CEC Dragons seize first ever basketball title

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons finally captured their first ever championship and their historic conquest was made extra special as they have to go through two overtime periods before outlasting Hapee Online Basketball Training Camp, 95-92, in the 17-under division final of the Sinulog Cup developmental basketball tournament at the CEC gym.

From their ‘whipping boys’ tag in the CESAFI last season where they got thrashed by at least 50 points by their rivals, the CEC Dragons have slowly roared as a fighting machine in the local hardcourt circuit, thanks to the extensive, multi-million basketball program initiated by the CEC Alumni led by one of its most distinguished alumna in Chester C. Cokaliong.

“This is a good start of the year for CEC. The boys played their hearts out. I hope this is not just in the beginning. I would like to thank the alumni who helped in building up the team,” said CEC athletic director Jefferson Go.

Team manager Sammy Sia likewise lavished his wards with praise and kind words.

The Training Specialists were on top by four at halftime, 33-29, and even kept a five-point edge, 75-70, in the closing minutes of the regulation period.

But the big-hearted CEC stalwarts put up a courageous stand when the game was on the line behind the efforts of their prized wingman Nike Montalve and 6-foot-3 center Lyle Sumayang, who carried most of CEC’s load in the twin overtime.

Motalve topped CEC with 30 points, while Sumayang touched 25 markers. It was however, Hapee’s Wilkin Sanchez who ran away with the MVP honors for his all-around performance throughout the two-month competition. They were joined into the elite Mythical Five by reigning Jr. NBA and CESAFI MVP Mark Jayve Tallo and Springdale’s Joah Go.

As promised earlier by the CEC Alumni, Cokaliong yesterday handed over cash incentives to the coaching staff, from his own pocket equilavent to their one-month salary, as part of their token of appreciation for the team’s landmark triumph.

The scores

CEC (95) - Montalve 30, Sumayang 25, Abecia 12, Ledres 10, Jaducana 9, Belandres 3, Sypongco 3, Damole 2

Hapee (92) - Sanchez 23, Tallo 21, Arong 17, Aguirre 12, Tejam 8, Yap 5, Dinsay 2, Bayno 2, Abad 2

Halftime:29-33 (FREEMAN NEWS)