CEBU, Philippines - Finally, the Asian College of Technology (ACT) rose to the ranks of champions.
The ACT Cyber Knights of coach Tata Merced bludgeoned the Asian College of Science and Technology (ACSAT) Lightnings of Dumaguete City, 102-71, to become the third title-holder of the Visayas Amateur Athletic Association (VAAA) men’s basketball tournament recently at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.
There was already no doubt as to who would emerge the victor in the sudden-death finale as the Cyber Knights dictated the tempo of the match with authority right from the opening buzzer, posting as much as 23 points lead, 74-51, at the end of the third period.
Worse, the visiting ACSAT cagers showed no signs of recovery, allowing the Cyber Knights to easily waltz their way to a 31-point blowout.
Elmer Aparice topscored for the Cyber Knights with 24 points, while Adelbert Nuñez finished with 19 markers. Prospito Batiancila, Jr. and Cyril Pontemayor donated 30 points combined.
Team owner and Cebu City councilor Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa cherished their championship with pride as he tendered a victory party for his players at a resort in Talisay.
The scores
ACT (102) - Aparice 24, Nuñez 19, Batiancila 17, Pontemayor 13, Conahap 9, Valencia 7, Cadiz 6, Reyes 4, Doy 2
ACSAT (71) - Tuanda 13, Quintao 13, Villanueva 12, Quiñones 11, Concua 6, Nillas 5, Dela Cruz 5, Ada 4, Catubay 3. – GGM (THE FREEMAN)