Thursday, August 07, 2008 Alvin, Team 'S' twice-to-beat in semis
ALVIN Auto Parts dedicated their last game to fallen teammate Danilo Puzon to prevail 83-72 over luckless Sucden and took the top spot with a 7-2 record at the end of the triple elimination round of Bus Group-Sharp Cup tournament at Lopue's South Square gym.
Randy Cawaling had 22 points, Reynaldo Valencia and Armando Soberano hit 18 each and Biboy Jave 17 for the winners. Vic Dueñas scored 23, Bert Pabon 14 and Mel de Dios and Nene Lapore 10 apiece for the losers who never won in nine games but may spring some surprise in the semifinal, which starts Friday.
In other match, Axial Engineering finally won over Team 'S', 88-82, to finish with a 5-4 record good for third spot. Despite the loss, coach Bing Soyao's charges remained second with a 6-3 slate and will meet the same tormentor on Friday.
Axial put up a balance attack with Edgar Espares hitting 18, Rene Antones 16, Henrico Juarez 14, Raymundo Sapa Jr. 13, Abet Jarder 11 and Edwin Gonzaga 10.
Zaldy Navarra topscored with 36 points but only Jovito Yasay and Ed Cruz supported him with 12 each as Axial jumpstarted with 16-9 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
With twice-to-beat advantage in the semis, Alvin and Team 'S' can wrap up the final spots with victories on Friday against Sucden and Axial, respectively. (Henry G. Doble)
