SINAG LIGA ASYA: Davao Eaglets rule 13U, VP Sara's son catches attention

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Davao Microsmith Elite Eaglets demolished the New York BSA, 88–60, to rule the 13-under division of the Sinag Liga Asya (SLA) Junior World Showcase on Sunday, July 5, at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Davao Eaglets put on a superb wire-to-wire performance against the New York BSA manned by players of the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons. They led by as many as 28 points, 88–60, in the endgame.

Floyd Leiji Lucero topped all players in the game with 18 points, along with seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Carl Anakin Villegas added 16 points, while Miven Jeighcob Vidal added 15 markers and Alden Roi Singcol chipped in 12.

New York BSA’s Perseus Berame finished with 17 points with five rebounds and two blocks, while Nathaniel James Jumao-as added 14 points and six boards in a losing effort.

READ: SINAG LIGA ASYA: Cebu City Tigers rout Familya DC; Tumakbo teams stay unbeaten in respective divisions

After a 4–0 start, the Davao Eaglets raced to a 27–16 lead to end the first period. New York BSA tried fighting back, cutting the lead to single digits numerous times, but Davao held firm and remain composed, maintained their double-figure lead at halftime, 43–33.

Things went south for New York BSA in the second half after committing eight turnovers from simple miscues, while being outrebounded in the painted area by Davao.

Davao Elite Eaglets dominance

Davao entered the final period with a 14-point cushion, 64–50, and stretched it to 20, 71–51, and never looked back after pulling away with a 13-point run in the final period.

Davao outplayed New York, 64–48, in the painted area, while they also overwhelmed the latter in transition, 36–9, while their bench contributed 25 points to the losing squad’s 14.

One of the most notable personalities in the Davao side was Second Gentleman Manases Carpio, the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte who served as one of the team’s officials, while cheering for his son, Mateo Lucas Carpio, who ended as a member of the “Mythical Five” in the 13-under division.

Carpio scored six points in the championship game, but he played a crucial role in the playoffs, dropping a 22-point performance in their win over Tumakbo United-USA on Saturday.

READ: J Project, Alpha 7 stay unbeaten in SINAG LIGA ASYA Jr. Showcase

Tumakbo United rules 15U

On the other hand, the 15-under division championship match featured an all-Tumakbo showdown featuring Tumakbo United and Tumakbo South California.

Tumakbo United emerged as champions after steamrolling over their sister team, 77–61. Jace Ribac led Tumakbo United with 23 points, three rebounds, and one assist.

READ: SINAG LIGA ASYA Jr. World Showcase tips off Wednesday across Cebu City

Tumakbo United led as many as 15 points in the second half and never looked back.

The team earlier defeated Gilas Montreal Canada in the semifinals at 8 a.m. at the same venue, making their championship route a bit steep, as did Tumakbo South California who defeated the Clifton Tigers-USA, in their semifinals game at 10 a.m..

READ: Dwight Ramos and Gilas go through another NZ heartache

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