Minglanilla knocks on Governor’s Cup South Division crown

CEBU, Philippines - The Minglanilla Archangels launched a scorching offensive masterminded by Jiesel Tarrosa in the second quarter to fend off the gritty Dalaguete AgriSaurs, 64-56, and take a 1-0 headstart in the best-of-three South Division Finals of the 2017 Cebu Governor’s Cup Under-21 Inter-Cities and Municipalities Basketball Tournament last Friday night at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.

The Archangels could practically wrap up the crown with another win over the AgriSaurs but they must brace for an all-out war as Dalaguete will host Game 2 at 7:00 tonight.

After a lukewarm start, Tarrosa pumped up life into Minglanilla with his furious explosion that bridged them to victory. He unloaded 16 points in the second quarter that helped Minglanilla turn an early 19-22 deficit into a 47-37 advantage at halftime.

With only Erickson Sangoyo carrying their fight, Dalaguete further plunged into a 14-point hole, 46-60. The AgriSaurs, however, pulled within just eight points, 54-62, on an 8-2 blitz with 1:38 to go in the third period.

Minglanilla regained a double-digit lead, 71-59, but the resilient Dalaguete staged a 9-2 spurt to stay within striking range, 68-73, with 53.7 seconds left to play.

Dalaguete had a chance to threaten further after Tarrosa flubbed his free throws with 44.6 seconds remaining, but could not deliver one good play in their crucial position.

Mark Glen Nebril split his charities with 21 seconds ticks left in the gameclock but it was more than enough to seal the deal for Minglanilla.

Tarrosa charted a game-high 29 points for Minglanilla while Nebril chipped in with 12 markers. Sangoyo paced Dalaguete with 20 points while Frederick John Selerio scored 13 in a losing effort.

As of this writing last night, Mandaue and Consolacion kicked off their own race-to-2 series for the North Division title at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex. (FREEMAN)