Tubod, Lanao del Norte – Sparked by the 36 big points from Powerade Import Russel Carter and with their hot-shooting wingmen Gary David and Chico Lanete, the Powerade Tigers made a big third quarter rally to take control of the game and eventually handed BMEG Derby Ace their second loss in as many games in Lanao del Norte.



The last time BMEG Derby Ace came to Lanao del Norte last November 14, 2009, they faced a formidable opponent in Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. But even the valiant effort from Derby Ace’s main go-to player James Yap was not enough to stop the Painters from securing a win in their out-of-town game.



Their win over the Derby Ace Llamados in a Phoenix Fuel-PBA on Tour road game

Saturday night here at the Mindanao Civic Center gym, Tubod, this province gave the Tigers their first victory in the last four months.



Powerade moved in the upper half of the standings with an even 1-1 record, and somehow erased the stigma of its embarrassing 24-point loss to Alaska in its debut game.



“This year, the PBA has committed to have two to three games here in the province. I’m also happy that the PBA is giving our province a chance and their out-of-town games here only prove to the entire country that Lanao del Norte is very peaceful”, Governor Khalid Dimaporo said.



A three-pointer by Carter sparked the scoring binge, which David capped with another trey.



The lead ballooned to as much as 86-71, before the Llamados made a fight out of it and cut the deficit at its closest, 99-94, on a split from the charity by Peter June Simon in the final 52 seconds.



Powerade wouldn’t be denied, though. Two free throws by William Antonio sealed the deal for the Tigers, 101-94.



The Llamados’ campaign also suffered a big setback as big man Rico Maierhofer hurt his knee late in the third period following a midair collision with Ricky Calimag.



When the final buzzer sounded, the Powerade Tigers was on top 103-96.