In the first game that they were truly tested, the Cebu Landmasters showed their quality in running away with the CYBL Summer Showcase title at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club court on May 1, 2022.
Routing their foes as early as the first quarter on their way to the finals, the Landmasters found themselves trailing against a game Ballerhood squad, 17-15, at the end of the first. After fighting back to take a 41-38 lead at half-time, the Landmasters again trailed by five, going into the fourth.
Still trailing 81-75 late in the fourth, Raffy Celis and Rota started a 10-0 run thanks to their defensive efforts that led to fast-break points. Mike Asoro took over and had four-straight points against a tried Ballerhood defense.
A 3-point play by Jerwin Espina ended Ballerhood’s scoring drought, but it was short-lived as Batang Gilas pool member Jared Bahay and Asoro teamed up for six straight points before eventual Know The Culture MVP Celis closed out the game with a dunk.
Michael Asoro led the charge with 21 points, missing only two shots from two-point range, while Jared Bahay had 17 and was 7-of-11 from the line. Jomal Tangkay added 15 and Celis, whose steady play in the earlier rounds help the Landmasters earn a finals spot, finished with 14 and 1- rebounds.
On the other hand, NJ Alunay led Ballerhood with 22, while skipper Zylle Cabellon had 14. Clynee Ochavo and Carl Manding had 12 each.
Aside from Celis, those who made the Know Your Culture Mythical 5 are guard Glenn Contado of Tia, guard Kline Ochavo of Ballerhord, forward Santos Go of Ballerhood and center Earl Vincent Aguilar of Green Rose.
In the battle for third, Eugene Angtud dropped 21 points to lift Green Rose over Tisa Basketball, 61-52, while Earl Aguilar, the Defensive Player of the Tournament, had eight pounts, six steald and 1 block.
Carmelo Casino led Tisa with 12, while Contado had a miserable night with 10 points on a woeful 4-of-24 shooting.
HOW THEY SCORED.
CEBU LANDMASTERS (97) — Asoro (21), Bahay (17), Tangkay (15), Celis (14), Rota (6), Avila (4), Lorenzo (4), Go (2), Dacalos (2), Maglasang –, Arradaza –. Cainglet –. BALLERHOOD (87) — Alunay (22), Cabellon (14), Ochavo (12), Manding (12), unnamed (8), Go (7), Espina (5), Uribe (4), Manalili (3), Fuentes –, Aureo –, Tariman –.