Minglanilla ends 22-year title drought (Frustrates Talisay to grab first Gullas Cup basketball crown since 2002)

CEBU, Philippines — Drawing extra strength from their army of fans, Abante Minglanilla staged an incredible second-half fightback to upend Talisay Aksyon Agad resoundingly, 72-58, in the deciding match of their best-of-three finals and reign supreme in the Rhea Gullas Cup 2024 First District of Cebu Inter-City/Municipality Basketball Tournament on Saturday night at the jampacked Minglanilla Sports Complex.

Finals MVP JC Rex Sanguenza netted 20 points on top of 13 rebounds and three steals as the Archangels of Minglanilla courageously battled back from a 15-point halftime deficit to end their 22-year title drought in the annual cage wars featuring young hardcourt potentials from three towns and three component cities comprising Cebu’s first congressional district.

They previously achieved such monumental feat way back in 2002.

Interestingly, their head coach at that time was Boyet Velez, who returned to his old job to propel Minglanilla to another crowning glory, this time as an established lawyer and town councilor.

“Lipay kaayo ko labi na come from behind ang victory unya in front sa mga supporters. Dako kaayo nga factor ang home crowd kay naka-energize gyud sila sa mga players. Bisan behind mi’g 15 points pero ni-rally mi because of the crowd support,” said Velez.

Before savoring the sweet nectar of success, Minglanilla passed through a rocky road as they trailed by a wide gap, 24-39, at the break.

But inspired by the fervent cheers of their loyal followers that filled nearly three-fourths of the packed venue, Minglanilla whipped up a fierce counter-attack in the final two quarters to swing the momentum of the match decisively in their favor towards the end.

Overall in the second half, Minglanilla annihilated Talisay, 48-19, to come up with a 14-point rout.

“We are the champions!” wrote an obviously ecstatic Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad on his official Facebook page. “Thank you, Archangels! Through you, Minglanillahanons have shown our fighting spirit. Our unity. Our hearts for the game. We found our one, stronger, louder voice. That we don’t crouch down in fear of a big challenge. We rally for each other. We are Minglanilla! And our story has just begun.”

In a separate post, Enad said getting out of a deep hole to clinch the historic title is “a perfect image of the Minglanillahanon resilience”.

“Way kabutangan sa akong gibati nga garbo ug kalipay, uban sa libo-libong Minglanillahanon nga nitan-aw ug nisinggit sa lanog nga suporta. Salamat sa tanang players, sa coaching staff led by Atty. Boyet, and to every member of our community who played a part in this historic achievement,” Enad continued.

“May this victory inspire future generations to dream big and reach for the stars, kay sa ako nang gikaingon, walay imposible basta magkugi!”

Meanwhile, Talisay, led by no less mayor Samsam Gullas, was gracious in defeat.

“Congratulations to Minglanilla. A come from behind victory just goes to show the resilience and grit Coach Boyet has instilled in their team. Congrats and well deserved,” said Gullas.