By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
A new champion will be crowned as the LEPRECHAUNS x TUNESQUAD basketball league officially began its second conference of the year on August 11, 2024, at the Hacienda Verde gym in Pavia, Iloilo.
After nearly two months since the conclusion of its first conference, the upcoming hoops league based in Iloilo City immediately kicked off its second installment of 2024 to cater to more teams willing to join the tournament.
13 teams officially committed to vie for this conference’s championship title and just like the past format, these competing squads will be divided into two brackets.
A total of six games graced the opening ceremonies of the LEPRECHAUNS x TUNESQUAD league which treated the Ilonggo basketball fans last Sunday.
Before the games started, the organizing committee prepared a brief program, with Mr. Patrick Huyan, one of the members of the league, opening with his remarks.
“Everyone is excited and inspired sa Paris Olympics. Laban2 pag jump ball tira tres dayun tanan ala chef Curry,” Huyan joked during his speech.
For the first game of the opening day, team So Sick edged BR Construction, 115-109, with Jaedy Declarador leading the way with an all-around performance of 37 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
During the next scheduled game, Kambal Inasal pulled off a tightly contested victory over Hyundai EST, 77-75, thanks to Toto Nene Ledesma’s performance.
Team Ragoomu then showcased its balanced attack and overcame Ford, 92-84, in the third scheduled matchup. Lowen Ligad flexed his two-way efficiency during the win after tallying 23 markers, eight dimes, and four boards.
Next up, team Guimaras Mountain Resort dominated in their first game of the conference as they bagged a lopsided win over Tely’s, 84-66, led by Justine Bautista’s 17-point effort to go alongside eight rebounds and three assists.
In the last two games, Blue Chips repeled Tiger, 111-97, while the Monday’s Draft Master got the better of Team Selecta, 90-81.
LEPRECHAUNS x TUNESQUAD is headed by Mr. Harold Demaciado, the organization’s president, and Mr. Latter Taasan is the acting commissioner of this year’s second conference.
Completing the league’s committee members are Glenn Jimenea, Wilhem Puljanan, Majed Alarcon, JL Bautista, Noli Jimenez, Joebz Garcia III, Patrick Huyan, and Jan Michael Supetran.
