RKF Iloilo outguns Welec, grabs solo lead in Sinulog Cup

CEBU, Philippines —  RKF Iloilo handed Welec Trucking Services x AMC its first loss, 73-63, to seize the solo lead with a perfect 2-0 record in the Sinulog Cup 2025 Basketball Tournament on Thursday night, January 23, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Welec actually took a 15-22 edge early in the second period, but the visiting Ilonggo cagers staged a spirited comeback to wrest the driver’s seat, 47-43, after three quarters.

Welec kept the fight close and pulled within just a hairline but RKF launched a searing 9-0 blitz to establish a double-digit advantage, 65-55, which it maintained until the final buzzer.

Adamson University star Cedrick Manzano once again shepherded RKF to victory with a solid double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds laced with four steals. He was ably backed up by John Rey Sumido with 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Gabriel Cometa dropped 24 points on top of seven rebounds and three assists but his efforts went for naught as Welec fell to 2-1 in a tie with the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters at second place in the standings.

The Webmasters notched their second win via a 110-42 obliteration of Team Frasco-Liloan.

The outcome of the lopsided match was already a foregone conclusion when the Webmasters built an imposing 57-18 bulge at halftime, which they stretched to 78-28 going into the final 10-minute mark.

Reggie Dajab and Luther Leonard combined for 33 points to spearhead UC’s merciless 68-point rout of Team Frasco.

NJ Atunay and Charles Libatog tallied 14 and 13 markers, respectively, while Prince Asoñas contributed to the Webmasters’ balanced offensive performance with 10 points.