Guimaras Leopards racks first win in Dinagyang Basketball Cup

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Guimaras Leopards felt at home in Jaro gym as they chalked up their first win after nipping the Estancia Mariners, 95-90, in the first game of the Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Dinagyang Basketball Cup.

Jefrey Espinosa made his presence felt early as he attacked the Estancia interior at will with his shifty and quick moves that gave him the space he needed for easy scores.

With Espinosa’s consistent level of play, he was able to involve the team when Estancia started to chase him with double teams for easy kick-out passes.

However, as the second half started, coach Jay Pisuena started to deploy his signature full-court man-to-man pressure and proved to be effective as they were able to produce some steals and regained the tempo of the game.

In the final frame, it was a back-and-forth affair as Mon Lustria started to make it rain from downtown for Estancia but Espinosa always came down with an answer.

The breaks of the game went to the Leopards as they were able to hold on to their lead and sank three clutch free throws to seal the deal.