CEBU – The Guadalupe Athletic Association (GAA) selection streaked past V-Mayor Barkadahan of Acting Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, 79-76, to rule the 35-above category of the Hapee Online X-Mas League Merota Cup at the New Kawayan gym in Brgy. Sambag II, this city.
Seldom used Oliver Barrios had the biggest game of his life when he sank the game-clinching triple for GAA with eight ticks left before the final buzzer. The shot came as a dagger that plunged into the hearts of V-Mayor Barkadahan players.
The powerhouse GAA selection led by Rey Potot, Plaudine, Reyes and Ocampo were dictating the pace of the match, but the Barkadahan side put up a gallant stand behind Rene Toring, Mark Tallo, and Tata Llaguno to forge the game's first standoff at 76-all.
Just as everyone thought of an overtime, Barrios came up with one big play he will never forget.
After being left wide open from the left wing, he quickly flicked a 3-pointer that went straight through the rim, causing his teammates and the rest of their supporters to revel in seventh heaven.
In the other game, Keola Net Café outsmarted SMEI Calamba Selection, 52-47, to capture the championship in the 25-under class.
Meanwhile, the 1st Sinulog Cup 35-above and the 17-under Inter-School basketball tournament will start in the first week of February. For registration and further details, interested parties may contact (032) 418-1032 or call/text 0910-5576443.
The scores
35-above
GAA (79) - Potot 21, Barrios 12, Reyes 11, Ocampo 9, Plaudine 10 , Recaña 8, Cuyos 4, Sasing 4
Barkadahan (76) - Toring 36, Llaguno 11, Tallo 8, Hilaga 7, Nemenio 6, Fajardo 6, Nemenio 2
25-under
Keola (52) - Castro 18, Dizo 10, Flores 7, Estrera 4, Fernandez 5 , Villasis 4, Hernandez 3, Milan 2
MSEI (47) - Panerio 18, Lemosnero 9, Java 5, Ranili 5, Mulchadani 4, Labay 4, Calong 2 – EBV (THE FREEMAN)