MANILA – The Pagadian Explorers made the most of their homecourt advantage and clobbered the Kapatagan Buffalo Braves, 95-67, as the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup resumed action after a few days off at the Pagadian City Gymnasium on Saturday.
Finally getting to play at home after the league held its first set of games in Ipil, Pagadian broke away late in the third quarter following a 16-6 blast that doused cold water on Kapatagan's mini run to start the period.
Coach Harold Sta. Cruz said the Explorers' game turning rally was their response after seemingly showing signs of cooling off even with a 2-0 start in the Mindanao leg.
"Dapat hindi kami nag-rerelax kasi baka mamaya naiisip ng players ko na galing kami sa dalawang panalo, sabi ko huwag niyo isipin yon. Mag-focus tayo sa kalaban natin ngayon (We should not relax because later on, the players might think that we came from two straight wins. I told them not to think about it. We should focus on our opponents today)," Sta. Cruz said.
Rich Guinitaran led the now 3-0 Explorers with 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting, with five rebounds, and three steals.
Rene Pamaran added 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting and two rebounds off the bench.
Marlon Monte made 14 markers, eight boards, and four dimes for the Buffalo Braves, who fell to 1-2. (PNA)
