MANILA – Talisay became the first team to enter the Visayas leg finals of the VisMin Super Cup after sweeping the elimination round through a 99-62 rout of Lapu-Lapu on Thursday at the Alcantara Civic Center in Cebu.
The Aquastars spoiled the return of Rendell Senining in the Heroes lineup by blowing them out right from the get-go.
Talisay opened a 24-9 lead after the first quarter and held on from there, even delivering an exclamation point in the fourth period by outscoring Lapu-Lapu, 30-11.
With the win, the Aquastars will get some rest as the Heroes and the rest of the Visayas leg field will undergo a stepladder playoff phase to determine the other finalist.
"Malaking bagay sa amin na makuha namin yung sweep para makapahinga kami (It's a big deal for us to get the sweep so that we can rest)," said Head Coach Aldrin Morante. "Siguro masasabi ko lang (Maybe all I can say) is all of this is because of the players. They deserve to rest."
Patrick Cabahug led Talisay with 22 points on five triples, three rebounds, and one assist.
Kevin Villafranca added 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Ferdinand Lusdoc paced Lapu-Lapu, which failed to formally seal the third seed in the playoffs, with 12 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Senining struggled in his return, only 1-of-9 from the field for four points with one rebound, four assists, and one steal.
The team, however, has another chance to do so as they battle Tubigon on Friday night.
The Heroes can still seal the third seed by Thursday night if the Tabogon Voyagers lose to the Dumaguete Warriors in the nightcap of the doubleheader.
The Tabogon-Dumaguete game is ongoing as of posting. (PNA)
