Talisay unscathed in 6 games AP

MJAS Zenith-talisay City booked an authoritative 97-65 victory over Tubigon Bohol to remain unbeaten in six games at the start of the second round of the Chooks-togo Pilipinas Vismin Super Cup on Thursday at the Alcantara Civic Center in Cebu.

But the Aquastars had to shake off a sluggish start—they trailed by 11 points, 24-35, in the second period—before imposing their will over their opponents.

Talisay City rode the hot hands of Val Acuña and Jaymar Gimpayan in an 11-0 run at the start of the third quarter that vaulted them to a 48-41 lead.

Patrick Jan Cabahug, Egie Boy Mojica, Shane Menina and Kevin Villafranca joined the scoring parade in the stretch that pushed Talisay to a 66-47 advantage heading into the fourth quarter, which they transformed into a mere formality when they led by as many as 32 points.

“We’re very concerned about our slow starts. I think it’s been going on for two games already,” Cabahug said. “Coach [Aldrin Morante] told us not to be overconfident because it’s what’s causing us to start slow. He reminded us that all the teams here are capable of beating us.”

Talisay outscored Bohol, 59-24, in the second half, to also emphasize their 105-66 win in the first round last April 9. Bohol remained winless in six games.

Acuña led the Aquastars with 14 points built on four three-pointers while Cabahug also made three triples to finish with 13 points. Gimpayan had 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Jonathan Ibarra led Bohol with 16 points, while Joseph Marquez had 14 points and eight rebounds. Pari Llagas chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds.

JULIAN’S race Julian alaphilippe earns his third victory after 2018 and 2019 in the Flèche Wallonne one-day classic on Wednesday, overtaking spanish Vuelta champion Primoz roglič on the final ascent to the finish line. The Deceuninck-quick step rider clocked the 194-kilometer course in four hours, 36 minutes and 25 seconds. World champion anna van der Breggen wins the women’s race for the seventh straight time.