PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Cebu/UV Passerelle team is runner-up no more. After two straight years of finishing second best, they trounced Batangas, 95-83, to win the championship of the 2014 Coca Cola PBA Youngstars Basketball Tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena here.
The Cebuanos found an unlikely leader in Jifford Cahigas, who erupted for a career-high 36 points, while the team’s usual leaders in tournament MVP Joshua Flores and pointguard Orlan Wamar were closely marked. Cahigas stepped up to the challenge as he took advantage of the defensive strategy applied by Batangas, which paid dearly for not respecting his offense. He scored 24 points in the first half from medium range and putbacks off offensive rebounds, setting the tone for the game.
The Cebuanos started off on a high note, going on a 10-0 tear to start the game, and taking a 29-17 lead at the end of the first period. The lead was padded to 55-40 at halftime before Cebu enjoyed its biggest lead of the game of 19 points at 66-47 midway through the third period.
But Batangas never gave up. Backed by a loud and supportive crowd that drove to Metro Manila for the game, the Batangueños rallied from a 76-62 deficit at the start of the fourth quarter to slash the lead to five, 82-77, with five minutes left in the game.
After a much-needed time-out, Cebu/UV went to their full-court press, causing turnovers which Cahigas and Flores converted to six unanswered points in transition to gain breathing room at 88-77 with 4:07 left. Their defense took over, limiting Batangas to only six more points for the rest of the game.
The trio of Cahigas, Flores and Wamar finished off the job with insurance points from the free throw line. Despite the tight marking of the defense, Flores worked his way to score hard-earned 21 points while Wamar added 17. Raprap Chavez led Batangas with 34 points as sidekick VJ Alarcon had 22.
Both teams received their trophy at halftime of the PBA game between Barangay Ginebra and Meralco. Flores was named MVP, while Cahigas joined Flores in the Mythical Five. On hand to present the awards were PBA Commissioner Chito Salud and Coca Cola’s Atty. Adel Tamano.
The scores
Cebu/UV Passerelle (95) – Cahigas 36, Flores 21, Wamar 17, Zenarosa 9, Dado 5, Gonzaga 4, Canoy 3.
Batangas (83) – Chavez 34, Alarcon 22, Oliva 15, Garcia 4, Macaraig 4, Hernandez 3, Dimayuga 1.
Quarterscores: 29-17, 55-40, 76-62, 95-83 (FREEMAN)