By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
An explosive game fit for an explosive return indeed.
The Team Elite Lab (TOTO TIA TEN/XYZ) spearheaded the return of the JB Amateur Basketball League (JB ABL) Season II with a convincing win against the tough TEJ- RC Stoneford squad, 68-61.
Eager to maintain their undefeated record in the league, coach John Guanco’s Elite Lab immediately put in the work and broke down RC’s defense with their motion offense.
Aside from their unselfishness, their perimeter and passing lane defense led by point guard Kent John Parreñas was a big difference-maker as he swiped the ball two times in just the first 10 minutes of action.
Elite Lab’s RJ Pantin then waxed hot offensively as he drained most of his open perimeter shots that helped their lead balloon to as much as 15 points.
However, team RC put on a strong resistance after applying their signature full-court pressure that paid dividends as they were able to convert their baskets off stops from their adjustments.
Giann Paul Nahine and Ralph Bajon led RC’s attack that helped them get back within striking distance but Elite Lab’s crisp offensive sets enabled them to score at will in the last five minutes of the ball game,
RC’s offense then went cold in the most crucial period in the final canto while Elite Lab continued to make it rain and was capped off by a Parreñas dagger jumper from the right elbow.
With his solid effort from both ends of the floor, Pantin then nabbed the Blackwater Player of the Game award with 19 huge points.
Elite Lab is now at the top of the standings and is still undefeated in two games of the JB ABL bracket two together with RC, ODM, Medics, and Pepsi.
