Ocean Fresh bags Espiritu Cup title

Jerwin Gaco fired 17 points as Ocean Fresh-Lyceum brought down CUSA champion Manuel Luis Quezon University, 64-53, to capture the MBL-Danny Espiritu Cup crown at the Lyceum gym recently.

Gaco, who also took the MVP plum, carried the fight for the Seafood Experts, coming up with clutch baskets to stave the Stallions’ repeated rallies in their winner-take-all match.

“We’re very happy to win this title against one of the best collegiate teams in the country,” said Ocean Fresh coach Bonnie Tan, who was assisted by Nap Garcia, Gerrry Cojuangco and Nelson Gatdula.

Chris Aqualafull, a 6-8 recruit from Republic of Ghana, added 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Arnel Calimag contributed 11 points for the Florence See-managed Seafood Experts.

Ocean Fresh-Lyceum also drew solid games from Joseph Abaya, Pamboy Raymundo, Jason Ballesteros, Eder Saldua and Earl Saguindel.

John Matubang paced MLQU with 26 points, while ex-pro Marlon Legaspi tossed in 12 points.

PBA player agent Danny Espiritu awarded the trophies to Ocean Fresh-Lyceum, assisted by PBA players Gary David (Air21), Chico Lanete (Purefoods), Cyrus Baguio (Red Bull) and Jason Castro (Talk and Text).