Restaurant league eyes Sept. 22 return

The 2004 Inter-Restaurant Basketball League is getting back on the saddle next week, when it finally pushes through with its long-delayed Final Four at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

League coordinator Jake Villanueva yesterday said that because of the unavailability of the Ada Gym and preference of teams to have the trophies on hand for the season-end awards ceremony, organizers have pushed the resumption of the league to this coming Wednesday.

The semifinals of the midnight league get underway on Sept. 22 when pennant champion Capricciosa plays powerhouse Jollibee beginning at 11pm at the Ada Gym. Two days later on Friday, Sept. 23, elimination round runner-up Angel Wings will battle host Country House for the second finals seat.

Three of the four teams actually didn’t even have to sweat it out for a ticket to the semifinals.

Because it topped the elimination round, Capricciosa was given a bye to the Final Four. Country House and Angels Wings, for their part, had walkover victories over Keeraku and LSG Sky Chefs, respectively.

Keeraku failed to suit up enough players in their match against Country House, while Angel Wings didn’t even have to go to the Ada Gym after LSG Sky Chefs pulled out from the league.

Only Jollibee had to really grind it out for a spot in the Final Four, eliminating a fighting El Segundo squad, 76-63.

However, it remains to be seen what kind of affect the close to month-long layoff will have on all four teams vying for a spot in the finals.

But one thing is certain, according to Villanueva: The IRBL will finally have a champion by month’s end or, at the latest, Oct. 1.

The winners of the two Final Four encounters next week will advance to a best-of-three championship series, which will crown the 2004 IRBL champion.

The finals will start on Sept. 27, Monday. Game 2 is set on Sept. 29, Wednesday, while Game 3, if needed, will be played on Oct. 1, Friday.

While Capricciosa already secured the Triple J Five-Star Wholesale pennant trophy, the more coveted IRBL Perpetual Cup will go to the overall champion.

Other awards to be given out during the awards ceremony are the MVP trophy, spots in the Mythical Five, and the 3-point king award.

For more information on the ongoing IRBL, please call Villanueva or IRBL president Koichi Tabei at 233-1908.