BENGUET PROVINCE – In a thrilling showdown at the ongoing Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup, Atok scripted an epic underdog story that’s bound to be retold for years to come.
Over the weekend, Atok accomplished what many thought was impossible by toppling one of the tournament’s favorites, Tuba.
Tuba, perhaps unwisely, opened the game with its second-string players, and Atok wasted no time capitalizing on this decision.
Atok built upon its initial momentum from the first quarter and embarked on a jaw-dropping 10-2 scoring run within the first three minutes of the third period.
The result was a commanding 53-45 lead, that could leave fans in awe of Atok’s incredible performance on the court.
Tuba came as close to five in the payoff canto but never completed any run.
Atok coach Jay Pagadora said prayer and trust paid off after beating one of the most fancied teams to make a deep run in the post season in the event backed by Cong. Eric Go Yap and Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas.
In a remarkable twist of fate, Kurt Tamiray, the hero of Cordillera Career Development’s back-to-back championship victories in 2008 and 2009, returned to the limelight, leading Atok with an astonishing 27 points.
He didn’t stop there, contributing five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, reminding everyone of his immense talent.
However, the enchanting journey for Atok took a sudden U-turn when they faced off against Tuba, moments after the glorious win against La Trinidad 2.
The euphoria was shattered, replaced by a harsh reality check in the form of a devastating 116-78 loss.
Adding to the drama, Tamiray’s remarkable performance turned sour as he was ejected from the game after incurring two unsportsmanlike fouls.
Aaron Nang-is led Trinidad 2 with 19 points for his third best player of the game honor.
It was Trinidad’s first win after three successive defeats.
Tuba meanwhile bounced back Sunday right at their home turf with a convincing victory against Mankayan, 115 – 84.
John Cedric Pugong almost made it a double – double with 16 points and nine boards.
He added three assists and steals.
But Mankayan survived a fighting Bakun and win, 79-69, after four straight defeats during their home game on Tuesday.
Mankayan struggled early as Bakun put on the pressure to take an early 7-4 lead.
Up by one, 34-33, with less than a minute to go, Mankayan in a frenetic finish completed a 4-0 run and lead 39-33 at halftime.
Jonathan Peralta carried Mankayan with an impressive 22 points, and he found solid support in Lenz Antolino and Felix Balais, Jr., who each contributed 10.
The victory marked their second win out of six outings in the event, which is also backed by the Office of Gov. Melchor Diclas and Hypro energy drink.
Bokod notched back-to-back wins over the weekend, maintaining a perfect record of eight wins in eight outings.
In a thrilling Sunday match against Kabayan, Bokod overcame an initial six-point deficit with a spectacular 19-2 run over seven minutes, seizing a commanding 19-8 lead.
From that point forward, Bokod asserted dominance and cruised to a 97-75 victory.
Joshua Pascua led the charge with a remarkable performance, delivering 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a crucial block.
On the previous Saturday, Bokod had also secured a 95-81 win against La Trinidad 2, with Darwin Fernandez contributing 18 points and John Ric Buneventura adding 22.
Notably, June Rey, with 15 points, made significant contributions in addition to grabbing nine rebounds, dishing four assists, and making three steals and three blocks.
The well-rounded team effort was further exemplified by Rayell Williams scoring 14 points and Rey Gabino chipping in 10.
Aaron Nang-is led Trinidad 2 with 15, while Lloyd Calma added 11.
In another exciting matchup, Itogon may have started slowly, but they rallied to claim a hard-fought 99-88 victory over the determined Buguias, securing their seventh win in the tournament with support from Hypro Energy Drink.
Despite a sluggish start and trailing in the first quarter, Itogon managed to turn the tide and grab a slim 21-20 lead.
Julius Mancio, Padawag, and Jude Quitalbo shone for Itogon, delivering 19, 18, and 16 points, respectively.
Notably, Jude Quitalbo’s performance included an impressive double-double with 14 rebounds.
Buguias, on the other hand, rebounded with a vengeance in their match against Tublay, winning 81-73.
Kurke Simeon spearheaded Buguias with a stellar 37-point performance, complemented by seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Joaquin Daysa contributed 18 points as Buguias improved to a 3-3 record, securing the seventh spot in the competitive 14-team league.
Clinching an 84-81 victory, Sablan breaks free from a five-game losing streak, surviving Bakun in an intense matchup.
Micheal Panagan, Carvin Jay Velasco and Jeremiah Buslay led Sablan with 10 each.
Kapangan extended their win streak to three for their fourth win in seven outings against Kabayan on Saturday at the Sablan Municipal Gym, 84 – 76.
Five players scored in double digits as Kibungan defeats host Sablan to finally win its first, 93-87.
Ryan Contada led Kibungan with 15 points even as Jade Roxas made 13 and the trio of Norman Danglay, Octavio Cuanso, Jr. and Jeffrey Abansi added 10 markers with the last completing a double double after hauling 13 boards on top of two assists, two steals and a lone block.
After five straight losses, Kibungan jumped the gun early on a cold Sablan squad as it outscored the host 32-18 at the end of the first canto.
The lead increased to 24 at halftime, 57-33, and Kibungan never looked back as it cruised to its very first win.
Former front-runners La Trinidad 1, reeling from a recent loss to Bokod, unleashed their pent-up frustration on a hapless Tublay, securing a resounding 120-65 victory.
In a show of remarkable teamwork, seven out of eight players from La Trinidad 1 achieved double-digit scoring.
John Tuazon and Jamil Sultan led the charge with 20 points each, while Kenneth Antonio contributed 19 points.
Jan Fianza and Armando Pollante each chipped in 16 points, and Neil Ulep and Alexander Batanes added 14 and 10, respectively.
Both Alexander Batanes and Armando Pollante achieved double-doubles with 12 and 11 boards, respectively, further highlighting their all-around contributions.
Nicanor Menzi, Jr. also notched a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Casey Tagulao managed to score 17 points for the Tublay squad, whose record now stands at 2-5.
Rex Kitayan led Tublay with an impressive 22-point performance.
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