Pipeline stuns J&B to capture Lourdes Cup cage crown

Pipeline Resto Bar, co-sponsored by AMBL Enterprises and Advertising, ended J & B's league-best 12-game winning streak via a close 86-83 decision to seize the championship of the Punta Princesa Sports Association (PPSA)-organized Lourdes Fiesta Cup 2006 basketball tournament last Saturday at the Vicente Sotto Memorial gym.

Earlier, Loctite Super Glue of coach Danny Duran crushed VRJ Engineering, 100-90, to lift the third place trophy.

Small forward Allan Lim threw out a spectacular performance as he poured in all of his 10 points in the opening period that greatly helped Pipeline dictate the tempo of the match.

Pipeline's path to triumph appeared to be smooth-sailing as its mounted a commanding 20-point bulge at halftime, 48-28, but ex-PBA Lou Regidor, Michael Dumdum, and Keith Arrelano staged a courageous fightback in the final canto to pull J & B within 72-76 with 3:26 left in the game.

However, pointguard Lito Navarro and power forward Robert Abasolo came to Pipeline's rescue by hitting crucial baskets in the dying seconds of the match to wrap up their win.

Navarro and Abasolo topped Pipeline with 15 points each. It was a double celebration for Abasolo as he also romped off with the coveted MVP award.

Joining Abasolo in the Mythical Five selection with Keith Arellano, Epon Nacua, Aries Jayme, and Champion Canoneo.

Nacua led J & B with a game-high 18 points, while Arellano, Dumdum, and Regidor combined for 41 points in a losing cause.

PPSA president Harry "El Presidente" Lim was on hand to award the cash prizes, trophies, and medals to the top performing teams and individuals right after the championship game.

The champion received P5,000, while the second and third placers got P3,000, and P2,000, respectively.

The scores
First game
(For third place)
Loctite (100) - Baure 21, Bruzon 20, Maraño 19, Duran 18, Taala 7, Estrera 6, Medalle 4, Gador 3, Dagopioso 2
VRJ (90) - Espinosa 23, Smith 20, A. Fuentes 15, Serafica 12, Rosaroso 10, Naron 8, L. Fuentes 2

Second game
(Championship)
Pipeline (86) - Navarro 15, Abasolo 15, A. Lim 10, Cabañero 8, Sauza 8, Jayme 7, Noel 5, F. Lim 4, Ciabo 4, Jumawan 4, Magan 4, Auza 2
J & B (83) - Nacua 18, K. Arellano 15, Dumdum 14, Regidor 12, Bacurnay 12, Japin 4, Caballes 2, A. Arellano 2, Abbu 2, Gonzaga 2