VALENCIA CITY — Skygo/Sirlitz-backed Tribu Sugbu and host Valencia Golden Harvest hurdled their respective rivals Sunday to arrange a grudge rematch for the 5th Day Charter Open Invitational basketball championship here.
The Tribesmen of Lito Gallanac and Mario King crushed Gov. Manny Pinol’s North Cotabato Braves, 98-79, while Mayor Jose Galario Jr.’s Valencia cagers toppled Aqua World-backed Pagadian Explorers, 72-64, in the semifinals of the tourney supported by Sulpicio Lines, Spring Cooking Oil, Molten and Prime Channel.
Tribu and Valencia were disputing the crown at presstime last night. The Braves and the Explorers of Mayor Sammy Co were playing for third spot.
Five Tribue players – Doroteo Almacin, Don Yabut, Christian Nicdao, Alex Cainglet and Bermie Ursal – finished in double figures as the Cebuanos dominated the Braves from start to finish.
Julius Navales 23-point explosion helped Valencia but a slow start to turn back the Explorers, who were led by ex-pros Peter Naron and Bong Marata.
Tribu coach Al Solis was confident of winning its second straight Nature’s Spring-NBC pre-season series despite its 67-70 loss to Valencia in the eliminations. The Tribesmen swept all their matches in the first leg of the pre-season series in Antipolo.
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