CEBU, Philippines — The RKC squad, Pfizer, the Punisher, and I.28 Realty ousted their respective rivals in the play-in tournament to march into the playoffs of Hoop Nation's Arlon Cup Season 1 at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.
In the West, Herochris Morallas delivered a monster double-double performance of 34 points and 20 rebounds laced with two blocks as RKC eliminated KJK Reino, 102-88.
Pfizer advanced without breaking a single sweat, winning by forfeiture over Manumen.
Over in the East, Bernard Bingoyan dropped 26 points on top of three assists and two steals as the Punisher booted out the Cougars, 74-70.
Not to be outdone, James Harold Truz piled up 22 points, seven rebounds and a block as I.28 Realty terminated 5 Joints, 72-56.
Meanwhile, Hoop Nation founder and league commissioner Adrian Dy said the top seeds will enjoy twice-to-beat advantage over the lower ranked teams in the playoffs starting on Saturday, August 20. — EBV