TEAM URC emerged the first University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Alumni Friendship Games basketball tournament champion after beating College of Technology Thunders 54-49, in the finals held Saturday evening, July 13, at the USEP University Gymnasium and Cultural Center.
Lambac brothers, Maljun and Julius, led the charge with combined 24 points as teammate Robert Gumia chipped in 13 points to seal the win.
The Thunders, for its part, leaned on the services of Martin Encabo and Roland John Cabigas, who made 14 points each.
The see-saw affair was basically about major spurts down the stretch.
The first half ended with a tight 26-25 game in favor of the URC.
The Thunders, however, answered in the third quarter to take the lead 35-32, with Encabo and R. Cabigas at the helm.
With the much eagerness to win, the Lambac brothers asserted their presence by fueling a 17-10 run in the homestretch.
URC coach Wilfred Ronquillo, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, expressed his joy for bagging home the first-ever title.
"Special ni sa amoa and somehow history kay first time ni tapos wala mi nag expect mag champion mi kay punaka kusog sa league amoang nakalaban sa finals," Ronquillo said.
He also lauded team members Cary Magada, Robert Gumia, Ernie Malnegro, Ivan Plaza, Marky Nuevo, James Villaceran, Gideon Juezan, Archie Paghacian, Almar Lauren Canda
Juezan, Gideon Paghacian, Archie Canda, Almar Lauren, Roy Fuentea, Lesther Barba, and the Lambac brothers for delivering.
"Dako pud kaayong pasalamat sa University Athletics Office and its sports director Jose Alther Rivera bisan di siya alumni sa USEP kay na pahigayon gyud niya ni (My utmost gratitude to University Athletics Office and its sports director Jose Alther Rivera, who is not an Usep alumus but made an effor to organize the event)," Ronquillo said.
Meantime, the volleyball and softball games of the same event will commence of Saturday, July 21.