Unitec downs Boysen Paints to retain UABC crown

CEBU, Philippines -  Unitec Pipes overcame another explosive performance by Michael Cinco to gun down Boysen Paints, 95-86, in their knockout final duel to snatch the championship of the United Architects Basketball Club (UABC) Corporate Cup Season 6 last Sunday at the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) gym.

Ferdinan Tiro had 17 points and Jay-R Decatoria added 15 markers for Unitec, which had to dig deep at crunchtime before quashing out a spirited resistance by Boysen Paints all game long.

After racing to a 29-22 start, Unitec was in control for most of the way until in the final period when Boysen Paints staged a daring counter-attack to wrest the driver's seat, 82-81, on a 3-point bomb by Cinco.

Boysen Paints had its last taste of lead at 84-83 on a basket by Richard Badayos as a follow-up shot by Decatoria sparked a 8-0 spurt that gave Unitec a 91-84 breather.

After Cinco hit two free throws, Unitec nailed the game's last four points to successfully defend its throne and claim its fourth title overall in the past five UABC seasons.

Criz Matunog finished with only nine points for Unitec, but stood the proudest of them all as he romped off with the coveted MVP trophy.

Cinco led all scorers with 36 points for Boysen Paints.

In the battle for third place, Cebu Home and Builders Centre slammed the five-man Durabend Pipes, 63-49.                       The scores

For third

Cebu Home Builders (63) - Paradero 17, Bonjoc 14, Osmeña 9, Lastimosa 8, Sesbreño 7, Donasco 4, Pedaria 2

Durabend (49) – Panerio 24, Lim 12, Pepito 7, Labra 4, Geonzon 2

Quarterscores: 17-17;34-29;44-44;63-49

Championship

Unitec (95) – Tiro 17, Decatoria 15, Go 11, Matunog 9, Tan A. 8, Tan O. 8, J. Ong 6, Arbiol 5, Vega 4, Pansit 2

Boysen (86) - Cinco 36, Villacorta 14, Anino 12, Badayos 11, Parba 8, Partosa 2, Vios 2, Dilao 1

Quarterscores: 29-22;46-38;70-63;95-86  (FREEMAN)