Jammers 2005 downs Lastimosa’s Batch 2007

JAMMERS 2005 bested Wolves 2007 via 53-47 win in the 8th XUHS-ABA Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Xavier University Main Campus covered courts here.

Lawyer Joey Abbu sizzled for 19 points including five of eight in the 3-point arc to lead the Jammers to victory.

The Jammers started hot with a 9-0 run in the first quarter, coming all from Abbu’s three successive 3-point bombs.

They took an 11-point lead in the second quarter but the Wolves retaliated to come to within five, 24-19, at the close of the half.

XUHS 2005 got strong in the third as Abbu, Jai Manulat, Rey Canoy and Jimboy Menciano conspired to take the lead back for the Jammers by nine.

NLEX Road Warriors guard Carlo Lastimosa, the Wolves’ decorated player, pulled out of the game at 4:29 minutes in the third quarter due to a swelling hamstring.

Lastimosa already felt the injury when he finished 40 points in 2007’s 75-69 victory against Batch 2000 a night before.

“Nabati na niya daan mao nga naglisod to siya og dagan,” said officiating head Danilo Jaminal.

Even with Lastimosa’s injury, the Wolves managed to trim the lead by four, 34-38 at the end of the third.

The Wolves even cut it by three, 47-50, after a twinner by Eff Dahilan with still 1:21 minute left in the ballgame.

But, Menciano sealed the win after he connected both free throws from a foul in 1:05 minute.

Meanwhile, Batch 1995 cagers--with the towering Shantao Moreno in the forefront--have now assured themselves of the number one spot in the St. Ignatius de Loyola Cup division after beating Batch 1993, 70-60.

Gamba 1997 dribblers, on the other hand, are back in the losing streak after Batch 2002 handed them of their second straight defeat, 67-52.

XUHS 2004 also crushed Batch 2003, 4939.