USJ-R escapes favored UST Tigers to secure Recoletos de Cebu Basketball Cup crown
RJ Dinolan came up with a big game to help the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) stun the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), 89-86, in the championship game of the Recoletos de Cebu Basketball Cup at the Recoletos Coliseum yesterday.
Dinolan scored 25 points, while Jaybie Mantilla chipped in 23, including two free throws that sealed the game, as the Jaguars got back at the same Tigers team that handed them their only defeat in the elimination round and more importantly became the inaugural champions of the tournament.
UST captain Louie Vigil led the way for the UAAP powerhouse Tigers with 20 points.
UST, which crushed USJ-R, 73-60, on opening day last Thursday in the elimination round, looked headed for a repeat victory when it held an 83-78 lead in the final three minutes of the game.
The Jaguars, though, clawed back via a 11-3 run behind the efforts of Arnie Padilla and the two freebies by Mantilla.
The Growling Tigers had one last chance to tie the game, but Kent Lao missed a three pointer at the buzzer.
Things went a bit out of hand in the final 6:00 mark as USJ-R captain Nelvin Navarra and Growling Tiger big man Jeepy Faundo were ejected for second motion as the two got physical in a box-out play for a rebound.
Both teams were also assessed technical fouls because their respective players left the bench during the scuffle.
Mantilla, who averaged 15.2 points a game in the tournament, said the reason why they emerged victorious this time was because they “executed all their plays” and played good trapping defense.
USJ-R’s Dinolan and Mantilla together with UST’s Vigil, Faundo and Reggie Basibas were named into the Mythical Five team.
Meanwhile, the University of San Carlos routed the University of the Visayas, 108-45, to bag third place honors.
Ian Tagapan led the Warriors with 16 points while Dave Cabanilla led the Green Lancers with 15 markers.
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