RELLM pulls off shocker, ousts defending champ Johnro

Sports

SIXTH-SEEDED RELLM Engineering Design rocked the league when it pulled off a massive upset, unseating defending champion Johnro Electrical with a 75-65 victory in their semifinal duel in the Architects and Engineers Basketball Association (AEBA) 9th Corporate Cup over the weekend at the University of San Carlos Downtown Campus Gym in Cebu City.

The victory was even more impressive when RELLM survived a undermanned nine-man roster against the tournament’s top seed.

RELLM only had a 17-15 lead after 10 minutes of play but started pulling away in the second quarter and posted a 37-23 lead at the half.

The lead ballooned to as many as 16 points in the second half as Johnro failed to mount a serious run that enabled RELLM to complete the shock win and clinch a championship seat.

Andrew Egot led the huge upset by piling up 29 points, five rebounds, five steals, and one assist. Neil Ibarita and Jepher Auguis backed Egot with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Jhakem Jude Alguno paced Johnro with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Daniel Culanag added 12 markers while Mark Gamboa had 10.

In the title round, RELLM will take on No. 2 seed CBM Engineering, which defeated third-ranked Avantrac in their own semifinal duel, 90-82.

Ivan Deo showed the way for CBM Engineering with 21 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two assists. Jett Latonio contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a block, Dave Aeblla chipped in 13 points, while James Paradela and Mark Barcenas each added 10 points.

Jemcerson Sable erupted for a game-high 32 points to lead Avantrac, which was relegated to a battle for third place against Johnro.(CCM)