By CYRUS M. GARDE
BACOLOD City — Not too skillful unlike his other teammates, Eugene Jalandoni gained confidence from the top of the key and heaved the winning triple with .5 seconds left to cap for Barangay 10 the 8th Monico Cup title against Barangay 18, 73-72, at the Bacolod Arts and Youth Sports Center Sunday afternoon.
Collegiate varsity-studded Barangay 18 was in control of the situation, 72-70, in that span and the title was only a few seconds left but become complacent.
With a few seconds left, Barangay 10 brought the ball down. Barangay 18 concentrated on eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP) Allen De la Gente and left alone Jalandoni who choose to heave the ball from behind the arc that went through.
“It’s unbelievable,” brothers Joey and Art Puentevella of Bacolod City Sports Office chorus of that shot.
Eventually, Barangay 10 fans became fancied.
De la Gente top scored with 25 points; James Doromal added 22; Mark Lester, 17; Adoy Delada, 12; and Jalandoni made seven, including the winning shot.
Raniel Viloria scored 18 for Barangay 187, and Nike Montalvo added 15.
Barangay 10 advanced to the final against Barangay 18 with its win against Barangay Singcang-Airport, 98-91. Barangay 18 also defeated Barangay 19, 102-90.
Aside from bagging the MVP award, De la Gente was also a member of Mythical Five. Other members were Kevin Tonog of Barangay 19, Raniel Viloria and Nike Montalvo of Barangay 18, Renz Solomon of Barangay Singcang-Airport.
Rolando “Jack” Marañon, tournament manager, also said Sportsmanship Player awards were also awarded to Jonathan Ebon of Barangay Singcang-Airport; Eugene Jalandoni of Barangay 10; Nike Montalvo of Barangay 18; Raymart Salga of Barangay 29, and Eric Lamoste of Barangay 19.
The Sportsmanship Team is Barangay 22 under village chief Charlie Chavez; Barangay 29 under Leif Gregory Ledesma; Barangay 35 under village chief Maui Huelar; Barangay 16 under village councilman Jude Alson; Barangay Estefania under Jerry Tingson; and Barangay Banago under Benjamin Baldo.
Outstanding Referees were Avelino Vargas Jr., Marilou Boribor, and Alberto Nolan.
The awardees receive cash and trophies.
Present during the awarding were Mayor Monico Puentevella and wife Patching, and councilors Kalaw Puentevella, Jun Gamboa, Elcid Familiaran, and Nicky Boy Puentevella./PN
