THE Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Crusaders sank Agro Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines (AIFCP) Sailors, 81-76, to capture the 80th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament title at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center Monday.
HCDC overcame health concerns of some players to survive in the league.
Crusaders coach Isaias Gravador, who romped away with the best coach award, said they motivated one another. "When we lost some of our players due to injuries, summer class schedule, graduation and recruitment from Manila, we motivated the team that there is no other way for us to compete but to do things collectively and they have to step up both in offense and defense," Gravador said in an interview.
He, however, said it was a very hard-fought game as both teams wanted to win the title.
"I’m just happy for the boys, the management headed by our sports director Rudy Salvador and the entire HCDC community," he said, adding that they will try to fill the gap in their roster and seek more playing opportunities outside the city.
Most valuable player James Clarn Linares canned 13 to lead scoring for the Crusaders who also leaned on team captain Joshua Aguilon, Jhayston Oquias, Mark Fransisco and Harry Dumagan.
"I feel blessed na nakadawat ko sa MVP award kay wala ko nag-expect na ako ma MVP," Linares said.
HCDC was also composed of Patrick Quidato, Bernard Gutierrez, Michael Gonzaga, Ken Gudes, Jim Yap, Renzo Galdo, and Andy Llemit with assistant coaches Adel Nobleza and Caloy Salvador.
The Jose Maria CollegeKings, meanwhile, clobbered St. John Paul College of Davao, 72-65, to salvage the third place in the event presented by the Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office and officiated by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.