Team Delta advances to semifinal

TEAM Delta of Roland “El Presidente” Sameon marched into the semi-final round after stunning Team Bravo, 88-82, Friday night in their knockout battle at the close of the quarterfinal round of the Center Katipunan A. Lopez Christian Organization (CEKALCO)-2013 Second Season basketball tournament at the A. Lopez open court in Labangon.

The undermanned Delta five jumped to an impressive, 32-12 lead in the first quarter behind Juniel Villarosa and Julius Gutierez. But Bravo rallied in the second and outscored Delta, 39-10 to erect a 9-point lead, 51-42, at the half.

Bravo unloaded a, 20-18 run in the third quarter to head to the fourth with a, 71-60 cushion.

Delta however, saved its best for last and outscored Bravo in the payoff period, 28-11 to snatch the six-point victory and the semifinal ticket.

Juniel Villarosa and Julius Gutierez powered Delta with a game-high 27 points apiece while Tata Maspiñas and Francis Philip Nacar paced Bravo with 23 and 21 points, respectively.

BOX SCORES

DELTA (88)- Villarosa 27, Gutierez 27, Acosta 12, Estrada 8, Gonzaga 6, Sinag 5, Dumduma 3.

BRAVO (82)- Maspiñas 23, Nacar 21, Tenchavez 12, Codilla 11, Perino 5, Arnibal 4, Loayon 2, Gacho 2, Arnaiz 2.  /Correspondent Dale Rosal