The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu 12-and-under division players and team officials pose with tournament organizers of the recent DH25 Pocket Tournament-Ormoc Leg. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
THE Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles suffered a double black eye when they lost two championship matches in the recent DH25 Pocket Tournament-Ormoc Leg at the Ormoc Superdome in Ormoc City.
The Magis Eagles suffered a heart-breaking defeat against the CBT Fighters-Ormoc Team in the 12-Under division finale, 50-49, while their 17-under team also faltered in their title duel with the Ormoc City Community Cooperative, Inc. Team, 80-76.
The Magis Eagles looked headed to winning the 12-Under crown but Miguel Porter was called for a crucial traveling violation in the closing seconds.
Despite the loss, it was still a valiant effort by the Magis Eagles, nearly pulling off a huge comeback win after the CBT Fighters led by as many as 30 points in the first half.
The Magis Eagles started to come alive in the third then continued their searing run in the fourth where they staged a 20-6 run to draw within, 47-48.
Sacred Heart finally surged ahead, 49-48, on two free throws by Porter but the CBT Fighters quickly regained the lead, 50-49, on a basket by Joseph Frian.
With the time ticking down, Porter delivered in what could have been the winning basket but was slapped with a traveling violation before making the shot.
“Sayang kaayo. It was a judgement call by the referee but he could have let it go. I am very proud of the players, they showed remarkable effort and desire to win,” said Ateneo coach Leo Casinillo.
The Ormoc leg was another pocket tournament of the DH25 Training Camp spearheaded by Dondon Hontiveros, who graced the championship matches along with Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez and former PBA player Rey Evangelista.
The tournament was supported by Alaska Milk, Cebuana Lhuillier, Recover, M16, Promatix, V. Label Shop and The Chosen One.
A total of 16 teams, including four from Cebu, vied in the tournament.
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