Last season’s runner up Western Union showed experience as they went on to tame the Ilocandia Bulls, 105-98 Sunday in Game One of their best of three championship series for the season finals of the Filipino Basketball League (FBL) played at the Palau National gym.

Despite taking a 21-20 lead in the opening quarter, Western Union saw itself behind as they were outscored by the Bulls in the second frame via 32-27 as they trailed the first half of play, 48-52.

Western Union then saw an opening in the third canto as they muscled their way inside the paint and outscored the Bulls with a 30-24 output to grab back the lead at 78-76. From there, Western Union used its experience as they halted any possible comeback by the Ilocandia Bulls and took the win.

Western Union spread its point production as five of its players finished the game in double figures. Dennis Castro led the scoring chores with 34 points while Al Obrero and Anon Cajegas chipped in 19 and 18 baskets, respectively. Other contributors for Western Union’s cause were Chino Luis del Castillo and Bong Alambra with 14 and 11, in that order.

On the other hand, Marvic Ngchar and RB Dorado once again led the scoring for the Bulls as they carried the load with 31 and 30 baskets while Raul Osias scattered 17 baskets on a losing cause.

With the win, Western Union takes a 1-0 lead in the series and will try to finish it off on June 15 at 2 p.m.

In the battle for third place, Nico Hinoza drilled 32 points as he led the Royal Cargo Rangers past Surangel Stars, 81-71.

The Filipino Basketball League (FBL) is under the supervision of the Palau Basketball Federation (PBF). By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)