CEBU, Philippines - The CCC-CSD Builders tamed the undermanned Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras, 78-69, in the opener of their best-of-three finals series in the 1st Vice Mayor Rudy Espinosa Cup basketball tournament at the Barba Sports Complex in Toledo City.
Jared Kane Abatayo lived up to his billing as the team's top defensive guard by topscoring for the Builders with 15 points.
Commercial veterans Jerry Jaca and Franklin Nailon also rose to the occasion, but it was Sherwin Abobo's 12-point contribution that mattered most because he kept on firing back everytime the Cobras scored in transition.
Jaca and Nailon donated 13 and 11 points, respectively, even as Aldrin Ocañada added 10 points for the Builders, who needed only one win to pocket the P70,000 champion's purse.
The Cobras really felt the negative effects playing without star players Alfred Belande, Eric Zanoria and Eliud Poligrates.
Top playmaker Ard Diango led the Cobras with 15 points, while Jeff Pria scored 13. Rene Pacquiao and Ritchie Jalandoni chipped in 21 points combined.
The Rudy Espinosa Cup is supervised by Toledo City Councilor Jun Borja. Estoy Jaranilla serves as the tournament director assisted by technical committee member Edwin Dejacto.
The scores
CCC-CSD (78) - Abatayo 15, Jaca 13, Nailon 11, Ocañada 10, Delos Santos 9, Redulosa 3, Arnado 3, Sayson 2
SWU (69) - Diango 15, Pria 13, Pacquaio 11, Jalandoni 10, Litorja 8, Armecin 6, Caytona 4, Albarillo 2. – GGM (THE FREEMAN)