Champions League: UM rips RMC in crucial game, 95-82

Edgar Awitin (holding the ball), who did play in the first two games, sees action in the third game for the University of Mindanao against the Rizal Memorial Colleges in the 2008 Champions League-Davao Eliminations, Sunday night, at the Davao City Recreation Center. UM won, 95-82.



The University of Mindanao Wildcats made the adjustments at the start of the second quarter to rip the Rizal Memorial Colleges Bulldogs, 95-82 in the 2008 Champions League-Davao Eliminations, Sunday night, at the Davao City Recreation Center.

Arnold Adormeo led the Wildcats, who trailed in the first quarter 19-22, with 20 points and Edgar Awitin added 18 baskets while Mohaliden Distancia topscored for the losing side with 26 points.

The Wildcats clinched their second win in three outings and tied the top post with Emar College but will be relegated to the No.2 spot in Group A based on the team that beats the other rule. Emar defeated the Wildcats on opening day, 86-79.

Bulldogs coach Marlon Lucnagan protested the entry of the veteran Awitin in the crucial third game pointing out that the UM player did not play in the first two games particularly against Emar College where they lost. “Wala sya sa line-up,” said Lucnagan.

UM sports director Joaquin “Boy” Sarabia, however, said that there was nothing wrong with the entry of Awitin in the crucial third game because during their meeting, it was agreed that teams are allowed to submit even up to 20 players as long as they follow the 15 to play rule.

In group B, the Jose Maria College Kings and Agro-Industrial Foundation College Sailors will also be playing crucial games to determine the rankings before going to the semifinal round of the tournament supported by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice Mayor Sara Z. Duterte and sanctioned by BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Regional Director Regino “Boy” Cua.

The Davao champion will advance to the Regional Area finals against South Cotabato, Sarangani, Gen.Santos City and Maguindanao teams.

The scores:
University of Mindanao (95)- Adormeo 20, Awitin 18, Mendoza 14, Fernandez 11, Rosauro 7, Cesniros 5, Galacgac 3, Angalan 2, Apurada 2, Barbieros 2.

Rizal Memorial Colleges (82)- Distancia 26, Planas 23, Rodriguez 13, Gabatan 6, Bayang 4, Neri 3, Ydulzura 3, Abao 2.