CCC-CSD Builders win Aloguinsan cage crown

CEBU - The Carmen Copper Corporation-Construction Services Department (CCC-CSD) Builders stymied a fourth-quarter uprising by the Survivors to walk away with an 80-71 victory and clinch the championship of the 1st Aloguinsan Mayor’s Cup Open basketball tournament crown Sunday night at the Alodome in the southern Cebu town of Aloguinsan.

Jared Kane Abatayo, a pesky defender who once played for the UC Webmasters, committed two crucial steals in the fourth period aside from scoring 14 of his 16 points in the second half to frustrate the relentless Survivors led by 6-foot-8 beanpole.

The Builders of coach Boboy Cal built a 69-59 lead going into the final six minutes of the contest, but the exuberant Survivors suddenly came back with an 8-0 run to pull within 67-69 with two minutes left to play.

The Survivors threatened for the last time at 69-71 as Abatayo scored on a looper making and then Aldrin Ocañada hit a back-breaking triple to give the Builders a 76-69 breather.

Abatayo and Jerry Jaca converted their attempts to put the Builders safely ahead, 78-69, with 25 ticks left before the final buzzer.

The Survivors from Toledo City opened the game with a sizzling 11-0 rally, but the Builders charged back with savvy to forge a 16-all deadlock at the end of the first period. A tight-rope match ensued resulting into a 55-all standoff heading into the final quarter.

“It was our baptism of fire. Being the champion in Aloguinsan with so many stars playing was already an achievement for us. This is our first crown and we are looking forward to winning more titles in the future,” said coach Cal, who was ably supported by team consultant Romy Cal and CCC-CSD division manager Dodong Cal.

Jerry Jaca had 24 points, while Ocañada and Abatayo connived for 33 markers for the CCC-CSD Builders, which took home P70,000. Only Roy Arnado and Bonifer Sendrijas did not score for the Builders.

In the battle for third place, Ronan Isidro pumped in 35 of his tournament-high 43 points in the second half, while Rowen Tagalog added 34 markers as the Talavera quintet humbled the Mandaue stars via a 105-104 squeaker.

Tournament chairman Mariolito Biton said the cash prizes will be handed to the winners by Aloguinsan Mayor Cynthia Moreno and Gov. Gwen Garcia on the occasion of the town’s annual fiesta celebration on October 24.

The scores

For 3rd

Talavera (105) - Isidro 43, Tagalog 34, Tarona 8, Demotor 8, Tangarorang 5, Villanueva 4, Fuentes 4

Mandaue (104) - Omolon 19, Labares 16, Abelong 15, Singson 11, Daculan 11, Jueves 10, Bercede 8, Demape 7, Pagasian 4

Second game

CCC-CSD (80) - Jaca 24, Ocañada 17, Abatayo 16, Sayson 8, Nailon 4, Redulosa 4, Mangyao 2, Montalbo 2, Sereño 2

Survivors (71) - Berame 17, Gudez 17, Almonte 14, Maloloy-on 13, Canillo 4, Diputado 4, Mercado 2, Lanutan 2 (GGM) (THE FREEMAN)