Bridge Capital’s Matt Duenas gets fouled as he goes up for the shot during a game in the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 at the Ada gym.
BRIDGE Capital and New Changming secured their semifinal spots in the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 after eliminating their respective opponents in the quarterfinals at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Monday.
Bridge Capital took down Akkari Eet 1, 80-60.
In the opening quarter, Akkari 1 fought valiantly despite their height disadvantage. Johnkae Raquepo led the offensive assault with a mix of long- and short-range buckets for five points, but Bridge Capital’s Steve King delivered two triples of his own to give his team the lead, 13-9.
Going into the second period, the other players of Akkari 1 started to find their comfort zone from beyond the arc as Freddie Pelisamen, Edison Viana, and Tyrik Basa contributed a shot each.
However, they continued to lose the battle for the boards as Bridge Capital denied any second-chance opportunities while turning each defensive stop into an offensive finish on the other end.
Bridge Capital’s Tony Kim joined the fray with seven points while King prolonged the punishment from afar by adding three more triples to extend the deficit, 40-24.
Akkari 1 maintained their offensive output throughout the third quarter but so did Bridge Capital, answering every shot made to stay afloat.
Akkari 1’s biggest run came during the final 10 minutes of the game as Raquepo and Peyton Basa contributed eight and six points, respectively. They also managed to hold down Bridge Capital to 14 points, but it was still not enough and they had to settle for defeat, 60-80.
In the second game of the day, New Changming outlasted the Ol’Aces, 65-55.
After a closely fought opening quarter, New Changming’s Rodel Pastrana exploded in the second quarter by scoring 11 straight points including three three-pointers to give his team a double-digit advantage, 35-24.
Although the Ol’Aces eventually closed the distance during the third period, New Changming performed solidly in the fourth quarter to seal the deal, 65-55, and secure a ticket to the semifinals.
Scores
Bridge Capital 80 – Steve King 27, Tony Kim 16, Chris Sanchez 14, Matthew Ricardson 8, Matt Duenas 7, Alfred Manglona 6, Derrick Atalig 2
Akkari Eet 1 60 – Johnkae Raquepo 15, Edison Viana 10, Gino Asauo 9, Freddie Pelisamen 7, Tyrik Basa 6, Peyton Basa 6, Craig Padayao 3, TJ Factor 2, John Paul Cruz 2
