Thursday, September 11, 2008 Panthers, Dragons clash for crown tonight
FOR THE third time around, the Blue Panthers made it to the finals of the exciting Club 92 inter-color basketball tourney.
But without a ring in their first two finals appearances, the Panthers vow to do their best against former champions, Red Dragons in their much-awaited championship duel tonight at the Macasandig gym in Cagayan de Oro City.
In climbing to the top again, the Anton Pabillore-led Blue Panthers fashioned out a stunning 85-79 conquest of Orange, also a past conference winner in the club, and fronted by the fancied Deña brothers (Celbon and Jiji).
The Red Dragons, on the other hand, bested the Green Lancers for a chance to dispute a second title after winning one last year.
"Puro champion among kontra sa semis and now sa finals. Yes, we survived against Orange but we're keeping our fingers crossed against Red kay mga varsity sa XU (Xavier University) ilang linya," said Pabillore.
Obviously the underdog before entering the final Big 4, the Panthers put up a ferocious effort on defense to dominate the startled Orange in the entire game.
"It seems that nobody believes but we managed to take control of the game from start to finish," one Blue cager said.
The Panthers parade the likes of Cris Cabalan, Jolts Ramayan, Ian Go, Roldan Caamiño, Budat and Buddock in their titular duel with the Red Dragons blostered by the towering Romar Poblete, Bobax Echalico and explosive guard-forward Jimboy Menciano.
