Akira/Metrotiles grabs Aloguinsan cage crown

CEBU, Philippines - Veteran commercial player Enrico Llanto and former pro Jimwell Torion transformed themselves into a deadly one-two punch to help Akira/Metrotiles clobber the USJR-powered Inner G Capsules, 90-77, and win the championship of the Aloguinsan Mayor's Cup basketball tournament last Sunday at the Alodome in the southern Cebu municipality of Aloguinsan.

Llanto and Torion conspired for 43 points, while Mark Abadia banged in 18 markers for Akira, which used a furious third quarter assault to turn the tide of the match in its favor.

Not only that Akira had two dominant centers in Llanto and Franklin Nailon, they also hired the services of another ex-pro Dale Singson to support Torrion at the backcourt.

Akira went home P100,000 richer, while Inner G got P70,000.

Jirvel Espina led Inner G with 13 points, while Lyndon Gudez and his former Jaguar teammate Jabe Delfino had 11 points apiece.

Earlier, the Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) Builders escaped with a 105-102 victory over Charmy Marketing.

Alex Cainglet paced CCC with 29 points followed by Rene Toring with 25 points. Danny Aying and Sherwin Abobo had 34 points combined.

Former USPF Panther Elvin Labares topscored with 24 points for Charmy even as Ronan Isidro and Troy Mercader scored 18 and 1, respectively.

 The CCC Builders pocketed P50,000, while Charmy got a consolation prize of P10,000.

The tournament was made possible through the support of Aloguinsan Mayor Chonse Moreno and Vice Mayor Cynthia Moreno. Councilor Toto Biton served as commissioner with Edwin Dejacto as chief of the technical committee. (FREEMAN)