CEBU, Philippines - Host Danao demolished Carmen, 81-63, while Liloan showed nerves of steel to repulse defending champion Sogod, 78-74, at the start of the semifinals in the Congressman Red Durano Basketball Cup at the Danao City Civic Center.
It was a sweet revenge of sort for Danao, which lost to Carmen during the elimination round. This time, Danao made sure there would be no more endgame collapse unlike in their previous meeting when Carmen outscored Danao, 20–8 in the final five minutes of the contest.
Later in the game, Liloan showed how team discipline in the execution of their plays can produce good result as they outsmarted defending champion Sogod.
It was a close match all throughout as Liloan’s biggest lead was only five points, 34-29, in the last two minutes of the second quarter. However, it did not take long as Sogod responded with an 8-2 run to grab the lead at halftime, 37 -36.
Liloan had the upperhand by the end of the third quarter 52–49, which they held on through the fourth period. (FREEMAN)