RP cagers win SEABA Championship Cup

Harbour Centre completed the task of winning the first title for the Philippines in international competition since a two-year suspension imposed by FIBA was lifted earlier this year. The Filipino squad gave Indonesia an 85-67 beating in the one-game finals of the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Champions Cup at the Britamy Arena in Jakarta late Saturday night to bag the championship. The victory also avenged the defeat absorbed by the Filipinos against the Indons, 74-79, in the eliminations, according to the statement sent by team management to news agencies. And better still, the triumph gave the Philippines a chance to send a team to the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in Tehran, Iran. The SMB-RP team, now on its way home from a two-week training in California, was enlisted by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas-Basketball Association of the Philippines (SBP-BAP) to represent the country to the Tehran tourney. "Ang sarap maging Filipino (It feels good to be a Filipino)," said Harbour Centre team owner Mikee Romero, who financed the campaign, after his team bagged the much coveted title. And to honor the members of the team, the Philippine Basketball League is preparing a simple ceremony when the Unity Cup of the ball club starts this Tuesday at the Olivarez College Gym. Marvin Cruz posted 20 points in leading Harbour Centre against the much taller Indonesians who were supported by the crowd inside the jam-packed arena. Reinforcer Julius Nwosu added 18 points and 16 rebounds while Jonathan Fernandez provided 16 markers and JC Intal scored 12. "Kahit na Seaba lang, ito pa rin ang pinakamasarap sa lahat (though this is only Seaba, the victory is still sweet) since this is the country's first international title following the FIBA suspension," said head coach Junel Baculi. - GMANews.TV