ASPA players and team officials celebrate their championship win in the 1st URBAN Basketball League -Island Premium Paints Squad Cup 2016. ASPA rallied from 12 points down in beating Castañares Architects in last Sunday’s championship game (CONTRIBUTED).
ASPA came all the way back from 12 points down to defeat Canizares Architects, 91-85, and take home the crown in the 1st URBAN Basketball League – Island Premium Paints Squad Cup 2016 on Sunday afternoon at the City Sports Club Cebu basketball courts.
The Architects got off to fast start but ASPA pulled off an even better finish as it put its opponents on its heels with a relentless full-court press.
Barok Ceniza put on the finishing touches on the win with several clutch baskets. Ceniza finished the match with 20 points and was named MVP of the tournament.
Retchie Cesa led ASPA in scoring with 21 while wide-bodied big man Vernon Anfone added 10. Warren Canete and Matt Sumampong had nine each.
Daryl Tan scored 20 to pace the Architects while Joevince Canizares added 14. Leigh Dixon pitched in 13 even as Ralph Belarmino and Raymund Jimenez had 11 apiece.
The tournament was organized by former Southwestern University and University of San Carlos guard Jabby Bautista and was backed by Island Premium Paints, Jax Sportswear, JD Housing Supply, Ram Tyres, Casa Verde, AutoLAB, Vellum Concept Store, Wise Choice, Kevlo and Dia de Spa.