Shell ‘80s into semis Family Appliance ‘96, Dewfoam’88 also advance

CEBU, Philippines - Shell '80s blasted 3R Audio '98, 80-73, to join the First Family Appliance Circle '96 and Dewfoam '88 into the semifinal round of the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association's 12th Dr. Chen Lieh Fu Memorial Cup last Sunday at the City Sports-Cebu gym. The streak-shooting Chester Cokaliong drilled in eight triples of his game-high 29 points - 23 in the final half- for Shell '80s, while Stephen Tan added 23 markers as they combined for 52 points of the team's total output. The two protagonists fought on an even playing field early on resulting into an 11-all standoff after the first period. Stephen Tan, however, suddenly caught fire in the second quarter where he scattered 11 points in a 24-11 run that vaulted Shell '80s to a 35-23 advantage at halftime. After the short break, a red-hot Chester Cokaliong took matters into his own hands by firing in four long-range missiles from beyond the arc in the third period and dishing out 11 points in the final 10 minutes of play to help seal Shell '80s 17-point demolition of Class '98. Erick Andrew So paced Class '98 with 22 points followed by Paul Timothy So with 19 points in a losing effort. Earlier, Gregorio Aguilar, Jr. sparkled with 24 points and Robert Lim added 11 as Dewfoam '88 elbowed out Best World Lifestyle 2004, 65-48, to proceed into the penultimate stage of the four-month joust without any glitch along with Class '96, which ousted JV Shop n Shop '97, 61-56. Dewfoam '98 was in full control after taking an early 14-8, which it turned into a 30-23 count at the bend. Class 2004 never recovered from there, more so that they were badly hit by the absence of one of its top gunners Dannel Greg Hayag. Later in the day, Rex Alinson charted 22 points and Rushmarc Lariosa added 10 markers for Class '96, survived playing without its two big men Shaun Christopher and Mark Ryan Babor to terminate JV Shop '97. Class '96 actually relied on a strong opening statement, 22-4, to baffle Class '97 the rest of the way.