GABRIEL George Cometa stood at the forefront of Mandaue City’s torrid offense as they asserted their mastery over Consolacion Sarok Weavers, 83-68, to win the 6th District crown in the 2019 Governor’s Cup Inter-Cities/Municipalities Basketball Tournament at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex on Monday night, April 8.

The versatile guard of University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Green Lancers canned in 11 of his huge 33 points, including a three-pointer and a mid-range jumper with less than three minutes to play, to put away the Sarok Weavers.

Mandaue City had a comfortable 57-38 edge at the start of the payoff period before Consolacion put up a gallant fight, trimming down the deficit to nine, 67-58 with 4:02 left to play.

That was the closest Consolacion could get, as Cometa and Mandaue City answered with a 16-10 run to carve out a 15-point win, following a 76-65 triumph on Consolacion’s home floor last Sunday.

Archie Buscay handed 12 points and Art Marco contributed 11 for Mandaue City, which will be going to the quarterfinals in full momentum.

“I give this (credit) to the boys; they just worked hard,” Mandaue City coach Gary Cortes told sports scribes after the game. “Though there was a collapse in the fourth quarter, the boys were able to sustain our play.”

Mandaue City began to pull away in the second quarter with a 21-9 run punctuated by Cometa’s three-pointer and ended the second quarter with a commanding 57-38 edge.

Keith Padayogdog was the lone player for Consolacion to hit double figures with 26 points.

Cortes said that next round would be a tough challenge for them. He hopes to see his boys play with heart every game.

Mandaue City is in Bracket A of the quarterfinals together with Danao City, Medellin, Balamban, Argao, Samboan and Dumanjug, while defending champion Talisay City leads Bracket B together with Tuburan, Sogod, Minglanilla, Alegria, Tabuelan and Consolacion. (RSC)