Titay CKB punches win over BRT Basilan in Sibugay tournament

 
 

CLASH of imports. Titay CKB’s Nigerian center Sommy Managor challenges the defense of Cameroonian Mike Harry Nzeuszeu of BRT Basilan in the first quarter of action in the ongoing 22nd Araw ng Sibugay – 1st Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament. Titay CKB picked bounced back from an opening day loss, while Basilan suffered its second defeat in as many games. (Photo by Rommel C. Manlosa

 
 

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Former Talk ‘N Text Tropang texter guard Eloy Poligrates leads the assault as he scored 22 points to help Titay CKB bounce back from an opening day defeat following a 75-68 over the BRT Basilan team in the second day of the 22^nd Araw Ng Sibugay – 1^st Gov. Ann Kintanar Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament held at the Capitol Hills Sports Center, Thursday evening.

After a frustrating opening day loss, CKB coach Michael Cenabre made sure his team won’t make another mistake again as he deliberately emphasized on protecting the middle, which was missing on its 70-64 loss to Zamboanga City on Wednesday evening.

“My main concern was the inside defense. Basilan is a veteran team with (Wowie) Escocio manning the middle. Having Mike Harry (Nzeuszeu) as their import is a plus factor since we all know that he very athletic and he is in tiptop shape having represented the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 team in various international tournaments. So, we needed to double him quickly if he got the ball down low to prevent him from scoring,” explained Cenabre who is the director of the Coach K Basketball Skills in Cebu and Leyte.

However, it was hard to totally shut down Nzeuszeu, who is a versatile and creative player. The former University of the Visayas Green Lancers import was able to score 24 points, including 17 in the second half that prevented Titay from pulling away for good.

 
 

BRT Basilan’s Mike Harry Nzeuszeu challenges the attempt of Titay CKB’s Sommy Managor in the second quarter action. Titay CKB scored a 75-68 win over Basilan in the Day 2 competition of the 22nd Araw Ng Sibugay – 1st Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. (Photo by Rommel C. Manlosa)

 
 

Titay CKB managed to build a 10-point lead 30-20 midway to the halftime break behind the heroics of Poligrates and Managor. However, Jake Diwa managed to chip the lead following his seven-point burst that helped Basilan moved within 38-39 with 9.9 seconds remaining in the game.

However, CJ Catapusan made three free throws after his attempt from the 3-point area was fouled, giving Titay a 42-38 breathing room.

Nzeuszeu then made his moves as he dropped eight points that tied the game at 78-all at the 4:30 mark of the third period. It proved to be the last and final deadlock of the game as CJ Catapus, Poligrates and Ik Akpuru combined efforts to close the penultimate period in an 8-2 binge.

Seeing with their benefactors at the sidelines, Titay players then embarked on a 10-2 run as they posted its biggest lead of the night, 66-52 with 6:42 left to play.

 
 

TITAY Officials. Titay Municipal Mayor Leonardo “Bobong” Talania (in denim jacket and ha) Vice Mayor Elizer Yamaro (blue polo shirt) and municipal councilors Crizamille Laureen Jajurie (right) and Junie Montejo (left) in attendance to support Team Titay CKB against the BRT Basilan in the 22^nd Araw Ng Sibugay – 1^st Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball tournament in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. (Photo by Rommel C. Manlosa)

 Titay then held their ground as Basilan tried make the last push behind the offensive repertoire of Nzeuszeu as they picked its first win of the tournament.

Managor added 17 points while Catapusan and Olayon contributed nine and eight points respectively. Diwa was the other BRT player to score in double digit with 11 points. RCM