NBC-Nature's Spring pre-season finals: Tribu Sugbu battles Sumulong-Jarencio

Youth versus experience.

This is precisely what is going to happen as the Sirlitz/Skygo-backed Tribu Sugbu battles the Cong. Vic Sumulong-Pido Jarencio Team composed of ex-PBA stars for the championship of the NBC-Nature's Spring Pre-Season Tournament billed as "Cong. Ronnie Puno Cup" tonight at the Antipolo Auditorium.

The Sumulong-Jarencio Team earned the right to face Tribu Sugbu in the finals after knocking out Laguna-Spring Cooking Oil in the crossover semfinals the other day behind the five triples in the fourth period alone by ex-University of Cebu star Henry "Tata" Fernandez.

In the first game, reigning NBC Most Valuable Player Christian Nicdao scattered 17 points, while gunner Doroteo Almacin chipped in 14 points to give the Al Solis-mentored Tribesmen of Cebuano businessmen Lito Gillamac, Jr. and Mario King the first finals berth in the tournament also supported by Sulpicio Lines and Spring Cooking Oil.

"I have played against some of them (ex-PBA All Stars) in the pro league and they've shown they can still play. We'll try to run and push the tempo. We'll also try to slow down Tata (Fernandez)," said Tribu Sugbu coach Al Solis.

Tribu Sugbu had a hard time breaking away from Homer Go because the latter, led by ex-pro Boboy Rodriguez, refused to wither until the final five-minute mark of the contest when the Cebu-based squad capitalized on its superior ceiling.

The Cooking Oil Masters and the Homer Cagers will lock horns at 1pm in the battle for third today, while the finals between Tribu Sugbu and Cong. Vic Sumulong ex-PBA All-Stars will come in next at 3 pm.

The scores
First game
Tribu Sugbu (88) - Nicdao 17, Almacin 14, Butel 10, Cainglet 8, Sanz 6, Bucao 6, Huelar 6, Ducay 6, Sevilla 6, Yabut 3, Mercado 2
Homer Cagers (76) - Legarde 15, Rodriguez 14, Mamaclay 12, Lopez 12, Zagala 12, Tropa 5, Cole 2, Ferrer 2 Quarterscores: 23-24, 46-42, 65-60, 88-76

Second game
VS All-Stars (84) - Fernandez 22, Pacheco 15, Regalado 15, Bolado 14, Reyes 6, Jarencio 2, Magtulis 2, Mendoza 2, Bognot 2, Victoria 2, Basco 2
Spring Cooking Oil (76) - Hubalde 11, Capobres 11, Tiongco 10, Neo 10, Reyes 6, Kalaw 6, De Castro 5, Manuel 5,Caceres 5, Victolero 4, Iñigo 3, Taguines 2
Quarterscores: 17-20, 33-37, 52-63, 84-76