THE Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Bulldogs swept its archnemesis Bernardo Carpio National High School (BCNHS) Sandstorms in the best-of-three finals to emerge the first Davao Pride Basketball League (DPBL) Inter-High School Basketball Tournament champion on Saturday at the newly-refurbished RMC Fil Oil Flying V event center.
The Bulldogs pulled off an 84-68 victory against the Sandstorms in their second encounter that was witnessed by some 2,300 spectators that filled the newly-refined arena that was once the home of the prestigious Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).
The win came on the heels of beating the BCNHS 84-70, in Game 1 that led the Bulldogs to a commanding 1-0 card the same day.
A tight game was witnessed in the first half but the Bulldogs, with Jack Into at the helm, came up strong in the third period and cemented a 68-47 cushion to keep the Sandstorms at bay.
From there, the Bulldogs basked to its solid lead and never looked back to secure the win.
Into led the charge for the surging Bulldogs who drilled in 23 baskets including 12 points in the third frame.
Elmarc Subingsubing, Clerrudel Noya and Jules Mirafelix, meanwhile, chipped in 14 points apiece while Chadnee Tag-at canned 12 points to help the Bulldogs claim the title of the event devoted for aspiring High School basketball players.
Also powered the Bulldogs were Kyle Crodua, Jr Labajo, Denzel Gumban, Salden Ralf Calceña, Francis Lasaca, Keanu Lara, Nico Macarayan and Ruebelle Delos Santos.
The Sandstorms, meanwhile, relied on the service of Bajao who scored 22 points since its key player James Belulo was shackled with two points.
Meantime, the Davao City National High School salvaged the third place after escaping Cabantian National High School 95-89, in the battle for third clash of the event supported by Rain or Shine, Pioneer Pro, Dovvsales, DeWalt, Hell Energy Drink, Globe, 88.3 Energy FM, Real Wonder Direct Sales, Pepsi, D’ Portal International , Inc. and Gemini Dream Printshop.
According to Vladimir Rosello, head for marketing and promotion, the event will have a sequel next year.