Title-drought ends
VXI Global grabs championship crown at last
THE VXI Global at last ended its title-drought after posting a 50-33 victory over Awesome OS in the Davao Inter-BPO League (DIBL) 2018 basketball tournament's championship squeaker yesterday, June 3 at the Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Event Center, after three years of chase.
The team failed to clinch the title last year after beaten by the defending champion Teleperformance 50-56.
The win for the team was not easy as they competed individually last year with three VXI teams. But this time they united to create a stronger team which indeed pulled it off.
VXI Global ended the halftime with a close 2015 cushion over the Awesome OS.
VXI Global ignited a 14-0 run with no answer coming from Awesome OS in the third.
VXI's 34-15 edge left Awesome OS at bay.
Kenn Te led VXI with 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks to romp away with the finals’ most valuable player (MVP) award.
Raphael Romeo Nayve, who is considered VXI's hero all throughout the competition, chipped in nine points including seven in the third period.
Nayve was also hailed as the league's MVP for consistently providing the much-needed help for VXI in every win.
“This isn’t just about me but all of us. All the games kung-maka score ko it’s because of them (teammates) who gave me open shots,” Nayve said, adding that, “we will definitely stay with VXI and win more championships for the years to come.”
Coach Jess Evangelio, in a separate interview, expressed joy for being part of VXI’s first championship win.
“Alam mo, sobrang happy ko kasi first time ko nag coach sa DIBL. I just gave my part as a coach but the credit goes to the players with their dedication and commitment in every practice. Kompleto sila every may practice at yun nga, individual win games but teamwork wins championships,” the multi-titled coach said.
Evangelio, however, underscored the big role of VXI management’s support to their quest.
“Grabe support ng VXI sa amin. Sa lahat talaga ng aspeto, binibigyan pa kami ng Gatorade and all kaya nagsisikap kami,” shared Evangelio, who guns for a back-to-back next conference.
Completing VXI Global roster are Cyril Almeria, Mark Julius Acuzar, John Trico Dablo, Kristian Rabor, Jan Ronald Delmo, Dave Floyd Cadano, Adolf Gemarino, Rencel Cedie Dablo, Jesrael Alcain, Miko Morales, Jayson Luciano, Alner Muarip, Joshua Presto, Anton Dela Cruz and Peter Concubierta with assistant coach Allen Jason Pobre.
Meanwhile, the Flatword Solutions grabbed the third spot by beating Alorica 63-52, in the league sponsored by Sweet Gracias Cafe, Borromeo Insurance Agency of Pru Life UK, Ramenikko Ramen Hause and Phenom Lifestyle Fitness Gym.