ARONG LEADS NONIES BBQ PAST AJOYA MONSTARS, 67–58

GABI GYM — Jingjing Bookkeeper X Nonies BBQ opened Week 1 with a statement, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Ajoya Monstars, 67–58, in a tightly contested opening game.

Ajoya came out firing, taking a 23–18 lead after the opening quarter behind an aggressive offensive start. Nonies BBQ answered in the second period, but the Monstars continued to hold the advantage heading into halftime.

The third quarter remained a battle, with Ajoya maintaining control and entering the final period ahead, 53–47.

But everything changed in the fourth.

Nonies BBQ turned up the pressure on both ends of the floor, while Ajoya struggled to generate offense. Nonies BBQ outscored the Monstars 12–4 in the final quarter, erasing the deficit and completing the comeback.

At the center of Nonies BBQ's victory was Francis Ruscel Arong, who was named Player of the Game after delivering an efficient all-around performance.

Arong finished with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, along with 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

His efficiency proved crucial as Nonies BBQ repeatedly attacked the paint and finished the night with 56 points in the paint.

While Arong provided the offensive spark, Nonies BBQ also received valuable contributions throughout the lineup. Sigfred Daño added 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Vimar Lucion contributed 9 points and 5 rebounds.

Laurence Nino Sullano also made an impact off limited minutes, scoring 7 points, while Keith Daño added 4 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

For Ajoya Monstars, John Espana led all scorers with an impressive 24 points, including 4 three-pointers, but the Monstars could not maintain their early momentum.

John Villacencio added 9 points, while John Caliwan finished with 8.

Ajoya's biggest problem came in the final period. After scoring 18 points in each of the first three quarters, the Monstars managed just 4 points in the fourth, allowing Nonies BBQ to take control of the game.

Nonies BBQ also dominated several key statistical categories, including field goals, rebounds, points in the paint, and steals.

FINAL SCORE

Ajoya Monstars — 58
Jingjing Bookkeeper X Nonies BBQ — 67

The comeback gives Jingjing Bookkeeper X Nonies BBQ a winning start to Week 1, while Ajoya Monstars will look to bounce back in their next game.

For Nonies BBQ, however, the opening message is already clear:

They can take a punch — and they can finish strong.

FRANCIS RUSCEL ARONG
14 PTS | 7–8 FG | 2 REB | 2 AST | 2 STL