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Espinosa gets Finals MVP
Judith’s Hot Boys’ Mike Espinosa, center, is fouled by GMI Market’s Ignacio Borja, right, during the third quarter of their title game in the U18 division of the San Antonio caging last Sunday at the San Antonio court. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Mike Espinosa took home the Finals MVP award after towing Judith’s Hot Boys to an 82-74 title win against GMI Market in the U18 division of the 2015 San Antonio Community Action Network Basketball League last Sunday night at the San Antonio court.
Espinosa scored a team-high 22 points in the finale, providing Judith’s stability in the homestretch to thwart a GMI Market late comeback. Espinosa fired 6 of Judith’s last 10 points in the fourth quarter with his putback off his own miss giving his team more breathing room, 76-70, after GMI Market moved within 4. Espinosa made the important basket with the 24-second shot clock almost down.
The Judith’s Hot Boys forward managed to lead scores on his team despite nailing only one basket in the first period. He made up for his poor start in the second quarter, drilling 7 points to help Judith’s take a double-digit spread by halftime, 43-33. Judith’s advantage ballooned to as much as 19 in the third, 59-42, with Espinosa adding 6 more points and the Finals MVP continued to deliver in the payoff canto to save his team from collapsing after wasting a twin-digit spread.
Espinosa received the Finals MVP trophy from league supporter and Rep. Anthony Sablan (Ind-Saipan) during the brief awards ceremony, while trophies were also awarded to the Mythical Five. The elite group was composed of GMI Market’s Jethro Cruz and June Alipio, the Sonics’ Jun Fidelino, Ferrera Builders’ Chico Bondoc, and Judith’s Hot Boys’ Mike Arciaga.
