Consolacion stuns Mandaue in opener of Gov. Cup North finals

CEBU, Philippines – The Consolacion Sarok Weavers pulled off what is by far the biggest upset in the 2017 Cebu Governor's Cup Under-21 Inter-Cities and Municipalities Basketball Tournament after they downed they previously undefeated Mandaue City, 84-78, last Saturday night at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

With a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three series, the Sarok Weavers could seal the North Division title with another win in Game 2 they will be hosting at 7:00 tonight at the Consolacion Sports Complex.

"We played more aggressive this time," said Consolacion's multi-titled coach Delfin 'Jun' Pepito, Jr. "We learned well from our previous losses that is why we changed out defensive strategy. And I'm happy it paid off."

After three deadlocks and two lead changes, the Sarok Weavers laid down an almost flawless attack on both ends of the court to establish control of the game.

The likes of JB Damolo and Alje Mende proved unstoppable for Mandaue but they were upstaged by spunky guard JC Escalona who masterminded Consolacion's furious uprising.

Capatilizing on Mandaue's string of errors caused by Consolacion's stifling defense, the Sarok Weavers went on to post an 11-point advantage, 41-30, with 2:36 left to play in the first half.

Mandaue though pulled within six at halftime, 37-43, behind the efforts of Ken Gato.

Mandaue slowly crept back and eventually tied th score at 57-all after three quarters but Emmanuel Villamor and Cyril Sabellana came to Consolacion's rescue by conniving for 19 points in a decisive endgame assault that brought the visitors to seventh heaven at the final buzzer.

Consolacion's Vincent Lequin stole part of the show by hitting crucial baskets in succession that dashed any comeback hopes by Mandaue in the closing minutes of the contest.

Villamor powered Consolacion with 25 points followed by Escalona with 21, Sabellana with 18 and Patrick Montaño with 10 points.

Froilan Mangubat had 18 points, while Damolo and Mendez chipped in with 17 and 15 markers, respectively, for Mandaue. Gato scored 13 and Christopher Isabelo tallied 10 pointsbu they all went home on a pensive mood as they saw their unbeaten 10-0 streak come to a screeching halt. (EBV) (FREEMAN)