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Franz Diaz

Pagadian Explorers escapes Roxas Vanguards in VisMin Cup 2nd Conference

The Pagadian Explorers proved steadier in crunchtime as they defeated the Roxas Vanguards, 56-52, late Saturday night in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Open Conference at the Pagadian City Gymnasium.

Wide-bodied big man Jezhreel Acaylar delivered the goods in the clutch as he scored consecutive baskets to break a 50-all tie and give the Explorers a 54-52 lead.

Kent Segura made a layup with 1:10 left to inch within two, 52-54, but the defensive hustle of Pagadian held steady, not allowing any bucket to fall in for the Vanguards to end the match.

“It all boils down sa defense talaga. Yun ang nagpanalo sa amin,” said Pagadian head coach Gherome Ejercito.

Edzel Mag-isa dropped a double-double for the Explorers with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Niño Ibañez also got himself 11.

Visayas Leg MVP Jaymar Gimpayan, formerly of the MJAS Zenith-Talisay, finished with 14 points and nine rebounds for Roxas. Marlon Monte added 11 points but needed 13 shots to do so.

Both teams will be back in action on Sunday. The Explorers will open the day against Iligan at 4 pm, while the Vanguards will clash with Zamboanga Sibugay at 6:30 pm.

The Scores:

Pagadian 56 РMag-isa 11, Iba̱ez 11, Caballero 8, Acaylar 7, Diaz 6, Fuentes, Quimado 4 Opiso 2, Dechos 12, Pamaran 0, Demigaya 0.

Roxas 52 – Gimpoayan 14, Monte 11, Mabigat 8, Tabi 5, Segura 5, Abanto 3, Templo 2, Mandreza 2, Valin 2, Dela Cruz 0, Adante 0, Basco 0.

Quarterscores: 9-10, 23-19, 40-40, 56-52.

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