Cardinals blast Atoms in BBEAL rematch
THE UNIVERSITY of Baguio Cardinals ran havoc against the Baguio College of Technology Atoms, 111 – 102 to keep their final fur hopes alive in men’s basketball of the Baguio – Benguet Educational Athletic League season 31.
After their back to back to back loses against defending champion University of the Cordilleras Jaguars and the Saint Louis University, the Cardinals scored a victory in a semis rematch against the Atoms last year which ended in a brawl.
An almost free for all almost ensued in the second period but cool heads prevailed as Cardinals Arvin Janus Bongon was slapped with an unsportsmanlike foul while Melvin John Vinoya and Kram Domingo of BCT were
booted out of the game for the same infraction coming off the bench
Christian Danille Abo, who was scoreless in the opening canto, fueled the Cardinals with a game high 38 points with three others scoring in double digit for the Gen Luna based squad.
“Nag focus lang kami sa laro. Nag depensa kami ng maayos. Ayaw na naming maulit ang nangyari last year,” said the third year HRM student.
Libert Beejay Cacaam chipped in 15 while Jhon Erick Victorio chipped in 13 markers for the Cardinals.
“Naramdaman naming pagkatalo last year. Nag sipag pa kami para lumakas individually and as a team. Hindi kami nakukunteto at everyday may natutunan kami,” added Caccam
Cardinals coach Joel Flores meanwhile felt the squad has already exorcised the ghost of the past after being booted out by the same squad in the semi finals.
“Since last year, after ng brawl, pinag sabihan ko na ang mga players na never makipag away. Nilaro lang naming ang game plan individually and as a team,” quipped Flores.
Azzir Rabara meanwhile led the Atoms with 26 points as Lito Villanueva ad Marben Asilio added 23 and 22 markers each while bigman Armand Pollante had 16 in the ball game.