CEBU, Philippines — The 9th Cong. Red Durano Cup is going to have a new champion as Carmen and San Francisco scored close semifinal round victories to arrange a showdown for the championship.
Top seed Carmen outscored defending champion Danao, 81-78, while second seed San Francisco squeezed past Compostela, 58-55, in the semifinals Thursday at the Carmen Sports Complex.
It was literally a see-saw affair between next-door neighbors Carmen and Danao. After Carmen took a one point lead after one period, 20-19, Danao took the lead back at halftime, 33-30. Carmen then took a 59-58 lead going into the final period and hung on to score the win and barge into the finals.
Dennis Jayson led Carmen’s balanced attack with 14 points while John Bejoc added ten. Kent Montero led Danao with 22 as John Castañeda added 13.
It was the same script for the San Fran-Compostela game.
After Compostela led 16-14 after one period, San Fran led, 30-28, at halftime then 44-42 at the end of the third period. James Alburo led San Fran with 15 points while Clark Tampus added 13.
Paul Marapo and Ken Tejero led Compostela with 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Carmen and San Francisco face off for the championship tomorrow at the Danao City Civic Center, while Danao and Compostela play for third place.
The 9th Cong. Red Durano Cup is an Under 18 basketball tournament covering the eleven towns of the fifth district.