Lyceum, Perpetual Help, Letran prevail
NCAA host Lyceum of the Philippines, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Letran College posted similar inspiring victories over their respective rivals in the Manila Best Tournament basketball championship at the Trinity University of Asia gym in Quezon City.
The Pirates crushed UAAP team Universy of the Philippines, 78-67, to register its first win in two matches in this prestigious 14-team tournament organized by retired PBA referee Joey Calungcaguin.
MC Guadana, who was later named as “Best Player of the Game”, scattered 26 points for Lyceum, which is set to host the historic 100th season of the NCAA starting Sept. 7.
The Pirates, who are being handled by former PBA player-turned-coach Gilbert Malabanan and assistant coaches MC Caceres and Al Vergara, dropped their opening-day assignment to College of St. Benilde, 77-78.
African recruit Francis Nkoruka carrids the fight for the Maroons with a game-high 28 points.
Sharing the limelight were the Knights, who bested Jose Rizal University, 75-69 and the Altas, who stunned St Benilde, 63-62, to tie their victims with similar 1-1 win-loss records.
Letran, which is being handled by coach Allen Ricardo, relied on Deo Cuajao, James Jumao-as and Kobe Monje in downing opening-day winner JRU.
Cuajao, the “Best Player of the Game”, scattered 30 points for Letran, which bounced back from 84-92 loss to Mapua on opening day.
Jumao-as and Monje contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Intramuros-based Knights.
MJ Raymundo finished with 13 points for the Heavy Bombers, who fell to 1-1.
Best Player of the Game winner Christian Pagaron scored 14 points for the Altas of former national player-coach Olsen Racela.
The tournament resumes Tuesday witgh a heavy six-game bill highlighted by the debut of UAAP heavyweight Ateneo against Lyceum.
The Manila Best Tournament is sponsored by Philippine Air Lines, Smart Sports, JamReiBiz Watersports, EastPrint Clothing, Jasmine Crib at Malabrigo Batangas, VS & F Catering, Kick on your Feet Shoe and Apparel, Louie’s Buko, I Wellcare, Ezekiel’s Touch Health and Wellness Spa and Black Mamba Energy Drinks.
The tournament is supported by Armstrong Philippines, Fil Nation Select, MS Elite Basketball Saudi Arabia, Youth Basketball Coaches PH, Philippine Amateur Basketball Referees Organization (PABRO) and Samahan Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Former International referee Carlito Camorongan heads the technical committee, along with Fernan Dela Cruz. AA
