By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The XYZ/TOTO-TIA-TEN and PNP squads grabbed vital wins in the ongoing 1st Mayor Stephen Palmares Pintados de Passi Basketball Open Invitational tournament.
For the first game, the XYZ/TOTO-TIA-TEN team handed the Amistad/TEJ Builders squad their first loss, 94-93, in one of the most thrilling games of the tourney.
Gerry Abadiano torched Amistad the whole game, sinking clutch treys one after the other that captured the loudest oohs and aahs in the Passi City Arena.
Abadiano finished with 20 huge points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal and helped shift the pace of the game as he slowed down the ball most of their possession.
The Amistad style of play was very evident in the third frame as they ran and scored multiple times in fast break situations but XYZ made adjustments that allowed them to grab the victory.
The next match featured a nip-and-tuck game where PNP prevailed over team Ogtonganons, 88-86.
Alexander Sitier was awarded as the best player of the game after coming up big for PNP with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and a staggering five-steals.
