CEBU, Philippines – The Firebulls scorched the Simple Minds, 86-78, to earn a championship berth in the inter-zonal category of the Mayor Edsel Galeos Cup 2009 basketball tournament at the Diosdado Macapagal Sports and Cultural Center in Argao, Cebu.
From a sluggish start, the Firebulls opened the final period with a 27-19 run to wrest the driver’s seat for good.
With a clean 4-0 slate, the Firebulls gained automatic entry into the final round.
Ranelo Mamalias scattered a game-high 31 points for the Firebulls, while Ritchie Gayrama paced Simple Minds with 17 points.
In the other game, Tulic-Lamacan stunned Cobalbotal, 84-80, to chalk up its third win if five starts. Cabalbotal slipped to 2-3.
In the inter-town division, the Boljoon squad led by ex-CIT Wildcat Anjo Nicanor demolished Sibonga, 125-102. They are now tied with 2-1 win-loss cards.
Bert Andujar amassed 40 points for Boljoon, while Resty Getubig and Nicanor ably backed him up with 39 points combined.
Roy Padilla and Noel Alima banged in 21 and 18 points, respectively, for Sibonga. – GGM (THE FREEMAN)