Imperial takes charge late vs Basilan as Zambo Sibugay gets share of VisMin lead

PAGADIAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — Zamboanga Sibugay annexed its fourth-straight victory, eking out a 62-61 escape of the skidding Basilan BRT in the Choooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge, Monday at the Pagadian City Gymnasium here.

Knotted at 58, Shaq Imperial banked in a jumper to give the Anak Mindanao Warriors a two-point advantage, 60-58, with 1:33 to go.

Then in the ensuing play, Imperial drove to the basket and at the last second, dropped the ball to Enrique Caunan for the easy lay-in for the two-possession lead, 62-58, with 48.5 ticks left.

But Peace Rider Jorem Morada answered back quickly with a triple on the other end to inch within one, 61-62.

However, Med Salim and Morada missed their chances to provide Basilan the lead and possibly, the win.

“Stay composed lang kami palagi. Every possession composed lang,” said Warriors head coach Arnold Oliveros. “Huwag mataranta, isecure namin ‘yung boards, walang second chance points.”

Zamboanga Sibugay rose to 4-2, tying Kapatagan for the top spot while Basilan slipped to its third consecutive loss for an even 3-3 slate.

Lester Reyes led the Warriors with 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Imperial chipped in 12 points — all from the second half — to go with four rebounds and four assists.

Francis Camacho and Caunan combined for 15 points.

On the other hand, Morada finished with 20 points in the losing cause alongside five rebounds and four turnovers.

Dennis Daa chalked up 10 points and eight rebounds but committed four turnovers as well.

Basilan will play for the fourth-straight day tomorrow against Iligan at 6:30 pm, while the Warriors return on Wednesday against MisOr at 6:30 pm too.

The Scores:

Zamboanga Sibugay 62 – Reyes 13, Imperial 12, Camacho 8, Caunan 7, Lacastesantos 4, Jamon 4, Octobre 4, Penaredondo 2, Sorela 2, Dumapig 2, Tayongtong 2, Bangcoyan 2, Acain 0, Albrecht 0.

Basilan 61 – Morada 20, Daa 10, Luciano 9, Salim 7, Panganiban 6, Hallare 4, Soliva 2, Lunor 2, Julkipli 0, Goloran 0, Ferrer 0.

Quarterscores: 17-18, 33-25, 51-48, 62-61.