Mactan Hotmen complete 7-game sweep in Collector's Cup

MANILA, Philippines - The Mactan Hotmen of team manager Bingo Matugas and coach Dacky Ugay trounced the MJDL Brokers, 90-77, to complete a seven-game elimination round sweep in the 35-above division of the 14th District Collector’s Cup basketball tournament at the Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Gym in Brgy. Punta Princesa, this city.

Ronnie Ruiz and Jumie Ararao paced the Hotmen with 22 and 18 points, respectively. Noel Medalle topscored for the MJDL with 19 points.

In the other 35-above match, ex-SWU Cobra offguard Sanshane Joseph Barita finished with 25 points and completed his game-long brilliance by hitting a basket with 12 seconds left in the contest to power the Enforcement Security Service (ESS) to a 98-97 cliffhanger over the Cebu-Customs United Personeros Association (C-CUPA).

C-CUPA actually had a chance to win, Amay Palad missed his final attempt. Ronald Gasol and Albert Estrada connived for 55 points but their efforts went for naught as they are now relegated to play for third.

In the lone 35-below duel, the MJDL Brokers stayed alive in the finals race after demolishing the winless SUGBO Brokers, 121-75.

The twin title duel will be held on February 25. In the 35-below class, the Amancia Brokers are still waiting for their opponent which is likely the Assessment Division of coach Rady Abarintos.

The scores

First game

ESS (98) - Barita 25, Rama 15, Monteño 14, Sicat 12, De Gracia 9, Mabalo 8, Cabahug 7, Lozano 4, Regidor 2, Baregona 2C-CUPA (97) - Asol 23, Estrada 22, Sepe 14, Sigue 11, Palad 8, Geturbos 5, Agustinez 5, Embrada 5, Sena 2

Second game

Mactan (90) - Ruiz 22, Ararao 18, Mata 12, Clavano 11, Sella 9, Ambrad 7, Amores 5, Matugas 2, Baragona 2

MJDL (77) - Medalle 19, Nacario 14, Bacalla 11, Lambayan 8, Tuyco 6, Martinez 6, Dacumos 6, Lopez 4, Jordan 2, Baillo 1 (GGM)   (THE FREEMAN)