Ticel-Iloilo is one game away from adding the NBA Gov. Isidro P.  Zayco Invitational Cup to the list of tournaments it won after whipping West Negros University last night, 88-72, in Game 1 of their best-of-three championship series at the Bacolod Tay Tung gym.

Even without the towering presence of Reynel Hugnatan of PBA’s Alaska Aces, Ticel overpowered the Mustangs with Ruel Balgos and Kenneth Duremdes leading the Iloilo assault as early as the first quarter.

Duremdes finished the ballgame with 20 points while Balgos scored 14.

Earlier, Cadiz City Whales prevailed over Pamplona Bulls, 85-75, to bag the second runner-up honors.

Complimenting his players for their outstanding performance against Pamplona, coach Rommel Balandre said the boys were simply determined to win despite that the NBA Governor’s Cup is their first exposure in a commercial league.

Since Pamplona is a tough opponent with good outside shooters, Balandre said he instructed his players to play slow break in the early quarters to maximize their height advantage.

But the Bulls opted to accelerate the tempo of the game and outscored the Whales, 40-38, at halftime, prompting coach Balandre to send in the diminutive Michael Blanco to call the shots.

The gamble paid off as Pamplona started to lose steam in the final quarter, scoring only 12 points while Cadiz made 26 to win the game.

“We are happy with what we accomplish here in the Governor’s Cup. It is an honor for Cadiz and we are grateful for the support given by Mayor Bading Escalante to the team,” Balandre said.

Meanwhile, Ticel and WNU will clash again tomorrow, 5:30 p.m. in Game 2 of the championship.*NAB

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