SMCCO captured the championship in the Victory in Camaraderie Basketball League (VCBL) Season 3 after it toppled the Cardinals, 87-81, in the finals at the Benedicto College gym on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020.

Elizar Phalang Linda, who was named the Finals Most Valuable Player, led SMCCO with 21 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Mark Monte also scored 21 markers and pulled down seven boards.

Monte and his teammates Albert Echavarria and Oliver Sanoy were also named to the league’s Mythical Five squad along with Team RV big man Junrie Hoybia and Fritz Manatad of Monday’s Pride. Manatad was named as the tournament’s MVP.

Third place honors was captured by Team RV, which nosed out Monday’s Pride, 101-98. Hoybia was an unstoppable force inside, tallying 28 points to go with nine rebounds.

Season 3 of the VCBL was as groundbreaking as it was creative as it handed out a five-kilogram sack of rice to the best player of each game, calling the award “Best Pamugasay of the Game.” (JNP)