Simpolang logs back-to-back victories in FYA hoop

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion Simpolang Barbecue Haus passed through some scary moments before escaping with a 67-65 victory over Ernest Jay in the 3rd F. Llamas Youth Association (FYA) basketball tournament at the Sitio Manggahan open court in Brgy. Punta Princesa, this city.

Earlier, Orillaville showed some signs of frustration this early as it forfeited its match against CRV.

Simpolang was facing another grim prospect of losing at endgame but Ryan Villaver scored on a short jumper to give his team a 66-65 edge and then Jokjok Canceko split his charities in the final five seconds to seal the deal. 

It was Simpolang's second straight win after suffering four consecutive defeats.

Wendell Ramoneda topscored for Simpolang with 19 points even as Villaver and JR Laurente added 12 points apiece.

Jie-jie Monisit had 11 points for Ernest Jay, while team owner Baeng Medalle and Labrador each scored 10. (FREEMAN)