PASSI City – Amistads/TEJ Builders had a triumphant start in the 1st Pintados de Pasi Invitational Open Basketball Tournament with a 103-69 win over Oton at the City of Passi Arena here on Saturday night.
Jemar Cepriano spearheaded the win with 24 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Ryan Calamaan and Jesse Sullano also provided the much-needed boost on offense.
“It’s a good start for the team, pero matagal pa ito,” said Amistads/TEJ Builders head coach Rodel Camacho. “There are still some things needed to be fix, but mga minor lang naman ‘yun.”
Department of Public Works and Highways 2nd DEO/J. Cordon/Double J, meanwhile, cruised to a close 93-88 victory over the Toto Tia Ten Trucking team. Rod Balgos finished with a double-double output of 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winning team.
Guimaras Leopards, on the other hand, was also victorious in the tournament opener as it handed the Philippine National Police an 89-74 beating. Jeffy Espinosa scattered 30 points for Guimaras.
In the other match of the day, Hercor College Jaguars manhandled JKG, 93-63.
Jeigo Montillano was hailed as player of the match with 18 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Randy Palomaria, Passi City Sports Development Officer III, said that the tournament is in celebration of the city’s Pintados Festival and for Passi’s 22nd cityhood founding anniversary./PN
