A bit of Cebuano flavor in MPBL Datu Cup finals

Former UV Baby Lancer Orlan Wamar of San Juan drives to the basket in this photo from the San Juan Knights Facebook page.

Cebu City, Philippines — The upcoming finals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)  Datu Cup between the Davao Occidental Tigers and the San Juan Knights will feature backcourts teeming with Cebuano talent.

On the Tigers’ side is former University of the Visayas (UV) ace Eman Calo, who sparked Davao Occidental in the fourth to eventually prevail over the erstwhile champions Batangas, 66-51. 

Calo scored five straight points during a crucial stretch of the fourth canto to keep Batangas — which crept to within five, 60-55, after trailing by as much as 29 — at bay.

San Juan, on the other hand, has former UV Baby Lancer Orlan Wamar, who had 19 points and made five three-point shots as the Knights overpowered the Stars 31-12 in the third-quarter on their way to winning over Manila, 83-74, in Game 3, to capture the North Division title.

The offensive outburst was an unexpected one for Wamar, who had his mind set on slowing down Manila’s “Wonder Boy,” Chris Bitoon. 

But the 5-foot-9 guard said he just took what the defense gave him, which was wide-open perimeter shots.

With the Stars in the rearview mirror, San Juan now takes aim at Davao Occidental, with Game 1 set on Thursday, April 11, over in Davao City.

“We are up against the number 1 team sa south plus home pa nila. Di magiging easy and pero lalaban kami,” said the former Centro Escolar University standout.

Wamar added that he is looking forward to matching up against his fellow Cesafi products.

“Excited lang pud ko makipag duwa nila to learn kay mas ahead man sila sa ako og mas experienced.”

Another Cesafi standout playing in the Finals is James Regalado of Davao.

Calo, meanwhile, said he is relishing the opportunity to compete for the championship in his very first season in the MPBL.

“Nindot ang feeling nga muabot mi ug national final kay sa one year namu nga pinatayay ug practice, nagbunga jud ug nindot nga resulta ba,” said the high-scoring guard.

Calo relayed that San Juan will not be an easy opponent to topple with their bevy of veterans led by former PBA star Macmac Cardona, Larry Rodriguez and John Wilson. 

“Nindot jud na nga laban against San Juan because naa pud silay Macmac Cardona didto but wala mi makuyawi. Trust the process lang mi because kami tanan diri sa Davao mu contribute man. Wala man mi nagsalig ug isa ka tao. Nagsalig lang mi sa Ginoo.” /bmjo