Garing into finals, Nangka teams stay alive in Lacion hoop

CEBU, Philippines — Garing booked a championship ticket, while teams from Nangka forged a rubbermatch against their twice-to-beat foes in the 7th Mayor Teresa 'Nene' P. Alegado Fiesta Basketball Cup over the weekend in Consolacion.

Bernabe Tubin had 18 points and John Rolito Arela scored 11 as Garing ousted Polog in lopsided fashion, 74-34, to advance into the finals in Midgets Category B.

Even though victory was well within their hands, the spirited Garing cagers did not let their guards and fought even fiercer down the stretch to come up with a 40-point massacre.

In Midgets Category A, Pulpogan kept its championship hopes alive after stunning Casili, 77-70.

Rovello Robles sparkled with 25 points and Prince Soquiño chipped in 21 markers for Pulpogan, which used a searing 28-12 run in the windup to turn back Casili.

In the Inter-Barangay Seniors Category A, Nangka lived and fight for another day after frustrating the twice-to-beat Poblacion Oriental via a 79-78 thriller.

Paul Iverson Collango exploded for 30 points capped by his game-winning putback that lifted Nangka to high heavens. Collango was ably supported by Niño Garcia and Romar Ponce with 25 points combined.

Nangka's counterparts in the SK Juniors Category A also stayed alive after pinning down Pitogo, 81-71.

Fritz Ropal nailed 21 points, Jerome Arquillano had 16 while Neil Alquisola scored 13 for Nangka. They trailed 53-56 after three quarters but turned the tide of the match with their solid endgame finish. (FREEMAN)