The Gothong Shipping Lines-Rhinos ousted the Raptors, 112-104, to barge into the semifinal round of the Elite Basketball Cebu tournament last Sunday at the Casals Gym.
Playing with just seven players against a fully-loaded Raptors team composed of current and former stars of the University of San Carlos Warriors, the Rhinos gutted it out and got incredible performances from the likes of former University of Cebu aces Shane Menina and Ruben Ludovice, as well as sweet-shooting wingman Jake Diamante.
Ludovice had a massive double-double of 26 points and 25 rebounds to go with six assists, two steals and a block. Menina and Diamante added 25 points apiece with the former also piling on six boards, five dimes, and two steals.
The Rhinos will be taking on the Prime Movers Logistics-Eagles in the semifinal round after powerhouse squad downed the Wolves, 105-97. Former Cebu City Sharks RJ Dinolan, John Abad, and Ian Ortega carried the fight for the team of businessman and sportsman, Mark Ynoc.
Dinolan had 28 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Abad had 17 points and eight dimes. Ortega chipped in 13 markers.
Meanwhile, the Cebu Sherilin Trading-Bears outlasted the Vipers, 90-82. Former USC stud Sam Hermosa was at the forefront of the Bears’ attack as he finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Speedy guard Zylle Cabellon added 17 points, six boards, five assists, and four steals.
The Bears will be facing off against the Aneda Builders-Falcons, which upset the Sure Cleaning Solutions-Hogs, 93-90. Ex-Cebu Institute of Technology-University standout Christian Taboada found his form early and often, finishing with 29 points to lead the Falcons in the thrilling match.