PILIPINAS Aguilas used a late fourth quarter surge to edge New Zealand-Bluefire, 66-55, for a winning debut in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) at the New Era Central Recreation and Fitness Center last Wednesday.
Chack Cabinbin, Melody Cac, Cheska Apag, and Mar Prado led the Aguilas in the final frame, orchestrating a 12-1 run that broke a 54-all deadlock and secured the hard-fought victory.
At the same time, the Aguilas tightened their defense, limiting the Valkyries to just seven points in last period and holding them scoreless in the last five minutes.
“We’re still trying to get there. Konting chemistry pa as a group. We were just lucky ngayon na sa endgame, composed kami talaga, but it’s more on sticking with the system that we are trying to build,” said Aguilas head coach Ryan Monteclaro after the win.
“For us, this is still part of the learning curve. Walang guarantee. Even if we won our first game, it doesn’t make us a strong team. It’s a collective effort, kita niyo naman hirap na hirap kami,” he added.
Prado, a former Adamson Lady Falcon who was also part of the 30th Southeast Asian Games gold medal-winning team, posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Aguilas, while skipper Cabinbin tallied 12 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and five steals in their debut win in the tournament supported by Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Francis Tolentino, and MPBL Partylist.
Cac added nine points, Apag had seven points - four of which came in the pivotal fourth-quarter rally - and six rebounds, while Kem Adeshina chipped in six points and four rebounds.
On the other side, Camille Claro and Snow Peñaranda each tallied nine points to pace New Zealand-Bluefire, which dropped to a 1-1 record.
Wins for Galeries Tower and UST
Meanwhile, Galeries Tower and University of Santo Tomas each picked up lopsided victories to share the early lead in the invitational tournament supported by Uratex, Discovery Suites, Red Dynasty, Gotobox, Gerry’s Grill, Prettiest, Team Graphitee, Evo Performance Helmets, Ryzen Helmets, Katinko, Dorayd, Sogo Hotel, Global Bosny Manufacturing, and Bavin.
The Skyrisers shut down Solar Home, holding the Suns scoreless in the entire fourth quarter on their way to a dominant 74-20 victory.
Ambie Almazan, the UAAP Season 72 and 73 MVP, starred in Galeries’ 54-point triumph, finishing with an impressive 21 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, seven steals, and two blocks in just 20 minutes of action.
Princess Fabruada contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and three steals, while Camille Ramos and Cindy Resultay scores eight points apiece, as the Skyrisers improved their record to 2-0.
In the nightcap, the Growling Tigresses cruised to a 75-32 win over the PSP Lady Gymers, securing their second consecutive victory to start the tournament.
Freshman Karylle Sierba finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five steals for UST, while UAAP Season 87 Mythical Team member Kent Pastrana added 12 points, six assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
Oma Onianwa contributed eight points, 16 rebounds, three steals, and five blocks.
The Suns were led by Michelle Brenzuela and Patricia Pesquera, who scored five and four points, respectively.
For the Lady Gymers, Camille Taguiam led with 13 points and four boards, while Fatima Quiapo added 10 points and seven rebounds.
Solar Home and PSP dropped to 0-2.
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