Jaguars clings to top spot in BBEAL basketball
THE UNIVERSITY of the Cordilleras (UC) Jaguars bounced back from their earlier loss after outlasting the Cordillera Career Development Center (CCDC) Admirals, 12399, in the on-going Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) season 31 men’s basketball tournament at the CCDC gym Wednesday afternoon.
Krenz Trinidad fired a team high 25 points while Julmar Ladia added 23 as Daniel Tabangcura added 19 points. Gabriel Capitly, Kristian Valdez and JhuneRic Buenaventura chipped in 11 markers apiece as the Jaguars closed the final four hopes of the Admirals.
“We just improved our defense,” said UC coach Alvin Santos.
With the win, the Jaguars clinched the number one spot after securing their fifth game in six outings but Santos is not taking any chances going into their final two games.
“We’ll continue playing. Mahirap maging kumpyansa kasi habulan yan,” added Santos.
The Admirals were leading 6 – 7 during the first two minutes before the Jaguars tightened their defense and pushed CCDC into turnovers which quickly escalated to a 17 point lead.
Tabangcura capped the searing run with a three point buzzer beater for a 40-22 lead at the end of the opening canto.
The Jaguars continue to wax hot on their offense blowing the game with open with a 24 point lead, 64 -40 with 2:56 remaining in the first half.
Tabangcura once again caught fire from beyond the arc, scoring nine points in the last three minutes of the quarter as the Jaguars enjoy a 72 - 49 advantage at half time.
“Ang pangit ng nilaro ng team. Napakadaming turnovers, mahigit bente at naconvert pa ng UC. Kulang sila sa communication,” said Admirals coach Butch Diaz.
Auster Jim Babliing led the Admirals with
25 points while Darwin Fernandez chipped in 23 markers as Nestor Cuilan finished the ball game with 18 points.
Earlier, the University of Baguio Cardinals crushed Benguet State University, 89-66, while Baguio College of Technology defeated Saint Louis Univerity, 87-72.
BBEAL games resumes today at the SLU Prince Bernhard gym at 5:00 in the afternoon with the home team Saint Louis University Navigators taking on the CCDC Admirals followed by the Philippine Military Academy Cavaliers University of Baguio Cardinals match - up at 6:30 in the afternoon.