TEAM Hotel rallied past erstwhile leader Delta, 100-94, last Friday night for its 10th win in 14 games (10-4), to pace the Second Elimination Round of the Center Katipunan A. Lopez Christian Organization (CEKALCO)-2013, Mayor Mike Rama Cup basketball tournament at the A. Lopez open court in Labangon, Cebu City.
Diminutive power-forward Mario Dosal orchestrated Team Hotel’s strong start by firing all of his 14 points in the first quarter which saw Hotel take a, 19-9 lead.
Delta however, sizzled in the 2nd stanza with a blistering, 33-22 run led by Randy Damulo, Julius Gutierez and Arthur Acosta to grab a one-point lead, 42-41, at the half.
Delta continued its onslaught in the third with a 30-27 run to stretch its lead to 72-68, entering the final quarter.
However, Hotel skipper Kelvin Cinco and slotman Dennis Saceda came out firing in the pay-off period allowing their team to outscore Delta, 32-22 for the six-point win.
Cinco led Hotel with a night-high 40 points while Dennis Saceda added 22 markers. Randy Damulo paced Delta with 24 points while Juniel Villarosa and Julius Gutierez added 23 points each.
BOX SCORES
HOTEL (100)- Cinco 40, Saceda 22, Dosal 14, Tautho 11, Benoya 10, Valderama 3.
DELTA (94)- Damulo 24, Villarosa 23, Gutierez 23, Acosta 12, Sinag 8, Gonzaga 4. /Correspondent Dale Rosal