UAP-Cebu edges Manila to win Architects hoop title

CEBU, Philippines – The United Architects Basketball Club (UABC) All-Stars of Cebu blasted their Manila counterparts in their sudden-death final match, 49-42, to capture the championship of the 3rd ARkylimpics, which was among the sidelights of the 35th National Convention for Architects recently at SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

 It was indeed a vast improvement for the Cebuano dribbling architects, who just placed third in the inaugural edition of the annual event in 2007.

Overall, the Davies Paints-sponsored UABC stalwarts swept all three tournaments they joined in less than six months, dominating the basketball event of the 17th National Conference for Architects (NCA) in Davao and topping the Area Assembly early this year in Dumaguete City.

The hosts tried to distract the Cebuano visitors by playing rough and highly physical, but they were simply outclassed and outgunned by the gritty UABC stars of coach Mark Anthony Tallo.

Michael Vincent Cinco carried most of UABC’s offensive load, while Jay Radomez, Antonio Decatoria and Klein Baladya were responsible in building up a stonewall defense for the Cebu squad. The rest who deserved special mention for their crowning glory are the likes of Jun Villacorta, Lord Ong, John Sulay and Elmer Laguna.

UABC of team director Alan “Big Al” G. Choachuy advanced into the championship round in style, thrashing UAP-Bacolod Chapter by an eye-popping 40 points, 76-36.

The rest of the UABC-manned UAP Cebu hardcourt warriors are Jonathan Suico, Christopher Dy, Elmer Laguna, Erickson Perez, Mark Louie Capili, Rolan Paolo Alberto, Oliver Tan, Philip Khan Lim, Richard Abella, and Vic Dennis Julgalbot. — EBV (THE FREEMAN)