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Talisay, Sibonga Cagers Arrange South Division Titular Duel
The Talisay City Aquastars and the Sibonga Pillars set up a final showdown for the South Division crown after cruising to their second straight win in the 2nd Governor’s Cup Inter-cities/Municipalities Basketball Tournament semi finals Monday night at the Sibonga Sports Complex.
Banking on their heft and height, the highly favorite Aquastars demolished Alegria, 87-73, before the Pillars tamed the Barili Toros, 84-69.
Although, Talisay and Sibonga will still have to meet this Saturday, the game will only serve to determine which team will have the homecourt advantage in their best-of-three title series.
The Aquastars dominated from the start and never looked back until the final buzzer sounded.
Elmer Echavez led Talisay with 15 points, while Rodel Beduya and Keaton Clyde Taburnal added 13 and 12, respectively.
Rojan Montemayor topped the losing side with 25 points, while Christian Jay Garcia and Patrick Devila chipped in 11, apiece.
In the nightcap, a see-saw battle ensued in the first three quarters before Sibonga found their rhythm and broke the game wide open to snatch the crucial victory.
Upped by six, 55-49, at the end of the third quarter, Sibonga uncorked a 19-8 run at the start of the final period to erect a 17-point lead, 74-57, with five minutes to go.
The telling spurt anchored on Pillars’ trapping defense and fast break plays of John Bryle Cuyos, John Clarenz Sonsona and Ehman Ronen Suarez broke the Toros’ back.
Cuyos and Suarez showed the way for Sibonga with 28 and 17 points, while Sonsona contributed 10.
Charlie Sabanal topscored for Barili with 12 points, while Christian Saban chipped in 10.
