Kimlex downs SG/ARQ, takes solo lead in Gullas Cup

CEBU, Philippines — John Villaver and Eriz Zanoria transformed themselves into a deadly one-two punch as Kimlex dealt the SG-ARQ Builders their first loss, 114-97, to  grab the solo lead in Bracket B of the Talisay City Sports Commission-organized 2017 Mayor Eddie Gullas Cup basketball tournament the other night at the Talisay City Sports Complex.

Villaver scored 19 of his 27 points in the first half to help Kimlex protect a slim 51-50 lead at the break.

Zanoria, who once reigned as CESAFI 'Slam Dunk' king, then took over the scoring chores, pouring in 20 of his 22 points in the final half where Kimlex outpointed SG/ARQ, 63-47, to come up with a 17-point romp.

It was Kimlex's second straight win in as many starts.

Alex Cainglet posted a game-high 28 points, while Ronan Isidro scattered 25 points to no avail as SG/ARQ dropped to 1-1.

A total of seven teams are seeing action in the open/commercial division that is being featured in the annual tilt for the first time in over a decade through the initiative of Cebu First District Rep. Gerald Anthony 'Samsam' Gullas, who yearns to make commercial basketball alive and kicking in this side of the country.

 Kimlex and SG/ARQ make up Bracket B together with ASPA Scaffolding and Shereen, while San Remigio Properties, Fighter Wine Fighter Fifty, and Christwil/EGS Asia compose Bracket A.

They will play in a single round robin format, with the top two qualifiers advancing into the crossover semifinals. The winners will fight it out for the championship in a winner-take-all affair.

The champion will pocket P80,000 while the second to fourth placers will receive P50,000, P30,000 and P20,000, respectively. (FREEMAN)