Laguna upends Cebu, claims Youngstars title

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu was looking for a different ending. But so was Laguna.

Smarting from an earlier setback suffered at the hands of Laguna, Cebu put up a valiant stand for all of two quarters before reeling back against a superior opponent.

Gio Calacalsada unloaded 23 points and Most Valuable Player Frederick Tungcab added 15 as Laguna completed a dominant sweep of the tournament, wearing down Cebu in the final game, 65-52, Friday and capturing the 2013 Coca-Cola-PBA Youngstars National Championship at the Blue Eagle gym.

Far from the rout that marked their elimination round encounter where Laguna blasted Cebu, 72-41, in a battle of undefeated leaders, the championship proved to be a thriller until Laguna decided it has had enough.

From there, it was only a matter of time before Cebu folded. But the air of upset was heavy while it lasted.

Throwing caution to the wind, Cebu took off, 14-11, in  the first quarter and pulled ahead, 27-23, at the half. But as it turned out, all it did was rouse up Laguna which returned to the court with a burning resolve to avert disaster.

It was the second straight final appearance for Cebu, which bowed to Taytay last year.

 â€œWe are extremely gratified  and the conduct of this year’s  Coca-Cola PBA Youngstars summer league. PBA’s  partnership with Coke remains strong and vibrant  as ever as we look forward to next year’s tournament,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Salud durig the closing ceremonies.