By MARK REY MONTEJO
It was a fitting Christmas gift for University of Perpetual as the Junior Altas-Palawan Yurich Builder displayed poise and survived Rizal Province Switch Fiber, 88-84, to cop the 18-Under Division crown of the Junior Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Monday, Dec. 23, at the Home of the Altas Gym in Pamplona III, Las Pinas City.
Lebron Daep played like a man on a mission after hitting back-to-back baskets before Louie Rosales finally settled the issue by making his free throws in the waning seconds to sweep the series.
Daep sizzled with 26 points that went with 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks – starts that helped him bring home the Finals MVP plum.
Rosales also starred with 29 points on top of four rebounds, three assists and four steals while John Corpuz and TJ Abbuan added 11 and 10, respectively, for the Junior Altas.
Rizal Province skipper Seann Franco had 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block.
Meanwhile, the San Pedro Spartans snared 16-Under Division National Title via a 109-99 win over the San Juan Mighty Warriors in Game 2 Finals.
On the other hand, Bin̈an Tatak Gel reigned supreme in the 14-Under Division after an 82-68 romp of Rizal Switch Fiber.
During the awarding ceremony, tournament commissioner Kieth Picazo handed the elegant trophy with the character of Boxing Icon Manny Pacquaio to head coach Joph Cleopas of Palawan Team together with Frank Gusi of Team Perpetual Altas.
“For me, the three titles we got during the off-season, the NGBL, Under Armor Invitational Championship and Junior MPBL are just batteries of our team, to correct our mistakes whether it’s losing or winning,” said Cleopas
“In every game, we learned, this win of ours is a test of our character. I told them, Don’t be overwhelmed by our victories, be happy but don’t give your full emotions here, remember we are doing this for our main tournament, the NCAA. Don’t lose your hunger in each game, focus on the goal and stay hungry.”
