#Masters2019: Tito Rex's level record at 35-up after routing Gourmet MNL

QUEZON CITY -- Team Pilipinas Tito Rex's-Manila Kingpin kept its flickering hopes alive in the 35-and-above division at the 2019 Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament, routing Gourmet Manila 101-79 to cap off another tripleheader Wednesday evening at the PNP Gym.

Coming off from their loss in their opener against PNP, Tito Rex's pulled away in the third quarter after engaging in a tight battle in the first half, as they even up their record at 1-1 for a share of second place with Guam Masters.

That means they will battle for the final trip to the finals on Thursday to decide who will face PNP in the title game the following day.

Leopoldo Santiago waxed hot once again, as he led all scorers with 30 points, missing only two shots from the field in the process.

Ex-pro Niño Marquez added 19, while James Mangaran and Edelbert Tongco had 15 and 13 respectively for Tito Rex's.

Jobert Castro had 18 for Gourmet MNL who were now in the consolation game on Friday after taking another loss.

The scores:

Team Pilipinas Tito Rex's-Manila Kingpin 101 -- Santiago 30, Marquez 19, Mangaran 15, Tongco 13, Torrente 9, Ortiz 4, Recidoro 4, Mendiola 3, Lim 2, Galang 2,

Gourmet Manila 79 -- Castro 18, Dequilla 17, Flores 15, Salazar 9, Avergonzado 6, B Ferrer 4, Quiroga 4, Gesile 3, Coronel 2, J Ferrer 1, Juan 0

Quarter scores: 16-9, 47-41, 84-55, 101-79

(Photo by Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament)