Pulpogan, Garing, Polog book final tickets in Alegado Cup

CEBU, Philippines — Teams donning the uniforms of Pulpogan, Garing and Polog eased through the final round in their respective divisions heading into the last week of intense hardcourt action in the 8th Mayor Teresa "Nene" P. Alegado Fiesta Basketball League in Consolacion.

In the Inter-Barangay Seniors Category A, defending champion Pulpogan barged into the finals after outlasting Poblacion Oriental, 89-75.

Brothers Russel and Rexon Moneva were again on the firing end, dropping a combined total of 51 points as Pulpogan bolstered its back-to-back title campaign.

Former University of the Visayas (UV) Lancers Chris Yonnel Perolino and JC Escalona tallied 25 markers across their names for Pulpogan, which used a sizzling 30-15 rally in the second period to rip the game apart at halftime, 68-54. It was cruise control for Pulpogan the rest of the way.

The Malagars in Larry, Lemuel and Louie connived for 49 points but their efforts went down the drain as Poblacion Oriental kissed its bid for the coveted crown goodbye.

On the other hand, Clyde Alin collected 22 points, Von Xyle Tundag scored 17, and Edimz Pongase added 15 as Garing terminated Panas, 82-61, to set up a titular showdown with Tolotolo in the SK Juniors Category B. Panas automatically settled for third place.

Ichael Villamor donated 11 points for Garing, which was firmly in control after a 19-12 start. Garing even grew hotter as the game progressed on the way to dump Panas by 21 points.

In the Midgets Category B, Kim Shannon Capangpangan, Johncel Tuñacao, and Ben Carlo Alin conspired for 34 points as Polog booted out Tolotolo, 70-65, to arrange a champion clash with Garing.

In the battle for third place in Midgets Category A, Rovello Robles rifled 35 points, while Raymundo Ageas and Prince Soquiño charted 12 markers apiece as Polpogan downed Pitogo, 89-82.

Over in SK Juniors Category A, John Lloyd Pepito and Marco Booker Panta finished with 31 combined points as Pitogo pulled off a 69-66 upset of the twice-to-beat Casili to forge a rubbermatch that will be played tonight.

In the open category that offers close to P100,000 in cash prize to the top performers, Romar Ponce netted 26 points, Warren Cañete had 16, and Philip Niño Garcia pumped in 14 points as Doms Autoparts stunned Boss KTV, 87-81, to even their record to 2-2.

Arturo Pepito finished with 22 points, Lemar Dahil chalked up 14 and Jerome Valle came through with 12 points but their efforts went for naught as Boss KTV dropped to 3-2. (FREEMAN)