IN a thrilling fight to the end that saw the referees working under tremendous pressure, the Cluster 1 Blue Eagles rallied from a six-point third-quarter deficit to repulse the Cluster 6 White Knights, 66-65 on Wednesday morning and move first to the basketball final of the Civil Service Anniversary Sportsfest 2024 at the Capitol ground, Cagayan de Oro City.
The reigning champion Cluster 3 Black Panthers were still battling with the heavy underdog Cluster 5 Red Cardinals, as of press time, in the other half of the semifinal matches.
Seasoned playmaker Jeff Morial scored 25 points in leading the Blue Eagles’ pulsating win that was fueled by Tammy Cailing's booming trey with over three minutes remaining in the final fourth quarter.
Fronted by Bill Armand Pomar and Thirdy Valmoria, the White Knights retaliated to keep the game close when Morial drove strong to the basket to give the Eagles a four-point edge with under a minute left.
Ganged up by defenders, the gutsy Pomar was able to hit a three-pointer to raise his total to 20 only to shake in despair after learning there was no time left for them to overcome the Eagles’ one-point lead.
“Kulbahinam kaayo nga dula sa semis, pressure ang mga referees, maong gidikitan gyod nako nga sila ma briefing tawagan dayon basta naay mohapak aron dili magubot,” CSC tournament director Inting Seriña Tan-gan told Gold Star Daily.
Coach Jancin Roturas said the Eagles will play in the final minus their key player Totot Repompo who met a motorcycle accident last night before the semifinals.
“Repompo is a vital part in our rotation. Maskin wala siya sa semis ug sa final, dako lang pud among pasalamat sa Ginoo nga luwas minor lang iyang naangkon nga injury,” said Roturas’ assistant coach Ronilo Billacura.
