YUMAN Construction advanced to the quarterfinals of the Alpha Kappa Rho 1st Semi-Open Invitational Basketball League 2025 after clinching an upset victory over Hoop Academy, 86-84, in a playoff game Sunday at the TSL Sports Complex.
Hoop Academy, which won Game 1 by a point, 75-74, carried the momentum into Game 2, filling the first half with offensive highlights.
The team showcased their strength in the paint as Greg Sablan scored five straight points from the free-throw line — including an and-one play — while teammate Christian Bravo finished twice at the rim for four points.
They then extended their range with Sablan hitting a triple, followed by back-to-back buckets from Bryan de Guzman, pushing the lead into double digits after just eight minutes of action.
Following a timeout, Yuman turned the tables. Their man-to-man defensive pressure disrupted Hoop Academy’s chemistry, forcing several turnovers and scoreless possessions. Yuman then capitalized on fast-break opportunities, led by Jobert Mariales and Joseph Lifoifoi, who each scored seven points to cut the deficit to just one possession.
Hoop Academy’s Greg Deleon Guerrero stepped up to score nine consecutive points to regain a comfortable distance, 48-33.
However, they gradually lost their grip in the second half. Their aggressive defense became their downfall, as half of their roster found themselves in foul trouble due to Justine Enano’s knack for drawing fouls, scoring six points from the free-throw line. With Bryan Jumaquio’s reliable three-point shooting and Raymond Atencio’s ability to finish at the rim, Yuman finally seized the lead in the final possessions of the game.
With less than five minutes remaining, Hoop Academy fought hard to regain the lead, but for every shot they made, Yuman had an answer on the other end, maintaining control long enough to secure the win, 86-84.
Hoop Academy triumphed by one point in Game 1 but lost by two points in Game 2, eliminating them from the playoffs, while Yuman advanced to the quarterfinals.
Also advancing were Pho Tam Restaurant, which routed Jasmine House, 120-86, and HBR Construction which outlasted the 69ers, 93-84.
Scores:
Yuman 86 – Domine 16, Jumaquio 15, Licayan 15, Enano 12, Meriales 8, Lifoifoi 6, Atencio 6, Orosco 4, Jude Tengco 2, Agustin 2
Hoop Academy 84 – Deleon Guerrero 20, Sablan 19, Bravo 8, de Guzman 8, Apasan 7, Buenaventure 5, Ordona 5, Laxa 5, Magat 5
Yuman Construction’s Sean Licayan takes the fadeaway jump shot during a playoff game against Hoop Academy in the Alpha Kappa Rho 1st Semi-Open Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the TSL Sports Complex on Sunday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Yuman Construction’s Justine Enano attempts to drive past a defender during a playoff game against Hoop Academy in the Alpha Kappa Rho 1st Semi-Open Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the TSL Sports Complex on Sunday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
