Drunkers survive late Ajoya rally, escape with 57–55 win
The Drunkers opened their SBL Mactan campaign on a winning note after surviving a furious fourth-quarter comeback by the Ajoya Monstars, 57–55, in Game 3 of the Territorial Clash.
Ajoya came out strong and took a 16–14 advantage after the opening period, but the momentum quickly shifted in the second quarter.
The Drunkers turned up their offense and outscored the Monstars, 22–11, in the period to take control of the game. They followed it with another 14–11 advantage in the third, building a 50–38 lead entering the final quarter.
But Ajoya refused to go quietly.
The Monstars mounted their strongest push of the night in the fourth quarter, holding the Drunkers to just seven points while scoring 17 of their own. The rally erased nearly the entire 12-point deficit, but the Drunkers managed to protect their lead when it mattered most and escaped with the two-point victory, 57–55.
Paolo Tandoc led the Drunkers with a game-high 18 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting from the field. He knocked down three three-pointers and was perfect from the free-throw line at 5-of-5. John Vince Sestoso added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Yvann Ardiente contributed nine points—all coming from beyond the arc.
For Ajoya, Mari Villacencio led the charge with 14 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Pons Salipot finished with 13 points. Jemman Fernandez and Dandan Caliwan chipped in seven points apiece.
The Drunkers' shooting efficiency proved crucial in the close contest. They shot 57% from the field and converted 10 of their 11 free throws, while Ajoya finished at 49% from the floor and 7-of-13 from the stripe. The Drunkers also connected on seven three-pointers compared with only two for the Monstars.
With the victory, the Drunkers move to 1–0, while Ajoya drops to 0–2 despite coming within one possession of completing a 12-point comeback.
Final Score:
Drunkers 57, Ajoya Monstars 55
Quarter Scores:
Ajoya — 16 | 11 | 11 | 17 — 55
Drunkers — 14 | 22 | 14 | 7 — 57
Top Performers:
Paolo Tandoc — 18 PTS
Mari Villacencio — 14 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL
Pons Salipot — 13 PTS
John Vince Sestoso — 10 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL
Yvann Ardiente — 9 PTS, 3 3PM
Full game statistics and box score are available on StatsCentral – SBL Mactan.