THE Balamban Shipbuilders continue to overachieve in the third season of the Governor’s Cup Inter-Cities/Municipalities Basketball Tournament.
The Shipbuilders clinched a semifinals berth for the first time after escaping gutsy Medellin, 76-71, in a do-or-die game at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex on Sunday, April 28.
Jacob Fernandez scored 21 points, AJ Sacayan contributed 19 and Joshua Gellacone poured in 18 for Balamban, which finished the playoff round with a 5-1 (win-loss) record. It trails the spotless Mandaue City Ballers, who are 6-0 in the Bracket A.
Balamban, which failed to get past the quarterfinals last season, made sure it’s going to be a different story this time by rushing to an early 24-20 lead.
Balamban did not let its guard down and went on to control the next three quarters.
The Shipbuilders, though, will have a tough task ahead of them, as they’re pitted against the defending champion and Bracket B top-seed Talisay City in the crossover semis.
Host Mandaue City, on the other hand, completed a playoff sweep with a 102-87 beating of Dumanjug to claim the No. 1 seed in the Bracket A, while the Minglanilla Archangels bagged the last semis slot in thrilling fashion.
Minglanilla, Tuburan and Consolacion figured in a three-way tie with identical 4-2 cards.
Tuburan lost to Talisay City, 92-81, while Consolacion beat Tabuelan, 107-97, paving the way for a triple tie. Minglanilla topped the quotient with 1.048 while Tuburan registered 1.006 and Consolacion had 0.949.
Talisay City will host Balamban in the knockout semis, while Mandaue City will get the home court edge over Minglanilla on Tuesday, April 30. (RSC)