Members of the Talisay City team celebrate their title win with the tournament’s namesake, First District Representative Gerald Anthony Gullas (fourth from right, standing). (CONTRIBUTED).
Talisay City emerged as the very first champion of the Samsam Gullas Cup after they swept Minglanilla, 2-0, by winning Game 2, 83-60, on Saturday at the latter’s home floor at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.
After barely prevailing in the series-opener, Talisay did not flirt with disaster this time around as they led from the opening tip until the game’s final buzzer.
Typifying Talisay’s dominance was the fact that they had six different players score in double-figures during the title-clinching game.
Richmon Lapinid, who was named Finals MVP, had another strong showing with 16 points and 12 rebounds while Jhiey Paraldo was equally effective with 16 markers and 13 boards.
Former Adamson Baby Falcon Denzel Sabroso pitched in 15 markers and seven assists while Bruce Tan and Jake Engbino added 12 points each. Windzel Granada chipped in a quiet double-double of his own with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The title was the cherry on top of a fantastic showing by Talisay in this tournament. They finished the competition with just one loss.
After managing just four during Game 1, Minglanilla hotshot Glenn Nebril went for 23 points while Mel Barquin contributed 14. However, Jiesel Tarrosa, the team’s other reliable, got just six.