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Caloocan bags first CBA under-18 title

September 16, 2019, 2:20 pm

<p>Newly-crowned CBA Next 18-under champion Caloocan Hurrican Saints. <em>(Contributed photo)</em></p>

Newly-crowned CBA Next 18-under champion Caloocan Hurrican Saints. (Contributed photo)

MANILA -- Caloocan crowned itself as the first-ever champion of the 2019 Community Basketball Association (CBA)-Pilipinas Next 18-under champion.

Led by Jolo Sumagaysay and John Sheric Estrada, the Hurricane Saints brought down the Binangonan Spartans, 88-73, in their third and deciding game to capture the title before a big weekend crowd at the Barangay Mariano Espeleta ll in Imus, Cavite.

The Saints wrapped up the best-of-three title showdown, 2-1.

Sumagaysay, who was named as Most Valuable Player, made his presence felt with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Estrada had another all-around game with 19 points, seven assists and seven rebounds in the community-based league organized by CBA founding president Carlo Maceda and supported by TOPS (Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports).

Saints team manager Rinbert Galarde and coach Mark Ballesteros also drew outstanding performances from three other players to beat the Spartans for the second time in three games.

Drick Acosta added a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds; Jhimwell Rivera chipped in 12 points and eight assists and Jeric Cruz had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Valentine Mechilina led the Spartans' losing effort with a game-high 28 points on 12-of-20 shooting in 33 minutes of action.

Game 1 hero Reynald Yante added 14 markers and four assists and Kerby Villaluna had 10 points and nine rebounds for the Spartans.

Actually, the Saints raced to early double-digit leads right in the opening minutes and took a 24-11 advantage after the first period.

The Spartans never recovered from there.

Binangonan drew first blood with 76-72 win in the series opener at home last Aug. 31 but the Saints evened the series with a 95-83 victory in Game 2 in Bacoor, Cavite.

Maceda and PBA legend EJ Feihl awarded the trophy and the PHP200,000 cash prize to Caloocan.

Despite the setback, Binangonan Mayor Cesar Ynares and administrator Russel Ynares congratulated both teams for a well-played series.

"It was a well-played finals and we congratulate the CBA and the two teams -- Caloocan and Binangonan. To the 18-under champs Saints, you will continue to inspire us to get better and improve. You guys will always have our respect," Ynares said in a statement. (PR)

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