Carcar hands Minglanilla first loss in Gullas Cup cage wars

CEBU, Philippines — Sidlak Carcar used a balanced attack in letting Abante Minglanilla taste the bitterness of defeat for the first time, 79-68,  in the Rhea Gullas Cup 2024 First District of Cebu Inter-City/Municipality Sports Festival on Saturday, February 24, at the San Fernando Sports Complex.

Five players cracked double figures led by Jethro Sogolili with 16 points, four rebounds, and four steals as Carcar evened its record at 2-2 in a tie with the defending champion San Fernando Buffalos, who thrashed the listless Blissful Sibonga, 82-65, behind the efforts of Vaness Deiparine, Errold Maco, and Mark Chan with 44 combined points.

Reniel Georpo banged in 14 markers laced with six boards, four assists and as many steals, while Jomari Gallego and Julius Tipon had a double-double show.

Gallego finished with of 13 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Tipon sizzled with 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Marty Louisse Sotto netted 11 points to go with seven rebounds and three assists for Carcar, which never looked back after cruising to a 42-32 halftime lead.

JC Rex Sanguenza fired 26 points on top of five rebounds and five assists while Christian Andrew Amaba scored 13 points but to no avail as Minglanilla saw its three-game winning streak come to a sudden rep stop.

On the other hand, Talisay Aksyon Agad squandered a big 40-28 lead at the break but went strong towards the finish line to frustrate Naga Atong Garbo via a 70-66 thriller.

Jhann Brixter Villarias sparkled with 16 points and six rebounds while John Mark Lasola contributed 13 points, three rebounds and three steals as Talisay earned a share of second place in the standings with Minglanilla on identical 3-1 win-loss cards.