THE Bulacan DF Republicans defeated SparTAN Sulong Stan, 116-94, at the start on Sunday of the Chooks-to-Go National Basketball League (NBL) Chairman’s Cup at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Christian Necio scored 18 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals for the DF Republicans, who raced to a 90-72 lead after a 32-21 third quarter.
Necio converted a lay-up late in the fourth to extend Bulacan’s lead to 112-89, the largest in the game.
Joseph Celso, a Mythical Five winner in the first season of the NBL, returned to the league with 15 points and 12 rebounds for Bulacan. Dominick Fajardo had 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals for the Republicans in his NBL comeback as well.
Bulacan got off to a strong start with an 8-0 advantage and a 15-3 lead. The Quezon District 1 and 4-based Sulong Stan tasted the lead at 34-32 but the Republicans regained control and were up, 58-51, at halftime.
The Republicans coached by Paul John Macapagal also outscored the Sulong Stan in bench points, 49-32, with John Kenneth Reyes leading the attack with 13 points.
Marvin Baracael scored 19 points, and Khenth Guiab and Kenneth Mercado had 15 points apiece for the Mel Alas-mentored Sulong Stan in their NBL debut.
The opening day also saw the Glutagence Glow Boosters beating the Pacific Water Queens, 72-55, in the first game of the Pia Cayetano WNBL.
Raiza Palmera-Dy topscored for the Glow Boosters with 15 points, and Khate Castillo and Camille Claro scored 11 points each for the winning squad.
The Chooks-to-Go NBL games are aired live on Solar Sports, the NBL-Pilipinas Facebook and YouTube, and the SEAG Network.
The WNBL matches can be seen live on the NBL-Pilipinas Facebook and YouTube and SEAG Network with delayed telecast every Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 p.m. on Solar Sports.
Scores:
Bulacan 116—Necio 18, Fajardo 15, Celso 15, J. Reyes 13, Cruz 12, E. Reyes 11, Operio 10, Andres 8, Ramirez 7, Sumampong 3, Camua 2, Batac 2, Santos 0.
SparTAN 94—Baracael 19, Mercado 15, Guiab 15, Bacay 13, Batilo 10, Umberit 6, Ortillano 4, Sevilla 4, Amandy 4, Calvario 3, Aquino 1, Gagan 0, Sangalang 0, Portales 0.
Quarterscores: 27-25, 58-51, 90-72, 116-94.