Convergys survives Etelecare in Call Center hoop

Reigning titlist Convergys squeaked past Etelecare, 71-69, for its second straight win in as many games in the 2008 Inter-Call Center Basketball Tournament at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Etelecare led by six points at halftime, 28-22, but Convergys charged back in the third period to forge a 50-all deadlock.

Convergys then fought with grace under pressure in the closing minutes of the match to pin down Etelecare.

Rondell Cacnio scattered 18 points and Gerwin Rebalda added 14 markers as Convergys earned a share of the lead with a clean 2-0 slate.

James Jaro and Franco Angelo Cipriano topped Etelecare with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

In a similarly exciting battle, People Support escaped with a 59-57 victory over Qualfon, 59-57.

People Support used a sizzling 22-13 rally in the windup to baffle Qualfon at the final buzzer.

John Paolo Escudero and Raymond Jimenez showed the way for People with 12 points apiece.

Jopher Regidor had 12 markers points for Qualfon, which dropped to 1-1.

The scores

First game

Convergys (71) - Cacnio 18, Rebalde 14, Esteban 10, Jumarito 9, Villarin 8. Jalapit 5, Codilla 3, Sugatan 2, Sarmiento 1, Beatingo 1           

Etelecare (69) - Cipriano 14, Jaro 12, Becerial 11, Arce 8, Mangubat 6, Castaneda 5, Morin 3, Adolfo 4, Lauron 2, Obina 2, Villaluz 1. QUARTERSCORES: 4-9, 22-28, 50-50, 71-69

Second game

People Support (59) - Escudero 12, Jimenez 12, Reambonanza 8, Sarmiento 6, Solis 5, Taok 5, Caballero 4, Garduque 4, Yballe 2, Nayon 1       

Qualfon (57) - Regidor 12, Sanchez 9, Mangubat 9, Ignacio 8, Gelbolingo 6, Anolito 6, Llesol 3, Sequihod 2, Lequigan 2

Quarterscores: 11-13, 23-30, 37-44, 59-57—EBV