IIEE-Trocio Engineers defeated Splashers Lawyers in the BPBL Opening
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 18 Nov 2025
In a showdown between two of the league’s most disciplined professional squads, the All Licensed Electrical Engineers of Trocio x IIEE overcame a disastrous start and stormed back to defeat the All Lawyer Splashers, 78–71, in a game defined by poise, depth, and second-half adjustments last November 17, 2025 at the Zone Makati during the season 12 opening of the Business Professional Basketball League.
The Splashers opened the night with overwhelming force, unloading a blistering 22–5 first quarter that stunned the team of Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE). Led by strong inside scoring from De Vera (14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Sy (12 points, 10 rebounds), the lawyers punished the Engineers on the glass and dictated the early tempo. Zosa was superb as the offensive engine, finishing with 20 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Yu added 16 points and 8 boards. The Splashers’ early aggression, fluid ball movement, and confidence from deep created a perfect opening storm.
But as the game progressed, Trocio x IIEE slowly recalibrated. Their defensive rotations tightened, their rebounding discipline sharpened, and their offense began to find rhythm. Orozco initiated the comeback with a composed two-way performance, delivering 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Bautista complemented him inside with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 64% FG, providing efficient scoring that kept the Engineers within striking distance.
The turning point began in the middle quarters, where the Engineers’ depth and physicality shifted the momentum. Dayapdapan quietly anchored the stabilizing phase with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Torres added valuable size and toughness with 10 points and 8 rebounds. IIEE began dominating the offensive glass, earning second-chance points that slowly eroded the Splashers’ once-commanding lead.
Defensively, IIEE relied on contributions across the lineup. Panganiban controlled the boards with 7 rebounds, De Guzman protected the interior with 9 rebounds, and Miranda delivered three critical steals that helped turn defense into scoring opportunities. Miranda added hustle, finishing with 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, giving the Engineers the energy boosts they needed in crucial minutes.
As the final quarter unfolded, the Engineers’ fully recalibrated machine looked nothing like the group that stumbled early. Their half-court execution sharpened, ball movement improved, and defensive discipline closed every driving lane. Meanwhile, the Splashers began to sputter. Despite strong outputs from their top scorers, the lawyers were plagued by late-game turnovers and missed perimeter looks. Their early precision faded under IIEE’s tightening grip, and the Engineers methodically took command.
Trocio x IIEE outscored the Splashers 73–49 after the opening quarter, completing one of the season’s most composed and technically impressive turnarounds. The comeback was a testament to IIEE’s structure and resilience: a team unfazed by adversity, capable of retooling on the fly, and confident enough to grind down even the hottest opponent.
"One strong IIEE" chorused by team manager John Trocio, IIEE National Internal Vice President Robert Mabulay and 2021 IIEE National President Allan Alvarez.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
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