JEDDAH — SAGCO1 was made to sweat in order to overcome a very strong challenge from Neproplast in the semifinals to win 97-92. It was in fact a championship game, as both are reigning champions in the SAGCO Cup in two separate divisions. SAGCO1 seemed to be in trouble in the middle of fourth quarter, although they had a good lead, as their ace striker Rudy Opena was manhandled and narrowly escaped an injury following a severe fall, but he stood up stronger to finish off in > Neproplast made a valiant effort to bring back the game in their favor with wave of attacks spearheaded by F. Mabarit, who scored 46 points, that was half of Neproplast’s total, but the gallantry displayed by the SAGCO1 throughout the game endorsed their supremacy. Rudy became the best player with 25 points. Also, Mark Catindig, Oliver Morado, Ariel De Paz, Marvin Riolala and Modesto Tejada chipped in with fine performances. Tejada was nominated for the most improved player from SAGCO. Earlier, Al Yamamah secured a comfortable victory against NAPICO in the other semifinal in A Division 80–55. William Javier scored 29 points for Al Yamamah to win the award for best player. In B Division semifinals, United Carton overpowered KAMC to win by 90-75. It was a surprising result as United was not a known lot, as they had made their first entry in the SAGCO Cup this year and KAMC was a former champion. By the end of third quarter, it looked as if KAMC had the measure of Carton by leading the scores. But the fourth quarter reversed the table with Jeff Bustamante and Mark Evaretta penetrating the KAMC defense at will and KAMC failing to change gears when it was needed most. Bustamante scored 28 points to win the best player award. Other semifinal in B Division was played between Net Channel and AGM. Net Channel, another first-time entrant in the B Division played brilliantly to overcome AGM, and won by 90-74. Milo Trasmonte scored 27 points, and was awarded the best player for Net. SAGCO1 will meet Al Yamamah in the A Division final, which is a repetition of last year tournament final and United will meet Net Channel. Both games will be held on next Friday at SAGCO Basketball Court. Scores: SAGCO1 97 Rudy Opena 25 Marck Catindig 17 – Neproplast 92 Abril Mabarit 46 A. Sta. Rosa 14; Al Yamamah 80 William Javier 29 R. Barrantes Jr 18 – NAPICO 55 R. Rarama 15 J. Rarama 12; United Carton 90 Jeff Bustamante 28 Mark Evarreta 20 – KAMC 75 Glen Manalili 27 J. Galanga 17; Net Channel 90 M. Trasmonte 27 J. Alcarez 17 – AGM 74 Mark Masilang 23 Siplacan 20