CEBU, Philippines — The Lapu-Lapu City Heroes showed big fighting heart as they fended off the equally-tough Liloan Tornadoes in overtime, 92-84, to grab the championship crown of the Cong. Duke Frasco Cup-Christmas Open Basketball Tournament 2024 last Tuesday night, December 10, at the D.M. Reynes Gymnasium in Compostela, Cebu.
Former collegiate standout Shaq Imperial shepherded the Heroes to title glory with a game-high 24 points.
Kenneth Brillo and JZ Dizon added 14 points each, while Anchor Igot contributed 11 points as the Heroes pocketed P200,000 for reigning supreme in the five-day cage wars.
Joseph Cabahug finished with 23 points while Paul Desiderio tallied 19 markers for the Tornadoes, who took home P100,000 with their first runner-up finish.
In the battle for third place, the Consolacion Sarok Weavers had to go through double overtime before beating Compostela Team Na May Puso, 107-101.
Emmanuel Villamor fired 31 points while Rovello Robles chipped in with 23 points for the Sarok Weavers, who received P50,000 for claiming the second runner-up trophy.
“We’re very thankful for the teams who joined even on such short notice. Our hearts are full,” said Liloan councilor Kath Jumapao, who organized the event in collaboration with Ian Callet of CSAS.
“This tournament wasn’t easy to organize as we only prepared for a month,” said Callet. “But we’re thankful that the teams came all out. We’re looking to do one yearly so keep posted.” — (FREEMAN)