GCM, Benedict pull off hairline wins in FYA hoop

CEBU, Philippines - Teams GCM and Benedict both squeezed through hairline victories over their respective opponents in the F. Llamas Youth Association (FYA) basketball tournament at the barangay Tisa gym.

Tata Laborte split his charities in the final three seconds of the contest and that was all he needed to lift GCM to a 71-70 nailbiter over Vanese Justine, while Michael Garcia cooly sank two free throws in the dying second to vault Benedict past Simple Likes Barbecue Haus also by the narrowest of margins, 104-103.

Laborte finished with 18 points, while Edot Fernandez and John Fernandez conspired for 28 markers as GCM firmed up its hold of the solo lead with an immaculate 3-0 slate.

Garcia, on the other hand, scattered a season-high 32 points as Benedict snapped out of its two-game losing spell. Ranel Patalita cashed in 20 points followed by Ryan Dacayana with 19 for Benedict, which is now tied with its victim on identical 1-2 win-loss records.

First game

GCM (71) - Laborte 18, E. Fernandez 15,J. Fernandez 13, Oropa 12, Tapdasan 5, Tomada 4, Avila 2, Monte 2

Vanese Justine (70) - Teves 21, C. Llegunas 16, J. Llegunas 12, Pacaña 10, Jakosalem 4, Sydiongco 2, Pesarello 2, Migro 2

Second game

Benedict (104) - Garcia 32, Patalita 20, Dacayana 19, T. Marata 14, E. Marata 8, C. Abella 4, O. Abella 4

Simple Likes (103) - Villaver 29, Medalle 20, Dumaguit 18, Mirasol 13, Masongsong 9, Dacayana 6, Zapanta 4. (FREEMAN)