Say Chiz had the last laugh after booking a thrilling 66-64 win over Smart Sports Scribe while Capital1 posted a wire-to-wire 86-74 triumph over Strong Group Athletics in the opening salvo of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Cup late Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Jeric Lopez delivered the game-winner in the final 39 seconds to lift the Smileys to their first win in this tourney organized by the PSA under president Nelson Beltran of the Philippine STAR.
In the first game, Christian Jacinto and Aldo Aviñante provided the firepower for Capital1 managed by Manila Bulletin sports editor Ramon Bonilla.
Jacinto logged 21 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks while Aviñante tallied 19 points, five assists, and three rebounds for the Solar Boys, who dealt the Press Row Bros of Daily Tribune sports editor Julius Manicad their first loss.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann and Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. president Ian Laurel served as special guests in the short opening ceremony.
Hostilities will continue next week with Say Chiz and Capital1 clashing in the first game followed by Smart Sports and Strong Group in the night cap.
