Barako Bull wins title of Cebu -Leyte caging

CEBU, Philippines – The Barako Bull Energy Cola smashed Goldstar Hardware of Davao City, 66-58, and that was all they needed to rule the Cebu-Leyte Cup basketball tournament yesterday at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

The Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings and the Meralco Bolts were still playing at presstime last night, but the Barako Bull of coach Siot Tanquincen was already declared as champion for finishing the five-day charity event for the benefit of Yolanda survivors with the best record of three wins against one loss.

Leo Najorda darted 12 points and flashy playmaker Carlo Lastimosa added 10 markers for the Barako Bull, which blew hot and cold before eventually dashing the title hopes of the Kadayawan Festival champs.

Goldstar Hardware was in fighting mood early on, even taking an 8-6 lead but not for long as Barako responded with a 12-0 blitz to take a 10-point edge at halftime, 20-10.

Goldstar scored the first four points of the second half, but Najorda, Lastimosa, and JC Intal conspired in blistering 17-2 rally the suddenly put the Barako Bull on top by 21 points, 37-16, with three minutes left in the third quarter.

Again, the wards of coach Ice Dravador fought back with aplomb to whittle the deficit down to just three points, 40-43, on an off-the-glass basket by Leomar Losente, but that proved to be Goldstar's last hurrah as the Barako Bull quickly regained its offensive bearing to put the game beyond reach, 66-46, at the final 5:49 mark of the contest.

Goldstar Hardware held the Barako Bull scoreless from thereon while putting up a 12-0 spread but time wasn't on their side. — EBV) (FREEMAN)