The Carmen team celebrate their victory in the Red Durano Cup basketball tournament. | contributed photo
Cebu City, Philippines—Carmen blew out San Francisco, 65-48, to win the championship in the 9th Congressman Red Durano Cup basketball tournament on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at the packed Danao City Civic Center.
San Francisco gave it all they had at the start and briefly led, 19-18, but Carmen ratcheted up its defensive intensity, employing a full-court press that rattled the players of San Francisco and allowed Carmen to surge in front by 14, 50-36, heading to the last period.
It was cruise control for Carmen from that point on.
John Banzon sparked the breakaway for Carmen as he scored 24 points and was eventually named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Banzon was also named to the Mythical Five along with teammates Kenneth Watin and Dennis Jayson, San Francisco’s Rovit Alburo and Danao’s Benedict Olivar.
Watin was also instrumental for Carmen in the final game as he tallied 15 points, all coming from beyond the arc.
Aside from the trophy, Carmen also came away with the cash prize of P50,000.
Meanwhile, the erstwhile champions Danao City settled for third place as they routed Compostela, 92-57.
Kent Montero exploded for 34 points in the win. /bmjo