CEBU - The AC Sports of Archie Baba whipped Kagawad Gallego, 74-71, in come-from-behind fashion for its second straight victory in the Allied Athletics Association (AAA) 2nd Conference basketball tournament at the Kimwa gym in Mandaue City.
Kagawad Gallego was in command from the onset and took a 63-45 lead at the end of the third period behind the hot hands of Jun Arceo, Nelson Gacasan and ex-UV Lancer Chico Cabahug.
However, the Sportswear Makers came back with a flurry of unanswered baskets coupled with a crippling defense anchored on Jovy Taborada, Chris Martinito and Baba. A three-pointer by former USP Panther Rany Cruz put AC Sports to within just a hairline, 67-68, with still two minutes to go in the contest.
The Sportswear Makers later tied the count for the first time, 69-all, on a barelling drive by Martinito with 1:38 left to play.
A split charities by Gersam Armamento gave AC Sports its first taste of the lead, 71-69, before ex-pro Larry Villanil iced the match for AC Sports.
Armamento powered AC Sports with 21 points, while Mamer de la Torre and Cruz finished with 10 points apiece.
Arceo topscored for Kagawad Gallego with 15 points followed by Gacasan with 13 points and Cabahug with 11.
The scores
AC Sports (74) - Armamento 21, Cruz 10, Dela Torre 10, Villanil 8, Martinito 7, Baunsit 6, Baba 4, Taboada 2, Ganda 2, Retiza 2, Villamor 2
Kagawad Gallego (71) - Arceo 15, Gacasan 13, Cabahug 11, Ybañez 8, Cardoza 8, Quioco 5, Aringo 4, Del Mar 3, Almario 2, Gallego 2 (GGM) (THE FREEMAN)