POP COLA LEADS COMMISH CUP;TANDUAY AIMS 8 WIN STREAK EXTENDED
Astrodome, Pasay City, May 24, 1998 - Sean Higgins piled up 30 points, including 11 in the 4th quarter to lead Pop Cola to a good start in the PBA Commissioners Cup games against Bobby Parks and Formula Shell Friday night here at the Astrodome.
Pop Cola's 81-73 win included Boyet Fernandez's triple play and preserving the ball possession after trying to get personal time out while slumped on the floor after a slide with 35 seconds left in the clock.
This is the opening game of the PBA Commissioners Cup of mid-season tournament.
Meanwhile, at the Makati Coliseum, the Tanduay Centennial Rhummasters aim to extend their winning streak to 8 as it eyes a repeat over Dr. J. Alcohol and also the first semi final berth in the 2nd round eliminations of the 1998 Yakult-PBC Centennial Cup.
Tanduay is highly favored having won 70-60 last May 9. A win would duplicate their record feat of 8 straight wins posted in the 1995 Import Reinforced Conference when they were then known as Stag Pilsners.
However, the Alcohol Makers equally need the win to firm up their semi finals bid. They are now in a 4-way tie for 3rd place along with Chowking, Red Bull and Welcoat Paints on similar 4-4 cards.
Wilkins Distilled Water seeks a repeat of its 80-67 win over Zest-O to fortify its hold of solo record.
Tanduay also hopes for a double victory as the Jr Lapad, behind John Paul Alcaraz and Adrian Ronquillo goes for its 5th win in a row versus Wilkins in the first encounter of the first PBL Junior League.
Rookie-MVP Eric Menk with a career-high of 10 points and 19 rebounds in the first encounter leads the Rhummasters along with Rubi, Morante, Alvin Magpantay and Mark Telan.
Alcohol's strength are Roel Buenaventura and Bryan Gahol backed by Dexter Racho, Robin Mendoza and Joseph Gumatay.(with files from the Philippine Star)
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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