Undefeated Cardinals secure BBEAL finals berth, thump BCU Eagles

University of Baguio Cardinals closed out their eliminations round in men’s basketball of the Baguio – Benguet Educational Athletic League Wednesday afternoon on a high note after outclassing season 36 host Baguio Central University Eagles, 95 – 54 at the UC Gym.

With the win, the Cardinals automatically marched to the finals after sweeping all seven games but coach Kevin Orduna said there is no time for his team to relax despite their advantage.

“Kelangan naming ayusin yung preparation kasi pag nag relax kame tapos yung kalaban namin naka focus, wala lugi kame,” said Orduna.

The Cardinals will have a six day off before their finals match -up where they will enjoy a twice to beat advantage in the step ladder format play-offs.

But it will not be an easy task as Orduna said they will not have the luxury of having a homecourt advantage with the UB Cardinals gym being utilized for other school events aside from sports activities.

“We don’t know yet kung may homecourt kame, but will see,” added Orduna.

The final four cast was completed yesterday, November 20 with the University of the Cordilleras formalizing their entry into the play – offs as the third seed after edging Saint Louis University, who will still see action tomorrow, Nov. 22, against home team Cordillera Career Development College Admirals.

Regardless of the outcome, CCDC will still be the second seed while SLU in fourth.

UB slowly built on their lead as early as the opening canto with an 11 – 0 run before allowing the Eagles, courtesy of Micheal Tamayo.

The Cardinals took command of the ball game with a 26 – 11 advantage at the end of the first period and was never threatened the rest of the game.

Vincent Sanchez and Jusrhylle De Vera led the Cardinals with their balance attack with 10 points each while Jay De Guzman and Yzyr Palispis scored nine respectively as Jayvee Tolentino chipped in eight.

After claiming the top seed, Orduna believes his team as the right pieces in dethroning the CCDC Admirals who will gun for their third consecutive and fifth over-all in the 36 – year – old league.
“We have the pieces, na pwede naming i-utilize, and mas mama-maximize namin yung strength ng bawat players,” Orduna adds.

Micheal Tamayo led Eagles with 13 while Kenneth Damogo finished with 11 points as Denver Natividad had seven. Roderick Osis