Sarok Weavers dedicate crucial win against Tuburan to ailing teammate

CEBU, Philippines — Instead of holding their practice on the eve of their crucial game against Tuburan, the Consolacion Sarok Weavers led by their head coach Paul Alelu Flores headed straight to the hospital to visit their teammate Clark Jugan who is on sickbay for a couple of days now due to a heart ailment.

“We want to cheer him up at this trying moments of his life,” said Flores.

Last Wednesday night at the Consolacion National High School gym, the Sarok Weavers gave Jugan another reason to be happy about after they trounced the previously unbeaten Tuburan, 90-76, to bolster their semifinal bid in the 2019 Cebu  Governor’s Cup Inter-Cities and Municipalities Under 21 Developmental Basketball Tournament.

Keith Padayogdog led five players in double figures with 20 points as Consolacion earned a share of the second spot in Bracket B with Tuburan with identical 3-1 win-loss records.

Raymundo Osabel chipped in 14 markers, John Dalumpines scored 13, while Jessie Bathan and John Pepito connived for 21 points for the Sarok Weavers, who were firmly in control after closing the first half with a 42-32 edge.

“This victory is very special because we dedicate it to our fellow friend and teammate Clark Jugan who is fighting for his life. Hopefully, things will get better for him,” said Flores.

Meanwhile, the defending champions Talisay City Aquastars and the Mandaue City Ballers inched closer to booking a semifinal tickets after earning their fourth straight win.

Jay Deiparine dropped 25 points, while Clark Ruedas and Kendrick Abarquez dished out 13 points each as the Aquastars whipped Sogod, 83-73.

Not to be outdone, Kenneth Brillo sizzled with 24 points while Gabriel Cometa and Archie Buscay tallied 35 points in between them as Mandaue blasted Siempre Samboan, 103-84.

In the other results, the Balamban Shipbuilders downed Danao City in overtime, 90-88, to shore up their semis campaign with an improved 4-1 slate, the Minglanilla Archangels also kept their Final Four hopes alive with a 103-79 drubbing of Alegria, while Dumanjug frustrated Argao, 88-83, to snap out of its three-game jinx. - EBV