BUSINESSMEN, aspiring commercial players and players who want to elevate their game to the next level took center stage just recently when the Season 4 of LGR Hoops came off the wraps simultaneously in three different venues — the Titan Love Court in Bonifacio Global City, North Greenhills and Cloverleaf Court.
The Season 4 is touted as the biggest drawn event in terms of participation as over 90 teams took part in this event sponsored by Titan, NBA Store, Gatorade, BTV, Gold’s Gym, Zark’s Burgers, Bugsy’s, Kartilya, SYF and Ybalai. Dent United, Hungry Panda, and Mackay Lions made their mark from the get-go of the Novice Division while Master Siomai and DBBB07 flexed their muscles on opening day in the Neophyte category.
RM Bautista and Errol Lopez combined for 29 points as Dent United came from behind before beating George Plateria, 56-52.
Dent United rallied from a 35-24 half time deficit, employing a solid defensive effort in the second period where it held its rival to only six points. It was then that Bautista and Lopez struck the hardest as they tallied 18 and 11 points, respectively.
Hungry Panda and Mackay Lions blasted their respective foes to also make it to the win column of the Novice Division.
Playing with only eight men, six players finished with six points or more for Hungry Panda, which demolished Manila Spartans, 60-50. Hungry Panda was led by Alo Revereza, who finished with 13 points and eight boards. JK Gonzales added 12 markers on top of eight rebounds.
Hungry Panda survived the sizzling shooting display of Gus Jaleco, who finished with 18 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc.
Mackay Lions dumped Stallions, 89-67.
Six players scored in double figures for Mackay in an overpowering performance. Khalid Khalil finished with 14 points, Michael Custodio and John Paul Pama had 13 apiece, Mark Jay Pagauitan and Rafael Aguinaldo had 11 each, and Nikko Bago contributed 10 for Mackay Lions, which raced to an early 36-20 half time advantage and didn’t look back.
Master Siomai held YP4K to only four points in the second period en route to scoring a 49-44 triumph.
DBBB07 defeated Fluxx, 56-49. — Rey Joble
