BOXER Manny Pacquiao’s Pacman basketball team exploded in the third quarter to beat Sandigan, 92-78, and win the Mayor Jose Obedencio Cup Wednesday afternoon at the Maramag gym in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Pacman had a slow start, trailing by nine points, 17-26, in the first quarter and by three, 41-44, at the end of the second canto.
But peppery guard Roderick Ramos and skipper Zaldy Cabanlit scored 11 and nine points, respectively, as Pacman exploded for 33 points in the third to grab the lead, 78-60.
The Nonoy Pido-mentored Pacman squad never looked back to snatch the P60,000 champion’s prize and trophy, while Sandigan settled for P40,000.
Pacman’s Louie Medalla, who had 10 points, took the Most Valuable Player and best guard awards, while teammate Ian Daja was voted as the best center.
Ramos topscored with 18 points followed by JP Locsin and Cabanlit with 12 and 11, respectively.
Sandigan’s playmaker Arturo Atablanco was contained by Pacman and eventually fouled out with only 14 points.
Atablanco and Boris Mejorada both led Sandigan with 14 points each.
“It’s another early birthday gift for Manny,” said team manager Nonoy Neri.
Pacquiao, who is back in General Santos City, could have witnessed the championship game had it been set later in the night.
Pacman first won its major title in Tagum City last month.
The boxscores
Pacman (92) — Ramos 18, Locsin 12, Cabanlit 11, Farochilen 10, Medalla 10, Daja 9, Tadena 8, Sandoval 6, Miller 5, Divero 3, Rubi 0.
Sandigan (78) — Mejorada 14, Atablanco 14, Ayson 13, Alfechie 10, Agusan 8, Bonifacio 7, Abames 6, Numeran 3.
Quarterscores: 17-26, 41-44, 78-60, 92-78
