Lamac wins thriller over Jugan; Polog makes finals

Defending champion Lamac kept its title retention bid alive in the Inter-Barangay Seniors Category A after prevailing over Jugan by the tiniest of margins, 83-82, in their thrilling knockout quarterfinal match that went overtime in the 7th Mayor Teresa 'Nene' P. Alegado Fiesta Basketball Cup in Consolacion.

Facing no tomorrow, both sides gave their all resulting to a close-quarter battle from start to finish that left the delighted spectators glued to their seats even if it was already past midnight.

Ikid Larrobis of Lamac hit two pressure-packed free throws off an ill-advised foul by JV Dumadag to forge a 74-all deadlock with only two seconds left in the regulation period, hence, the extra period.

The excitement of the game was elevated to its highest level in the five-minute extension as Lamac and Jugan continued their dogfight.

After Lamir Ibale scored on a fast-break play that put Jugan on top by a hairline with only 6.4 seconds remaining, 82-81, Jacob Baguio donned the hero's cape to save Lamac's day with his game-clinching basket at the buzzer.

Baguio finished with 15 points while Junard Pales had 16 as Lamac breezed through the round of four after spoiling the solid 50-point performance of Jugan's Ibale and Erwin Brigole. It would still be a tall order for them though as they will face the twice-to-beat Pulpogan in the semifinals on September 23.

Still in the IB Seniors Category A, Nangka kept its semis hopes in motion after eliminating Tayud, 88-79. Romar Ponce erupted for 29 points, while Gelmar Ponce and Paul Iverson Collango connived for 30 points for Nangka.

In the IB Seniors Category B, Joseph Bill Pepito, Junly Padayogdog and Franie Suson conspired for 31 points as Polog outclassed Lanipga, 58-52, to advance into the championship round with a twice-to-beat edge.

In sudden-death matches under the SK Juniors Category A, Rey Gonzaga fired 20 points and Paul Cabillada had 14 as three-time defending champion Casili sent Cabangahan to the exit, 64-57, and bolster its bid of a historic four-peat, while Fritz Ropal scored 21 and Winston Pepito chipped in 18 markers as Nangka booted out Danglag, 88-72.

In the midget division, Dione Quinaquin netted 13 points as Tolotolo decimated the hapless Panoypoy, 78-40, while Darius Casiao topscored with 15 points for Lamac, which kicked out Cabangahan, 73-53.—