3RD VAAA SEASON: ACT wins, SCSIT fumbles in opener

Cebu teams Asian College of Technology (ACT) Cyber Knights and the Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT) Skyblazers met contrasting fates at the start of the 3rd Visayas Amateur Athletic Association (VAAA) men's basketball tournament at the Calape Sports Center in Calape, Bohol.

The ACT Cyber Knights of coach Tata Merced scored a one-sided 92-55 beating of the University of Bohol (UB). In sharp contrast, the Jojo Romarate-mentored SCSIT Skyblazers suffered a monumental endgame collapse to fall prey at the hands of the Bohol Institute of Technology-International College (BIT-IC) Cruisers, 95-102.

The Cyber Knights got off to a flying start and kept their foes at bay after closing the first half with 12-point advantage, 41-29.

The Cyber Knights, third placer in last year's VAAA season ruled by the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, launched their final wave of attack, 33-9, to come up with a 37-point blowout.

In the first game, the SCSIT Skyblazers had a smooth-sailing start. They enjoyed an early 24-14 edge, which they parlayed into a baker's dozen lead at the intermission, 42-29.

The SCSIT Skyblazers were still on top by seven points at the end of the third period, 57-64, before wilting under BIT-IC's renewed challenge in the windup.

The BIT-IC Cruisers outgunned and outhustled the Skyblazers in the closing minutes of the contest where they staged a crippling 45-29 rally to fluster the Cebuano visitors at the final buzzer.

First game

BIT-IC (102) - Lusdoc 46, Biwang 21, Guillena 20, Tiguelo 6, Lumasag 6, Pastor 2, Medurom 1

SCSIT (95) - Amarado 25, Maurillo 16, Tampus 12, De la Vega 11, Aribal 8, Pacquibot 6, Aleguijo 4, Balaba 2

Quarterscores:14-24, 29-42, 57-64, 102-95

Second game

ACT (92) - Nuñez 30, Aparice 14, Vistal 12, Suico 11, Doy 7, Batiancila 7, Valencia 4, Cadiz 4, Reyes 2, Pontemayor 1

UB (55) - Garibol 14, Daigan 9, Lumiranas 8, Morallas 7, Quibir 7, Añasco 6, Badilla 4

Quarterscores:17-12, 41-29, 59-46, 92-55 – EBV (THE FREEMAN)

COMPLETE