LTBC edges DayOne to claim back-to-back JB ABL Inter-Ball title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Back-to-back championship quest completed.

For the second consecutive time, the LEPRECHAUNS x TUNESQUAD basketball club reigned supreme in the JB Amateur Basketball League Inter-Ball reloaded, nipping team DayOne, 75-73, in the open category conference at the Burgos-Mabini Covered Court in Iloilo City.

After protecting its twice-to-beat advantage over team BLACKHAT in the semifinal round, team LTBC clinched another grand finals appearance, setting up the finale against a familiar foe.

The team that booted them out in the league’s first Inter-Ball season two years ago came ready to play, and the championship stage was set: LTBC vs. DayOne rematch.

However, it was a different scenario and outcome this time as LTBC had all the tools to complete its revenge tour, banking on a rejuvenated firepower led by Japphet Sampiano, who willed his team back to the JB ABL pedestal.

In a thrilling, nip-and-tuck affair throughout the whole game, Sampiano stayed consistent, especially during the final set run, where he kept LTBC alive with his clutch offensive performance.

When team DayOne tried to claw their way back through the efforts of Mar Mar Bermudo, Sampiano didn’t shy away from the challenge and continued producing points for LTBC.

However, the unsung hero for LTBC during the final crucial stretch was Rommel Alenaje II, one of the premier veteran guards in Iloilo City.

Alenaje kept LTBC’s offensive engine running with his on-point assists, directing traffic while finding his open teammates in transition.

“Quality game, indeed,” said JB ABL commissioner Jayphet Balbacal in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

“Rare na lang ta makakita amo na klasi quality game in a ball club finals sa Iloilo City. Thank you to both teams for showing nga ang basketball diri sa syudad syado gypn ka tahom.”

After giving his all in the championship game, Sampiano was rewarded as the Kanto Sisig Most Valuable Player, while Alenaje clinched the Best Player of the Game.

Meanwhile, in the 39-Up category, team EAGLE EYE dominated BLACKHAT in the finals, 78-56, led by Jay Bagunas, who also took the MVP award.

Team LTBC would like to thank Mr. JP Hernandez, while team DayOne expressed their gratitude to Mr. Maverick Ganzon and Mr. Manuel Dolar.

“Hopefully, kitakits ta liwat sa next conference, teams! Thanks gd kay natapos na naman ang isa naton ka conference sang matawhay!” Balbacal added.