Sibonga hands Argao first loss in Galeos caging

CEBU, Philippines – Sibonga handed league-leader Argao its first defeat but had to go through a five-minute extension before posting a close 120-116 win in the inter-town category of the 2009 Mayor Edsel Galeos Cup basketball tournament at the Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Sports and Cultural Center in Argao, Cebu.

Sibonga stormed to Argao in full force and in contrast, the host squad was undermanned that clearly explained to its first loss in six games.

Argao actually rallied from 15 points down to forge a 102-all deadlock at the end of the regulation period, thus, the overtime.

In the extra period, however, Sibonga took full command on the way to chalk up its first victory in three starts.

James Bonachita pumped in a tournament-high 40 points for Sibonga, while Noel Alima banged in 33 markers.

In the other inter-town match, the Alcoy Miners snapped out of their two-game skid with a 111-87 rout of Dalaguete.

Joey Alvarado and Ramil Antido paced Alcoy with 24 and 22 points, respectively, even as three others chipped in double figures.

Carlos Arias led Dalaguete with 18 points.In the inter-zonal category, Poblacion C, sponsored by Edwin Figuez of Petron, clobbered Cup-J, 72-56 for its third straight victory, while the Poblacion B Looc Wrigglers nipped the Upland Tigers, 71-69, to finally barge into the win column after two failed attempts. - GGM (THE FREEMAN)