THE Crossing Bayabas National High School (CBNHS) emerged the first Escandor Cup 2018 Inter-Public High School basketball tournament champion after pulling off a pulsating 78-64 victory over Jesus J. Soriano National High School (JJSNHS) in the finals held at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday, September 16.

After 40 minutes of action, the CBNHS pulled off the win courtesy of everyone's efforts from the team.

While JJSNHS largely relied on Angelo Dandoy's reliability, CBNHS banked on its team work and balance scoring which gave the school's first official basketball title.

More than the win, CBNHS head coach Christopher Araneta was even happier with the values his wards learned all throughout the competition.

"Blessing po ito, sir. Bonus na sa akin ang win, sir. What is important is that the values na naturo ko sa mga bata," he said as the team didn't expect to win the title.

He also gave credits to his players which he tagged as "Gagmay pero dako ug kasing-kasing (small but with big hearts).

Reymart Lom-oc led the cast with 27 points including 10 points from the get-go.

Real Abulag and James Vincent Saberon dropped 15 and 14 points, respectively, while Archie Ladera and Christian James Pleños drilled in 10 markers apiece.

Khylle Marc Dumlao, Marlou Carso, Johnrey Carillo, Ryan Jay Vicente, Orlalles, Tagalog, Marc Lourence Marata, John Joseph Susuman and James Gilbero were also accessories to CBNH's win.

JJNSH, for its part, leaned on the services of Dandoy who shared 33 points in a losing effort.

Bernardo Carpio National High School, meanwhile, demolished the Davao City National High School, 82-66, in the battle-for-third clash of the event presented by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas-Davao through the initiative of regional director and presidential adviser for sports Glenn Escandor.