By: Clyde

The first season of the Lincoln David Nelson Basketball cup concluded with Team BBCA hoisting the trophy over Team BBH-B.

In a game that was close all throughout as the lead kept shifting back and forth, Team BBCA made the big plays down the stretch to prevail over the men of Team B.

Team BBH ended the 1st quarter with the lead but Team BBCA put together a solid 2nd quarter to take the lead at the half. This was only a preview to a dramatic 2nd half.

In the 3rd quarter, neither team was able to score a lot with the defensive intensity turned up as the period ended with the score deadlocked at 48-48.

In the 4th, Team BBCA jumped out to a six point lead but Team BBH went on a 10-0 run to put them four points in the hole, anchoring their scoring on tight defense leading to easy transition scoring opportunities. Team BBCA responded again with several quick baskets to take another lead but Team BBH went on another run over the next few minutes to lead again. As the time wound down, Team BBCA put in another scoring spurt to take the lead for good which they held on until the end. Team BBH tried to battle back but a few miscues and errors in the closing minutes left them short as Team BBCA celebrated their championship.

Salvador Dahuloran had a big double-double with 18 points & 17 rebounds to lead all players in both statistical categories for the game. Jethro Perino tallied 17 points to go along with 8 boards. Pastor Shenn Jay Bihag scored 10 points and

For the losing side, Aldwin Obeñita led Team B with 15 points & 5 steals, while Norben Claro and Johann Damasco added 13 points each.

Final Score: 72-66

Team BBCA, 72: Dahuloran, 18; Perino, Jethro, 17; Bihag, 10; Lahayon, 8; Enguito, 5; Tiamson, 5; Balatayo, 4; Melendez, 4; Perino, Jeremy, 1.

BBH Team B, 66: Obeñita, 15; Claro, 13; Damasco, 13; Sanchez, 7; Sulinay, 7; Macario, 5; Galupo, 2; Lanza 2; Tauli, 2.

Bethel Baptist Hospital Team B- 1st Runner Up.
(From left to right: Galupo, Macario, Tauli, Hiquiana, Claro, Lanza, Damasco J, Sanchez, Sulinay, Obeñita)

Bethel Baptist Christian Academy & Bethel Baptist Church – 1st Lincoln David Nelson Basketball Cup Champion.
(From left to right: Tiamson, Balatayo, Perino, Lahayon, Dahuloran, Bihag, Perino, Enguito, Melendez)

By: Clyde

In the first game of the evening, BBH Team A shook off an early deficit to turn back Team C, 80-73, and grab 3rd place for the tournament.

Joel Go and James Lee Salahag once again led Team A with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 21 points, 6 rebounds respectively. Pastor Angelou Esto added 15 points as Team A put three players in double figure scoring. Overcoming an early deficit that had them down by 7 points in the first quarter, Team A clamped down on defense in the 3rd quarter to grab the lead that they would not relinquish. Each time Team C tried to make a run, Team A would respond enough to preserve their slim lead. When Team C started fouling to stop the clock, Team A shot enough of their free throws to go on to the win.

Louel Binahon put in 30 points for Team C, keeping his team in the game with his outside shooting and drives to the rim. Piniel Yambagon was his usual scoring and rebounding self as he tallied 15 points and 9 rebounds while anchoring the defense. Neil Buyan added 12 points for Team C as they kept the game close but were unable to pull out the win in the end.

Final Score: 80-73

Team A, 80: Go, 26; Salahag, 21; Esto, 15; Pronto, 6; Agne, 5; Beniag, 5; Malinda, 2.

Team BBH C, 73: Binahon, 30; Yambagon, 15; Buyan, 12; Robeniol, 8; Rayos, 4; Solomon, 4.

Bethel Baptist Hospital Team C- 3rd Runner Up. (From left to right: Buyan, Panganiban, Robeniol, Solomon, Rayos, Leonaris, Yambagon, Bañaria, Baril, Binahon)

Bethel Baptist Hospital Team A- 2nd Runner Up. (From left to right: Salahag, Beniag, Agne, Pronto, Esto, Marfil, Malinda, Go. Referees: Dan Ruiz & Ian Dag-um.