CEBU, Philippines - The Viking Haulers overcame a courageous challenge by the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (CIIB), 88-78, to ride the last bus to the semifinals in the F. Llamas Youth Association (FYA) 1st Vice Mayor Mike Rama Cup basketball tournament at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Gym in Brgy. Punta Princesa, this city.
In an exhibition match, the Jingjing Rama-led Team Pacman defeated the FYA Selection, 115-107.
The Haulers still have a mountain to climb though as they will face next the twice-to-beat Kuya Allan in the Light bracket next week.
The crossover semis will start on Tuesday with the Dark group leader Orillaville going up against the fourth-ranked Grandeur and Heartfelt squaring off against CIIB in the Light side.
Both Heartfelt and Orillaville enjoy twice-to-beat incentives.
The other semifinalists in the Dark group are the Rollyz Boyz of Punta Princesa Brgy. Capt. Rolly Diorico and Jayra.
Former USJ-R Baby Jaguar Baeng Medalle topscored for the Haulers with 25 points, while Toper Limbaga and Joher Ardon had 19 and 13 points, respectively. Ex-Jaguar Giovanni Canceko and Mikel Aguirre added 11 markers apiece.
Roy Veloso had 20 points for CIIB followed by Cesar Pandong with 18 points and Arnel Maglinte added 14.
Earlier, Leon Floro Eleazar scored 29 points for Pacman. Mario Suarez donated 25 points followed by Rene Toring with 18.
The FYA is also backed by Punta Princesa barangay councilor Ray Gabriel Salgado and tournament director Boy Atillo.
The scores
Viking (88) - Medalle 25, Limbaga 19, Ardon 13, Canceko 11, Aguirre 11, Cañete 6, Cal 3
CIIB (78) - Veloso 20, Pandong 18, Maglinte 14, Dela Victoria 6, Quita 5, Maucesa 4, Ybañez 4, Aldemita 2. - GGM (THE FREEMAN)