Pulpogan punches 3 semis tickets in Alegado Cup

CEBU, Philippines — Brothers Russel and Rexon Moneva once again caught the spotlight as defending champion Pulpogan decimated Jugan, 99-75, to gain an outright semifinals berth in the Inter-Barangay Seniors Category A of the 8th Mayor Teresa ‘Nene’ P. Alegado Cup Fiesta Basketball League in Consolacion.

As elimination topnotcher in their bracket, Pulpogan will enjoy twice-to-beat incentive in the next round, thus, bolstering their title retention bid.

Russel Moneva sparkled with 32 points, Rexon had 17 while JC Escalona chipped in 15 markers as Pulpogan never looked back after getting off to a blistering 30-13 start.

Pulpogan kept pounding on the hapless Jugan for the remainder of the match to come up with a 25-point blowout.

In the other IB Seniors A match, Mervin Bacalso dropped 22 points while Mark Cepris and Louie Panangin combined for a total of 35 points as Cabangahan inched closer to the semis with a 99-87 drubbing of Poblacion Oriental.

In the SK Juniors Category A, Pulpogan also barged into the last round of four as the top seed in their bracket after trouncing Nangka, 86-69.

Paulo Dalumpines scattered 19 points, while James Leonard Saliot and Ramundo Osabel nailed 33 points across their names for Pulpogan, which kept Nangka at bay since closing the first half with a 41-30 advantage.

Pulpogan sustained its momentum until the closing seconds of the contest resulting into a 17-point romp.

In Midgets Category A, Pulpogan sent its third team to the semifinals after it drubbed Jugan, 61-50, behind the 24-point explosion of Rovello Robles.

Romwil Sabellino contributed 11 points, while Raymundo Ageas and Prince Soquino each scored 10 for Pulpogan, which was in complete control since establishing a 25-15 lead after the first period.

Still in the Midgets Category A, Tayud joined Pulpogan in the Final 4 after  pulling off a crucial 95-93 win over Lamac.

Jaul Sugarol paced Tayud with 24 points followed by Lemar Tagalog and Robert Goc-ong with 17and 13 markers, respectively. (FREEMAN)