BAGUIO College of Technology (BCT) sent University of the Philippines–Baguio (UPB) crashing back to reality with a 128–46 trumping to kick off their bid in men’s basketball of the 32nd season of the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) during the weekend at the University of the Cordilleras (UC) gym.
The BCT Atoms limited the returning UP Fighting Maroons to only 14 points in the first half, three in the second period to erect a 57–14 advantage going into the third canto and never looked back as it notched its first win Northern Luzon’s largest collegiate league.
Armando Reynil led the charge for the Atoms with 24 points while Armando Pollante added 20 as Melvin Vinoya and Kram William Domingo chipped in 11 and 10 markers a piece.
Assistant coach Elijino Jaynard said while the season is still early, the Atoms needs to be patient in their offense and have discipline in their defense in their bid for another shot at the title which was thwarted twice by defending champion UC Jaguars.
“Kailingan mag stick ang aming mga players sa game plan for us to achieve our goal of probably reaching the final four,” added Jaynard.
Veteran Pollante added that the team needs to have constant communication every game to be able to achieve their goals this year as four key players will be missed this year, including Azzir Rabara who has already completed his playing legibility for the BBEAL.
Meanwhile, two–time champion Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) Admirals bucked a slow start to edge Baguio Central University (BCU), 79–64 as it hopes to get their third title this year after winning the back to back championship in 2007 and 2008.
With scores tied at 10 at the 4:55 mark of the opening quarter, the Admirals took control of the ball game as it close out the first period with a 20–12 advantage.
The lead was trimmed down to 29–28 at halftime before the Admirals pulled away on a searing 17–2 run for a commanding 46–30 lead with 5:23 remaining in the third canto and never looked back the rest of the ball game to score its first victory.
Manuel Felix top scored for the Admirals with 23 markers as Paul John Narvaez came up with 15 points on five triples as Paul Balagot added eight while BCU leaned on John Burton’s 12 markers top lead the Eagles.
CCDC coach Butch Diaz said they hope to cash in on the pre – BBEAL tournament they joined as the team seeks to improve its fourth place finish last year.
“Siguro yung kailangan naming ma-address is yung slow start and at the same time yung communication ng bawat isa sa loob ng court,” added Diaz. (Roderick Osis)