Manda, Antipolo advance in Hoopla

MANILA, Philippines - Antipolo and Mandaluyong advanced to the Inter-Zonal phase of the second Coca-Cola Hoopla National Capital Region Championship, but Valenzuela forced a do-or-die with Caloocan for the North Zone slot over the weekend.        

Michael Dizon scored 30 points and Paul Baliton added 14 as Antipolo turned back Taytay, 79-75, in their West Zone playoff, while Glenmark Cerbito and Rafael Rebugio each poured 20 points to power Mandaluyong past San Juan, 76-72, in a clash of Central Zone favorites.

Antipolo, backed by chairman Puto Leyva of Brgy. San Jose, and Mandaluyong thus joined Quezon City, backed by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, in the two-round Inter-Zonal that would determine the 2011 NCR champion and winner of the P250,000 top prize.

 Top North Zone team Caloocan got stalled, however, and the South continues to be a toss-up.

 Gelin delos Santos fired 12 points and Cesar Miranda added 11 as Valenzuela dumped Caloocan, 77-66, to force a knockout match. Valenzuela, supported by former PBA star and now Councilor Gerry Esplana, grabbed a 16-8 lead in the first quarter and never faltered.

 Defending champion Muntinlupa, meanwhile, blasted Las Pinas, 90-70, in the South Zone as Christian Paguinto fired 21 points and Avib Minoc added 14, and Taguig stunned Pasay, 71-45.