EGS-Aneda Builders snare Chooks Sinulog Cup crown
CEBU, Philippines — John Galinato delivered when it mattered most, canning big baskets late to lift EGS-Aneda Builders to a nerve-racking 81-80 win over K&L Marketing in their sudden-death final match to emerge as champions of the Chooks-to-Go Sinulog Cup 2023 Open Basketball Tournament last Monday night at Cebu Coliseum.
The National University standout sank five 3-pointers of his 23 points to be hailed the Manok ng Bayan Finals MVP.
But it was in the clutch where he stole the show.
Down 78-80 with only three seconds left in the down-the-wire contest, Galinato was fouled from beyond the arc as he was attempting a go-ahead triple.
Showing nerves of steel, the incoming Bulldog senior calmly drained the three free throws to push EGS-Aneda on top by a hairline.
K&L could not make their desperation attempt as EGS-Aneda sealed the hard-earned victory.
“It was an epic finale to a great tournament,” said Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas, whose company funded the tournament organized by the Sinulog Foundation through the initiative of Cebu City councilor Dondon Hontiveros. “It was an excellent showcase of what basketball in the south is.”
“We hope that Coach Chico (Lanete) can find the player he needs to add to our pool through this tournament,” the godfather of Philippine 3x3 added.
Justine Dacalos also tallied 18 points laced with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Ted Saga grabbed nine rebounds to go with eight points for EGS.
Patrick Cabahug paced K&L with 19 points while Joshua Dela Cerna posted a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Harold Cortez and Will McAloney chipped in 14 markers apiece in a losing effort.
In the equally-exciting battle for third place, DH25-Rock Uniform Solutions (RUS) escaped past the UNBL All Stars of Bacolod City, 73-71.
Well-rounded guard Jaybie Mantilla topped DH25-RUS with 23 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists while Elmer Echavez added 11 points and eight boards. — EBV with Chooks Media Bureau
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