MLSDF-Mantawi Dream Team trounces Sogod selection

The M. Lhuillier Sports Development Commission (MLSDF)-backed Mantawi Dream Team got off to a blistering start as it shackled Sogod selection, 80-60, in the 2006 Compostela Mayor's Cup Invitational 21-Under Basketball Tournament at the Compostela municipal gym.

Anjun Cabahug scored eight of his 14 points in a second quarter breakway that came to be MLSDF-Mantawi Dream Team's springboard in dictating the tempo of the match the rest of the away.

With Cabahug on the firing end backed up by the adept quarterbacking skills of Luigi Bercede, Mantawi of coach Ancing Anciado blew a hairline 14-13 lead into a 12-point bubble at halftime, 35-23.

Patrick Jacobe and Joven Cortes then presided over a searing 23-14 spurt in the third quarter as Mantawi virtually put the victory in its pocket with a commanding 21-point edge, 58-37, entering the final canto.

Nelson Basubas and Roderick Remedio tried desperately to bail Sogod out of humiliation but were negated by Mantawi's unrelenting defense and unforgiving offense.

Right after the match, Anciado and team manager Glenn Bercede lodged a protest against Sogod player Basubas, who is said to be already 24 years old. The tournament is open to players aged 21 years old and below.

Basubas finished with a game-high 31 points.

Mantawi placed the game under protest despite of their lopsided victory to serve stern warning to other teams to always abide by the rules and adhere to the true essence of sportmanship.

The team, which was only formed three weeks before the tournament, will serve as the official team of Mandaue City in future competitions.

MLSDF executive director Eddie Ybañez is the team consultant, while helping Anciado at the bench is ex-pro Montoy Singson. The team is bankrolled by MLSDF and Mandaue City Sports Development Commission under the aegis of Cheryl Ouano.

The scores

Mantawi (80) - Cabahug 14, Jacobe 12, Bercede 11, Cortes 11, Florido 8, Manira 6, Espina 4, Ranile 4, Mercader 4, Morelles 4, Bosque 2

Sogod (60) - Basubas 31, Remedio 19, Ruiz 8, Montoya 2, Enriquez 1.

Quarterscores: 14-13; 35-23; 58-37; 80-60