Island Paints rules Corporate Cup

CEBU, Philippines — Ralph Catugas dropped six 3-point bombs of his 24 points as the Island Paints destroyed the Phoenix Building System, 86-77, in their sudden-death final match to clinch the championship of the Architects+Engineers Basketball Association’s Corporate Cup Season 4 over the weekend at the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) gym.

Three other players cracked double figures for Island Paints, which was in complete control of the match after sprinting to a hot 11-1 start.

Since taking a 25-11 advantage after the first 10 minutes of play, Island Paints consistently led by twin digits.

Phoenix pulled within eight points, 49-57, but Island Paints countered with 18-10 blitz to restore a huge 75-59 lead for good.

Catugas was heavily backed up by Chester Hinagdanan, Criz Matunog and Ryan Fabia, who finished with a combined total of 37 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists for Island Paints.

Malvin Malicdem and Rodney Labang scored 16 each for Phoenix while Lawrence Gayotin had 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals in a losing effort.

In the battle for third place, Ayi Armenion sparkled with 32 points, 14 rebounds, five steals and two assists while Justin Aspacio added 22 markers to power Filmon/Dormakaba to a close 55-52 decision over the Thinking Tools. EBV