Yu, Lampkin bring Kagman to U21 semis

The Kagman Sparks’ 1-2 scoring punch Allan Yu and Jason Lampkin were on target last Monday, lifting their team to a 70-63 playoff win over the Runnin’ Rebels in the U21 division game in the 2014 BANMI Youth League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Yu sizzled for 32 points, while Lampkin added 20 as they led Kagman’s come-from-behind win and brought the Sparks to the semifinal round.

Kagman was behind by three, 49-52, entering the fourth canto, but went back to the game and successfully stole the lead and the win behind the 10 markers of Yu in the payoff period. Yu’s output in the fourth frame was just one point behind the total production of the Runnin’ Rebels, who missed pulling off an upset after making only four field goals in the last quarter.

With both teams fighting for dear life, they engaged in a close battle right at the get-go. Kagman clung to a one-point lead after the first period, 16-15, thanks to Yu’s 6 straight points that capped the team’s scoring.

Yu then opened the second frame with a triple, but he had only Jason Lampkin backing him up, while the Runnin’ Rebels drew baskets from multiple players, allowing them to grab the upper hand at the turn, 36-32. Yu and Lampkin combined for 14 of Kagman’s 16 points in the second quarter with Bobby Prado making the other 2 points. As for the Runnin’ Rebels’ side, Earl Ermitanio had 8 points, while five of his teammates contributed at least one basket apiece.

The Runnin’ Rebels kept the shaky lead in the third, which they ended by knocking in two triples, one each from Ermitanio and Kenji Abobo. Kagman failed to overhaul the lead in the third, as Yu slowed down a bit, drilling only two field goals and leaving Lampkin to carry the cudgels for the Sparks. Lampkin had 8 markers in the third to keep Kagman afloat.

Yu then fought back in the fourth, scoring 6 of Kagman’s last 7 points to power the Sparks past the Runnin’ Rebels.

With the win, Kagman joined the two early semifinalist—Sonics and Ol’Aces.

The top-ranked Ol’Aces secured a spot in the Final Four last Thursday after whipping Laly 4, 93-32.

The unbeaten Ol’Aces went on a 26-7 scoring surge in the first period and never looked back to cruise to victory.

Five players hit double figures for the Ol’Aces with big man Jimmy Tudela leading the way with his 18 points. Sylvester Kapileo paced Laly 4 with his 12 markers.

MONDAY
Kagman 70–Yu 32, Lampkin 20, Jo. Santos 8, Palino 4, Prado 2, Je. Santos 1.

Runnin’ Rebels 63–Ong 12, Borja 11, Ermitanio 11, Nakashima 8, Abobo 3, De Luna 6, Miller 2.

Scoring by quarters: 16-15, 32-36, 49-52, 70-63.

THURSDAY
Ol’Aces 93–Tudela 18, Borja 18, Yap 13, Sanchez 11, Cristobal 10, Mendoza 8, De Leon 8, Olopai 6.

Laly 4 32–S. Kapileo 12, Rogolifoi 8, Romolor 6, Santo 3, Cangco 3.

Scoring by quarters: 26-7, 51-17, 76-26, 93-32.