THE JUMBO Plastic Giants was crowned as the very first champions of the Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League (PCBL) as they came all the way back from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Caida Tiles, 78-73, in Game 2 of the Foundation Cup on Sunday night at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.
The thrilling victory allowed Jumbo Plastic to sweep the best-of-three affair, 2-0, after taking Game 1 several days ago, 79-61.
Former M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala standout Jeff Viernes led the Giants with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. He was later named as the MVP of the finals.
Afterwards, he reiterated his dream of finally making it in the big league – the PBA.
“I am not giving up on my dream to make it to the PBA so I hope a team will give me an opportunity,” said Viernes, who played for the now-defunct commercial squad of Cebu, the Niños, several years ago.
THE SCORES
JUMBO PLASTIC (78) – Viernes 20, Martinez 16, Eguilos 11, Mandani 7, M. Lopez 7, Taganas 7, J. Lopez 5, Padilla 3, Arellano 2, Acosta 0, Tayongtong 0.
CAIDA TILES (73) – Robles 12, Maiquez 11, Terso 9, Jalalon 9, Corpuz 8, Gabawan 8, Almario 8, Ruaya 4, Hayes 4, Lozada 0, Jamon 0, Leynes 0.