AC Troopers, Tuburan remain  unbeaten in Balamban caging

CEBU, Philippines —  The AC Troopers/Eversure and the Tuburan 360 Coffee overcame their respective rivals to stay unbeaten in the Balamban Fiesta Cup 2023 Inter-Commercial Basketball Invitational Tournament on Wednesday night at the Esperanza Binghay Memorial Sports Complex in Balamban town, northwest of Cebu.

The AC Troopers rode on a solid endgame finish to upend the Good Shepherd-Toledo City, 85-79, and stretch their perfect record to 3-0.

 Charles Pepito cashed in a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds laced with three assists as the AC Troopers moved one victory away from sealing an automatic championship berth.

Gileant Delator tallied 15 markers on top of three boards and five dimes while Tansiong Bonganciso added 14 points and 14 rebounds for the AC Troopers, who were trailing 72-75 in the last five minutes of play.

But the AC Troopers closed the match with a 13-4 bang to turn the tables on the stunned Good Shepherd-Toledo.

Joshua de la Cerna and Luigi Gabisan combined for 45 points in Good Shepherd-Toledo’s losing cause.

On the other hand, Tuburan 360 Coffee survived an amazing 46-point explosion of Jason Balabag to prolong the agony of K & L Marketing of Naga City, 110-108.

 Pacsoy Oropiano hit 22 points while Melvin Butohan chipped in with 14 markers for the Coffee Makers, who suffered a huge collapse after posting an 18-point advantage, 85-67, at the end of the third period but hung on tough in the windup to escape with a thrilling two-point win, their second straight in as many starts.

Jiesel Tarrosa and Gerard Viajar were the other bright spots for the Coffee Makers with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Kyle Ruedas had 15 points while Ian Ortega and AJ Sacayan finished with 14 points apiece but to no avail as K & L slumped to its third consecutive setback.