PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - As early as seven in the morning on Friday, the inside of EOC Evacuation Center at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Governor D.O. Plaza Sports Complex here was packed, as its outside was also filled with spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of hometown kid Rene 'Bebot' Baterbonia.
The pride of Talacogon town in this province didn't disappoint, standing out to the tune of 20 points and starring in Davao Region's easy breezy 73-57 triumph over CAR in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa secondary boys' basketball tournament.
READ: Rene Baterbonia puts AgSur on his back in his flight to greater heights
Baterbonia drilled back-to-back treys to open festivities, as the two teams went at it at the onset, with CAR clinging to a one-point margin after the first frame.
The defending champions broke the game wide open come the second quarter, however, riding a 27-12 surge for a 45-31 lead at the half.
Davao would only step harder on the gas from there, with Baterbonia tying a ribbon on top of the convincing victory by scoring the game's last seven points.
Duterte breaks out
Also staying alive is CALABARZON following a 99-85 decision against Ilocos Region.
Region IV-A's pivotal push likewise came in the second period where it poured in 33 points compared to the 20 Region I was able to muster.
Dairick Duterte continued to impress for Southern Tagalog with 17 points, as Rainhart Panaligan backstopped him with 12 markers of his own.
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