Dragons book semis spot in NABC caging

CEBU, Philippines – Division 1 topseed 1993 Dragons slammed the 1987 Bros, 73-54, to book a semifinal ticket, even as the other favorites also advance in the University of San Carlos NABC Sinulog Cup over the weekend at the USC-North Campus gym along General Maxilom Avenue, this city.

Bong Eleazar had 16 points, while Jade Ylanan and John "Tikoy" Soon chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively, as the Dragons completed a 9-0 sweep in their division.

The Bros were led by Bernard Burila with 18 points followed by Levie Aluben and Noel Demecillo with 14 points apiece.

In the other Division 1 quarterfinal match, the 1985 Legends, relegated to the number two spot this time after a remarkable season last year, mauled the seventh-ranked 1984 Knights, 76-42. Virgil Pua paced the Legends with 28 points. Jone Siegfred Sepe had 16 points, while Remir Mendoza and German Bacaltos conspired for 22 points.

On the other hand, number three seed 1990 Titans prevailed over the sixth-ranked 1986 Mighty Geeks led by MCIAA Collector Bingo Matugas, 78-68. Hector Lawas led the Titans with 20 points followed by Engel Sievert with 14.

The tandem of Arturo Pepito Mata and Matugas paced the Mighty Geeks with 16 and 15 points, while Noli Romarate and Neil Congson nailed 12 and 11 markers.

Also, the Edmund Odulio-led 1988 Barakos mangled the Little Rascals, 90-77. Odulio scored 29 while Dindo Sausa doled out 27 points.

In Division 2, the top seed 1999ers slammed the 1985 Pirates, 100-63, while the second seed 1998 Sipat demolished number seven seed 1996 Chubbies, 88-67.

The third-ranked 2000 Millenium held off the  2002 Legendary Lions, 71-56, while defending champion 2001 Dos Mil Uno tamed the 1994 Bulldogs, 74-60.

In Division 3, the top ranked 2008 Fly Boys led by champion Warriors and skipper Nico Magat escaped with a 69-61 win over the number eight seed 2004  Rebels.

Prince Malana led the 2011 Elevens in whipping the 2014 Underdogs, 65-42, the 2007 Waybus defeated the 2005 Chameleons, 70-65, while the 2010 Pioneers lived and fight for another day after scoring an 83-80 upset over the 2006 Fury. (FREEMAN)