CEBU, Philippines - The Living Word-International Bible Institute (LW-IBI) shrugged off a slow start, then turned to a sizzling offensive in the middle quarters to beat the House of Hope (HOH) Slingers, 77-61, and win the 35-above championship of the 1st Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Basketball League at the old Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu campus gym along General Maxilom Avenue, this city.
Mario Suarez exploded with 29 points, while Jonathan Sacabon and Edwin Catamco connived for 23 points for LW-IBI of Pastor Mel Capparos. They trailed by three after the first 10 minutes of play, 9-12, but staged a searing 19-6 run in the second period to post a double-digit lead at halftime, 28-18.
LW-IBI sustained its momentum in the final half on the way to come up with a 16-point demolition.
In the battle for third place, the Christian Workers Basketball Association (CWBA) bested the Living Word-South, 77-70.
Ronald Canoy topscored for CWBA with 22 points, while Alvin Abestilla and Rudyard Mamac scored 21 apiece.
Allan Pelino paced LW-South with 14 points followed by Jojo Pastor and July Navarette with 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
In the 34-below category, the CFGA Kingdom Builders dethroned CCF in convincing fashion, 81-68, to set up a title showdown with the Faith Tabernacle Eagles, which advanced to the final round after ripping the PC Nets, 66-31.
Jun Kent Manzo II and Jerome Napao paced CFGA with 14 points each, while Floyd Taboada and John Inoc had 26 points combined for Faith Tabernacle.— EBV (FREEMAN)