BALLPALS Orange, featuring original and veteran club members since 1991, defeated the youth-laden Team Gray, 85-78 on Saturday morning for another chance to extend its title-run in the three-decade-long history of Cagayan de Oro’s most popular ballclub.
With the prolific leadership of Anton Pabillore, Janjan Hengania, and Owen Ubay-Ubay off the backcourts, the troika of Stev Panaz, Allan Enteria, and Charome Marte each scored twin-digit numbers in their respective quarters.
But with prolific scorer Shian Galanida, ‘Big Boy’ Taduran, and Joseph Sumanga leading Team Gray’s uprising in the final half, go-to-guy Tupi Carretas ― who started slowly with just six points in the opener ― buckled down to work to bail Team Orange out of trouble in the company of the defensive-minded Balong Mabalot, Larry Bagayna, Jay Buot, and Pabillore.
“Bentahaan ang mga tigulang sa dinaganay pero heart of champion lang gyod,” said team skipper Ven Camon Shimomae and manager Dandan Guevar ofra in unison.
The former Cagayan de Oro basketball superstar Carretas paced Orange with 17 points, while Galanida top-scored Gray with 33 in a futile effort.
Later in the afternoon, Team Red ― built around youthful members of the club such as Titing Patlunag, Naguita, Jabiguero, Vallesteros and the experienced duo of Badon Caberte and Cabatuan upsets former champion Team Black, 87-85.
The Black side of club president Wingmark Mercado was actually leading by 13 in the third quarter. But the never-say-die Red battled back in the payoff period to inch closer, and despite the injury of do-it-all forward Arnel Dy ‘Shine’ who dislocated one of his shooting fingers, the wards of Bongmark Mercado were able to complete a searing comeback.
Red will face Orange on Sunday’s championship after the battle for third place between Gray and Black at 8:30 am.
After Sunday’s twin bill tussles, tournament commissioner Andit Mendoza said the victory cum Christmas party will follow right away at the clubhouse of Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag.
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