BAGUIO CITY – The Saints squeaked out an 82-73 win over New Life to usher hostilities in the 13th YMCA Cup last Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the YMCA Gym, here.
The older and more experienced Saints sensed stamina will be the key game factor against the younger New Life team and showed a precision game strategy. They started out by posting a 19-7 blast in the first canto of play.
New Life chipped the lead in a speedy fashion, 25-all, but had a hard time netting baskets after then enabling the Saints held on the upper hand, 42-32, at halftime.
True enough, stamina and resistance had its toll to the Saints as it slowed them down on the third canto of play. Talking advantage of the situation, New Life got their gears up but fell short on knocking in baskets. On the other hand, the Saints found themselves with easy baskets though grasping air to maintain the leaders seat at the end of the third, 60-51.
The final ten minutes of play was still nobody’s game as New Life staged another run in the early minutes and tie the score anew, 62-all. However, their eagerness to take the front seat led them to commit fouls, including a technical foul, causing some key players to foul out.
The advantage presented to the Saints on the fifteen foot line were capitalized and earned them the much needed points at the dying minutes to propel them to the win.
The Cup opened with a simple opening ceremonies graced by YMCA Baguio, President Jerome Gawidan and PE & Sports Committee Chairman Marlon Tabdi.
Putting the concept of “SPIRITUALITY” in the conduct of games, house rules for the officiating aside from the FIBA Basketball rules was adopted by the tournament committee in the conduct of games which shall guide players and officiating officials. Included in the said rules is word of mouth uttering of bad words, deliberate physical contact, and misconduct during games by team performers etc. will result to automatic technical fouls. The tournament also will be facilitated by the National Amateur Basketball Referees Organization (NABRO).
After prayers led by Ptr. Anaclito Cruz of New Life and declaration of games by the committee, action in the two categories, YMCA members and Religious Groups, opened the hostilities.
By: bobby Vinluan