MANILA, Philippines - Forward Taguig added another feather to its cap by winning this year’s MBL Open basketball championship.
Led by former University of Santo Tomas standout Jemal Viscarra, Forward Taguig opened up a huge lead early in the game and then staved off repeated rallies by Foscon Ship Management to hack out an 82-72 win and capture the title before another big crowd at the Lyceum gym in Intramuros, Manila.
Viscarra, who was also named as Most Valuable Player (MVP), scattered a game-high 19 points to lead Forward Taguig of coach Bing Victoria and Mayor Freddie Tinga to its title-clinching ninth win in 10 matches in the eight-team tournament supported by Smart Communications, Dickies Underwear, PRC Managerial Services, WG Diner and Victory Liner.
Viscarra’s superb offensive effort against Foscon’s tight defense included four three-point shots that keyed Forward Taguig’s decisive breakaway in the winner-take-all encounter.