Argao dumps Oslob in Galeos caging

CEBU, Philippines - Host Argao defended its turf against the Oslob invaders in convincing fashion, 116-106, in the inter-town division of the Mayor Edsel Galeos Cup 2009 basketball tournament at the Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Sports and Cultural Center in Argao, Cebu.

So dominating Argao was that it mounted a 21-point advantage in the opening period, 38-17. Inspired by the defeaning cheers of their fans, the hosts protected a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

Mike Escalante and James Bonachita spearheaded Argao's relentless offensive with 25 and 20 points, respectively. The other top scorers for Argao were Janjan Cahilig with 17, Aaron Buena with 14, and Tyrone Birondo with 11.

As usual, At-at Ranolo and Junrey Soriano paced Oslob with 24 points each. Junjun Singson added 19 points followed by John Lastimosa with 17 and Fermin Benologa with 16 as they saw their two-game winning run come to a screeching halt.

In the inter-zonal division, Tulic-Lamac also from Argao trounced the winless Mountain Eagles, 77-71 behind the heroics of Tab Sarmago and Mark Goc-ong, while the Petron sponsored-Poblacion C crushed the Cavaliers, 84-76, to join Simple Minds on top of the leaderboard with identical 2-0 slates.

The scores

First game

Lamacan (77) - T. Sarmago 19, Goc-ong 17, Chavez 11, allawan 9, Mier 8, Comaling 3, M. Sarmago 2, Panerio 2, Davis 2, Tundag 2, Saquilon 2

Mountain Eagles (71) - Temple 23, Aballe 18, Torreliza 8, Caminse 5, diaz 5, Betonta 4, Jorge 2, Bautido 2, Alforque 2,

Second game

Argao (116) - Escalante 25, Bonachita 20, Cahilig 17, Buena 14, Getalaga 13, Birondo 11, Boltiador 10, Tapere 4, Rubin 2

Oslob (106) - Ranolo 24, Soriano 24, Singson 19, Lastimosa 17, Benologa 16, Balansag 6. - GGM (THE FREEMAN)