Tayud, Tugbongan  set up final clash for midget A crown

CEBU, Philippines —  Defending champion Tayud bolstered its chances of clinching back-to-back titles in the Midget A category of the 12th Mayor Teresa “Nene” P. Alegado Cup Fiesta Basketball League in Consolacion, Cebu.

This after Tayud knocked out the hapless Poblacion Oriental via a 108-45 massacre in their one-sided semifinal match.

The final outcome was already a foregone conclusion when Tayud raced to a blistering 30-8 start, which ballooned to an eye-popping 53 points, 83-30, after three quarters.

Alvan Diano topscored with 23 points while Isiah Miguel de la Pena and James Ryan Fortunado connived for 32 points for Tayud, which will face Tugbongan in the championship.

Tugbongan advanced to the final after terminating Lamac via an 80-78 squeaker.

Tugbongan led by eight at the end of the third period, 53-45, then parried Lamac’s spirited endgame assault to escape with a thrilling two-point win.

Francis Clerk Bentulan paced Tugbongan with 24 points followed by John Marc Autida with 22 points and Lhance Cañon with 12 markers.

The tournament is under the supervision of SK Federation President Carlos Donn Flores, the overall sports chairman, and his co-chair councilor Marilou Casul.

Paul Alelu Flores is the league commissioner, with Lee Mhar Dahil, Agvin Jugan, and Cromwell Cuenca as deputy commissioners and Stephen Ababon as technical head. — EBV