Philippines - Redemption as RP wins SEABA title

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Harbour Centre-Philippines team captured the country’s first international title since its return from FIBA suspension by humbling Britama-Indonesia, 85-67, Saturday night in the final of the SEABA Club Champions Cup.

The Filipinos raised their game when it mattered most to exact revenge against the home team and pave the way for the country’s participation in the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup next month in Tehran, Iran.

Marvin Cruz, the 5-8 dynamo described by import Julius Nwosu as the next Johnny Abarrientos, masterfully directed the team’s offensive plays aside from coming up with big baskets that repeatedly foiled the Indons’ rallies.

"I’m proud of the boys," said Harbour Centre owner and amateur basketball godfather Mikee Romero. "The game made me proud to be a Filipino."

One group of Filipino migrant workers cancelled its bowling tournament to root for the Nationals.

Cruz, the star guard of Toyota Balintawak in the PBL, top scoring for the Nationals with 20 points aside from five rebounds and three assists.

"He’s (Cruz) very tough, one of the smartest players I handled," said coach Junel Baculi.

"Before the start of the game, kita mo na ka agad sa mata nila ang resolve at will nila to win," added Baculi. "We emphasized to them that we’re playing for flag and country."

Fresh from their impressive 158-36 demolition of lowly Vietnam Friday, the Filipinos also drew superb performances from Jonathan Fernandez and JC Intal.

Fernandez tallied 16 points, including three triples, while Intal added 12, including two treys.

Nwosu, the Nigerian behemoth, also shone for the Nationals by posting a double- double of 18 points and 16 rebounds. He also put the clamp on 6-foot-11 Australian Ian Crosswhite.

The Filipinos avenged their 79-74 loss to the host squad last Wednesday.

Baculi considered his latest win as the sweetest of all the titles he won, that included the 1996 and 97 Champions Cup.

"Kahit na SEABA lang, ito pa rin ang pinakamasarap sa lahat since this is the country’s first international title following the FIBA suspension. At the same time, we paved the way for coach Chot’s team to compete in the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup and there’s no more gratifying other than that," said the bemoustached veteran coach who was assisted by Louie Alas.

Romero and PBL Chairman Gil Angeles echoed Baculi’s sentiment.

"Wala itong kaparis, kahit pa sa dalawang PBL titles ko," said Romero.

Congratulatory messages were immediately sent by PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) counterpart Noli Eala, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Manny V. Pangilinan and Toyota Balintawak team owner Rey Oben through team manager Eric Arejola and assistant Bernard Yang the moment the nationals clinched the title.

Ryan Arana and Jason Castro also came through in the defensive end.

Arana made life hard for 6-7 Kueth Duany who was slapped two offensive fouls in the first quarter.

With Fernandez burying back-to-back treys, the Nationals raced to a commanding 22-8 advantage and never looked back. They led as many as 45-25 on a three- pointer by Arana early in the third.

The Nationals saved their best play in the dying seconds with Vidal Massiah issuing a perfect alley oop pass to Nwosu for a two-handed slam that brought the crowd down.

HARBOUR CENTRE-RP 85 — Cruz 20, Nwosu 18, Fernandez 16, Intal 12, Arana 7, Massiah 6, Castro 4, F. Rodriguez 2, Magpayo 0, Lanete 0, L. Rodriguez 0.

SM BRITANA-INDONESIA 67 — Duany 23, Crosswhite 17, Achmad 11, Gunawan 6, Sumargo 5, Prihantono 3, Wijaya 2, Sitepu 0, Sondakh 0, Jati 0, Situmorang 0.

Quarters: 22-8, 40-25, 63-45, 85-67.