CEBU - The Cebu Movers of coach Boy Te pulled off a 64-62 squeaker over McMill Enterprises, while AC Sports crushed Evan Hulga Hardware, 87-60, to advance into the semifinal round of the Guadalupe Athletic Association (GAA) 9th Founder’s Cup at the Guadalupe Sports Complex.
The knockout semis will be played this Sunday, with Cebu Movers going up against MELO, the top qualifier in Group A, and AC Sports colliding against G&S International. The winners will then slug it out for the championship.
Edgar Labra, Andy Suzara and top gunner Vincent Reyes delivered most of the points for Cebu Movers, but the timely baskets by Joey Alquizola and Boy Elizade proved to be the turning point of their great escape.
An overtime was in the offing, but Shawin Jacalan missed his layup in the final two seconds as McMill took a graceful exit in the tournament.
In the other game, AC Sports battered Evan Hulga right from the jump-off to walk away with an easy 27-point victory.
AC Sports was led by Rene Escuyos with 23 points, while Evan Hulga was paced by Lito Mabatid with 26 points followed by Gaga Cabanilla with 13.
Team MELO earlier earned a semifinal slot after shocking MGR, 67-64, while G&S International made it to the next round by thrashing Sign Post Advertising, 100-88.
The scores
First game
Cebu Movers (64) - Labra 14, Reyes 14, Suzara 10, Alquizola 7, Elizalde 7, Lodoñona 7, Ancot 4, Labating 2
McMill (62) - Llevado 13, Jacalan 12, Vertudazo 9, Delda 8, Granada 6, dela Peña 6, Tancio 4, Galan 2, Lanurias 2
Second game
AC Sports (87) - R. Escuyos 23, Cortes 16, Lopez 14, Ibo 13, Bacalla 8, Ancot 6, Rances 5, Lumapas e
Evan Hulga (60) - Mabatid 26, Cabanilla 13, Belmonte 6, Sullano 6, Albia 5, Pacaña 2, Barellano 2. GGM (The Freeman)