#Masters2019: PNP outlast Tito Rex to open 35-and-above

QUEZON CITY -- PNP survive a dogfight with Tito Rex-Manila Kingpin to open the 35-and-above division cage wars with an 82-80 nailbiter in the second game of the opening day at the Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament Monday evening at the PNP Sports Center in Camp Crame.

The Responders trailed in the first half, but got their groove after the break to defend their home court by surviving a late fightback by the Titos in the final period.

SPO2 Julius Criste led PNP with 22 points on a 57% shooting from the field, as he let long-ranged shots to fall with 5/11 three-point shooting while adding three rebounds, an assist and a steal to boot.

PO2 Antonio Tolentino added 18 for the Responders, with a more efficient 7/9 shooting from the field as he shot all of his five attempts from inside the arc.

After trailing by eleven, PNP clawed their way back in the middle quarters, outscoring them by 20 to grab a nine-point lead heading into the fourth.

Leopoldo Santiago's game-high of 31 was not enough for Tito Rex as their upset attempt came up short at the endgame,

The scores:

PNP 82 -- Criste 22, Tolentino 18, Cabrera 10, Decena 8,  Nicolas 6, Bayabao 4, Cabahug 3, Flormata 3, Misala 2, Abaya 2, Dia 2, Sta. Cruz 2, Saracho 0, Albaña 0, Dalogdog 0, Paredes 0

Tito Rex-Manila Kingpin 80 -- Santiago 31, Tongco 16, Torrente 14, Mendiola 13, Galang 4, Lim 2, Mangaran 0, Niñeza 0, Recidoro 0

Quarter scores: 20-31, 37-40, 65-56, 82-80

(photo by Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament)