Despite missing the services of two of their top scorers, the Ilocandia Bulls managed to pull a 90-86 win over the veteran Royal Cargo Rangers, Sunday in the semifinals of the Season Finals of the Filipino Basketball League (FBL) at the Palau National gym.

After taking a 22-21 lead in the opening quarter, the Bulls spurted a 29-17 run in the second to widen their gap against the Rangers, 51-38. From there, the Bulls hanged on as they prevented any possible Rangers’ comeback to win the game.

The Bulls were playing without the dynamic duo of Marvic Ngchar and RB Dorado, who had their graduation at the Palau Mission Academy which is under the Seventh Day Adventist.

Filling the slack for the two were Ryan Cacho and Raul Osias, who finished the game with 25 and 24 points, respectively while Edward Baysa chipped in 19.

On the other hand, the Rangers were not able to capitalize on the absence of Ngchar and Dorado as Mike Guevarra and Nico Hinoza led the scoring chores with identical 17 markers while Joemar Naguit added 11 on the losing end.

Meanwhile, Western Union is in a quest for another title run as they fend off a much taller Surangel Stars, 90-86 in their own semifinals match.

Dennis Castro and Anon Cajegas topscored for Western Union with 29 and 16 points while teammates Al Obrero and Erwin Senadre tallied identical 14 baskets.

Surangel Stars failed to sustain their run as Arnold Undecimo carried the scoring load finishing the game with 33 points while Leo Magcalas and Rex de Asis chipped in 16 and 15 markers on the losing side.

League officials stated that games on June 1 will have Royal Cargo Rangers will face off with Surangel Stars for third place honors at 2 p.m. while Game One of the Best of Three Championship series between the Ilocandia Bulls against Western Union will be at 3:30 p.m.

FBL chairman Manny Kimpo said that the schedule of the games was moved due to the usage of the Palau National gym. It was learned that the Palau Wrestling Federation will be using the Palau National gym on June 1 starting 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Filipino Basketball League (FBL) is under the supervision of the Palau Basketball Federation (PBF). By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)