BORBON snagged a playoff berth after eliminating Poro with a close 75-73 win in Bracket 2 in the North Division of the Governor’s Cup 2018 Basketball Tournament last Saturday night in the Alfredo S. Arquillano Sr. Memorial Gym in San Francisco.
Borbon had a sense of urgency and immediately took a 26-17 lead at the onset, then led by 10 points, 44-34, at halftime. It was in the third quarter that Poro came alive, outscoring Borbon, 27-17, and tied the game at 61-61 going into the final period.
Borbon, however, did just enough to hold on to the lead up until the final buzzer to earn a playoff spot.
Niño Caballero scored 20 points to lead Borbon to victory. Juneou Antigua added 18, while Jean Antigua chipped in 13.
Mhar Florentino was Poro’s leading scorer with 25 points, while Rhom Lucernas and Kieran Carbon contributed with 11 and 10 markers respectively.
San Francisco, on the other hand, also advanced to the playoffs with an 85-51 beating of Sogod.
Kenny Rogers Rocacurva had another huge night for the home team with 16 points, while Jake Gonzalez and Wilson Pleños Jr. with 14 apiece.
Christian Rivera was the only Sogod player in double figures with 15 markers.
Poro started out on top of Bracket 2 after winning its first three games. But after back-to-back losses, Poro bowed out of the tournament with a 3-2 record. Borbon and San Francisco advanced to the North Division playoffs after finishing with identical 4-1 slates. (EKA)