Gullas powers 1st District to championship glory

CEBU, Philippines — The 1st District led by Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. ended the four-year reign of the 4th District with an emphatic 71-66 victory in their sudden-death final match to emerge as champion of the 2024 Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Cebu Provincial Federation Basketball League at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex recently.

It’s the proverbial icing on the cake for the undefeated 1st District, which posted a perfect 7-0 record in grabbing the coveted crown of the annual tournament that was made possible through the full support of PCL Cebu President and Provincial Board Member Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito of Toledo City.

Gullas fired a game-high 21 points, 11 of which he poured in the opening quarter that catapulted the 1st District to an early 25-18 advantage.

From that point on, the spirited hardcourt warriors from the 1st District have taken care of business in the face of a fierce challenge by the four-time titleholders to hang on for a five-point win.

Gullas drew huge support from Sibonga Vice Mayor Joel Ponce, who sank three 3-pointers of his 15-point finish, and Carcar City Councilor Inting Escobido with 12 points for the 1st District.

The other members of the 1st District champion team are Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, councilor Boyet Velez and ABC President Dongly Traya, councilors Gail Restauro, Rocky Bas and Lester Daan and SK Federation President Johnvan Restauro of Talisay, Elmer John Lapitan and Faith James Servano of Naga City, Harold Nacua of Carcar, and Ricci Reluya of San Fernando.

Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura sizzled with 17 points but to no avail as the 4th District’s dominance was finally shattered. — (FREEMAN)