Spurs, Smileys prevail in Caballes Cup caging

MANILA, Philippines - The San Mateo Spurs and the Say Chiz Smileys drew strength from big fourth quarter attacks to nail their first wins and set in motion their title bids in the first PGBL Willie Caballes Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum Monday night.

The Spurs, the PGBL pre-season champions, leaned on their pressure defense in overhauling a 16-point deficit and outlasting the Tigerscribes, 78-74, while the Smileys outgunned the Charlie’s Dy-mons in the fourth quarter to escape with a 58-48 win.

Cyrus Baguio of newly crowned PBA champion Alaska Milk and the family of the late former Manila Bulletin assistant sports editor Willie Caballes, in whose honor the event is being held, including wife Marilou graced the simple opening rites.

Backed by San Miguel Corp., the Philippine Sportswriters Association, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Burlington Socks, the tournament will have a double round robin format with the top two teams disputing the title.

Eric Uy came through with 33 points, seven assists, six steals and five rebounds while Malaya rookie Jerome Lagunzad came up with 25 points, 12 caroms, four assists and a steal in helping the Spurs carve out the come-from-behind win.

Big Ben Terrado came through in the absence of Julius Manicad with 13 points and 10 board.

 while Ethan Tiu and Francis Ochoa of the Inquirer scattered 12 and 11 points, respectively, to propel Say Chiz to the early share of the lead with the Spurs.