Poblacion Occidental now 2-0 in Consolacion Fiesta cagefest

CEBU, Philippines - Poblacion Occidental fended off a tough challenge by the gritty Poblacion Oriental to ease through a 67-61 win, its second straight in the inter-barangay seniors category A of the 6th Mayor Teresa P. Alegado Cup Fiesta Basketball League last Thursday night in Consolacion, Cebu.

Katiw Armean once again showed the way for Poblacion Occidental with 18 points. Fritz Arreza and Art Pepito connived for 18 points as they dictated the pace of the match after coasting to a 21-12 start.

Poblacion Oriental pulled within just a hairline at halftime, 30-31, but Poblacion Occidental rallied back to regain full control after three quarters, 50-45.

Poblacion Occidental thus needs only one more victory to top their bracket that will earn them a twice-to-beat incentive in the crossover semifinals.

Ferdinand Lopez had 14 ppints, while Jerome Valle and Ritchie Cesa scored 13 and 12, respectively, in a losing effort for Poblacion Oriental.

In the SK-Juniors category A, Pipo Flores charted 25 points and John Ares added 10 points to lift Poblacion Oriental to a 58-54 squeaker over Tugbongan.

Poblacion Oriental lost a huge 32-17 lead at halftime but recovered just in time to escape with a four-point triumph.

Benedict Tibon paced Tugbongan with 16 points followed by Joshue Boyles and Jerson Tumongha finished with 14 points apiece in a losing cause.

Games of the month-long tilt that is among the highlights of Consolacion's annual fiesta celebration in honor of their beloved patron San Narciso on October 29 are under the supervision of commissioner Paul Alelu Q. Flores, a former FEW Tamaraws standout who played alongside PBA star Arwind Santos during their UAAP days. (FREEMAN)