F U U U G

UNBEATEN Gitagum cagers are just one win away from clinching the first seat in semifinals of the ongoing 2017 Kuyamis Inter-Municipality Basketball Tournament open division.

This, after Gitagum notched their fourth straight win against Alubijid, 10599 on Saturday at the El Salvador City Plaza covered courts.

Host El Salvador Saviors of coach Rey Dangcal domi- nated Manticao, 96-81 in the nightcap.

Gitagum and Alubijid entered a tight battle in the first half, but Alubijid found its rhythm in the next quarter, posting its biggest lead at 14 before slowing down to end the third with a 6-point lead, 74-68.

Apparently for Alubijid, it went cold down the stretch.

From a 93- 91 Alubijid lead, Archie Manosa was left wide-open for two successive 3-point bombs that allowed Gitagum to take the momentum for good.

Manosa had big help from Jodie Bongay and Christian Clabisellas to seal the win.

Raymond Mercado, Epoy Balacuit and Jojo Jadol scored high in Alubijid’s losing cause.

“Sayang kaayo. Daug na unta ang Alubijid kung nadepensahan nila si Manosa,” said MOISC chairman President “Prexy” Elipe.

Gitagum will try to win its last outing against defending champion Tagoloan Taran- tulas this coming Saturday to avoid a triple-tie scenario for first place in the west division.

The Saviors are in strong contention for second place with a 3-1 win-loss card.

El Salvador’s full- court defense cracked Manticao as the Saviors were converting points from steals and turnovers that went as big as 23 points.

“We could have done that early but it’s risky kay basin mabasahan og sayo sa Manticao,” Dangcal said.

ATENEO needs a major overhaul of its game on Wednesday (Nov. 22) if it is serious enough in forcing a winner- take- all against Far Eastern University.

That became obvious in the wake of FEU’s stunning 80-67 victory over Ateneo on Sunday.

The victory did not only instill fear in the entire Ateneo community,