A strong start and an even stronger finish lifted Green Rose over the fancied Kayud Tayud, 84-63, to set up an exciting semis clash with another favorites, the undefeated Cebu Landmasters in the CYBL Summer Showcase tournament at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club basketball court.
The Landmasters handed Punta Alas its breakfast, lunch, dinner and a couple of snacks in an 81-30 pounding that was over as early as the first quarter
On the other hand, Green Rose, made Kayud Tayud pay for its sleepy start as it took the lead after the first quarter, 19-7 before making it 40-31 at the turn. Kayud Tayud made it a ballgame in the third, 59-51, and was going for a come-from-behind win but a 13-0 spell in the fourth ended its semis bid.
Jenrow Melendez topscored for Green Rose with 18 points, while Earl Vincent Aguilar had 15 points and eight rebounds. Kayud Tayud was led by Ivan Penas, who had an impressive 26 points in a losing cause.
Meanwhile, after letting Punta Alas stay in the game after the first five minutes, the Landmasters ended the contest with a 35-11 run to end the first half safely ahead, 40-16. The Landmasters conceded five points in the first five minutes of the third quarter but toughened their defense and allowed only two until the halfway mark of the fourth for a comfortable 75-23 lead.
Yuri Avila led the Landmasters with 17 on an 8 of 13 night. He only missed one of eight shots from the two-point range but was 1 of 5 from downtown. Raffy Celis had 13, while Latrel Loreano had 10.
Despite losing in the quarterfinals, Kayud Tayud and Punta Alas will still have something to play for as they go on into the lower division, where a winner will also be awarded in line with the league’s Duwa Lang Ta mantra.
HOW THEY SCORED.
LANDMASTERS (81)–Abella 17, Celis 13, Lorenao 10, Arradaza 9, Go 9, Dacalos 5, Bahay 5, Cainglet 5, Rota 4, Yu 4, Valenzuela 0. PUNTA ALAS (30) —Dela Cruz 8, Te 7, (unlisted) 4, Sumalinog 4, COderos 3, Dare 2, Ciabo 2, Dupa 0, Lazaga 0, Aballe 0, Halican 0
GREEN ROSE (84)–Melendrez 18, Aguilar 15, Angtud 12, Cacanog 11, Aligway 10, Capisnon 6, Sabroso 6, Abellanosa 2, Marimon 2, Amodia 0. KAYUD TAYUD (63)–Penas 26, Corca 10, Suraliza 8, (unlisted) 8, Luchavez 6, Hopida 3, Castro 2, Ibale 0, Cuyos 0, Perales 0, Elopre 0, Xeemon Cuyos 0,