By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.
Barangay Villamonte narrowly defeated Barangay Singcang, 90-89, earlier this week in the deciding game of the 1st Congressman Greg Gasataya Basketball League finals at the STI-West Negros University gym.
Singcang led 24-19 following the first period, however, thanks to a 30-19 run by Villamonte, the eventual champions took the reins at the half, leading 49-43.
Singcang would later recover that advantage, closing the third quarter up 74-66.
With 1:44 left on the clock, Singcang led 85-82, when they were hit with an unsportsmanlike foul, awarding four free throws to Villamonte. Nailing all four, Villamonte held a 1-point lead with a minute left on the clock.
Singcang had a chance to steal the victory but Renz Solomon slipped and lost ball position as time expired.
Ravel Cadagat and Jeric Adorio paced Villamonte with 18 points each as John Felix Garrido added 17 and eventual MVP Mark dela Cruz – 15.
Meanwhile, Alivin Jamora led Singcang with 24 points, followed by Jaycee Adjie with 22 and Solomon with 19./WDJ