UEP takes game 2, forces rubber match on Feb. 28
2ND JIMMY FERNANDEZ CUP FINALS
LEARNING their lesson from a heartbreaking defeat in their the first of the best-of-three championship game series of the 2nd Jimmy Fernandez Cup, the University of Eastern Pangasinan Patriots came back prepared to thrash the University of Luzon Junior Golden Tigers in the second game and won in a compelling fashion, 86-75, to even the series.
The Patriots took the first quarter, 23-19, lost the second, 42-44, due to numerous errors, then recovered in the third with forward Gino Lardizabal leading the surge by pumping in 15 points from the perimeter and from beyond the arc lines to regain the lead at 70-63.
The Tigers tried to close the gap, reaching as far as a 70-74 standing midway into the fourth and final canto, but that was the best that they could do with Lardizabal, assisted by Heovani Galvan, at the helm.
“We had good defense and offense this time and that won it for us,” said coach Renato Vidal, adding, “And if my boys will increase their intensity in the third game, I believe the championship is ours.”
For his part, Tigers coach Byron Vidal said, “My players relaxed in the second half and that made us lose the match… perhaps it’s because they lacked practice for the past week.”
Lardizabal top-scored the game with 21 points. Art Tambo and Galvan contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The league’s MVP, Paul del Moral, canned in a team high 17 points for the Tigers. Mark Maure and Christian Neri contributed 15 points apiece.
Tournament project director Seato Gonimil announced that the third and final match will be on February 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the DWAD gym. Awarding ceremony follows immediately.–JAGJr.
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