NEWLY-crowned ASEAN University Games champion Mapua University and College of St Benilde College fashioned out contrasting victories at the start of Manila Best Tournament basketball championship at the Trinity University in Quezon City.

The Cardinals downed Letran College, 92-84, while the Blazers defeated Lyceum of the Philippines University, 78-77, to take the headstart in this 14-team tournament organized by retired PBA referee Joey Calungcaguin.

Former national coach Derreck Pumaren made the opening remarks while Senator Bong Go executive secretary Ms. Diana Lim made the ceremonial toss, assisted by Ms. Julia Alberto of East Print Clothing and Manila Best Operational Directress Sarabeth Calungcaguin.

John Christopher Recto, Chris Hubilla, Lawrence Mangubat, Jeco Bancale and Clint Salvoro Escamis teamed up for the Cardinals, who are handled by assistant coach Jay-Ar Carlos in the absence of coach Randy Alcantara.

Mangubat and Bancale topscored with 17 points each for the Intramuros-based team.

Hubilla, named as “Best Player of the Game”, and Recto added 14 points apiece.

Escamis contributed 10 points for Mapua, which is fresh from topping the prestigious ASEAN Games in Indonesia.

Jimboy Estrada carried the fight for Letran with 21 points, followed by Kobe Monje with 14, Deo Cuajao with 11 and Charles Dimaano with 10 points.

The Paulo Layug-mentored Blazers relied on Edison Serrano’s three-point play in the final 22 seconds of the game to frustrate the hard-fighting Pirates.

Serrano’s heroics came after Pirate Gyle Montano gave Lyceum a two-point lead, 77-75, with 44 seconds left.

Matthew Jucom finished with 15 points.

Justine Sanchez, who was named “Best Player of the Game”, added 11 poiints and Serrano had nine points for the Blazers.

MC Guadana topscored for the Pirates with 22 points, followed by Simon Penafiel with 13 points.

In the third and last game for the day, Jose Rizal Univeristy outlasted University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 62-57, in another all-NCAA showdown.

Best Player of the Game winner Ralph Samontanes led the Heavy Bombers with eight points.

The tournament resumes today with another explosive three-game bill at the TUA gym.

The Manila Best Tournament is sponsored by the Philippine Air Lines, Smart Sports, JamReiBiz Watersports, EastPrint Clothing, Jasmine Crib at Amlabrigo 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 

Games Sunday:

(Trinity University gym)
11a.m. — JRU vs Letran
12:30 p.m. — UP vs LPU
3 p.m. — CSB vs Perpetual

AUTHOR PROFILE

People's Tonight