‘Hail Mary’ treys from Sumanga and Namoc spoil Team Ganaida’s quest for the elusive 39-below crown
AFTER score of heartbreaks in the past, Team Galanida had the chance to end its title-drought in 39-below level of the annually-held Ballpals inter-color tourney.
But with only 30 seconds left and Team Galanida up by 5 points, Joseph Sumanga and Rojemar Namoc connected each a 3-pointer that set the tone for Team Sumanga’s come- from-behind 61-58 titular win in the recent Ballpals pre-christmas tourney at Pelaez Sports Center here.
“Nagsagunson sab ilang turnover sa endgame unya wala ‘mi nadiscourage maskin gamay na lang ang time,” said Sumanga, whose only 3-point basket in the ballgame was followed by Namoc’s own trey with 9
PROUD WINNERS.
ticks remaining.
Tournament director Andit Mendoza said Team Sumanga’s nightmarish escape was the best championship game he had seen so far in the “Showbiz-filled” Ballpals hoopfest at the Palaro Center.
“Pagka patsada nga finale it was such a classic game. And both Sumanga and Namoc hit those 3-pointers from just above the hands of the defenders,” Mendoza said.
Already, two Sumanga starters—Ogag Noble and Bobong Cabatuan—have graduated when the titular showdown reached the pay-off period. But
Team G failed to capitalize on it, instead lapsing from one error to another.
“Dili naman noon kabalo mo-dribble akong mga kauban imbis pandaug na nga composure ang tirada kay kami ang galabaw,” later said Galanida with heavy feelings.
Namoc and Sumanga finished with 25 and 9 points each, though both acknowledged the brilliant contribution of Buting Acaylar and Lugatiman who added 13 and 11 markers apiece.
In fact, Acaylar—who loves to profess his undying love of the Palaro courts—hit four ‘precious triples’ in the championship game.
“Tsamba confident lang ko against Team Galanida kay kaduha namo sila gipeldi before sa finals,” shared Acaylar.
In the 40-up championship, Team Wengmerc took advantage on the absence of Nestle Philippines’ towering duo of Arenal and Jojo Mahistrado to hammer out an easy 62-47 finish with Weng Mercado, Andit Sacabin and Kidd Escobido coming up with 21, 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Leading MVP candidate and defense specialist Michael Pamesa doled out 8 points.
With the win, the Archer Lingaton and Cocoy Casinomentored Wengmerc also completed a rare 9-0 record in the tourney’s civic rivalry.
Playing without Joven Agudo, Bong Mercado, Marlou Guevara and the injured Velez, Team Bongmerc yielded to the Blue Eagles in the battle for third place.
Streak-shooting Jerry Gomez exploded for 33 points as the Blue Eagles conquered Team Bongmerc, 64-47 for the third time around since the elimination round.