Squires bag FCBL Freego Jeans Cup crown

MANILA, Philippines - Jerelan Tampus exploded for a tournament-high 49 points as Letran beat La Salle-Zobel, 85-82, and captured the TriDharma Mktg. Corp Filipino-Chinese Basketball League second Freego Jeans’ Cup crown at the Buddhacare Gym near Araneta Ave. in QC over the weekend.

Tampus also drew solid support from his teammates as the Squires notched their second straight title of the tournament backed by Energen Cereal Energy Drink, Hi-Smart Vitamins and Nutri-C Juice.

The Squires pounced on the foul-riddled Junior Archers to seize control of the close contest and complete their back-to-back victory in the tournament backed by Energen Cereal Energy Drink, Hi-Smart Vitamins and Nutri-C Juice.

Glenn Khobuntin and Marc Cruz combined for 31 points for the Squires, who thwarted the Junior Archers’ rally down the stretch.

Luigi dela Paz led La Salle with 26 points while Nico Elarde and Gwayne Capacio added 16 and 14 points, respectively.

Tampus was named the Most Valuable Player of the high school cagefest supported by f’g Revolution Denim, Dickies Underwear, Old Chinatown Koptitiam, Clincher Packaging Tape, Nougat Candy, Colt Commercial, Powerbest Marketing Inc. and Star Galaxy Industrial Fabricator Inc.

FCBL commissioner Horacio Lim also honored the Mythical Five composed San Beda’s Baser Amer, Rafhael Banal of Ateneo, Dela Paz, Khobuntin and Cruz.

“Mr. Edward Tio of Freego Jeans was happy with the outcome of the tournament particularly the effort shown by these young players. He’s excited for the third season of FCBL next year,” Lim said.

In the battle for third, Ateneo downed San Beda, 74-69. Luis Sinco led Ateneo with 18 points while Kiefer Ravena and Banal chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. Amer and Dave Moralde scored 16 and 14 points, respectively, for San Beda.