CHASE Tower Runs (CTR), led by Cebuano businessman and sports advocate Chase Cokaliong, defended their title in the men’s division of the DAYO23 Streetball Invitational—presented by Jordan Brand and Titan 22—after edging the Blancas Golden Knights, 24–20, in a thrilling finale last May 25, 2025 at the newly refurbished court under the Mabini Bridge in Barangay 830, Manila.
Built around a powerhouse roster of Cebu’s finest basketball talents, CTR was further bolstered by Korean Basketball League (KBL) Rookie of the Year and University of the Philippines icon JD Cagulangan, as well as former CESAFI MVP and PBA veteran Greg Slaughter. The squad cruised through the tournament and faced off against a formidable Davao-based Golden Knights team in the final.
CTR exploded out of the gates, scoring the first 10 points of the contest, with Ted Saga delivering back-to-back baskets to ignite the run. A right-wing triple by lefty guard Lawrence Mangubat stretched the lead to 20–9, putting CTR firmly in control.
But the Golden Knights weren’t going down without a fight. Fueled by a flurry of fastbreak scores, including a transition layup by Vince Cuajao, they slashed the deficit to just two points. With pressure mounting, Cagulangan calmly took over. Using a slick crossover to shake his defender, he created just enough space to bury the game-winning step-back jumper, sealing the championship for CTR.
For Cokaliong, the victory meant more than just a title—it was a chance to spotlight the talent and heart of Visayan basketball on a national platform.
“You know us from Down South. Bisayas are proud basketball players,” said Cokaliong. “We don’t back down, and we play our brand of basketball. Luzon has always been the center of the sport in the Philippines, but I’m proud to showcase our Bisaya talent and prove we can compete with the best.”
A popular social media figure in his own right, Cokaliong emphasized the importance of giving local players the opportunity to perform under the national spotlight—especially in a tournament backed by international brands.
“I’m all about creating chances for our homegrown talent,” he added. “Competitions like these offer them a stage to shine in front of a bigger audience.”
Guided by head coach Paul Joven and assistant coaches Raymond Jimenez, Chriad Bacalso, and Roger Potot, the CTR lineup also featured Jancork Cabahug, Miguel Gastador, Kobe Palencia, Jerome Napao, Emmanuel Ojuola, Froilan Mangubat, Ice Blanco, and JM Tumabang. The team capped off their title run by taking home the tournament’s grand prize of ₱300,000.