The best-of-three finals of the 1st Calderon Cup 21-Under Inter-Town basketball tournament between Malabuyoc and Dumanjug begins Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Malabuyoc Sports Complex. After a week of preparation, both teams are set to compete for the championship title.
Malabuyoc's Homecourt Advantage
Malabuyoc enters Game 1 with the advantage of playing on their home court. Coach Fieljohn Mejo emphasized the importance of fan support, stating, "The home-court advantage is a huge help, not only because we are familiar with the court, but also because of the support from our fans. It boosts the morale of the players, especially during crucial moments." However, Mejo cautioned against complacency, adding, "We cannot afford to be complacent. We still need discipline, preparation, and teamwork to ensure a good result." He also noted that some players are dealing with minor injuries but believes his team has an edge in defense and teamwork. Key players for Malabuyoc include Joseph Velarde, Kyle John Cardosa, Jake Leo Quimm, Chris Dionne Gadiana, and Jayson Cabrera, who scored 34 points in their semifinal win over Alegria.
Dumanjug's Confidence
Dumanjug coach Nilo Quirante, a former Cebu Gems player, expressed confidence in his team's ability to steal Game 1 and gain homecourt advantage. "We still have some minor adjustments, but I reminded them to be more aggressive on defense because our opponents have good shooters," Quirante said. Dumanjug's squad is led by Raquel James Teleron, Jhun Miguel Telmo, Renz Nathan Villarojo, and Carl Escuadro. The team trained at the Malabuyoc Sports Complex last Sunday to familiarize themselves with the court.
Path to the Finals
Malabuyoc earned homecourt advantage after defeating Alegria, 97-92, in the semifinals. Dumanjug advanced by edging Moalboal, 65-62. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, in Dumanjug. If a third game is necessary, it will be held back at Malabuyoc.
