W Negros turns back La Union in Seaoil caging

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – San Mig Coffee-West Negros U stifled Magnolia Ice Cream-La Union to spark a big fourth quarter rally and hack out a 90-78 victory in the Seaoil Elite League National Finals at the West Negros U gym here yesterday.

Miguel Puentevella, grandson of Philippine Olympic Committee chair and former Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, paced the Junior Mustangs with 16 points, the bulk of which coming in the last period when they had to fight back from a 57-62 third quarter deficit.

“We toughened up our defense in the fourth quarter because we knew it’s the only way for us to win,” said San Mig coach Jack Tunayan, who steered the same West Negros team to multiple titles in the region.

Meanwhile, NBTC director Eric Altamirano, Seaoil’s Rey Jimenez and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios graced the finale of the year-long program participated in by over 6,000 cagers and coaches.

“This is the culmination of our year-long program and we’re happy it’s getting bigger and bigger each year,” said Altamarino, who was accompanied by West Negros U president Dr. Oscar Suarez in the press briefing.

“The main thrust of the SBP is to strengthen grassroots development and form national teams that’s why this program will definitely be a big part of our plans,” said Barrios.

Purefoods-St. John routed Magnolia Fresh Chicken-Bulacan, 82-54, while BMeg Premium-Lucena, Magnolia Frozen Delights-Iloilo, Purefoods TJ-Davao and Purefoods TJ-Cebu also advanced.

Lucena downed Star Margarine-Olongapo, 80-73, Iloilo trounced Magnolia-General Santos, 84-72, Davao smashed BMEG Derby Ace-Ormoc, 112-57, and Cebu clobbered Monterey Meatshop-Cagayan de Oro, 106-77.

The win set West Negros to another do-or-die showdown with Purefoods TJ-Cebu, tipped as one of the favorites in the three-day event, today.

“I feel Cebu is one of the strongest teams so we have no choice but to win it or go home,” said Tunayan.

Julius Cadavis fired 27 points for Cebu while Paul Razel Rubin hit six triples in the third period and wound up with 28 points. Joeric Sumido added 14 for Iloilo.