Two thrilling games highlighted the opening of the 1st Inter-City Cup Basketball Challenge at the Celestino Martinez Sr. Sports and Cultural Complex in Bogo last Saturday.
The visiting Lapu-Lapu Chiefs leaned on its consistent freethrow shooting to spoil host Bogo Bogoys in a pulsating 73-68 victory in the featured game.
Senate President Manny Villar was among the mammoth crowd that delightfully watched the games.
The first game was a shadow of things to come as Cebu City Niños averted defeat with a thrilling 96-94 win over Talisay Aquastars.
Three straight three-pointers from Henry Jaime Babiera of the USP Baby Panthers paved the way for Cebu City Niños to beat Talisay Aquastars.
Babiera continued his heroics by splitting his pressure-laden freethrows to make it 95-94. Another split by Abayata completed the scoreline.
Abayata paced the Niños with 22 points while Butong Villanueva added 20 points.
Rico Tabar, Cabanes and Cabañero had 16 points each for the Aquastars.
In the second game, Lapu-Lapu City had to overcome not only the Bogo Bogoys quintet but also the crowd that were shouting their hearts out in support their team.
The crowd cheered every move their team made and the cheering went up a few notches after the Bogoys have crept to within 68-69 with only 10 seconds left.
Lapu-Lapu’s Berdido, however, quieted the crowd by sinking two freethrows to make it 71-68. Two more freethrows by M. Pancho sealed the game for the Chiefs.
Morate topscored with 16 points for the Chiefs while former USP Panther June Ace Ursal scored 19 points for Bogo.
Chief’s Coach Larry Villanil told The Freeman that it was the heart and of his players that won the game. “Heart gyud sa mga bata. Dayo gud mi.” (“It was the heart of the boys, after all we were the visiting team,”) he said.
The Inter-City caging is sponsored by Nature’s spring, Omega Pain Killer, Casino Rubbing Alcohol, CFL Focus Lamp, Yayoy’s Grill, ML Kwarta Padala and La Fortuna Bakery and Hotel represented by organizer Lorenzo “Chao” Sy.
The scores:
First Game:
Cebu City (96) –Abayata 22, Villanueva 20, Babiera 12, Potencioso 10, Abellanosa 10, Tallido 8, A. Maraño 8, Tabolong 3, Cado 2
Talisay City (94) – Tabar 16, M. Cabañero 16, Cabanes 16, Seguerra 15, A. Cabañero 10, Villaver 9, Iglamo 6, Echavez 4 Halftime: 49-43
Second Game:
Lapu-Lapu City (73) –Morata 16, Pajares 10, A. Pancho 9, Amores 8, Berido 8, Falcon 6, M. Pancho 5, Arong 4, Soroño 3, Asoro 2, Amistad 2
Bogo City (68) – Ursal 19, Lubon 14, Balili 14, Pelayo 6, Yubangco 5, Seno 4, Asingua 4, Casinillo 2. Halftime: 35-36 (GGM)