CAGAYAN de Oro's "A" Team of coach Arvin Martinez fell short in the Cebu Mayor's Cup 16-Under tournament after a heartbreaking one-point loss (119-20) to Coach Leo Basketball Academy (CLBA) in their crucial match at the Cebu City Sports Institute hard court in front of Sawang Kalero barangay hall in Cebu City.
Down by 19 points at the half, the Cagayan de Oro boys clawed back slowly in the second half to extend the match into overtime after RJ Colonia hit a 3-pointer for a 110-all standoff in the regulation.
The "A" Team boys moved ahead by five at the start of the overtime period, 115-110. But it was all they could muster as the boys of coach Leo Casinillo leaned on the superb showing of Avila and rebound plays of Ceniza to deny the Oro team's entry into the championship round.
Martinez's wards had the chance to steal the show with four ticks left, but Vince Cumba's 3-point attempt faltered with time ticking away.
CLBA and Manila Black Stallions of coach Brit Reroma were still playing for the crown as of press time.
Despite of the loss, coach Martinez is still happy with the performance of his team only formed right after the Tailor Made-GEAR UP tournament in Cagayan de Oro last December.
Aside from Cagayan de Oro, the team is bolstered by young and budding players from Valencia City, Lanao and Zamboanga.
It was sponsored by Tailor Made-Gear Up.
The score:
CLBA 120 -- Avila 38, Justo 22, Colubio 13, Ceniza 11, Alcantara 9, Ygot 8, Mayam 6, Opeo 6, Espina 5, Deldig 2
"A" Team 119 -- Colonia 22, Bandino 20, Maghinay 17, M. Neri 15, Sabuga-a 14, Cumba 13, Te 9, Lintohan 6, McGinley 3.