UC cagers deliver masterclass

CEBU, Philippines - The University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters delivered a tactical masterclass in a 78-48 blowout of the visiting Sarawak Eagles of Malaysia to clinch the Under-17 championship of the Cebu Friendship Invitational Basketball Cup 2016 last Wednesday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Junior Webmasters of coach Joevir 'Brad' Samonte led by just two points after the first 10 minutes of play, 16-14, but dropped a devastating 22-9 bomb in the second period to break the game wide open at halftime, 38-23. In that crippling rally, they held off the Malaysian visitors to just two field goals.

Recharged and refreshed after the short break, the Junior Webmasters grew even hotter as the match progressed on the way to establish a 24-point bulge going into the final 10-minute mark of the contest, 56-32. The Sarawak Eagles groped for form the rest of the way.

The comebacking Froilan Mangubat, who copped the MVP award, finished with 17 points identical with Luigi Gabisan. Kyle Ordeneza chipped in 11 markers for UC.

David Ho was the lone Sarawak player to finish in double figures with 10.

They may have lost but the Malaysians will go back to their place rich in experience that will surely bolster their campaign in the Malaysia U17 National Championships starting next week.

“That’s what I told them, that Cebu basketball is way ahead of them. UC opened up their eyes that being big, being tall, being fundamentally sound and run back fast on defense are not enough to win championships," said Sarawak's Cebuano coach Britt Carlo Reroma, who is best remembered for guiding the University of San Carlos Warriors to their first ever major basketball title in 58 years.

"UC played harder, tougher, fast-paced and very organized both in offense and defense. We really learned something from this experience and hopefully we can translate that into championship in Malaysia,” added Reroma.

As if a consolation for Reroma, his Sarawak men's squad downed the USC Warriors, 81-69, to settle for third place honors in the men's open division dominated by Team Bogo City.

William McAloney charted 18 points while Mali Naimbili Bourama and Mico Pacheco conspired for 26 points as Team Bogo bested SG/ARQ Builders, 65-57, to clinch the championship via a four-game sweep. EBV (FREEMAN)