LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Baguio College of Technology pulled away late to secure an 84-78 victory over Baguio Central University in the men’s basketball elimination round of the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) Season 37 at the CCDC Admirals Gym on Wednesday.
Josh Andrei Domingo led all scorers with a game-high 20 points for season host BCT, while Wilfredo David contributed 16 points and team captain Fruto Luzadas chipped in 13.
Jeff Bringas delivered a crucial offensive surge in the final period, scoring all nine of his points during a key stretch from the 6:48 mark to 3:45 to help keep the Eagles at bay.
After trailing 29-17 early in the second quarter following a basket by Luzadas, the Eagles responded behind Shandy Nicolie Orozco, who scored six straight points to give BCU a brief 41-40 lead late in the half.
BCT then regained a 43-41 edge at halftime following a late score from Domingo and a free throw by Eldemar Santiago.
BCU mounted another comeback in the fourth quarter when John Michael Tamayo converted a three-point play with 7:44 left to put the Eagles ahead, 66-65.
However, Bringas answered with back-to-back baskets to trigger an 11-4 run, topped by a Luzadas conversion at the 3:11 mark that extended BCT’s cushion to 78-70.
Tamayo led BCU with 19 points, followed by Rod Vincent Ollado with 13 and Orozco with 12. Jezreel Bugayong, who scored 10 points, hit a late 3-pointer with 26.5 seconds remaining to bring BCU within four, 82-78, but BCT held on to seal the victory.
Luzadas reflected on the victory and the team’s effort to stay competitive despite their place in the standings.
“Syempre, we need this win to motivate ang bawat isa. Ayaw lang namin magpahuli. Kahit natalo kami sa mga ibang teams, we need to grow pa rin,” said Luzadas who is now in his last year for the Atoms. Roderick Osis
