LAST conference’s finalists Team Alam Na and Romulz Power both made it to the big 4 round along with Team Daabay and Team Doc Neri in the 2018 Green CdeO Eagles 2nd President’s Cup inter-color basketball tourney.
This, after the pacesetting Team Alam Na won by forfeiture over the Eagles Aspirants who came with only four players in uniform; and Romulz Power overpowering Team Saraus, 92-72 on Thursday night at the SPC covered court here.
Like Team Alam Na, the twice-to-beat Team Daabay also dodged the upset axe of Team Baba via thrilling escape, 77-74 as Team Doc Neri dominated Team Dadz Uy, 61-49 in the last knockout match of the night.
Oozing with youth on their side, Team Daabay had Remoto consistently knocking in perimeter jumpers while ablazing on fastbreak play with the likes of the 30-something foursome of Shian Galanida, Arvin Monterona, Anderson Mauricio and Ed Gustilo challenging every basket made by Team Baba’s top gunner Karl Michael Daigdigan.
“Hapit gyod sila nasapon sa fourth pero gikapoy na sab si Kuya Michael,” said game barker Roberto `Dongcabs’ Caballero.
The only team to beat Team Alam Na in the double-round elimination, Romulz Power relied heavily on the towering defense of veteran center Insik Villareal and the fastbreak combo orchestrated by starting pointguard Ulysses Romulo and flamboyant forward Waway `Vin Diesel’ Arocha to get even with first round tormentor Team Saraus.
“Napingis pa gani ko. Basta I baseball pass lang permi ni Kuya pres (Romulo) ang bola alam na,” Waway said in jest.
Having the huge tandem of John Naliponguit and Roel Lungay on its frontline was still not enough for the Anton Pabillore-led Team Dads Uy to overcome Team Doc Neri with former Cagayan de Oro basketball junior MVP Boning Biongcog now back in harness.
“Walay nakapugong kang Kuya Boning ulahi na gi bump defense ni Kuya Anton mao nga nalatos gyod ang Team Dads Uy,” said NMR-1 governor Anjun ‘Con-Air’ Gomez, co-manager with defense specialist Yogi Hembrador of the multi-titled Team Alam Na.
Romulz Power looked like it had what it takes to end Team Alam Na’s title run during the First President’s Cup early this year. But in the finals, the tournament committee declared Romulz Power as the loser by “technicality” for failing to come up with proper set of uniforms.
Against rival teams with youth and equal firepowers, Team Alam Na and Romulz Power are expected to encounter rough sailing in their bid to arrange a grudge rematch for the 2nd President’s Cup glory.
“Tinuod kami ang mga batan-on ani na liga pero lisod kaayo mag champion sa Eagles tourney. Si Lord na lang ang bahala,” said Team Daabay’s rugged playmaker Shian `Westbrook’ Galanida.
Barring unforeseen glitches, the semifinal crossover games will be played on Tuesday, Oct. 30 over at Barangay Kauswagan covered court.