RKF secures back-to-back victories once more.

🔥 Iloilo's Basketball Battle: RKF Claims Buzzer-Beater Victory Against Oking Merch 🔥

PAVIA, Iloilo - Making a statement in the "Ilonggo Basketball League: Battle of Champions," RKF Industrial and Installation Services clinched a thrilling 84-78 victory over Oking Merchandiser at the Pavia Gym on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Coach Florence Conlu's troops faced a relentless challenge as they trailed Oking for much of the game. However, in the dying moments, RKF seized the initiative and secured the triumph.

MJ Dela Virgen, who tallied an impressive 23 points, with six coming from long-range, was crowned the Best Player of the Game. Ced Ablasa added 19 points to RKF's tally.

Oking Merchandise looked set to shock the crowd early on, amassing a 39-23 lead in the heart of the second quarter and finishing the opening half with a commanding 46-36 advantage. Over the next quarters, RKF showcased moments of brilliance, but Oking maintained their lead consistently.

But then the tide turned. In the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Cebuano Reinhard Jumamoy swooped in, scoring six points during a 15-7 rally that placed RKF ahead, 75-74. Jumamoy's clutch performances included converting crucial free throws and making a game-changing steal with 2:09 remaining, leveling the score at 73-73.

RJ Pantin scored 20 points, Kent Montalvo had 16, and Miguel Sasuman added 14 for the hard-fought Oking Merchandise, which has now suffered its second defeat in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Double 8 outmaneuvered multi-titled CM Farm, 74-69. Despite a solid start by CM Farm that saw them holding a 35-29 advantage at the break, the momentum shifted in the third quarter as Double 8 found their rhythm. Jason Celis rained buckets, finishing with 16 points, including four from downtown. Alfred Sedillo paced Double 8 with 20 points.

Genmar Bragais led CM Farm with 15 points, while Ginto Mejares chalked up 10 markers. With their victory, Double 8 now shares the lead with RKF, both holding a 2-0 record. CM Farm slipped to 1-1.

Team Khalifa escaped the jaws of defeat against Qualitech, securing a 95-77 victory in the game's final minutes. An astounding comeback avenged their opening-day loss to RKF. Qualitech suffered a setback, dropping to 0-2. 🔥

_Enrichment Data:*_

The 2025 PBA Commissioner's Cup sees Northport Batang Pier atop the standings with a 9-3 record, ahead of TNT Tropang Giga (8-3) and Converge Fiberxers (8-4)[1].
In NCAA Juniors Basketball, Bicolano standout Lebron Jhames Daep is named MVP, guiding Perpetual to an 8-1 record[5]._
Data for Philippines Football League clubs and Junior PGT golf standings are provided, but no Ilonggo basketball league data can be found[3][2][4]. 🔥

The thrilling victory of RKF over Oking Merch in the Ilonggo Basketball League: Battle of Champions took place at the Pavia Gym, marking a significant milestone in the tournament.
Despite the nail-biting finish, Oking Merchandise, led by players like RJ Pantin, Kent Montalvo, and Miguel Sasuman, has now suffered their second defeat in the tournament, standing at 1-2.
Meanwhile, in another exciting match, Double 8 showcased resilience, overcoming CM Farm to share the lead with RKF, both teams standing undefeated with a 2-0 record.
Interestingly, Double 8's victory was reminiscent of the 2022 Sinulog street dance competition in Cebu, where late comebacks were also a common theme, showcasing the spirit of perseverance among Ilonggo athletes.
In the NBA, a surprising turn of events saw the Portland Trail Blazers steal a win from the LA Lakers, adding another unexpected result to the league's season.
As the Ilonggo Basketball League progresses, one can't help but draw comparisons between the local teams' tenacity and the strategy exhibited by top NBA teams like the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors.