My thoughts about Bataan’s win over Navotas

My thoughts about Bataan’s win over Navotas

by rick olivares

The Bataan Risers won their third straight game in the ongoing Datu’s Cup of the MPBL with an 84-78 triumph over a tough Navotas Clutch.

Here are my thoughts about the game. 

First of all, it is a good win where the new additions incorporated well.

Three-match win streak and one taken in – no pun intended – in the clutch. That was a huge three-point play by Richard Escoto that tied the game at 78-all with 3:03 left in the game. Then Yvan Ludovice buried a huge jumper to give Bataan a two-point lead. While the game saw both squads exchange runs and leads, Bataan was steadier in the endgame. And it seems that the Risers have found a big game player in Ludovice who will help for the title run.

At 17-2, this is a solid win. New additions Ludovice and Escoto both played well. This is something the Risers will need as the season winds up.

Four players scored in double digits

For the first time all season, three of Bataan’s starters – Byron Villarias (12 points), Gary David (11 points), and Alfred Batino (10 points) scored in double digits.

Furthermore, there was solid support from Escoto who led Bataan with 15 points and seven rebounds. Ludovice added nine points while Pamboy Raymundo and Gab Daganon each chipped in seven points. Raymundo also added 10 assists. 

The points off the bench by Escoto, Ludovice, and Daganon are crucial because it gives Bataan some steadiness while the starters rest. Total bench points by Bataan – 43 to 23.

Three other crucial stats in favor of Bataan include:

Points off turnovers: 28-11

Points in the paint: 46-26

Second chance points: 16-15

This is important because the rims at the Bataan People’s Center are very unforgiving. In basketball parlance, walang awa.

And having said that, here are a few concerns: Bataan shot poorly once more from the free throw line: 12-23. Granted Navotas did not fare better, as they hit 12-25. But that is no excuse. 

Furthermore, they made things interesting in the endgame with two misses from the free throw line that could have turned a four-point lead into a six-point margin. Luckily, Jojo Duncil lost the ball to Daganon and Navotas’ Donald Gumaru missed a triple. 

Robbie Celiz struggled in this game. He had six field goal attempts and missed all of them. Bernie Bregondo was used sparingly yet he managed to tally four points and three rebounds.

So far, Bataan is 3-0 (including wins over Rizal and Zamboanga) in 2019. 17-2 in 19 games in 2019. They have one more game this January and it will be on the road against the 9-11 Laguna Heroes.