The ASPAC Boys closed their elimination round campaign on a high note after defeating the Cav Guards, 91-86 at the continuation of the APCRAA Alumni Basketball Tournament (AABT) 2016 season on Saturday, September 10 at the APC Gymnasium.
The win gave the ASPAC Boys a strong hold in the twice-to-beat advantage to the semifinals.
Mark Pagaduan led the ASPAC Boys with 27 points and 12 rebounds, and finished with a 75% field goal percentage, making 12 out of 16 shots. Joseph Gamboa, who is on the running for MVP honors had a double-double output of 11 points and 12 rebounds, with 4 blocks and 2 assists.
For the Cav Guards, Ian Torres scorched the three point arc, making 8 out of 21 shots, finishing with 31 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Mervin Quilang and Ronnie Corsino had a good night in the field, scoring 15 and 11 points respectively.
Both teams tried to pull out with large margins, each having their own scoring runs throughout the first three quarters. A scoring run by Carlo Aboboto and Mark Pagaduan secured the ASPAC Boys lead to 6 points into the last two minutes of the game. With 30 seconds left, Ian Torres made a three point shot, decreasing the lead to three points.
The Cav Guards were forced to foul VG Agdamag and Joseph Gamboa in the next possesion. Both players only made one of their two free throws, increasing the lead to 5. Torres made another three point basket in the next possession, decreasing the lead to two points with 20 seconds left. The Cav Guards lost any chance for a comeback after Pagaduan made a jumpshot in the next possession. The win was sealed with the free throw shots of Aboboto.
The Cav Guards will be back in action on September 24 and will be facing Team Warriors in what will be an important game for both teams for the last two semifinals seats.
Boxscores (click here for full stats):
ASPAC Boys (91): Pagaduan 27, Aboboto 18, Chadnani 14, Gamboa 11, Agdamag V 9, Vasquez 7, Quiloy 3, Plan 2, Ramos 0, Illustre 0, Gonzales 0
Cav Guards (86): Torres 31, Quilang 15, Corsino 12, Hermo 11, Cayaban 8, Tragico 5, Barcena 4, Narciso 0, Sandigan 0, Cuntapay 0
Quarterscores: 23-21, 39-40, 67-62, 91-86