PLAYING according to plan, Team Butron delivered on both ends of the floor to beat Team Romuls, 85-66 and capture the 3rd President’s Cup of the Green CdeO Eagles basketball tournament concluded recently at the Nazareth gym, Cagayan de Oro City.
So impressive was Team Butron in their rotation play that all were able to score with leading MVP candidate Ronald Rey Boning’ Biongcog, point guard Vines Dodong’ Buot and brainy center-forward Samboy Uy leading the charge with 18, 17 and 10 points each.
“We played great defense sa ibabaw ug ilalom. Samboy for one is an inspiration in the middle, and then Kuya Boning can switch from guard to virtual slotman defensively. Actually, tanan nag-effort sa depensa from Charlie Butron, Daryll Timkang, Budz Lumacang, Jasper Paterno, Roel Lungay, Jimbo Paterno and the rest. So, maka proud kaayo nga victory,” said the hard-working Buot, who knocked three crucial treys that doused cold water to every comeback bid made by Team Romuls.
Bull-strong Jessie Lentorio, who exploded for 33 and 35 points in quarterfinal and semifinal wins, was limited to only 10 points, thus making Jezzrel Saraus and Cristopher `Bonbon’ Macaliag as the leading scorers for Team Romuls’ titular defeat with 14 and 12 markers apiece.
From the opening salvo, Jasper Paterno connected 8 points right away as Team Butron built a twin-digit first quarter lead that set the tone for Stev Panaz wards’ trouble-free finish.
Already, Green Cagayan de Oro Eagles club president Ulysses `Baseball Pass’ Romulo made an early announcement for everyone to prepare for the coming 4th President’s Cup at same venue.
How they scored:
Championship match
Team Butron 85--Biongcog 18, Buot 17, Uy 10, Timkang 9, Butron 8, Paterno Jas 8, Paterno Jim 4, Lumacang 4, Lungay 2.
Team Romuls 66--Saraus 14, Macaliag 12, Lentorio 10, Aquino 7, Romulo 5, Castro 6, Estenzo 4, Eslapor 4, Besin 2, Baba 2, Nard 0, Napone 0, Lico 0, Clavero 0, Cocamas 0.