Batang Gilas falls short in MCBL debut

MEMBERS of the Batang Gilas got a fitting workout in preparation for the FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship in its debut game in the Marikina City Basketball League (MCBL).

On Sunday, the national youth team took the floor and pushed R. Lapid’s/Tito Rex to the limit before bowing to their more experienced rivals, 83-77, in front of a huge crowd at the Marikina Sports Complex.

The young cagers got big games from mainstays RC Calimag and Renz Padrigao, but their more seasoned rivals composed of ex-D-League players and imports in the collegiate rank flexed their muscles when needed to hack out a win.

Calimag, son of former PBA player Recaredo Calimag, finished with 18 points while Padrigao, team captain of the national youth squad, contributed 16 for the reigning SEABA Under-16 champion Batang Gilas.

But Batang Gilas couldn’t stop Solmane Chabiyo, the prized recruit African import from Colegio de San Lorenzo, who had another double-double performance of 16 points and 10 rebounds to power R. Lapid’s/ Tito Rex to its second win in this tournament.

In the other game, ex-pro James Martinez and the rest of L&J Spa cagers made sure they’ll get the job done in hacking out a 104-85 triumph over Madam Tess.

A former player of the Powerade Tigers in the PBA, the sweet-shooting Martinez also got ample support from former Purefoods player Jerwin Gaco, Dennis Villamor, Renz Palma, Mike Ayonayon and JR Taganas, all of them finishing in double figures for L&J.

Mr. Gaco, a fan favorite in the PBA, is making his presence felt in the MCBL. He contributed 15 points and pulled down 15 boards in a solid effort. Mr. Villamor chipped in 13 while Messrs. Palma and Ayonayon had 12 each.

Mr. Taganas, a long-time teammate of Martinez, also had a double-double performance of 10 points and 15 rebounds as L&J clobbered its rivals in the battle of the boards, 63-39.

Ex-pro Paul Sanga led the way for Madam Tess with 26 markers, but failed to get enough support from his teammates. —