In the bag for Tribu

The championship title is already in the bag for Tribu Sugbu-Gabisan Shipping as it scored a double victory in the opening day of the two-day Hilongos Open Invitational basketball tournament at the Hilongos Sports Complex.

The Cebu team won over Hindang Selection, 88-76, in the morning match and at 7 p.m., it drubbed Ormoc Selection, 101-93.

They only need to hurdle last year's finalist Cindy's Tacloban, which is beefed up by three Cebuanos.

But the task may not be daunting at all as Cindy's Tacloban already suffered two losses against Ormoc, 85-92 and Hindang, 79-85.

Cindy's is powered by Marvin Tundag, Eduardo Pening and Lloyd Ortiguesa, who sustained an injury in his forehead during their tussle against Hindang Selection.

Tribu Sugbu will still play against Cindy's Tacloban and an upset loss of the Cebu team will not matter anymore because they still wins the title by virtue of the team-that-beats-the-other rule.

Chris Nicdao and Bernie Ursal dominated Ormoc despite the presence of former UV center Jerson Espinosa and Salvador Pagasian.

Nicdao had 13 points and Ursal added 12 points even as Alex Cainglet and Ronaldo Bucao chipped in with 11 points apiece.

Tribu Sugbu had another nine points each from Doroteo Almacin and Ariel Mepaña while Don Yabut and Mark Ababon scored eight points each.

Offguard Morsie Akad of UV led Ormoc Selection with 26 points while Manigo had 23 points.

The defending champions will return to Cebu this morning and will turn over the trophy to team owner Lito s. Gillamac, Jr. at his office at the E Mall, along Leon Kilat street, this city.

The scores

Tribu-Gabisan (101) - Nicdao 13, Ursal 12, Cainglet 11, Bucao 11, Almacin 9, Mepaña 9, Ababon 8, Yabut 8, Ducay 6, Mercado 5, Butel 4, Sevilla 2

Ormoc Selection (93) - Akad 26, Manigo 23, Bislig 16, Barili 11, Quesado 10, Lavidez 8, Espinosa 3, Pagasian 2