JUNGLE REWIND: PG PANTHERS VS COROZAL CERROS SUNS

June 6, 2025 – PG Sports Auditorium

Final Score: PG Panthers 84 – Corozal Suns 71

The Jungle Rises in the South

Friday night lights in Punta Gorda illuminated a landmark win for the PG Panthers as they clawed their way to a commanding 84–71 victory over the Corozal Cerros Suns. With the largest home crowd of the season and the scent of tambran and sweat in the air, the Panthers defended their den with pride, sending a loud message to the rest of the Toucan Conference.

From the opening tip, PG looked determined. Marquise Cunningham scored early and often, while Chance Leslie dropped 7 of his 11 points in the opening frame. The Panthers’ defense, anchored by Cunningham’s early paint presence, forced turnovers and contested every shot. Corozal’s Brandon Rogers and Greg Rudon tried to match pace, with Rudon knocking down an early triple. But PG’s efficient transition offense and composure at the free throw line gave them a narrow 21–17 lead at the end of one.

In the second quarter, the Southern Storm Intensified as both teams traded buckets early, but it was PG’s bench that sparked a mini-run. Dane Bradley’s hustle and Kevin Hamilton’s presence stabilized the second unit. Julian Young drained a clutch triple to widen the gap, and Cunningham kept cleaning the glass. For the Suns, Marquis Williams and Isienie Velasquez chipped in, but turnovers and missed threes stalled their rhythm. At the break, the Panthers led 43–40, with the game still within reach.

The Panthers exploded in the third quarter with a decisive 27–11 run that flipped the script. Jaden Sutherland sliced through Corozal’s defense for 8 of his 15 points, while Lindsay Young and Sorensen controlled the tempo. The highlight of the night came when Kevin Hamilton dished a no-look dime to Cunningham for a thunderous finish. Corozal couldn’t find consistent offense despite Rudon’s efforts, and the Suns’ defense sagged under the weight of PG’s momentum. PG entered the fourth up 70–51.

Corozal attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter with late pushes from Jeff Clifton (formerly Jason Vasquez) and Brandon Rogers, but PG never flinched. Cunningham completed his 16-point, 15-rebound night with a clutch putback. Jovannie White hit a corner triple and added two key free throws to snuff out Corozal’s final gasp. PG cruised to an 84–71 win, showcasing balance, athleticism, and improving execution.

Panther Paw Prints – Notables from PG:

Marquise Cunningham: 16 PTS, 15 REB, 4 BLK – jungle general in the paint.

Jaden Sutherland: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 6-8 FG – efficient and aggressive.

Chance Leslie: 11 PTS, 2 AST – early offense weapon.

Kevin Hamilton: 6 PTS, 2 AST – spark plug off the bench.

Cerros Suns Glimmer:

Greg Rudon: 15 PTS, 6 REB – fought valiantly through double teams.

Brandon Rogers: 16 PTS, 8 REB – tireless effort on both ends.

Jeff Clifton (Jason Vasquez): 12 PTS, 17 REB – relentless effort, despite the loss.

Team Trends:

PG shot 45.1% from the field and dominated second chance points with 15 offensive boards.

Corozal struggled from the arc, going 4-18 (22.2%), and committed 19 turnovers.

PG dished 16 assists to Corozal’s 14, highlighting better ball movement.

Final Word:

With this win, the PG Panthers now position themselves as serious contenders in the Toucan Conference. The jungle has awakened, and with return match looming the next day, PG has a chance to leapfrog into second place. As for Corozal, this was a step back after their emotional win at home, and GM Lupito Castillo will have to rally the troops quickly if they want to stay in the hunt.