Webmasters crowned champs in Diaz Bros basketball tourney

CEBU, Philippines — The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters showed nerves of steel as they downed the Alegre Miners in overtime, 91-88, to emerge as champions of the Diaz Bros Open Basketball Tournament 2024 on Thursday night, June 20, at the Tagana-an Sports Complex in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte.

 Danie Boy Lapiz paced the Webmasters with 24 points and six rebounds, while Jepherson Nonol banged in 21 markers on top of three rebounds, two steals, and one assist.

McSteven Ursal and John Angelio also figured prominently in UC’s title glory.

Ursal calmly sank two pressure-packed free throws in the extra five-minute period that sealed UC’s never-wracking win, while Angelio hit a crucial basket in the dying seconds of the regulation period that sent the game into overtime.

Ursal delivered a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Angelio finished with six points laced with seven boards.

The Webmasters trailed by 11 points after three quarters, 57-68, but launched a ferocious fightback in the final frame, in which they outclassed the Alegre Miners, 24-13, capped by Angelio’s shot off the glass that knotted the count at 81-all, thus, the extension.

Rey Sordilla and Jhiey Paraldo contributed seven points each, while Charles Libatog, Luther Leonard, and Jasper Pacana connived for 12 points to help the Webmasters grab their first crown of the year.