Team Bumblebees scored an important victory against Team ASPAC, 85-77 at the continuation of the APCRAA Basketball Tournament (ABT) 2018 season on Saturday, September 1, at the Asia Pacific College Gymnasium.
The win increased Bumblebee’s chances in getting the last spot for the semifinal round beginning on September 15.
Joemark Belardo had his best game this season with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Brix Estabillo topped all players in scoring with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. He also had 8 steals, breaking the record for most steals in a single game in ABT history, previously set at 7 steals and held by 5 different players.
Reigning MVP Mark Pagaduan is the only bright spot for Team ASPAC, scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists. Rookie Nico Conta had the best game of his career so far with 12 points and 10 assists.
Team Bumblebees got the early headstart to secure the lead in the first quarter and was on top in the first three quarters, while Team ASPAC kept the lead within reach. By the fourth quarter, ASPAC was able to tie the ball game at 70-all with 7:16 remaining. However, the Bumblebees had a 10-0 run going in to the last two minutes, as ASPAC missed most of their close shots in the paint.
Team ASPAC will play the final game of the elimination round against Team Mille on September 8 at 6:30pm, while Team OGs and Team Knights will square off on the same day at 5:00pm.
THE SCORES: (FIBA LiveStats)
ASPAC (77): Pagaduan 19, Conta 12, Quinia 9, Gamboa 8, Agdamag 7, Aboboto 6, Chandnani 6, Vasquez 5, Gonzales 5, Ilustre 0
BUMBLEBEES (85): Estabillo 24, Belardo 20, Ringor 17, Prion 9, De Luna 7, Villas 4, San Diego 2, Pring 2, Grepo 0
QUARTERSCORES: 17-24, 39-47, 60-66, 77-85