Defense Press Corps beats SAC in opener of Press Freedom Cup
THE Defense Press Corps (DPC) nipped the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC), 71-63, yesterday in the action-packed opening game of the annual “Press Freedom Cup” basketball tournament at the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) gymnasium.
The undermanned SAC leaned on a strong defense and hustle plays to grab a, 51-49 lead against the complete line-up of the Defense Press Corps at the start of the third period with Cebu Daily News sports correspondents Jonas Panerio and Glendale Rosal combining for 12 points in a searing run.
SAC was manned only by six players and the handicap took its toll starting at the halfway mark of the third when DPC, led by ace player Gabriel Bonjoc erased SAC’s three point lead and erected a double-digit advantage heading to the fourth.
The Sportswriters were able to trim their deficit to just four, 59-61 behind Edri Aznar and Lemuel Maglinte midway through the payoff period. Defense however, exploited its complete lineup to run away with the eight-point victory.
Bonjoc and Bayking led Defense with 21 and 19 points respectively while Panerio paced SAC with a game-high 28 markers.
Aznar, Maglinte and Rosal added 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively for SAC.
Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella led yesterday’s opening ceremonies with organizer Bobby Enoferio and Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) president Elias Baquero.
The inter-beat tournament is in line with the the annual Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration.
BOX SCORES
DEFENSE PRESS CORPS (71) -Bonjoc 21, Bayking 19, Solon 12, Melecio 9, Aragon 8, Obeso 4, Españo 2.
SAC (49) -Panerio 28, Aznar 12, Maglinte 11, Rosal 10, Banaynal 4, Rosaroso 3. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL
