Pardz beats Light & Salt for fourth win

The Pardz Ballers’ Ronald Bernardo, right, stretches for a layup against Light & Salt’s Ian Oblinaga during their game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Thursday at the Civic Center, Susupe. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

The Pardz Ballers defeated Light & Salt, 76-67, in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Thursday at the Civic Center, Susupe.

After falling behind in the first half, 35-37, Pardz turned the tables on Light & Salt in the third period, 57-50. J.R. Barriors scored all his 9 points in the penultimate quarter to bring Pardz on top anew. He also got help from Mark Jose and Rocyl Ritual, who combined for 10 of Pardz’s 22 markers in the third canto.

Light & Salt, after firing 27 points in the second quarter to build a 7-point advantage at the break, was held to 13 points when the match resumed. Light & Salt made only three field goals in the third frame and though it made an effort to get back into the game in the fourth behind Jun Natividad’s 3-pointers, it fell short in the end. Light & Salt is still winless after six games, while Pardz got its fourth victory in six matches.

Ronald Bernardo top-scored for Pardz with his 29 points, while Ritual added 13. Arnold Natividad carried the load for Light & Salt with his 28 markers.

Meanwhile, Tsingtao Boyz prevailed against Mawati, 74-60, in last Friday’s match.

Tsingtao Boyz had a tug of war with Mawati in the first half before taking control of the game in the second.

The first half ended with Mawati grabbing the lead, 35-29, behind the combined 12 points of Raymond Velasco and Jerome Directo. Tsingtao, which led after the opening quarter, 21-14, allowed Mawati to take the driver’s seat after making only 8 points in the second.

Tsingtao Boys then regained the lead with its 23 points in the third quarter and earned the 14-winning margin after another 20-plus production (22) in the fourth and final frame. Jerald Rivera had 9 points in the third quarter, while Jetsen Jandoc added 7.

Jandoc kept going in the fourth and finished with 22 markers, while Rivera also had double figures with his 14.

Directo paced Mawati after recording 18 points.

Thursday’s Game
Pardz Ballers 75—Bernardo 23, Ritual 13, Jose 12, Hipolito 10, Barrios 9, Torres 4, Romo 3, Santos 1.
Light and Salt 67—Natividad 28, Laxamana 8, Bautista 8, M. Usi 7, Pineda 6, Oblinaga 4, Embile 4, Claveria 2.
Scoring by quarters: 12-10, 35-37, 57-50, 75-67

Friday’s Game
Tsingtao Boyz 74—Jandoc 22, Rivera 14, Demonteverde 9, Ariar 6, Ramsa 6, Pineda 6, Giron 3, Alano 3.
Mawati 60—Directo 18, Ferrer 14, Velasco 10, Reyes 7, Nonato 5, Rena 3, Rejano 2.
Scoring by quarters: 21-14, 29-35, 52-47, 74-60