Playoffs getting into full swing

The second round of the 2004 UFO-San Miguel Cup went into high gear Sunday with four games scheduled at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the first game, Visminda rolled to its second straight victory of the playoffs—and sixth overall of the season—after bludgeoning a still winless MDX Amateur radio Club team 106-90.

Visminda dominated all facets of the game, outrebounding MDX 46-39; issuing more assists, 15-12; completing more steals, 20-15; and swatting the ball seven times compared to a big fat egg in the block department for MDX.

Ex-Bayani swingman John Artates was named best player of the game after leading the defending champions with 19 points on top of 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Birthday boy and last year’s regular season MVP, Pando Muleta, was also sensational in the victory punching in 16 points and stealing the ball five times.

MDX stalwart Moreno Martin once again paced his team after matching his jersey number with 23 points.

In the second game, FASA-PABA-CNC Inc. overcame a fighting Laguna-GEC Pawnshop team 101-90 after momentarily losing focus in the third quarter.

The Mobil Oil-sponsored team began the game sluggishly but started to play well in the second quarter. They, however, encountered a spirited Laguna rally in the third and faced a 1-point deficit going into the payoff period.

But leave it to sparkplug Jhun Estolas to save the day for FASA, as the 5’7” whippet-quick guard shot the lights out in the last 10 minutes to tow his team to victory.

Estolas earned MVP honors after scoring 34 points and dishing out 7 dimes. Kevin Cequena was also good for 25 points.

Ed Palma was on fire the entire game and finished with 31 points. Center Renato Sumaoang also pumped in 16 points and hauled down 11 boards.

SMF-Seabridge also began their playoff round on a high note, dispatching a reeling Bicol-Sabungero squad 114-82 in the third game.

Gary Cayetano top-scored for SMF with 24 points. But it was Sonny Lerio who left with the best player of the game plum after burning the hoops with 19 points on top of 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and the same number of steals.

Rolando Vitug was the high-point man for Bicol recording 24 points. He also had 10 rebounds.

In the nightcap, Bartenders-Aliviera Sports Bar survived an upset-conscious MAFILWA-McDonald’s 85-79.

Bartenders were on tinderhooks the whole game before forward Marco Garcia bailed them out with 11 fourth quarter points, which easily spelled the difference in the tight ballgame.

Garcia had 26 points and won the MVP of the game award, while Joy “Baby Shaq” Dayrit backed him up with 24 points.

Ryan Achas led MAFILWA’s gallant stand with 18 points. Leading scorer Joseph Achas came away with 17.

FIRST GAME

Visminda 106 – Artates 19, Muleta 16, Vistal 16, Marasigan 11, De Belen 9, Bicera 7, Joyner 7, Basila 6, Uy 6, Vega 5, Cosino 4.

MDX 90 –Martin 23, Surima 18, Sublemente 14, Rebuyon 11, Costales 9, Umali 6, Malasarte 4, Vargas 3, Abadilla 2.

Scoring by quarters: 28-17, 56-35, 71-58, 106-90.

Referees: Jess Pacheco and Jess Fabula.

Second Game

FASA-PABA 101– Estolas 34, Cequena 24, Guiab 15, Peredo 12, De Guzman 9, Villarin 8, Aspuria 1.

Laguna 90 – Palma 31, Sumaoang 16, Arconado 12, Badilles 8, Poquiz, Barrios 6, Viola 6, Guiang 6, Sabino 3.

Scoring by quarters: 20-22, 48-41, 67-68, 101-90.

Referees: Ricky Itaas and Noel Delos Santos.

THIRD GAME

SMF 114 – Cayetano 24, Lerio 19, Pardinan 15, L. Itaas 12, Banatasa 9, Moises 8, Banares 6, Sison 5, J. Itaas 4, Bartoces 4, Delfin 4, Elayda 3, Fernandez 3, Demegillo 1.

Bicol 82 – Vitug 24, Aranda 22, Tabamo 14, Tabora 10, Welborn 4, Gamboa 2, Calub 2, Mumar 2.

Scoring by quarters: 23-16, 60-29, 75-53, 114-82.

Referees: Gabriel White and Noel Delos Santos.

FOURTH GAME

Bartenders 85 – Garcia 26, J. Dayrit 24, Cortez 17, Esdrilon 11, Macoto 8, Galag 2, Alcantara 1.

MAFILWA 79 – R. Achas 18, J. Achas 17, Mi. Achas 12, Tobias 10, Lizo 8, Ma. Achas 8, Salazar 4, L. Achas 2.

Scoring by quarters: 21-15, 39-32, 57-55, 85-79.

Referees: Ricky Itaas and Gabriel White.