By KMA PERERA
JEDDAH — SAGCO2 gained back-to-back victories, defeating Saja Pharma 61-57 in the second week matches of the SAGCO Cup Basketball Championship in the Industrial Area here.
With a four-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, both teams looked exhausted due to humid weather conditions. However, boosted by the roaring support of the home fans SAGCO2 bounced back powerfully with purpose and vigor to earn a nail-biting victory. Rochelle Cabase and Raymund put up sterling all-round performances in defense and assists, though Ahlan Tiongo was named the best player with 13 points.
Neproplast, last year's B Division champion, who was promoted to A Division this year, made short of work of another strong contender Pepsi at 101-76. Several immaculate three-pointers and free throws by A. Mabarit, made it all difficult for Pepsi to come back. He poured in 22 points and was rightly named the best player. That performance sent a strong message to the reigning champion SAGCO1, showing who would be its strongest opponent as to retain the cup.
KAMC, a former champion playing in the B Division this year, defeated Halwani 85-66 in their first game. Former MVPs Norman Huerto and Manalili made brilliant moves to score but it was D. Agustin, who won the best player award.
KAMC, a very strong contender for the B Division championship, is expected to meet tougher opponents in the likes of NET Channel and United Carton on its way to the finals.
Elsewhere, last year’s semifinalist Sunbulah, another strong contender in A Division, played a brilliant game to win against Delta, 96-75.
E. Fuentes, former MVP, won the best player award with this weekend's highest individual score of 39.
Wintek defeated Aquat 79-66. Arnel Barcoma was adjudged the best player with 28 points.
SADAFCO, a newcomer to SAGCO Cup, registered its first win against United Carton in a thriller 85-84. In a roller-coaster game, the fortune eventually smiled at SADAFCO in the dying seconds.
Scores:
SAGCO2 61 — Ahlan Tiongco 13, Raymund Boleser 11. SAJA Pharma 57 — Sumiklab 25, Kem Bautista 15.
Neproplast 101 — A. Mabarit 22, G. Pamular 14. Pepsi 76 — M. Abece 19, J. Casas 10.
KAMC 85 — D. Agustin 18, N. Huero 11. Halwani 66 — C. Ares 22, Rey Ramos 13.
Sunbulah 96 — E. Fuentes 39, R. Escarez 16. Delta Water 75 — Manalo 24, Bernal 11.
Wintek 79 — Arnel Barcoma 28, R. Ramos 13. Aquat 66 — B. Garzon 25, G. Cambronero 15.
SADAFCO 85 — N. Lalog 17, L. Cabaza 16. United Carton 84 — Jeff Bustamante 26, Mark Evarretta 25.
Weekend’s highest scorer: E. Fuentes of Sunbulah — 39 points. Highest scoring team: Neproplast — 101.
