San Francisco survives Compostela

LAST year’s runner-up San Francisco weathered the late rally of Compostela to come away with a 70-68 win in the elimination round of the 9th Congressman Red Durano Cup at the Sogod Municipal Gym on Monday, March 25.

San Francisco put on a dazzling offensive display in the first two quarters that put them ahead, 34-20, at halftime. But Compostela sensed the urgency in the third quarter, cutting down the deficit to eight, 48-40.

Compostela continued to rally in the final quarter but San Francisco was able to find an answer before the former could have tied the game with a few minutes to play.

Vernald Almacin poured in 22 points and John Bolando added 13 for San Francisco, which is off to a hot start with a spotless 2-0 (win-loss) record.

Compostela, which dropped to 1-1 card, was led by Edmar Marado and Kobe Paradian who combined for 32 points.

Sogod, meanwhile, had an 18-8 blitzkrieg in the first quarter and did not look back to tally a dominating 8361 win over Tudela.

Chrislee Rivera scored 21 points and John Pesca contributed 10 for the winning team.

In the other game, Earl Tautao exploded for 27 points while John Cardosa recorded 11 points to help Liloan win its first game against Poro, 80-69.

The defending champion Danao City also had a good start with two wins - a 76-46 win over Poro and a convincing 88-73 victory over Sogod. /