Talisay forges rubber match in Gullas Cup finals

CEBU, Philippines — Talisay Aksyon Agad lashed back at Abante Minglanilla via a close 80-78 decision to forge a rubber match in the best-of-three finals of the Rhea Gullas Cup 2024 First District of Cebu Inter-City/Municipality Basketball Tournament on Saturday night, March 16, at the full-packed Talisay City Sports Complex.

Facing no tomorrow after losing in the series opener, 67-72, the Talisaynons fought back with great resolve and at one point led by 11 points, 48-37, midway in the third quarter.

Minglanilla staged a daring counterattack to pull within just a hairline, 57-58.

But that was the best they could muster as Talisay restored a 80-75 edge in the closing seconds before grinding through a thrilling two-point victory.

Kelaiah Josham Tapic and John Mark Lasola paced Talisay with a combined 33 points and 16 rebounds. Rex Sanguenza, who was honored as the season MVP, netted 19 points while Isaac Dave Ocaba and Christian Andrew Amaba connived for 28 points in a losing effort for Minglanilla.   

Talisay and Minglanilla will settle their unfinished business once and for all in the deciding Game 3 slated on March 23 at the Minglanilla Sports Complex. – EBV