Quezon City turns back Marikina in Coke Hoopla

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City repulsed Marikina, 73-66, but three other co-leaders took numbing setbacks in the second round of the Inter-City phase of the second Coca-Cola Hoopla National Capital Region Championship last Tuesday.

San Juan shocked Mandaluyong, 77-75; Las Piñas stunned Pasay, 95-93; and Binangonan rocked Antipolo, 77-75, all three losers absorbing their first setbacks after going 4-0.

Quezon City, however, played true to form and held off Marikina to grab the solo lead in the final push to represent the East in the Inter-Zonal which would decide the NCR champion and winner of the P250,000 top prize.

John Villarosa scored 18 points and Nico Estrella added 11 to lead Quezon City to its fifth straight win.

Alvin Olegario had 24 points to lead Binangonan, and Angelo Galinato fired 19 points and Vincent Huit 18 for San Juan.

In other games, Pasig routed Pateros, 106-38, as Jerome Clarines scored 17 points; Malabon turned back Caloocan in overtime, 85-77, behind the 25 points of Elvin Chan; Navotas topped Valenzuela also in OT, 75-64, on Dennis Gonzales’ 25 points; defending champion Muntinlupa ripped Parañaque, 80-51, as Kevin Buenaflor scored14 points; and Taytay beat Cainta, 76-69.