Victorias, USLS first to finals
Big win for Pontevedra; Favorites overwhelm foes
Valiant cagers snatch Game 1

Big win for Pontevedra;
Favorites overwhelm foes
IN NOFA U-15, U-17 TOURNAMENTS
BY CEDELF TUPAS

The booters from Pontevedra, Negros Occidental, scored the most comprehensive victory over the weekend, while pre-tournament picks Celta De Victorias and Handumanan United as well as defending champion San Carlos City got their campaigns off to a winning start in the NOFA Under-15 and Under-17 Provincial Football Championships.

Getting six goals from Pontevedra National High School sophomore Jimuel Arriola, the Sylvia Manor Hotel-backed squad whitewashed host Bacolod City NHS, 12-0, to gain the early lead in Group B of the Under-17 tournament. Arriola rounded out the scoring in the 71st minute, after Tristram Namo and Henry Dioso contributed two goals each. Kevin Bonilla and Celmar Deduyo added a goal each.

Valiant cagers
snatch Game 1

Johnson Salazar came through with 20 points and Ryan Hugnatan scattered 17 as Valiant Bank outlasted Davies Paint Probac, 93-92, in overtime Friday night to take Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series for the 7thTan Kek Pin Cup at the Po Hang Gym.

The Valiant cagers can take the crown if they prevail against Probac in Game 2, which was ongoing as of press deadline. Game 3, if necessary, is set tonight.

Powered by Salazar and Hugnatan, Valiant refused to wilt when all seemed lost as it overturned a 70-80 deficit with three minutes left in regulation to force overtime on Richard Verayo's buzzer-beating basket off Warren Alintano's botched free throw. Outplayed and outhustled in the extra-session, Probac were given a lifeline when mythical five member Peewee Demonteverde buried a triple with 28 seconds in overtime.

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