AEBA 9th Corporate Cup: RELLM Engineering stuns champions to reach finals

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Underdog RELLM Engineering Design, represented by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE), pulled off the biggest upset of the season after dethroning defending champion Johnro Electrical, 75-65, in the semifinals of the Architects and Engineers Basketball Association (AEBA) 9th Corporate Cup on Saturday, July 11, at the University of San Carlos (USC) Downtown Campus Gym.

Top-seeded Johnro Electrical entered the matchup as the heavy favorite against sixth-seeded RELLM Engineering, but the underdogs had other plans.

RELLM Engineering dictated the tempo from the opening tip, taking a slim 17-15 lead after the first quarter before breaking the game open with a dominant second period to build a 37-23 halftime advantage.

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The IIEE-backed squad stretched the lead to as many as 16 points, 56-40, early in the second half and never allowed Johnro Electrical to mount a serious comeback, preserving its double-digit cushion until the final buzzer.

The victory was even more impressive considering RELLM Engineering played with only nine players in one of the biggest games of its campaign.

Egot headlines upset

Andrew Egot spearheaded the upset with 29 points, five rebounds, five steals, and one assist. Neil Ibarita added 13 points, while Jepher Auguis chipped in 10 as RELLM Engineering booked its place in the championship round.

Johnro Electrical was led by Jhakem Jude Alguno, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Daniel Culanag and Mark Gamboa contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.

‘Engineering Finals’: RELLM vs CM

RELLM Engineering will face CBM Engineering, represented by the Professional Mechanical Engineers (PME), in the championship after the latter outlasted Avantrac of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, 90-82, in the other semifinal.

Ivan Deo led CBM Engineering with 21 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two assists, while four other teammates also scored in double figures.

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Jett Latonio finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a block. Dave Aeblla contributed 13 points, while James Paradela and Mark Barcenas added 10 points apiece.

Despite a game-high 32 points from Jemcerson Sable, Avantrac fell short. Anton Bennett Chua added 18 points, while Noriko Benedicto chipped in 10.

Johnro Electrical and Avantrac will battle for third place.

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