TALISAY-MJAS Zenith brought down Mandaue- KCS Computer Specialists, 77-57, in the battle of top favorites in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas Vis-Min Super Cup basketball championship at the Alcantara Sports and Civic Center.

Led by Jaymar Gimpayan and Val Acuna, the Aquastars buried the Eagles with an avalanche of baskets right in the opening minutes enroute to their second straight win in the seven-team professional tournament.

A 16-0 opening salvo in the first six minutes did the trick for Talisay, which was never seriously threatened by Mandaue.

Gimpayan provided the firepower for Talisay with a game-high 25 points on a remarkable 11-of-13 shooting in 22 minutes. He also finished with 10 rebounds, one assist and one block for the Aquastars, who debuted with a 104-66 drubbing of Tubigon-Bohol.

Acuna added 12 points, all from the three-point area, followed by Paolo Hubalde, Egie Boy Mojica and Menina with eight points apiece.

Patrick Cabahug, the hero in Talisay’s opening-day triumph, was held to only two points

“Even with a big lead, we kept our focus against them (Eagles). Sabi ko nga sa mga players, malakas din ang kalaban,” said Talisay coach Aldrin Morante. “Hindi kami pwedeng mag-kumpyansa sa mga teams dito.”

Morante lauded Gimpayan’s strong game despite Mandaue’s defense.

“Super ganda ng ginawa nya. Dino-double ang big man namin at siya yung palaging nasa saktong lugar, “added Morante.

Francis Tamsi finished with 18 points, while Gryann Mendoza added 11 points for Mandaue, which struggled with a dismal 22-of 77-shooting shooting from the field.

Mandaue, 66-46 winner over Siquijor Mystics, fell to 1-1.

Earlier, Lapu-Lapu City Heroes-ARQ Builders overwhelmed Dumaguete City Warriors, 67-57, and Tabogon Voyagers edged Tubigon-Bohol Mariners, 102-99

Ferdinand Lusdoc and Reed Juntila joined hands for the Heroes, who held their ground against the Warriors’ gallant stand.

Arvie Bringas made the tie-breaking shot with 56 seconds left and Joemari Lacastesantos added a free throw following a steal by Jethro Sombero as the Voyagers escaped with a narrow victory over the Mariners.

The scores:

First game
Lapu-Lapu City (67) — Lusdoc 14, Juntilla 12, Cañada 9, Minguito 8, Galvez 7, Tangkay 6, Mondragon 5, Ochea 3, Berame 3, Abad 0, Senining 0, Arong 0.
Dumaguete (57) — Monteclaro 20, Doligon 12, Nacpil 10, Gabas 6, Velasquez 3, Mantilla 3, Roy 2, Regalado 1, Aguilar 0.
Quarterscores: 17-17, 25-23, 46-37, 67-57.

Second game
Tabogon (102) — Bringas 24, Sombero 15, Orquina 14, Caballero13, De Ocampo 12, Lacastesantos 7, Delos Reyes 6, Bersabal 6, Diaz 5, Vitug 0.
Bohol (99) — Marquez 22, Casera 14, Cabizares 13, Leonida 12, Llagas 11, Montilla 8, Dadijul 7, Ibarra 4, Tilos 4, Musngi 2, Tangunan 2, Apolonias 0.
Quarterscores: 29-33, 58-62, 81-84, 102

Third game
Talisay (77) – Gimpayan 25, Acuna 12, Hubalde 8, Menina 8, Mojica 8, Villafranca 4, Jamon 4, Santos 3, Cabahug 2, Cuyos 2, Eguilos 1
Mandaue (57) – Tamsi 18, Mendoza 11, Delator 9, Soliva 6, Octobre 4, Cachuela 4, Mercader 3, Roncal 2, Imperial 0, Nalos 0, Sorela 0, Exciminiano 0, Bonganciso 0.
Quartercores: 23-11, 42-28, 58-43, 77-57.