#Masters2019: PNP survive Guam, inch closer to sweep of 35-UP

QUEZON CITY -- After an opening day fright against Tito Rex-Manila Kingpin, PNP found themselves in yet another close contest.

But it was the same result as the Responders survive once again, this time against Guam Masters in which they escape with a 96-90 win Wednesday evening at Camp Crame.

PNP saw their 13-point halftime lead nearly disappear, but their timely shots and stops down the stretch put them closer into the title game of the 35-and-above division on Friday, winning their second straight game.

SPO2 Julius Criste lead the Responders with 20 points, including five triples, as PO1 Rollie Serrano pitched in 13 and PO1 Ricardo Cabrera fired for 10.

Player of the game PO2 Anton Tolentino nearly had a double-double as he came just a point and two assists shy of it.

PNP withstand a late charge by Joseph Ubalde, who knocked in 16 of his game-high 39 points in the final period for the now 1-1 Guam.

The scores:

PNP 96 -- Criste 20, Serrano 13, Cabrera 10, Tolentino 9, Misola 8, Cabahug 7, Dia 6, Decena 6, Dalogdog 5, Bayabao 4, Villanueva 3, Albaña 3, Flormata 2, Nicolas 0, Zules 0

Guam Masters 90 -- Ubalde 39, Fejeran 12, Labrusca 10, Costales 9, Borcena 8, Andaya 6, Reyes 6, Aguon 0, Taitague 0

Quarter scores: 23-22, 56-43, 74-63, 96-90

(Photo by Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament)