Despite a 95-83 loss in the hands of Team Ballesteros in their last assignment in the elimination round, the team of Bong Ibe remained at No. 1 in the team standings and earned a twice-to-beat edge in the semifinals of the Your Basketball Athletic Club 2nd Conference Basketball Tournament.

The semifinals will start tomorrow at the STI-West Negros University gym, a press release from YBAC said.

Following a quadruple tie at the end of the elimination round, Ibe's team earned the top post, edging the second best squad of Vincent Javelosa, 41-31, in point system tie-break.

Team Ibe will be challenged by the squad of lawyer Arnel Lapore (No.4) – which routed Javelosa's side in their last match last Saturday, 89-82.

In the final elimination match, Peewee Demonteverde sizzled for a 32 game-high performance to spearhead the Jun Ballesteros-mentored team in conquering Ibe's squad.

Abraham Magay dominated the painted area with 17 points to complement Demonteverde's effort as Pao-Pao Lim and Marlon Caballero delivered 12 markers each, while Nathaniel Bacaron added 8 points. Ballesteros alongside Randy Pundadera, Jojo Chua and Oscar Aquino combined for 14 points.

Meanwhile, Eric Deloria paced Ibe's squad with 24 points as Ernie Castillo scattered 15 points while, Mayo Salazar added 10 markers. Ibe, Nonoy Tan and Emil Guanzon shot 6 points apiece as Marty Cadagat nailed 2 points.

In the other match, Gherson Sipe dazzled for 31 points to pace Lapore's squad as Kokoy Pendon and Adelino Aurino delivered 14 points each while, Jayson Olivar added 7 points, Rudy Nonato – 6 points and Ritchie Yanson – 5 points. Combining for 12 points are Cerilo Soquina, Raymart Pandanduyan, Alfredo Rosales and Lapore.

On the other hand, spearheading Javelosa's side are Badong Eufre with 20 points, Marty Balleteros and Javelosa with 11 points apiece, Mario Reyes and Lito Diolaso with 10 points, Edwin Fregil and John Chua with 6 points apiece as Romy Sibolboro and Neil Ko shared for 6 points.*

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