The tournament

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

AFTER a two-week break due to the unavailability of a venue, the Second Jimmy Fernandez Cup championship, a best-of-three series, finally started last Tuesday with the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) Patriots and the University of Luzon (UL) Junior Golden Tigers fighting for the top honor. Unexpectedly and with stunning performance, the underdog young boys of Dagupan City dad Chito Samson, after trailing by as much as 16 points in the third quarter, came from behind to grab a nail-biting 78-76 victory.

I was there during the first half of the clash between these two institutional caging giants but unfortunately I failed to watch the whole skirmish because of a commitment in Candon City. My friend Celi had to relay to me through test messages how the second half was played, especially the crucial last two seconds of play that made Tiger Moral the hero of the day.

I watched the first game and monitored the battle for third place where the dethroned defending champion PAMMA pummeled archrival PIMSAT, 89-65, to take the second runner-up plum.

So far, the tournament appears to be moving very smoothly, well organized from the very start on January 7. The referees whom I criticized during the 2010 UCAAP-PRISAA cagefest led by Ric Bautista have improved a lot in their officiating. The team coaches have the same observation. While the refs still made some miscues but these were minor and few. Blunders by the table officials were also committed but likewise minor and understandable. I believe they will even be better next time around.

Big kudos to the organizers of the league spearheaded by Seato Gonimil and to the city veem Belen Fernandez for giving her full support to make the tournament a very successful project. I hope there will be another one next year, the third in a row. Gonimil also said that the second game will be held on February 24 at the same venue. The event is a very good tune-up tourney for competitions like the annual UCAAP-PRISAA and the regional meet. Celi pointed out that the 2011 UCAAP-PRISAA will start in July.

Kudos also to the winning coach Byron Vidal who set up the winning play.  And to Renato “Jack” Vidal, the father of Byron, I think you’ll win the second game to force a rubber-match.

Your loss was a fluke.

Mabuhay kayo.

*        *         *

Congratulations to the Bolinao team for topping the Pangasinan 1 Division Athletic Meet. The Bolinao youths (elementary and high school) dominated the competitions and are now ready to clash against the best in our region at the Ilocos Region Athletic Association (IRAA) Meet on March 14-19.

Carry on with the good work boys and girls and bring home the bacon. It’s been a long time since our province came out as overall championship. Remember, we have the home court advantage. Let’s move on.

*        *         *

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. MATTHEW 5: 3-12

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments