YAP CUP BASKETBALL QF SLOTS COMPLETED

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

The cast is complete in the Congressman Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup – Benguet Basketball League, while the nine weekend games will determine the final slate for the top seven slots and the last-minute entry. Lindon de Guzman scored 36 points to lead Mankayan past Kibungan, 93-62, last Tuesday and secure the last spot for the quarterfinals. The win ended Tublay’s quest, which earlier that day nipped Buguias, 89-88, to improve to 5-9 win-loss card. The victory over Kibungan saw Mankayan end its elimation round with a 5-9 card and the automatic slot due to its win over Tublay earlier in the tournament.

That Saturday, Itogon also ended Kapangan’s quest for a top four finish when it dealt the latter with a 93-85 victory, while also formalizing the team’s entry in the upper four – a second at best or a third at worst. Kim Padawag also made a strong case for the Most Valuable Player plum with his 13 point performance en-route to a league averages of 21.67 points a game, 6.11 rebounds a games and a league high 6.11 assists per outing. Then Rey Gabino made a
successful return to lead Bokod to a 71-58 victory over league leader and defending champion La Trinidad.

The win was the ninth for last year’s elimination leader Bokod but had to wait until Thursday to see if Tuba rolls past Kabayan. But Kabayan battled from 10 points down and saw Yzer Palispis nail the crucial baskets for the 89-88 nail biting victory that propelled them to second seed, forcing Itogon to third. This also secured Bokod’s entry to fourth spot and a twice to beat advantage over Tuba. Tuba also has an 8-4 finish like Kapangan, but will have the higher seeding due to its win over the latter.

The scenario will be La Trindiad versus Mankayan, Kabayan facing Buguias, Itogon and Kapangan tangling and Bokod against Tuba. “I prefer that scenario,” said Kabayan coach Randy Alis, saying he would rather face Buguias than Kapangan. “They (Kapangan) are tough, especially this late in the season,” said the coach of what could be the most improved squad. Kabayan finished ninth last year and out of the quarterfinals. Five volleyball games were scheduled Saturday and four today, January 26, with top seed Sabalan facing Kapangan in the last game.

Pigeon Lobien/ABN

Amianan Balita Ngayon