By Jaime Joshua A. Frias II
Contributor
RELYING on height advantage and high-intensity play, Barangay Consolacion crushed Barangay Kauswagan, 85-66 in the championship game of the 1st Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez and Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament held on Saturday, December 14 at the Nazareth gym, Cagayan de Oro City.
Thus, Consolacion of Barangay Chairman Derbie Pacudan claimed the P100,000 top purse and the championship trophy of the prestigious event participated in by the leading basketball-craze barangays in the City of Gold.
Shifty guard Reymar dela Peña presided over Consolacion’s offense alongside Justice Lagbas, Arnel Excelise, and Emmanuel Akut VI as they rattled in 17, 14, 13, and 12 points each to dominate Kauswagan on both ends of the floor.
Consolacion waxed hot early, taking a commanding 21-point lead, 34-13 in just the first quarter with its taller men denying the Kauswagan dribblers from making easy baskets.
Consolacion even padded the lead to 25 in the third quarter before Kauswagan fought back to cut the deficit down to 14.
A booming trey by Diether John Quejada at 1:10 mark in the fourth quarter revitalized Consolacion’s offensive run that led to Kauswagan’s final meltdown with still 42 seconds left in the ballgame.
In the battle for third place, Barangay Lapasan hammered out a thrilling 70-66 win over Barangay Camaman-an which handed Consolacion’s only loss during the elimination round.
Runner-up Kauswagan received P60,000, while the third-running Lapasan got P40,000.
Barangay Consolacion’s wingman Akut VI was adjudged Most Valuable Player and was given an additional P5,000 cash.
