CEBU, Philippines — The EGS-Solid North shrugged off a lethargic start to upend Fiesta Gas of San Carlos City, 86-75, for its third straight win in the1st Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament 2025 on Monday night, January 27, at the Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI) Gym in Barangay Sawang Calero.
Encho Serrano exploded for 27 points with four rebounds, two assists and a steal while Kasius Small Martin banged in 22 points on top of seven boards and a pair of steals as EGS assured itself of a semifinal spot with an immaculate 3-0 slate.
Mark Yee dished out a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for EGS, which countered Fiesta Gas’ 14-2 opening assault with an 18-5 blitz to seize the upper hand, 20-19, after the first 10 minutes of play.
EGS was in full control from thereon, surging ahead by as much as 17 points, 63-46, in the third frame on the way to hand Fiesta Gas its second loss in three games.
In other results, Team Khalifa of Tacloban City and RKF Iloilo improved their records to 2-1 after gunning down separate foes.
Mark Llemit dropped 20 points laced with six rebounds and three steals while Jaybie Mantilla tallied 16 markers, four assists and three steals to power Khalifa to a 94-80 thrashing of Metro Cars x Stampede.
Jancork Cabahug added 11 points, eight boards, and three assists while Joel Lee Yu also finished with 11 points for Khalifa.
On the other hand, Miles Cañal led four players in double digits with 12 points as RKF Iloilo sank Lymar Ballers to their third consecutive defeat, 79-73.
MJ de la Virgen and Joaquin Jaymalin each scored 11 while Jeckster Apinan contributed 10 points, six boards and four assists for RKF Iloilo. — (FREEMAN)