3 points to take from Bataan’s win over Laguna

3 points to take from Bataan’s win over Laguna

by rick olivares

The Bataan Risers got off to a good start and held off the reeling Laguna Heroes, 77-70, in MPBL Datu’s Cup action. The win gives Bataan an 18-2 record; the best in the league, while Laguna falls to a 9-13 record. 

Here’s what we can take from Bataan’s win.

5 Risers scored in double digits

Four-fifths of the starting unit scored in double figures. Yvan Ludovice led the way with 16 points. Gary David added 11 while Pamboy Raymundo, Richard Escoto, and Gab Daganon each chipped in 10 markers to the overall effort.

Starting center Alfred Batino, who was plagued by fouls all match long shockingly scored only one point after which he fouled out.

In contrast, the Heroes only had three players scoring double digits in Ralf Olivares (a game high 18 points), Raymond Ilagan (14 points and 11 rebounds), and Rocky Antonares (13 points and 10 bboards). Although Laguna starting center Michael Mabulac scored nine points, their three other big scorers in Denok Miranda, Lord Casajeros, and Paolo Pontejos combined for eight points. Bataan played good defense on the trio who were held to a combined 4-16 field goal shooting. 

When a team is finding scoring from a number of players from the starting unit to the bench, it helps in the rotation and when looking for scoring opportunities. More scoring weapons means the defense will have to work harder.

The field goal shooting made up for a bad day off the boards.

Laguna won the rebounding battle with 51 rebounds with 25 coming off the offensive glass. The Heroes were able to pump in 23 points. While Bataan managed 37 total caroms and a measly two second chance points. 

Obviously, the foul problems of Batino hurt. And surprisingly, Vince Tolentino played a little over under seven minutes. He scored two points and wasn’t able to field any rebounds. 

Luckily, Bataan shot rather well from two areas where they have struggled of late – three-point shooting and free throw shooting.

Laguna hit 42% of their field goals while Bataan was good for a 40% clip.

From three-point range though, they did a number on the Heroes. Bataan was 10-28 while Laguna was a poor 1-17. And from the free throw line, the Risers knocked down 17 of 24 shots while the Heroes shot themselves in the foot by missing 21 of their 32 free throws.

Ludovice & Escoto continues to be a huge pick up for Bataan

The recent acquisition of Yvan Ludovice and Richard Escoto has paid dividends for Bataan. Escoto is 4-1 since he joined Bataan while Ludovice is 3-0.

Ludovice is averaging 11.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while Escoto is norming 9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. 

But it isn’t solely due to the two. Gab Daganon has become an important player for Bataan in the past four games. Daganon’s season average is 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. However, since the loss to San Juan, Daganon has played more minutes and become a force off the bench. In that time, he has put up 9.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists; nearly doubling everything in 15 minutes of action per match. 

Bataan ended 2018 with only their second loss in 16 outings. This January 2019, they are 4-0. Another streak has begun.

New forward-center Barkley Eboña will make his long-awaited debut for Bataan this February 4 when they take on Muntinlupa.