CEBU - The AC Sports-backed White team led by Archie Baba and co-sponsor Engr. Yoyo Abiera needed an extra five-minute period before fending off the younger Gold quintet, 87-82, to rule the second conference of the 2008 Triple A Inter-Color Basketball Tournament last Sunday at the Kimwa gym in Mandaue City.
The Gold cagers threatened to take the honors away from White because they controlled the tempo of the game in the first three quarters behind the intimidating presence of 6-foot-2 power forward Gary Enriquez, Rex Gonzaga and Leo Turno.
But as the game reached its crucial moment, White slowly crawled back and had only a four-point deficit at the start of the fourth period.
The rock-solid defense employed by White anchored on Rico Ganda and Mamert de la Torre also spelled big difference as it grounded Gold’s offense.
A short jumper by Gersam Armamento of Team White forged a 73-all standoff with 15 seconds left in the regulation period, thus, the overtime.
Actually White could have won the match outright, but ex-USP Panther Rany Cruz missed his final attempt with two seconds remaining.
Former pro Larry Villanil provided the leadership for White and took charge of the offense in the extension as they outscored Gold, 14-9, to complete the big turnaround.
Villanil, a defensive gem, topscored for White with 18 points even as five other teammates scored in double figures. Quijano had 14 points, while Armamento and Cruz banged 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
White also got 10 points each from De la Torre and Baba.
Enriquez bulldozed his way to a 26-point finish for Gold. Gonzaga scored 15 followed by Turno with 14 points.
Meanwhile, Triple A president Tany Agbay pledged for a bigger and more colorful Triple A tournament next year.
The scores
White (87) — Villanil 18, Quijano 14, Armamento 12, Cruz 11, Dela Torre 10, Baba 10, Ganda 4, Taborada 2, Martinito 2, Villamor 2, Retiza 2, Baunsit 2
Gold (82) — Enriquez 26, Gonzaga 15, Turno 14, Lurica 6, Varro 5, Paler 4, Baronda 2, Montilla 2, Macapaz 2 (GGM) (THE FREEMAN)