Cebuano basketball stars shine as San Isidro Wings fly high
CEBU, Philippines — A bunch of Cebuano hardcourt stars figured prominently as the host San Isidro Wings successfully defended their turf against a strong field of opposition to the delight of their multitude of hometown fans.
The Wings floundered in the opener of the best-of-three finals against the equally-tough Tabango Lycans but bounced back with aplomb to sweep the next two games and clinch the championship of the San Isidro, Leyte (SIL) Fiesta Cup 2022 Basketball Invitational League at the town’s Civic Center recently.
They outgunned the Lycans, 73-64, in the deciding match of the closely-fought series to take home the title that goes along with a P100,000 cash prize.
Inspired by the wild cheers of their large throng of supporters, the Wings never looked back after soaring to an 11-point advantage at halftime, 38-27.
The Lycans rallied back in the third period to pull within five, 50-55, but the Wings quickly made the necessary adjustments in the closing minutes of the contest to secure a dramatic nine-point triumph.
The crowd-pleasing Eliud Poligrates from Cebu’s Camotes Island shined the brightest for the Wings after being hailed as the Finals Most Valuable Player.
Reinforced by foreign players Arnaud Noah and Landry Sanjo, the Wings of coach Mike Reyes and Van Halen Parmis are also powered by 2019 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) MVP Shaq Imperial, Enrico Llanto, Red Cachuela, and Dyll Roncal.
The four-day tilt was made possible behind the all-out support of San Isidro, Leyte Mayor Bebot Veloso. The games were under the supervision of tournament commissioner Atty. Rem Beryl Veloso assisted by Atty. Jay Viagedor and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President Armin Joseph Ebales. — EBV
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