Casino shocks Super Idols to advance into final in IBP cagefest

CEBU, Philippines - The Casino Rubbing Alcohol pulled off what is by far the biggest stunner in the 3rd Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) basketball season when it gunned down the previously undefeated Idols, 69-62, to advance into the final round last Saturday at the Capitol Parish gym along Escario Street, this city.

After taking a slim 19-16 lead in the first period, the Super Idols chilled down in the next two quarters and when it was imperative for them to bounce back, they were already playing against time.

However, the Super Idols still have until next week to prove they are the best team in the league when they meet Casino anew in the knockout finale.

Casino unleashed a furious endgame assault presided over by high-leaping forward Richard Bauzon in the company of Wilbert Dumon and William Mañus.

Bauzon led Casino with 17 points, while Dumon and Mañus chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Benjo Santiago posted 20 points followed by Fermin Pepito with 17 for the Super Idols, who saw their nine-game winning streal come to a sudden red stop.

In the other game, the Pecandela Law Firm caught the Pañeros in their most awful form and scored an 85-66 rout.

The tandem of Tommy Yu and Francis Pepito had 33 points combined for Pecandela, which will take on the same opponent for third place next week.

The scores

First game

Casino (69) - Bauzon 17, Dumon 14, Mañus 12, Bragat 8, Sumampong 4, Tombago 4, Amores 4, Yap 3, Ceniza 3

Super Idols (62) - Santiago 20, Pepito 17, R. Quijano 11, Fernandez 8, Abayon 4, Malig-on 2

Second game

Pecandela (85) - Yu 18, Pepito 15, RM Gamallo 11, Capoy 10, Gealon 9, Tenefrancia 8, I. Gamallo 6, Avila 4, Cañete 4

Pañeros (66) - Ordeniza 17, Busi 16, Balorio 14, Molde 8, Pepito 5, Anching 2, Aliño 2, Kagulada 2. - GGM (THE FREEMAN)