#Masters2019: Tito Rex's Manila Kingpin books last championship ticket after trouncing Guam

QUEZON CITY -- Tito Rex's Manila Kingpin booked the last ticket to the 35-and-above finals of the 2019 Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament, after booting out Guam Masters, 99-87 to wrap up the eliminations Thursday evening at the PNP Gym.

With a do-or-die game up for grabs, it took a solid first half for TIto Rex's for their right to face unbeaten PNP in the finale Friday night, thanks to the troika of Clark Torrente, Leopoldo Santiago and ex-pro Niño Marquez.

Torrente and Santiago tore Guam apart by scoring all but five points in the first as they wound up with 26 and 21 points, respectively, with the former bagging the player of the game honors after adding eight rebounds in just almost 19 minutes of action.

Marquez scored 14 of his 16 in the second to put the Titos up by 31 at the break, with Junel Mendiola making up for a measly production of three points by dropping a game-high 12 dimes in the contest.

For Guam, Vahn Costales had 23 points to lead them, with celebrity Boom Labrusca put up a double-double of 21 points and 11 assists in a losing effort as they were relegated to the consolation game against winless Gourmet Manila.

The scores:

Tito Rex's Manila Kingpin 99 -- Torrente 26, Santiago 21, Marquez 16, Niñeza 12, Yuga 10, Tongco 5, Mendiola 3, Mangaran 2, Recidoro 2, Galang 2, Ortiz 0

Guam Masters 87 -- Costales 23, Labrusca 21, Fejeran 20, Borcena 9, R Taitague 6, Reyes 4, Quicho 2, D Taitague 2
Quarter scores: 32-18, 58-27, 72-55, 99-87

(photo by Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament)