SMFI Poultry stunned Mindanao Cargo Forwarders

SMFI Poultry notched its first win in the tournament at the expense of Mindanao Cargo Forwarders 57-53. It was a close game with the halftime score dead even at 28-all. MCF outscored SMFI in the third canto 15-10 behind the guns of RJ Rulona to give themselves a five-point lead going to the last quarter. MCF still leads by 7 points with time down to 1 minute and 50 seconds. However, Jimmy Dacalano scored on a lay-up to cut the lead down to 5. In the ensuing play, MCF failed to convert and Dandan Morandante immediately passed the ball to Jimmy Dacalano but instead of going in for the lay-up opted to shoot a 3-pointer which he made. MCF lead down to two with 40 seconds left to play. MCF shoot hurriedly and again failed to convert on their possession. Ericson Irlandez grabbed the rebound then passed to James Gutierrez who slowly dribbled the ball downcourt. James Gutierrez then passed the ball to the cutting Ericson Irlandez who converted the shot plus a foul. Scored tied at 53-all. Ericson Irlandez converted the bonus foul shot giving SMFI a one-point lead with 26 seconds remaining. Ericson Irlandez played almost without relief and provided the leadership to keep SMFI in the game. James Gutierrez then got a steal from Mark Anthony Yap then passes to Jimmy Dacalano for a fastbreak lay-up. Time down to 10 seconds with SMFI now ahead by 3 points 56-53. MCF's Resthie Rubio fires a three-pointer but is off-the-mark. James Gutierrez got the loose ball and was fouled. James Gutierrez converted 1 of 2 free throws for the final count of 57-53.

James Gutierrez and Jimmy Dacalano scored 18 points each and Ericson Irlandez added 17 points for SMFI poultry. MCF's RJ Rulona led his team with 20 points and Mark Anthony Yap contributing 9 points.

Quarters: 14-14; 28-28; 38-43; 57-53

Boxscores:
SMFI 57 = Gutierrez 18, Dacalano 18, Irlandez 17, Morandante 2, Doronio 2, Gornez 0, Lebante 0, Barias 0, Virtudazo 0, Molina 0.

MCF 53 = Rulona 20, Yap 9, Melano 7, Acebu 6, Maglasang 5, Barrete 4, Rubio 2