Balamban Fiesta Cup: AC Troopers, Tuburan 360 Coffee off to flying starts

CEBU, Philippines —  The AC Troopers/Eversure and Tuburan 360 Coffee kicked off their title campaigns on a high note in the Balamban Fiesta Cup 2023 Inter-Commercial Invitational Basketball Tournament on Saturday night at the Esperanza Binghay Memorial Sports Complex in Balamban town, northwest of Cebu.

Emman Calo exploded for 39 points laced with four assists to power the AC Troopers to a 102-85 rout of K & L Marketing of Naga City.

Tansiong Bonganciso chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds while Patrick Cabahug added 12 markers, nine boards and five dimes for the AC Troopers, who were in full command of the match after racing to a hot 28-16 start.

Fletcher Galvez came up with a solid double-double of 23 points and 16 rebounds while Joseph Nalos had 16 points, four rebounds, and seven assists but their efforts went down the drain for K & L.

In the other game, Loufred Diamante and Mike Parilla fired 19 points apiece as Tuburan 360 Coffee upended EGS-Talisay City, 90-86.

Jiesel Tarossa cashed in 14 points, eight rebounds, and two assists while Alfred Belande contributed 10 points and four rebounds for the Coffee Makers, who rode on a solid endgame show to upset their rivals.

EGS actually led by five after three quarters, 74-69, but Tuburan fought back with savvy to snatch the driver’s seat, 81-78, midway in the final period for good.

Justine Dacalos paced EGS with 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Jestoni Baclaan scored 13 while Monic Soliva and Richmond Bersabal conspired for 21 points in a losing effort. — EBV