IBP-Gwapo bags title in 2012 PICPA caging

IBP-Gwapo swept the best-of-three finals series after edging UC-Picpa, 93-91 last Wednesday night to rule the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)-2012 Christmas basketball tournament at the Capitol Parish gym.

Barry Busi and Bads Del Prado orchestrated IBP’s strong, 24-20 start as the team continued to lead by single-digit in the 2nd and 3rd stanzas behind Rowell Juban and Giovani Sususco.

The fourth period was highlighted by several deadlocks and lead changes until UC-Picpa’s Alvin Sabala nailed a short jumper in the final 59 seconds that forged an 89-all tie before Gino Cabugnas made it 91-all with 12 seconds remaining. In the return play, IBP’s Ferdie Riveral made a quick pass to Rowell Juban who was in turn fouled by UC-Picpa’s Arjam Bonsucan. Juban then calmly sank both freethrows for the marginal count.

Barry Busi and Bads del Prado scored 17 points apiece to lead IBP while Rowell Juban added 14 markers. Edward Bauzon paced UC-Picpa with 16 points while Alvin Sabala and Gino Cabuguas contributed 15 points each. /Correspondent Dale Rosal