Malaysian U-17 team humbles Magis Eagles, 85-75, at the start of Cebu Friendship Invt’l hoop
The Sarawak U-17 Eagles made a good account of themselves playing their first game in Cebu as they shocked the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu-Team B Magis Eagles, 85-75, at the start of the Cebu Friendship Invitational Basketball Cup 2016 U-17 Division at the Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) Gym in Barangay Punta Princesa last Friday evening.
Sarawak, handled by Cebuano coach Britt Reroma, showed the needed poise down the stretch to seal its strong start in the six-day tournament.
Showcasing the form that made them one of the top teams in the Eastern State of Malaysia, Sarawak dictated the tempo in the first half before weathering a big rally by the Magis Eagles in the final two periods.
The Malaysian team went into the final half with a 44-36 lead but the Magis Eagles tightened their defense, using a pesky trapping defense that disrupted Sarawak’s offense.
Sarawak gave up 23 third quarter points, allowing the Magis Eagles to move within, 59-61, heading to the payoff period.
Still applying a choking defense, the Magis Eagles continued their uprising in the fourth that saw them stealing the lead, 64-61.
Reroma made the necessary adjustments, fielding players that helped Sarawak break the Magis Eagles’ fullcourt trapping defense. Sarawak also regained its rhythm to escape with the win.
Shooter Tiong Ing Kun top scored for Sarawak with 20 points. Andy Tong scored 11, David Ho, Lee Joon Kang and Ang Lee each tallied 10 markers in a balanced Sarawak scoring.
Joshua Canoy paced the Magis Eagles with 14 points.
Also taking off to a solid start were the University of Cebu Baby Webmasters, who stunned home team DBTC Greywolves, 86-60.
Today, the Magis Eagles try to bounce against the Baby Webmasters in their 5 p.m. duel at the Cebu City Sports Institute gym.
The day’s other game will be at the Don Celestino Martinez Memorial Coliseum in Bogo City where the University of San Carlos collide with Bogo City Team.
THE SCORES
SARAWAK (85) – Kun 20, Tong 11, Kang 10, Lee 10, Ho 10, Tay 4, You 4, Hock 3, Wee 2, Chong 2, Lau 2, Weikang 2, Ban 2.
SHS-ADC (75) – Canoy 14, Quema 13, Gesalem 12, Bacao 7, Chua 7, Celierno 4, Fuentebella 4, Yu 3, Mesina 3, Tan 3, Allosana 2.
QUARTERSCORES: 17-18; 44-36; 61-59; 85-75.