Judaya’s buzzer-beater lifts Phoenix to victory

TEAM Phoenix leaned on Melvin Judaya’s buzzer-beating jumper to repulse Wildcats, 42-41, for its 3rd straight win, while the Yoly Meso-led Hoopers earned their 2nd win by routing PICPA Snipers, 95-68 in the 2013 Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) basketball tournament at the Don Bosco gym in barangay Buhisan.

In the 1st game, both Phoenix and the Wildcats fought on even terms until Lito Padios grabbed an offensive rebound and dished a quick assist to Melvin Judaya who canned the game-winning jumper.

Padios led Phoenix with 13 points while Judaya added 10. Jude Seares paced the Wildcats of Rainer Morra with 16 markers.

In the main game, the Hoopers dominated PICPA Snipers from start to finish and posted their biggest lead of 27 points in the fourth after unloading a 23-11 bomb.

The Hoopers currently lead the tournament with a 3-0 card while Phoenix totes a 2-0 slate.

Andre Tocao and John Prosia led the Hoopers with 26 and 17 points, respectively while Gino Cabuguas and Arjam Bonsucan paced the Snipers with 15 points apiece.

BOX SCORES

PHOENIX (42)- Padios 13, Judaya 10, Piape 7, Cabaneles 6, Lusica 4, Estrella 2.

WILDCATS (41)- Seares 16, Ompad 8, Trocio 6, Huyo-a 4, Faciol 4, Oyanguren 2, Morra 1.

2nd game

HOOPERS (95)- Tocao 26, Prosia 17, Meso 15, Guieb 15, Ortiz 14, Prieto 8.

SNIPERS (68)- Cabuguas 15, A. Bonsucan 15, Zabala 13, Cuadra 13, Balucan 12. /Correspondent Dale Rosal