CIIS, MJDL win titles in Customs cagefest

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) banked on a scintillating 34-point show by ex-USC Warrior Danny Infantado to beat Sugbu Brokerage, 70-64, and win the 35-years above division title of the 2006 Customs Employees and Brokers Union (C.E.B.U.) Collector's Cup basketball tourament last Thursday at the Don Vicente Sotto Memorial gym.

In the 35-years-old and below category, the Mike Logarta-owned MJDL Brokers bagged its third crown after pulling off a convincing 74-58 victory over the less experienced and younger CEBU bet.

Infantado, who was unstoppable from start to finish, nailed five crucial free throws in the final 3:26 mark of the game to give CIIS a breather after Sugbu Brokerage launched a 8-0 rally to pull within 58-59.

Infantado was backed up by Alvin Bonjie, who, despite of his awkward moves, cashed in15 points for the Gigi Ylaya-mentored CIIS.

The CIIS was fortunate enough that their pointguards did not break down under pressure in the dying minutes when Sugbu of coach Ben Bongon threatened in the entire fourth period.

Actually, Sugbu Brokerage was leading in the early goings until defensive gem Dione "Robocop" Edera scored with a looping undergoal shot to give the CIIS its first taste of the lead at 22-21 with 4:45 left before halftime.

It was only the basket by the 53-year-old Edera, the oldest but the most reliable team leader who is also a rebounding moster.

The score stood at 59-58 with less than four minutes to play when Bonjie missed two charities. Infantado, however, converted his own gift shots to pad CIIS's lead to 61-58.

Infantado was playing for CIIS headed by acting chief Atty. Rico Rey Francis "Koko" Holganza as import because Group A teams are allowed to pick up at least two reinforcement to ensure competitiveness among the older bunch of players in the Bureau of Customs.

"We mean basketball not just for our physical fitness but we also know how to win championships" Holganza said moments after the game even as he led his players to a victory party in a restaurant nearby.

Roland Nacario topscored for Tribu Sugbu with 25 points, while Collector Allan Umali and Frank Morre had eight points apiece.

Later, the formidable MJDL starting unit was a wrecking crew as it almost prevented C.E.B.U. from scoring in the first 10 minutes where they built a commanding 25-2 bulge. From the moment, there was no doubt as to who will win the match.

MJDL's starting five include Jaymar Elloren, Francis Palero, Baing Medalle, Gelran Gelbolingo and Allan Bandec. Elloren topscored with 18 points while Palero had 11.

A daring 14-3 run by C.E.B.U. in the second period erased a 9-27 deficit to just seven points, 23-30 but it suddenly rose to 12 at the turn, 28-40.

The MJDL regained its composure in the third period and led by as many as 20 points on several occasions, the last was at 72-52 with just 1:10 left in the game.

Fred Unabia, an undertrainee of UV, led C.E.B.U. with 11 points.

The scores

First game (35-above)

CIIS (70) - Infantado 34, Bonjie 15, Lawas 5, Vargas 4, Laraga 4, Amante 4, Edera 2, Guibao 2

Sugbu (64) - Nacario 25, Umali 8, Morre 8, Cabagnot 7, Sigue 6, Tuñacao 2, Simbajon 2, Cabañero 2, Bagahansol 2

Second game (35-below)

MJDL (74) - Elloren 18, Palero 11, Villaroza 10, Medalle 8, Moral 8, Gelbolingo 6, Jordan 4, n. Medalle 3, Daan 2, Bandec 2, Rasonable 2

C.E.B.U. (58) - Unabia 11, Lopez 10, Go 7, Pejo 7, Calimpon 4, Laborte 4, Samar 4, Cabañez 3, Arreglo 3, Trinidad 2, Barcenas 2, Amaro 1