John Arne Construction rules Inter-Commercial caging

Vincent Reyes and Jimbo Noel combined for 43 points to power John Arne Construction to a lopsided 83-55 victory over All Star Academy Blue to win the 1st Guadalupe Inter-Commercial basketball tournament last Sunday at the Cebu Eastern College gym.

Earlier, Feri McMill fashioned out an 86-74 victory over Aqua Serv to settle for third place.

The Atty. Jun Felicitas-led All Star Academy Blue actually took an early 22-18 lead, but as soon as John Arne wrested the driver's seat behind its impeccable shooting, the All Star Academy Blue became tentative with its offense.

John Arne then capitalized on the opportunity to blow the once close game into a rout with an 18-point advantage, 79-51, on playing coach Boy Te's first and only basket in the game.

Reyes, namesake of PBA coach Vincent "Chot" Reyes, finished with 22 points spiked with four triples, while Noel who displayed some air-defying moves and crafty quarterbacking skills, added 21 markers.

John Arne hit a total of nine triples, three courtesy of Christian Bacus, while Dave Lim and Noel had one each.

All Star Academy Blue, mentored by Ancing Anciado, was led by Hector Unahan with 13 points, Serge Cortez had 11 and Felicitas added 10.

John Arne team owner Arnold Espinosa, who cut short his vacation in Thailand to witness the championship gam, thanked his players for giving him his first title since he started sponsoring a basketball team.

"I have sponsored other teams in volleyball and badminton, but it's only in basketball that I tasted a championship," Espinosa said.

Meanwhile, Te, who is also the tournament commissioner, expressed his gratitude to the six participating teams, even as he announced he will delegate his post to Allan Ricaña of Aqua Serv when they hold their second conference next month.