THEY didn’t act quick but the Talisay Aksyon Agad dribblers found a way to get the job done as they stopped Abante Minglanilla, 64-60, in Game 1 of the Rhea Gullas Cup 2025 Basketball Tournament Best-of-3 Finals on Friday night, September 19, at the Talisay City Sports Complex.

Now up 1-0 in the short series, Talisay is just one win away from unseating Minglanilla, which will be hosting Game 2.

Talisay was out of sync ealy, scoring just nine points in the entire first half, including a dismal two-point production in the second quarter.

Like a giant that woke up from deep slumber, Talisay mounted a huge rally in the third period where it erupted for 29 points while holding Minglanilla to just 11.

Talisay did not let up following the third-quarter explosion as Minglanilla wobbled the rest of the way. Minglanilla led by as many as 13 points, 31-18, before Talisay came up with a major run and went on to lead by as many as nine, 47-38.

Kristian Henry Alejandrino scored 10 points, becoming the only double-digit scorer for Talisay that turned out just enough for the Ronald Bucao-coached squad to secure the critical victory.

Kelaiah Josham Tapic and John Niño Batiloy backed Alejandrino with a combined 15 markers.

Benedick Alforque paced Minglanilla with 18 points while Kurt Denver Erediano pitched in 13.(CCM)

• Tags
• #Talisay Aksyon Agad vs Abante Minglanilla
• #Gullas Cup 2025 Finals Game 1
• #Rhea Gullas Cup basketball Cebu
• #Kristian Henry Alejandrino Talisay
• #Ronald Bucao head coach
• #Kelaiah Josham Tapic
• #John Niño Batiloy
• #Benedick Alforque Minglanilla
• #Kurt Denver Ere