The reigning champions Talisay City Aquastars locked up a slot in the semifinals with a win over Alegria on Friday. | contributed photo
Cebu City, Philippines—The reigning champions Talisay City Aquastars and the Mandaue City Ballers have locked up spots in the semifinal round after they thwarted their respective opponents in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Governor’s Cup basketball tournament on Friday, April 26, 2019.
Talisay City blew away Alegria, 95-77, in the game that was held at the Minglanilla Sports Complex. The victory allowed the Aquastars to get their fifth win in as many games and finish as the top seed in Bracket B.
Six different players reached double-figures for Talisay City led by Jay Deiparine’s 19 markers. Kendrick Abarquez and Ronan Briones each had 14 points, Clark Ruedas had 12, Keaton Taburnal added 11 while John Villabrille put up 10 for the Aquastars.
Mandaue City, on the other hand, routed Argao, 92-65, at the Samboan Sports Complex to also get its fifth straight win and secure the top seed in Bracket A. Kenneth Brillo led the offensive onslaught for the team of head coach Gary Cortes with 22 points while Gabriel Cometa chipped in 19.
Only the top two finishers in each bracket will get to advance to the crossover semifinal round.
Still in Bracket A, Medellin’s bid for a spot in the semis was placed in peril after they got wasted by Dumanjug, 56-86. Medellin came into the game needing a win to tie Balamban for second place in the standings. Now, Balamban has the inside track on a semis spot with their 4-1 win-loss card.
Danao City also edged Samboan, 84-77, in the other Bracket A game.
Over in Bracket B, Tuburan pulled ahead in the race for the semis as they beat Tabuelan, 85-73. The victory upped their record to 4-1, good for second place behind Talisay City.
Meanwhile, the Consolacion Sarok Weavers got trounced by the Minglanilla Archangeles, 78-101. Consolacion and Minglanilla are now tied for third with similar 4-2 cards./bmjo