Super Idols retain crown in IBP caging

CEBU, Philippines – The Super Idols of playing coach Bong Pepito spanked the Pañeros, 49-44, to re-tain their title in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) 5th Lawyer's League Mayor's Cup basketball tournament at the Capitol Parish gym along Escario Street, this city.

Earlier, the Pecandela Law Firm settled for third place after defeating the Litiga-tors, 69-60.

The Super Idols and the Pañeros engaged in an air-tight battle almost the entire game that the five-point win turned out to be the biggest lead. The Pañeros' largest lead was three points, 25-22, at halftime.

The Super Idols were not yet off the hook until the final 47 seconds when Fermin Pepito converted an undergoal stab to give his team a 45-44 lead. And after Pepito split his charities, Benjo Santiago scored on a short jumper to seal the victory.

Santiago paced the Super Idols with 18 points.

Rowel Juban and Dennis Aliño each scored 10 points for the Pañeros.

Meanwhile, Brandon Enad and Mark Russ Gamallo led Pecandela with 12 points apiece even as Francis Pepito added 11 markers.

Richard Bauzon nailed 16 markers for the Litigators, while Jun Felicitas added 12. Edward Sumampong and Lito Otiz added 10 points each in a losing cause. (FREEMAN)