GOLDEN Guyz North claimed the masters division championship of the Alpha Kappa Rho 1st Semi-Open Invitational Basketball League 2025 on Sunday night after outlasting the Golden Guyz South in a double-overtime thriller, 93-87, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
It was a high-scoring game as both teams entered the first half guns blazing.
The South’s Alex Ocampo showcased a reliable jump shot, scoring 10 points in the first 10 minutes, including three consecutive makes. Amor Zapata and Dick Tibayan then took over the remaining 10 minutes, combining for 17 points.
The North, for their part, proved that teamwork was the name of the game as they utilized each player on the court to maintain the upper hand. Dante Tabora, in particular, was effective on the offensive end, scoring 17 points to give his team the lead going into halftime, 43-39.
The back-and-forth battle intensified throughout the second half. Playing more physically, the South used their aggressiveness to draw countless fouls and chip away at the lead from the charity line led by Tibayan, Ocampo and Andrew Ashburn.
The North tried to hang on, but with several players at risk of fouling out, they couldn’t apply enough defensive pressure to stop the South from tying the game at 73 and forcing overtime.
Both teams fought vigorously for control during the extra period despite having fewer players, ending in another deadlock at 83 and forcing double overtime.
Despite not having enough firepower, the North’s defensive efforts were rewarded as they turned trash into gold to outscore the South, 93-87, and clinch the championship.
In the battle for third place, the Golden Guyz West reigned supreme over the Golden Guyz East, 82-74.
Scores:
Golden Guyz North 93 – Jhun Tabora 30, Jorge De Guzman 26, Dante Tabora 8, Brian Lontoc 8, Jun Flores 8, Nilo De Belen 7, Joel Saplan 6
Golden Guyz South 87 – Dick Tibayan 26, Alex Ocampo 23, Amor Zapata 15, Andrew Ashburn 8, Bryan Manabat 7, Gerey Tolentino 5, Ferdie Tobias 3
Golden Guyz North and South team members pose for a group photo after the conclusion of the Alpha Kappa Rho 1st Semi-Open Invitational Basketball League masters division championship at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Sunday.
Contributed photo
Golden Guyz North’s Jorge De Guzman takes an off-balanced shot during the championship game against the Golden Guyz South in the masters division of the Alpha Kappa Rho 1st Semi-Open Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Sunday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Golden Guyz North’s Jhun Tabora protects the ball as he drives between three defenders during the championship game against the Golden Guyz South in the masters division of the Alpha Kappa Rho 1st Semi-Open Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Sunday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
