AC Troopers cruise past Tuburan to grab win No. 3 in Balamban hoop wars 

Patrick Cabahug of AC Troopers fires a long-distance shot in one of their games of the ongoing Balamban Fiesta Cup 2023 Inter-Commercial Basketball Tournament. | Contributed photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — AC Troopers/Eversure-Catmon emerged victorious against Tuburan 360 Coffee, 92-80, in the battle of the unbeaten teams Friday night, September 15, 2023, in the ongoing Balamban Fiesta Cup 2023 Inter-Commercial Basketball Tournament.

The team’s victory, during their game held at the Exasperanza Binghay Memorial Sports Complex in Balamban town, cemented AC Troopers’ hold of the team standings’ top spot with an unbeaten 3-0 (win-loss) record. 

ALSO READ: Tuburan Coffee, AC Troopers off to rousing start in Balamban Fiesta Cup

Charles Pepito and Miguel Minguito’s tandem towed AC Troopers to their third straight win in the tournament. Pepito unloaded a game high double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds. He also stuffed the stat sheet with five assists, three steals, and one block. 

Minguito also tallied a double-double game of 20 points with 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. 

Reed Juntilla chipped in 15 points, while Patrick Cabahug had 12 points and was a rebound shy away from tallying a double-double game after grabbing nine boards. 

Pacsoy Oropiano spoiled his team high 21-point outing in Tuburan’s loss to AC Troopers. Melvin Butuan had 17 points while Jiesel Tarrosa added 12 in their losing efforts. 

ALSO READ: Balamban Fiesta Cup to feature top commercial basketball teams

AC Troopers had to endure nine lead changes and three deadlocks before earning their huge win over Tuburan. 

Meanwhile, EGS Talisay beats Good Shepherd Toledo, 95-89, in the other game on Friday. 

Lougie Cuyos fired 8-of-17 for EGS’ team high 21 points. He paired it with six rebounds and six assists. 

Mark Racho and Justine Dacalos each scored 15 points and Richmond Bersabal added 12 for EGS’ victory. 

Joeveil Prajes had a double-double game of 18 points and 11 rebounds for Good Shepherd. Tommy Bubuli and Jill Sereno scored 14 apiece and Marlon Pepito had 12 for the losing squad.