MANILA—Taguig shrugged off a slow start and a hostile crowd to oust Antipolo, 83-77, Wednesday and arrange a titular showdown with unbeaten Quezon City in the 2nd Coca-Cola Hoopla National Capital Region Championship at the Ynares Center.
Game One of the best-of-3 series is set today at 7 p.m. at the Hagonoy Gym in Taguig. Antipolo and Caloocan dispute third place at 5:30 p.m.
Quezon City blasted Taguig, 109-71, when they clashed in the five-team Inter-Zonal phase on June 2.
Three days ago, Taguig posted an 84-80 win over Antipolo to force the knockout match.
Joshua Morris Mayor hurt Antipolo most with his all-around performance.
“I was really focused on helping my team make it to the finals,” said Mayor in Filipino.
“I told them to put their hearts into the game and not be distracted by the crowd,” said Taguig coach Mixson Ramos.
Both teams were backed by a big number of supporters. Taguig brought 10 vans and a band provided by Mayor Lani Cayetano.
“This is the beauty of the tournament because all the LGUs are involved in the grassroots development,” said tournament director Joe Lipa. Steve Silva, Contributor
The scores:
TAGUIG 83—Mayor 27, Barro 15, Parado 13, Santos 10, Cancillar 8, Portuguez 6, Pumaris 4.
ANTIPOLO 77—Baliton 25, Repato 14, J. Mocon 11, K. Mocon 9, Dizon 8, Abila 2, De Mesa 2, Bacay 2, Say 2.
Quarters: 13-25, 41-37, 64-49, 83-77