Hermosa shines as Legends clinches YUCBO cage title

CEBU, Philippines - Sam Jordan Hermosa exploded with 24 points as the Legends strolled past As-Es Sports Wear, 70-66, to win the championship of the Young Urban Community Basketball Organization (YUCBO) Sinulog Cup basketball tournament the other night at the Benjamin Solon Memorial Sports Complex in Brgy. Cogon-Ramos, this city.

Earler, the Radisson Blu Hotel defeated the Youth Club, 86-79, to capture the third place trophy.

Hermosa, who plays for the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in the CESAFI, was backed up on the offensive end by MVP Regino Potencioso and Alfred Vitag with 13 markers each.

The Legends nearly collapsed after posting a 66-54 lead with still four minutes left to play as As-Es unleashed a 10-to-nothing run to close within 64-66 at the final 1:21 mark of the contest.

But that proved to be the last hurrah of As-Es as the Legends kept their poise and composure to preserve a four-point victory. Vitag hit two free throws with 1.8 seconds left in the gameclock to peg the final tally.

Randyl Roncal paced As-Es with 22 points followed by Mark Galo and Rigor Ramos with 10 apiece.

The scores

For third

Radisson Blu (86) – Gonzales 28, Gubat 11, Tamparong 10, Quijada 8, Cabaluna 8, Apere 7, Nacorda 6, Manlunas 5, Lasala 4

Youth Club (79)- Iso 22, Edaño 20, Magallon 17, Fuentes 6, Ylaya 3, Tecson 3, Barrita 2

Championship

Legends (70) - Hermosa 24, Potencioso 13, Vitag 13, Gallarde 8, Cadilla 5, Dela Rama 4, Batiancela 2, Panerio 1

As-Es Sports Wear (66) – Roncal 22, Galo 10, Ramos 10, Sonsona 8, Magat 8, Ylaya 3, Matias 3, Sotelo 2   - (THE FREEMAN)