Lite stages great comeback to grab 1st Mortabond Cup crown

CEBU, Philippines — The Lite team overhauled a 16-point deficit late in the second quarter and then turned to a solid endgame finish to fend off Brute, 65-63, in a thrilling finale and clinch the championship title of the Cebu Architects Basketball Club (CABC) 1st Mortabond Cup last Sunday, October 13, at the Benedicto College Gym in Cebu City.

Lite trailed 26-42 in the closing seconds of the first half, but staged a sizzling counter-attack in the final period to win the down-the-wire battle that saw seven lead changes and two deadlocks down the stretch.

Overall in the final quarter, Lite overpowered Brute, 37-20.

John Buhawe shepherded Lite to title glory with 28 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two steals.

Miggy Appari caught part of the spotlight with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds for Lite.

Zach Go paced Brute with 14 markers. Dexsel Caadan had 13 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks, while Carlos Baltar and Miguel Cenabre connived for 23 points in a losing effort.

In the battle for third place, Lemuel Aspacio fired 25 points on top of five rebounds and two assists as Mortaseal slammed Strakgrout, 88-76.

Ferdinand Tiro added 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Chester Hinagdanan made his presence felt with a 14-point, 14-rebound performance laced with six assists and four steals.

Justin Aspacio was the other double-digit scorer for Mortaseal with 14 points. — (FREEMAN)