Young Once clinch Above-45 trophy

YOUNG ONCE defeated MK Super Kids 67-45 to emerge the champions of the 45 years old and above category of the LBC Cup on Thursday night at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

Ernie Garcia had a game-high 20 points to lead Young Once and Numer Tena chipped in 13 points. Teody Carandang top scored for MK Super Kids with 14 points to a losing cause.

Holding on to an eight-point advantage heading into the final quarter, Young Once played a quick uptempo game together with tough defence as MK Super Kids ran out of steam that allowed them to outscore their opponents 20-6 as they cruised to the victory.

"We just changed the tempo of the game to have a faster game as our opponents collapsed that allowed us to win the game," said Mhar Porlahe, Young Once forward, who is also the Filipino Basketball Association (FBA) president.

While Young Once had a slow start the were able to keep pace with their opponents to make the first half a close one, with the lead changing hands several times before Young Once finally got the momentum which they protected on the way to victory.

"We started out sluggishly as we were feeling the pressure as it is a championship game but we just got used to it and eventually picked up the pieces," said Porlahe

"We played a slow game in the first half which was to our disadvantage that allowed a close game but we decided to change our strategy, we played a faster game which worked effectively," he added.

In the third place playoff, IMD B defeated Nueva Ecija Patriot 77-69.

Boyet Sunga topscored for IMD B with 21 points followed by Anoy Pasion with 15 points. On the other hand, Manolito Macale led all scorers with 26 points for Nueva Ecija Patriot while Elmer Lim scored 18 points in a losing effort.

The tournament continues with the final of the regular seven stars category between tournament favourites, Palm Café and ABMS on Sunday.

The match is scheduled to begin at 3pm right after the third place playoff between Aziz Latif and Company (ALC) and the GILR Wildcats at 1.30pm.

The tournament, organised by the FBA, was held to welcome the new Philippine Ambassador to the Sultanate, Alexander Yano, who laced up for Young Once is also expected as guest of honour to give out the prizes to the winners after the final.

The Brunei Times