Surigao City, Philippines - NorthEastern Mindanao Colleges came out sizzling from a lackluster first half as it unloaded a 40-point splurge in the last two quarters to blast Surigao Education Center, 85-80, yesterday and leading bracket A in the 1st Mayor Nitoy Matugas Open Basketball Tournament.
Held to just eight points in the second quarter and 27 in the first half, the Warriors came roaring back in the fourth period, erasing a 3-point deficit mid-way in the fourth period
SEC were on top, 59-58, at the end of the third then poured it all out in the fourth to win pulling away.
NEMCO leading scorer last year, Gerald Marquez poured for 19 points, including 10 in the third period. He also had 3 three point shots.
Jobert Lopez and Piape came through with 12 points, and orchestrating warriors offense.
“I have to give credit where credit is due and he really played well,” said NEMCO coach Clint Mondano.
Bryan Garde, Helino Francisco and Lord Toring paced the Warriors in controlling the inside defense and rebounds for the warriors..