AKARRI 1 and Eastside Cuts (Elite Kuyas) moved one step closer to a title shot in the Michelob Ultra Cup 2025 after defeating their respective opponents in the double-elimination playoffs at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Akarri 1 handed Baller2 their first loss, 76-62.
Akarri 1’s all-around performance in the first half set the tone for the game.
Both teams played with high energy, but Akarri 1 emerged as the superior side, defined by crisp ball movement orchestrated by Harry Kapwich and Freddie Alexander, who scored six and five points, respectively. They were equally effective on the defensive end, shutting down passing lanes and contesting shots to help Akarri 1 seize an 18-9 lead.
Although Baller2 managed to shut down Akarri 1’s prolific duo, they were held to single digits once again.
Meanwhile, Akarri 1 showed they had just as much firepower coming off the bench, as Kian Helgen took over the second quarter with 11 points to stretch the lead to 35-18.
Baller2’s biggest run came during the third period, with Henry Aguon and Jerrico Pangelinan leading the first five minutes of offense with nine points combined. Teammates Jay Palmes and Toshi Pangelinan finished strong with one triple each, but Baller2 still trailed, 53-39.
Throughout the final 10 minutes, Baller2 tried to catch up, but every shot they took was answered by Akarri 1 led by Kapwich, who scored 10 fourth-quarter points to maintain a safe lead and ultimately help his team prevail over Baller2, 76–62.
The second game of the night was claimed by the Eastside Cuts, which eased past Akarri 2, 89-64.
Scores
Akarri 1 76 – Harry Kapwich 19, Feddie Alexander 17, Kian Helgen 15, Gino Asauo 10, Slymark Defang 7, Matthew Lucass 4, Donald Teregeyo 2, Tyrik Basa 2
Baller2 62 – Jay Palmes 17, Henry Aguon 15, Frank Mettao 6, Dion Lizama 6, Dustin Taitingfong 4, James Phillips 4, Jerrico Pangelinan 4, Toshi Pangelinan 3, Mariano Aguon 2, Angelo Igitol 1
Akarri 2’s JP Cruz attempts a drive while being defended by Eastside Cuts’ Jeff Castro during a Michelob Ultra Cup 2025 playoff game at the Ada gym on Wednesday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Eastside Cuts’ Jeffrey Yugummang extends for the contested floater against Akarri 2 during a Michelob Ultra Cup 2025 playoff game at the Ada gym on Wednesday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
