CEBU, Philippines - Top seeds Richport and Doggie Warriors knocked out separate rivals to arrange a finals showdown in the Camay-Espinoza International (CEI) Friendship Cup basketball tournament last Thursday night at the Barangay Tinago gym.
Richport, which completed an eight-game sweep in the elimination round, sustained its winning ways via a 99-89 decison over the Martinez Compound, while the Doggie Warriors booked the the other finals ticket after drubbing Cabantan, 67-59.
Julieto Solitario sparkled with 39 points for Richport, while Chris Fernandez banged in 26 markers.
Kerker de la Cerna paced Martinez Compound with 34 points, while Clark Mayola had 14 points in a losing cause. Not even the presence of former USPF Panthers guard Troy Mercader could provide a big lift for Matinez Compound.
In the main game, Christopher Deganio led the Doggie Warriors with 19 points followed by Carlo Bantulay with 10.
Pablo Baring and James Baylon scored 12 and 11 points, respectively, for Cabatna's losing cause.
(FREEMAN)
The scores
First game
Richport (99) — Solitario 39, Fernandez 26, Laborte 9, Malalay 9, Garcia 7, Yana 4, Babe 2, Rose 1, Risohinto 1.
Martinez Compound (89) — Dela Cerna 34, Mayola 14, Amodia 12, Drayle 10, Mercader 5, Amper 4, Senisquin 2
Second game
Doggie Warriors (67) — Deganio 19, C. Bantulay 10, R. Bantulay 9, Intes 8, Villarin 8, Bacus 8, Javier 2, Valenzuela 2.
Cabantan (59) — Baring 12, Baylon 11, Razon 8, Auxilio 6, Flores 5, Alcos 5, Alcover 4, Nellas 4 (Gabby G. Malagar)