Rocacurva steals show as SanFran demolishes Consolacion in opener

CEBU, Philippines — Kenny Rogers Rocacurva unloaded 24 of his 33 points in the second half as San Francisco pummeled defending champions Consolacion Sarok Weavers, 84-68, in the opener of their best-of-three North Division finals in the Cebu Governor's Cup Inter-Cities and Municipalities Under-21 Developmental Basketball Tournament on Sunday night at the San Francisco municipal gym in Camotes Island.

San Francisco could clinch the series if ever they come up with a repeat performance over Consolacion in Game 2 set for July 11 at the Sarok Weavers' turf. Game 3, if necessary, is slated on July 13 at the Cebu Coliseum.

Rocacurva, who plays for the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI), dropped 15 points in the third period where San Francisco outpointed Consolacion, 28-19, to stretch its lead from 34-30 at halftime to 62-49 entering the final 10-minute zone of the contest.

Driven by the wild cheers of their hometown fans, the SanFran cagers sustained their momentum in the closing minutes of the contest, with Rocacurva pouring in nine more points to help his side in pulling off a 16-point romp.

Wilson Plenos, Jr. and Jake Laurence Gonzales backed up Rocacurva with 16 and 12 points, respectively, for San Francisco, which outscored Consolacion in the final half, 50-38.

Patrick Montano finished with 24 points, while Emmanuel Villamor scored all his 19 points in the last two quarters of play but to no avail for Consolacion.

The winner of the San Francisco-Consolacion series will face South Division titleholders Talisay City AquaStars in the grand finals that offers P500,000 bounty to the overall champ.— EBV (FREEMAN)