Theam Cargo rules St. Augustine hoop

CEBU, Philippines - Veteran center Danny de los Santos and forward Wowie Escocio provided Theam Cargo/Mambaling the much-needed offense to topple Inayawan-Akira, 107-94 and capture the St. Augustine Cup 2011 basketball tournament crown last Sunday at the Inayawan Sports Complex.

De los Santos amassed 25 points while Escocio added 24 points. On top of the formidable tandem of De los Santos and Escocio, former pro and current UV Lancers coach Felix Belano did not only provide leadership inside the court but was also scoring against his counterpart Jimwell Torion, who had four triples to lead Inayawan with 25 points.

 For several instances, Belano helped Theam Cargo/Mambaling in keeping their heads above water, nailing crucial baskets everytime Inayawan threatened to come back. Belano who sank two triples, chipped in 20 points.

Inayawan made a last ditch rally when Victor Bacalso drilled back-to-back triples to came within a hairline, 51-52 but Michael Sumayang responded with a triple to give Theam Cargo a 55-51 breather.

Bacalso had five treys of his 17 points, while Jun Capangpangan added 20 points including four 3-pointers.

Theam Cargo/Mambaling swept all six games in the tournament - four in the elimination and one each in the semifinal and final.

The scores

 Theam Cargo/Mambaling (107) - De los Santos 25, Escocio 24, Belano 20, Balingit 11, Lopez 11, Sumayang 8, Daclan 4, Duran 2, Camay 2

Inayawan-Akira (94) - Torion 25, Capangpangan 20, Bacalso 17, Cabrera 8, Hoybia 8, Caputolan 7, Abasolo 2, Navares 2, Guangco 2, Cabo 2, Baguio 1 Halftime: 48-43 (FREEMAN)