MANILA, Philippines - RCAF of team owner Romeo Faunillan and Ver-Son led by playmaker Garlan Tapere knocked out separate rivals to arrange a final showdown in the 3rd Norvic Abella Cup basketball tournament at the Labangon open court.
RCAF needed a strong second-quarter kick to crush Ponteras Farm, 76-60, while Ver-Son overwhelmed J&D,71-48.
From a 15-all deadlock in the opening period, RCAF unloaded a 20-8 rally to post a 35-23 edge at halftime. They improved their lead to as much as 21 points going into the final 10 minutes and never looked back since then.
George Alguno paced RCAF with 17 points, while Danrey Baclay and Jong Wilbur added 13 points each. Alwen Tabasa chipped in 10.
Earlier, Ariel Sarucam scored 11 points for Ver-Son, while Juntey Guimarangan had 12 points for J&D.
The scores
First game
Ver-Son (71) - A. Sarucam 11, G. Tapere 10, L. Sabanal 10, Kintanar 8, Ferolino 7, O. Sabanal 7, Mamalias 6, Avila 6, Navaroo 2, Wilson 2, Dacuyan 2
J&D (48) - Guimarangan 12, Bacus 10, Cortes 10, Donggpn 8, Abella 4, Caster 2, Quijano 2
Second game
RCAF (76) - Alguno 17, Wilbur 13, Baclay 13, A. Tabasa 10, Lozarita 8, Faunillan 4, Dacuyan 4, G. Sarucam 2, J. Tabasa 2, E. Tapere 2, Rodriguez 1
Ponteras (60) - Ceros 16, W. Tabasa 13, Tabasa 10, Amores 10, G. Ponteras 6, Restauro 2, Sta. Rosa 2, Pilarca 1