CEBU, Philippines - The top-ranked Lai Garden of playing coach Dr. Boy Te ousted the fourth seed Aulga Hardware, 82-78, while Triple R-Triple E whipped Phil Joriro, 73-60, to advance into the semifinals of the Guadalupe Athletic Association (GAA) Founder’s Cup Second Conference at the Guadalupe Sports Complex.
In the other games, Aqua Serv scored a 73-60 victory over Swan in Group A, while the J-Art escaped with a 74-71 win McMill.
Inting Reyes fired 23 points for Lai Garden, while Chito Hernandez added 19 points.
Lai Garden actually figured in a three-way tie with Swan and Aqua Serv with similar 5-1 win-loss records, but gained top seeing as it obtained the highest quotient.
In this Saturday’s crossover semis, Lai Garden will take on the Jimbo Noel-owned J-Art, while the Triple R-Triple E will tackle Aqua Serv. The winners will then clash for the championship.
The scores
First game
Lai Garden (82) - Reyes 23, Hernandez 19, Jimenez 12,Ricaña 8, Baclayon 6, Monternel 5, Labra 5, Lesmes 2, Gabutero 2
Aulga (78) - Condes 13, Mabatid 12, Biscocho 11, Cabanilla 11, Escuyos 11, Albia 8, Gabisay 4, Tejam 2, Carrusca 2, Sollano 2
Second game
Triple R-Triple E (73) - Ocampo 22, Velmote 12, Barios 10, Tablada 6, Rama 5, Nuñez 4, Gabutan 4, Barellano 2, Pacaña 2, Lopez 2
Phil Joriro (60) - Potot 17, Elis 14, Mitante 6, Miñoza 5, Sormillon 5, Flores 4, Llevado 4, Gacasan 4, Gabato 1. - GGM (THE FREEMAN)