CEBU, Philippines -The Jugan cagers banked on their top caliber reinforcements to shackle Tugbungan, 80-86, at the start of the Mayor Teresita P. Alegado Fiesta Basketball League 2012 last Sunday at the Consolacion Sports Complex.
Former collegiate standouts Enrico Llanto from the University of San Carlos (USC) and Mark Abadia from Adamson University owned half of Jugan's total output as they connived fror 41 points. They were heavily backed up by Lemar Dahil with 18 markers.
Woodie Dumaguit paced Tugbungan with 19 points followed by Wingwong Dumaguit with 17.
In the other inter-barangay division matches, Cabahangan pulled off a 73-71 squeaker over Polog, while Pulpugan nipped Tolo-tolo, 69-62.
In the SK category played at the Cansaga gym, Venhur Villamor and Raymund Arena each scored 13 points as Jugan subdued Tugbungan, 66-58, while Carlo Miñoza fired 19 points and Marvin Bacalso had 17 in Cabahangan's 49-42 whipping of Polog.
Pulpugan joined the winners' circle in style as it came up with an 82-34 massacre of the hapless Tolo-tolo.
The tournament follows a double round elimination format, with the top teams in each bracket enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage over the lower-ranked squads.
The inter-barangay champion will pocket P30,000, while the second and third will receive P20,000 and P10,000, respectively. The top three finisers in the SK battle will take home P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000.
The month-long cagefest is spearheaded by the municipal government of Consolacion under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Teresita P. Alegado and Vice Mayor Aurelio "Dokie" Damole. It is supported by Provincial Board member Arleigh Sitoy.
The games are under the supervision of sports committee chairman Engr. Neil Ferraren assisted by Marilou Casul, Roy Linaboc, Melquiades "Liking" Caylan, Edwin Miñoza, Rolito Vito Villo, and Peter Cabillada.
Paul Alelu Q. Flores, a former star of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws during his UAAP days, serves as the league commisioner. (FREEMAN)