South berth up for grabs in Coke Hoopla

MANILA, Philippines- The race for the top spot in the South Zone of the second Coca-Cola Hoopla National Capital Region Championship reaches fever pitch today with two crucial matches in Pasay and Taguig.

Four of the five teams are fighting to represent their area and join unbeaten Quezon City (East) in the double round Inter-Zonal phase which will determine the 2011 NCR champion and winner of the P20,000 top prize.

At 4 p.m., Pasay (4-1) battles defending champion Muntinlupa (4-2) at the Pasay Sports Complex, while Taguig (3-2) takes on winless Parañaque (0-6) at 6 p.m. at the Duenas Gym in Taguig.

Gio Ramos and Kenneth de Vega each had 20 points to power Pasay past Muntinlupa, 90-73, in the first round, while Taguig crushed Parañaque, 87-66.

Antipolo (West), Caloocan (North) and Mandaluyong (Central) were playing separate Inter-City opponents at presstime yesterday and seeking Inter-Zonal berths, with Taytay (West), Valenzuela (North) and San Juan (Central) forging knockout matches today should any of them prevail.

The five-team Inter-Zonal kicks off on May 29.