USA, Turkey start hot in CUBA hoopla

CEBU, Philippines – Defending champion USA and Turkey kicked off their respective title campaigns in resounding fashion in the Alberto's Pizza-sponsored 2010 Cebu United Bankers Asso-ciation (CUBA) Christmas Basketball League at the Capitol Parish Gym along Escario Street, this city.

Team USA survived an offensive meltdown in the final half to hack out an 80-73 victory over Lithuania, while Turkey offseted a lackadaisical start with a furious assault in the last two quarters of play to pulverize Serbia, 84-64.

The USA cagers led by Bong Bacalla seemed to have an easy game from the out-set as the closed the first period with a commanding 26-9 lead, which they sustained at the intermission, 42-25.

Lithuania, however, charged back in the third period to close within seven points, 49-56, but USA did not wilt under heavy pressure in the windup to walk away with a seven-point win.

Earlier, Turkey was caught by surprise at the start as Serbia cruised to an early 13-point advantage, 25-12.

But that proved to be Serbia's brightest moment in the one-sided match as it sud-denly turned a downhill battle for them the rest of the way.

The spirited Turkey mainstays led by Christopher Osorio and Edgar Olalo pulled to within two points at halftime, 34-36, before eventually wresting the driver's seat, 64-46, behind a searing 30-10 rally in the third canto.

The tournament follows a double round robin format, with the top two teams after the elimination phase fighting it out for the championship.

The names of the four entries in the CUBA event are based on the top four teams in the 2010 FIBA World Championships two months ago in Turkey. (FREEMAN)