Niños slip past Talisay Aquastar in Inter-City hoop

Guard Butong Villanueva calmly sank two-pressure-packed freethrows, with five seconds left in the clock, to lift the Cebu City Niños to a pulsating 73-71 victory over the Talisay Aquastars last Friday as Inter-City Cup Basketball Challenge resumed at the Inayawan Sports Complex.

However, Talisay Coach Jury Vilango immediately placed the game under protest on the premise that Cebu City Niños player Rey Maraño was not wearing his proper jersey number.

Last November 17, during the league’s opening, the Niños prevailed over the Aquastars, also by two points, 96-94, in an exhibition game.

The Talisay Aquastars appeared to have the better of the Niños they led by 10 points twice in the second period, 29-19 and 31-21. The Aquastars continued to lead and closed the third period holding a slim margin, 59-55.

The Niños finally tied the count at 61-all midway in the fourth period and took the lead 65-64 with just over two minutes left in the game. Talisay grabbed the lead back 66-64 but then Villanueva scored eight points in the decisive end-game run, including the winning freethrows.

The tournament is sponsored by Nature’s Spring, Omega Pain Killer, Casino Rubbing Alcohol, Effecascent  Oil, CFL Focus Lamp, Yayoy’s Grill, MLKP and Hotel Fortuna.

The scores:

Cebu City (73) – Villanueva 25, Potencioso 18, Abellanosa 9, Cabo 8, R. Maraño 4, Labajo 3, Talido 2, Babiera 2, L. Maraño 2

Talisay City (71) – Tabar 19, Ale Cabañero 13, Al Cabañero 11, Seguerra 8, Bardilas 7, Nacario 5, Macuto 2, Echavez 2, Caparas 2, Caparida Halftime: 32-37 (GGM)