Panthers win BBC hoop champions trophy after beating Cheetahs in finals

Panthers team pose for a group photo after winning the BBC Season 14 title. | Contributed photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Panthers completed their dominant run in the 14th season of the Badboyz Basketball Club (BBC) after narrowly beating the Cheetahs, 98-96, in their championship showdown last October 15, 2023, at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club gymnasium.

The finals “Most Valuable Player” Jeslar Larumbe topscored the Panthers with 25 points to go with five assists, three rebounds, and one steal.

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Neil Buot, the official physical therapist of the Cesafi Season 23 high school basketball champions, the SHS-AdC Magis Eagles aided Larumbe with his 18-point outing along with two boards, two dimes, and two steals.

Denzel Tee and former professional MMA fighter Kyle Co finished with 18 and 14 points, respectively. 

The Panthers finished BBC Season 14 undefeated in seven games, including their championship showdown against the Cheetahs.

Season MVP James Harold Truz spoiled his 36-point double-double outing for the runners-up. Truz also tallied 12 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal. 

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His teammates Bit Salvador and Harvin Maurac each had 14 markers, and Sidney Metante added 10 points in their losing efforts. 

Truz, Maurac, Larumbe, along with Stallions’ Dexter Cabasan and Ripples’ Charles Sicad were named this season’s “Mythical Five.”

Meanwhile, the tournament’s best defensive player of the season was Juliano Yusingco of the Panthers. He’s joined by fellow all-defensive team in Niño Juagpao (Dolphinz), Joe Maneja (Stallions), Truz, and Co. 

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