Simpolang, Haulers drub foes in FYA hoopla

CEBU, Philippines - The Simpolang Barbecue Haus and Viking Haulers defeated their respective rivals by a mere two-point margins in the the 3rd F. Llamas Youth Association (FYA) basketball tournament last Tuesday at the sitio Manggahan open court in Brgy. Punta Princesa, this city.

Simpolang, the struggling defending champion, notched its third win at the expense of the OMKI Megavolts, 72-70, while Vikings beat CRV, 73-71.

For the first time in eight games, Simpolang playing coach Noel Medalle netted double figures with 11 points along with Ulysses Tabar and JR Laurente but it was Ryan Villaver who topped with19 points followed by former USJ-R Jaguar Giovanni Canceko with 16.

Simpolang was shaken when the Megavolts came within two points, 68-66, in the final 15 seconds but Tabar's two free throws and a layup gave them the win.

The Megavolts were led by Berto Codilla with 15 points.

Simpolang improved to 3-5, surpassing the Megavolts who slipped to 2-4.

Later in the night, Dondon Cadungog scored 18 points for the Vikings but it was the four straight free throws of Jorge Canceko that assured them the victory.

The tandem of Dexter Caballero and Ranel Patalita paced CRV with 21 and 20 points, respectively. Both teams are toting an identical 4-2 win-loss records.

    The scores

 First game

Simpolang (72) - Villaver 19, G. Caneko 16, Medalle 11, Tabar 11, Laurente 11, Abella 4, J. Canceko 2

 OMKI (70) - Codilla 16, Tabares 15, Jorbita 15, Jakosalem 9, Atillo 6, Gemperoa 3, Palo 2, Martinez 2, Rabi 2

Second game

Vikings (73) - Cadungog 18, Baldago 10, Baslo 9, Canceko 8, Sydiongco 8, Avila 7, Pacaña 4, Cal 4, Lañojan 2

CRV (71) - Caballero 21, Patalita 20, Estella 12, Torrelisa 5, Dacayana 4, Garcia 4, Caballes 2, Cañete 2 (GGM) (FREEMAN)