Blue Thunders finish 2nd in Penang caging

PENANG, Malaysia – Rizal Technological University finished runner-up recenlty in the 2009 Penang Unity Chief Basketball Minister Friendship Cup invitational basketball tournament.

RTU put up a brave stand before losing to the Malaysian national team, 100-92, to settle for the silver medal in this annual competition held at the Han Chiang Indoor Stadium here.

A few days after winning the second Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan basketball championship in Kuala Lumpur, the Mandaluyong-based Blue Thunders held their ground against the taller and more-experienced Malaysians in a tightly fought contest and earned the respect of the home crowd.

The Beaujing Acot-mentored RTU five earlier won over Chinese-Taipei, 88-84, and SAFSA, 87-80, to set up a titular showdown against the host team.

“I think the team did very well considering this is our first time to compete as a team abroad, “ said RTU president and head of delegation Dr. Jose Macaballug.

“The players and the coaching staff deserved our congratulations. They represented the country with pride and brought home these honors, “ said Macaballug.

Robby Celiz, Tristan Pagente, Eduardo Daquioag, Julian Bagares and Jayvee Alas provided the offensive muscle for the Blue Thunders.

, who kept the game close despite the Malaysians’ tremendous height advantage.

Celiz carried the fight with 31 points, including 8-of-14 shootin from the three-point area.