Davao ousts NCR, returns to Palarong Pambansa basketball finals

AGUSAN DEL SUR — The Region XI Davao Eagles took flight for another championship round stint, ousting National Capital Region (NCR) with a 76-66 win in their semifinals game at the Datu Lipus Makaondong Governor D.O. Sports Complex on Friday.

The defending champions, which denied NCR a second-straight finals misses, set up a gold medal match against Region IV-A CALABARZON, which escaped Region III Central Luzon in their own semifinals bracket earlier.

Aaron Bayandan led the charge with 18 points while senior Rene Baterbonia posted 15 markers to keep their title defense bid alive. Aerion Luague and Rhysus Bajenting each chipped in nine markers.

NCR, starring the University of the East, made a run in the fourth when Brian Orca knocked down a jumper to cut the deficit to seven, 66-59. But Paul Estandarte converted a layup before Aaron Bayanban drilled a three-pointer to send the Eagles to a 71-61 cushion.

Baterbonia then sank a pair of free throws after a foul from Goodluck Okebata to create a double-digit lead at 74-63 in the final 55.12 seconds.

Davao is represented by Ateneo de Davao University, which also helped the region capture its maiden Palaro basketball title last year in Ilocos Norte.

—JKC, GMA News