15/03/2026
Alwa breaks Garretaโs streak,
defending champ suffers first loss
Unbeaten, unchallenged โ until tonight.
Cheering fans filled the Palauig Municipal Covered Court to capacity as the much-anticipated quarterfinal clash in the Mayorโs Cup 2026 delivered a thrilling battle as the undefeated bracket leaders Garreta and Alwa met for the first time, March 14.
Garreta opened the game with authority, dictating the pace in the first quarter. With 24.1 seconds remaining, Alwa had the chance to close the gap as the score stood at 23โ20, but Garreta capitalized with a steal and Espino finished the fast break, pushing the lead to 25โ20.
The second quarter turned into a shooting duel as John Christopher โBorsyoโ del Rosario and Dexter Agaton delivered multiple three-pointers to swing the lead in Alwaโs favor, 27-26.
The quarter remained tight and physical as both squads battled for loose balls and traded missed long-range attempts having Garreta reclaim the lead, 41โ39.
After halftime, Alwa seized control powered by the relentless scoring of Lyndon Del Rosario to build a commanding 58โ48 advantage.
With their defense tightened and offense in momentum, Alwa capitalized on transition opportunities while Garreta was forced into hurried shots.
Garreta attempted a final push in the fourth behind the LandโAmlog combination, but Alwa refused to bend.
In the crucial final minutes, Garreta lost both Land and Espino to fouls, leaving the defending champs at a disadvantage.
And with steady ex*****on, in the final buzzer, the challenger, Alwa handed Garreta their first loss, 86-71, strengthening Alwaโs campaign in the standings as teams continue to battle for a spot among the top four that will advance to the semifinals.
Report by The Royal Summit