personal duel against AC Delco teammate Martin Moreno, who was good for 23 points.

In the lone completed game last Saturday, Visminda remained on the top of the pack with a hard-earned 95-87 win versus tailender SMF-Shell.

Drawing a tournament-high 40 points from swingman Melvin Villarin, SMF-Shell was able to keep it close the entire game and even lead 22-11 after the opening quarter.

But at the end, Visminda just had too much firepower as it paraded five players in double figures led by Errol Peredo’s 31.

The second game pitting Cabalen versus CMS Negros was postponed by rain with still 2:32 left in the first quarter.

Saturday’s Games

First Game

Kiosk-San Roque 77 – Palma 27, Manipon 8, Feliciano 7, Hernandez 7, Casabuena 6, Sampang 6, Magat 4, Saturno 4, Salazar 4, Isip 4.

CMS Negros 65 – Martin 23, Arconado 20, Diaz 6, Laitan 5, Galag 4, Ortega 3, Macoto 2, Paez 2.

Second Game

Cabalen 74 – Rapanut 22, Alipio 21, Arnedo 18, Gatdula 10, Barbo 3.

3’s Auto Parts 69 – Garcia 17, Banatasa 10, Robles 9, Espinosa 8, Illahi 8, Villegas 7, Peleno 4, Fe 2, Nato 2.

Sunday’s Game

Visminda 95 – Peredo 31, Bicera 19, De Belen 16, Besa 12, Ranola 10, Cayanan 3, Anasan 2, Joyner 2.

SMF-Shell 87 – Villarin 40, Pardinan 18, Mateo 18, Delfin 4, Villasan 4.