Govenor’s Cup Talisay, Tuburan clinch district titles

CEBU, Philippines — Reigning titleholders Talisay City Aquastars and Tuburan pummeled their repective rivals to emerge as district champions in the 2019 Cebu Governor’s Cup Inter-Cities and Municipalities Under 21 Developmental Basketball Tournament last Wednesday night.

Energized by their hometown fans, the Aquastars bucked off a sluggish start on the to turn back the Minglanilla Archangeles, 97-89, and clinch the 1st District title.

Jay Dieparine sparkled with 29 points before fouling out at the final 1:46 of the contest to lead four Talisay cagers in double figures.

Clark Louis Ruedas scored 16 while Jhaylord Castro and Raffy Bacasmas banged in 13 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Aquastars, who slumped to an eatly 26-33 deficit.

But the Aquastars fired back in the second quarter, 20-11, to seize the upperhand at halftime, 46-44.

After a 73-all standoff, the Aquastars banked on a solid endgame show to fend off the stubborn Archangels.

Like Talisay, Tuburan also made the most out of its homecourt advantage to clobber Balamban, 92-71, and snare the 3rd District crown.

Talisay and Tuburan pocketed P100,000 for their efforts, while the losers got P50,000.

In the 5th District battle, Sogod and Danao City terminated separate foes to punch quarterfinal tickets.

Meljay Cuizon had a breakout performance of 30 points and Chrislee Rivera added 20 points as Sogod kicked out last year’s finalist San Francisco, 81-70, while Danao used a lightning 35-17 attack in the first period to bomb out Carmen, 96-81.

Sogod and Danao will slug it out for the 5th District title tonight at the Danao City Sports and Civic Center. The other district finale features Medellin vs Tabuelan (4th District) and Alegria vs. Dumanjug (7th District). EBV