Chase Tower Runs-Cebu completes historic 3-peat in Dayo23 Streetball

CEBU, Philippines — Chase Tower Runs (CTR)-Cebu turned to the heroics of Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Carl Tamayo as it staged an incredible comeback from a double-digit deficit to fend off Tikas Kapampangan, 23-18, and complete a historic three-peat in the men’s division of Dayo23 Streetball Invitational on Sunday, June 7, at the Patricia Paraiso Sports Complex in Tondo, Manila.

The win was a breath-taking ending for a nerve-wracking campaign of CTR-Cebu under the guidance of coach Paul Joven, who had to grind through a 14-13 nailbiter over the Grand Canyon Tarlac in the semifinals to keep their grandslam dream alive.

In the race-to-23 final, things went bleak at first for the Cebuano cagers as they fell into a deep 10-point hole, 4-14, early on.

But they aren’t back-to-back champions for nothing.

With team owner Chase Cokaliong cheering for them at the top of his lungs on the sidelines, a highly inspired CTR squad launched a sizzling 14-4 counterattack to knot the count at 18-all.

It was then that the 6-foot-8 Tamayo stole the show.

The Changwon LG Sakers big man in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) sank a crisp 3-pointer before hitting a mid-range jumper from the left wing in a dazzling five-point blitz that lifted CTR to crowning glory for the third consecutive time.

“It’s all about God, our team owner Chase (Cokaliong), and the players. God for this blessing. Chase for his unwavering support to the team and the players- they did everything,” said Joven.

Aside from etching their names in stone, Team CTR also pocketed P500,000 for topping the two-day tournament featuring some of the best streetball teams in the country.

“Our team is represented by pure Cebu and Vismin talents and I am very proud to showcase them to the whole country and in some aspects the world because this is a Jordan-brand sponsored event,” said Chase Cokaliong.

In the women’s category, Team Hustle also achieved a grand slam feat after holding off the Hoopjeep Aguilas, 24-21.