Green team bags Abbariao Memorial Cup crown

CEBU, Philippines - Noel Medalle played like a man possessed as he banged in a tournament-record 41 points to lead the Green Team to a pulsating 86-81 victory over Red to rule the 2nd Maj. Alfonso C. Abbariao Memorial Cup basketball tournament last Wednesday at the Benedicto College gym along A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City.

The victory was sweet revenge for Green, which lost to Red in the final of the inaugural season of the tournament last June.

Green took the early lead but Red bounced back in the second period taking at least a 12-point lead that was sliced to just seven points at the half, 43-36.

Medalle then took over and took the scoring cudgels for Green in the third period to post a 63-57 lead.

Boodie Monteño led a Red comeback where they were able to come within two points in four occasions during a fiery exchange of baskets in the final canto, the last was at 76-78 still with 1:33 to go.

Green didn't succumb to pressure and with the shot clock ticking down to the last second, Medalle heaved in his only three-pointer of the night to give his team an 81-76 lead with 58 seconds left.

Medalle went on to score the final five points for Green for the 86-81 outcome.

Team captain Jingjing Rama took it easy in the game as he nursed an ankle injury, but still contributed 5 points aside from providing the assists to Medalle. 

Ronan Cañete topscored for Red with 16 points, Chinchin Paghasian added 15 points while Monteño had 14 points and 11 assists.  (FREEMAN)