Baketech shocks Nougat, gains LGR hoops finals

MANILA, Philippines — Meljar Murillo came through with clutch baskets as Baketech stunned fancied Nougat, 93-89, to arrange a title clash with Zarks in the Novice Plus division of the LGR Hoops at the Gatorade Hoops Center.

Murillo completed a rare four-point play off Milan Vargas in the closing seconds to secure the victory for Baketech in the event sponsored by Bugsy’s, Rain or Shine, Petron, Titan, NBA Store, Gatorade, BTV, Golds Gym, Zarks Burger, Kartilya, SYF and Ybalai.

Baketech and Zarks dispute the crown at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Others who made it to the championship round were Wednesday Group’s teams in the Novice and 38-and-above divisions, Los Mexicanos, Nougat and Zarks.

Wednesday Group defeated RJS Construction, 76-72, to arrange a title showdown with Nougat in the Novice division.

Collins Cardenas finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds to power Wednesday Group, which also drew 14 points from Jun Fuentes and 11 markers from Jolan Barrios.

Los Mexicanos repulsed Tiboli, 101-97, in their knockout semifinals match in the Neophyte division with Russell Marcelo and Rod Advincula combining for 48 points.

Zarks, with Clark Torrente firing 12 points, earlier routed Chiba, 99-77, to firm up its title retention bid.