CALOOCAN capped the final day of the PSL NCR Regional Finals with an inspiring come-from-behind 90-84 victory over Manila-UST and claimed its second title in the tournament by capturing the Born 2004 category on Sunday night at the Wes Arena.
The Batang Kankaloo willed themselves to victory in a match that became more than just a battle of skill set, but a test of agility in a lung-busting encounter where the fittest had to endure exhaustion under a very challenging playing condition.
In the end, it was Batang Kankaloo, who came out with plenty to spare as they completed their comeback from a 17-point deficit (17-34) in the early goings and slowly but surely figured out a way to get back into the contest.
As soon as Caloocan was able to get itself more settled, players like Amel Acido, Daniel Padilla, Dwayne Miranda and Wilhalm Cabanilla were able to put together a string of big baskets.
Acido pumped in 25 points, while Padilla contributed 17.
Miranda, son of former PBA player Denok Miranda, added 14 markers and shwed a glimpse of his father’s court vision by dishing out six assists.
Cabonilla had a double-double game of 10 points and 11 boards as the rest of the Batang Kankaloo were able to do a little bit of everything in another successful campaign for this city.
Earlier, Caloocan’s younger team from the Born 2008 bagged the 16-under crown against another team from Manila-UST.
But Manila’s under-18 team struck back and beat Caloocan convincingly, 103-87.
