UST wins Kadayawan basketball crown

THE Univeristy of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers brought home the 32nd Kadayawan Basketball Invitational Tournament title Sunday evening after beating Davao City All-Stars 87-76, at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gymnasium and Cultural Center.

Regie Basibas paced the Boy Sablan-coached Growling Tigers with 19 points while Marvin Lee added 16 points to romp away with the finals most valuable player (MVP) award.

Jeepy Faundo and Christian Garcia also combined for 22.

UST lost to De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers,88-93, in the curtain raiser Thursday but redeemed itself after securing an 11-point edge against the Davao City All-Stars, 100-89, Friday evening that was marred by a bench-clearing brawl between DLSU and Far Eastern Philippines (FEU) Tamaraws.

The Davao City AllStars was led by Jin Mijares of Jose Maria College (JMC) Kings with 14 baskets.

Joshua Aguilon and Cardauie Shiekalabi made identical 10 points.

Sablan, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, considers the fracas between the heavyfavorite teams DLSU and FEU a blessing.

"Blessed kami kasi first time tapos champion. Sabi ko nga, yung turn of events destiny," Sablan said.

The competition, according to him was a good preparation in going to University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

“Iba rin yung naramdaman ng mga players ko kasi champion, so malaking bagay to sa amin,” he said, hoping to be invited again to play in Davao City.

Sablan also said that they didn't treat the Davao team lightly, saying: "May adjustment din kaming ginawa. Medyo maganda yung simula kaya na-control namin yung game from the beginning."