CEBU, Philippines - The Powerade Tigers dethroned the Alaska Aces in convincing fashion, 105-90, to win the championship of the 2nd Cebu City Mayor’s Cup Basketball Invitational the other night at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.
Powerade finished the three-day tournament with a 2-1 win-loss record in a tie with M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños, who earlier defeated the Meralco Bolts, 79-73.
But the Tigers were hailed as champion by virture of a simple tie, having beaten the host team via a 64-63 cliffhanger.
The outcome of the match was already a foregone conclusion when the Tigers roared off to a 19-point advantage at halftime, 63-44.
Lead by their franchise player Gary David, the Tigers continued their relentless assault in the second half in what turned out to be a one-sided affair.
David paced the Powerade with 19 points followed by William Antonio with 17 markers. Josh Vanlandingham contributed 15 points and center Doug Kramer added 12.
The Aces did manage to trim the deficit down to a single digit, 78-87, but that was the best they could muster as they committed a series of turnovers in the succeeding plays.
Vanlandingham’s two triples at the final 2:50 mark of the contest ensured the win for the Powerade, 101-86.
Lewis Alfred Tenorio led Alaska with 24 points, while Brandon Cablay and Sonny Thoss connived for 28 markers. (FREEMAN)