spot_img
28 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Palayan edges San Juan five, nears CBA title

- Advertisement -

The Palayan Capitals survived a late run by the San Juan Knights to prevail, 79-74, and clinch Game 1 of the Community Basketball Association Pilipinas Executive Cup finals held at the San Juan Gym over the weekend.

By taking Game 1, the Capitals can wrap up its first CBA title with a victory in Game 2 of the  best-of-3 title series on Sunday right before their own homecrowd in Gapan, Nueva Ecija.

Palayan, which was in cruise control from start to finish, led by as many as 14 points, but a huge counter-run, led by San Juan’s Noah Lugo put the Knights to within four, 66-70, heading into the final two minutes.

But the Capitals’ swarming defense, capped by a monster block by Deniel Aguirre on Knights’ Arvin Gamboa in the dying seconds, preserved the victory, to the delight of a huge pro-Palayan supporters, who came all the way from Palayan City on board 30 vans.

Team owner Vicente “Bong” Cuevas, Palayan City Mayor Adrienne Mae Cuevas and team manager Ryan Ripalda were all in attendance to witness the rousing win.

- Advertisement -

“Hindi na namin bibitawan ito. Nasa amin na lahat ng pagkakataon,” said Capitals coach Alvin Grey.

“At kung naging pisikal sila ngayon, kami naman magiging pisikal pagdating sa court namin,” added Grey, who was Pido Jarencio’s assistant coach at Northport in the PBA.

Renz Alcoriza led all scorers with 19 points, while Aguirre, Levi dela Cruz and Marvin Maroga finished with 10 points apiece for the Capitals, who took the half, 35-28.

Lugo led the Knights with 18 points, while big man Ato Ular finished with a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds.

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles