LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Kabayan used an 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter to beat Bokod, 63-60, to salvage third place in the Cong Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup Benguet Basketball League at the Benguet Sports Complex Wednesday night.
Bokod built an early six points lead but Kabayan fought to tie it late in the second canto before Carl Sanggoy ended the first half with a twinner and a 31-29 Bokod advantage.
Bokod took a six – point lead at the onset of the third canto, 35 – 29, but Kabayan had a 16-0 run for the game’s biggest lead, 45-35.
Bokod fought to within four at the end of the third quarter, 45-49 then outscored Kabayan, 55 – 60 all throughout the rest of the fourth period.
Kabayan then fought back on a 6 – 0 run, for 61-60 lead with 20.5 seconds remaining in the ball gamer, played good defense in the ensuing play resulting to a turnover with 9.5 seconds left.
Bokod fouled Kyle Naisod, who drained both his free throws for a 63 – 60 Kabayan lead with 6.3 seconds remaining.
Bokod’s June Rey Buenaventura failed to sink a desperate trey as the buzzer sounded.
Arvin Gamboa led Kabayan with 16 points, while Yzer Neil Palispis had 13 markers and 15 boards for another best player of the game despite coming in at the start of the second quarter due to his class.
Naisod, who had a scare in the third canto when he sprained his left leg, had a similar double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
John Ric Buenaventura led all scorers with 22 points, Darwin Fernandez added 10 markers while hauling 14 boards. June Rey had a game high 18 boards while adding seven markers.
Kabayan had the best performance for any team as it ended at third after a disappointing ninth place finish last year.
“We hope to improve further next year with more players,” said Palispis.
Bokod on the other hand slipped to fourth from second last year. CEGYCC Release
