Sonics settle for runner-up finish in PH caging

670 Sonics players and officials pose with their runner-up trophy during the awards ceremony for the 670 Sonics-Laguna Philippines Friendship Basketball Tournament last Monday night at the Laguna State Polytechnic University court. San Pablo College defeated the Sonics in the finals, 95-90. (Contributed Photo)

The 670 Sonics fell short in their title bid in the Inaugural 670 Sonics-Laguna Philippines Friendship Basketball Tournament as San Pablo College pulled off a 95-90 win in their finale last Monday night at the Laguna State Polytechnic University court.

Despite losing the title match, the Sonics’ last game in the tournament was way better than their first meeting against the heavily favored team. SPC crushed the Sonics in the latter’s debut in the four-team competition last Saturday, 102-71.

In their rematch, the Sonics managed to keep SPC within striking distance. The eventual champion led by only 6 after the first period, 31-25, while the Sonics cut the deficit to 5 at halftime, 43-48. SPC behind its four triples in the third period gained more cushion, 76-66, but the Sonics made repeated comebacks in the fourth to remain in contention.

The visiting squad spread the wealth in the final canto to give SPC a good fight before the latter banked on their free throws to secure the victory. SPC’s last 4 markers were all made from the foul line with Ronald Marasigan nailing three charities and Rodelson Himor splitting his free throws.

“Our players played their best but came up short. We gave SPC the credit as they shot well and defended well. Our players were hungry to win as we were beaten badly by SPC in the first game and I am happy with how our boys performed. We had SPC right where we want them but came up short. Our boys gained a lot from this experience and that was one of our goals. We also want to showcase CNMI talents in off-island tournaments,” Sonics head coach Jesse Tudela said.

Jaymark De Guzman had 21 points in the finale, while Jack Aranda and Nino Feria chipped in 15 and 12. Joining De Guzman and Feria on the team were Eric Dela Rosa, Mike Espinosa, Jun Fidelino, Djaymarch Ong, Sean Rabasto, Mike Arciaga, Prince Factor, and Gerald Flores

“We want to thank Laguna for the hospitality and for having us in this friendship tournament. They want us to come back next year and we hope to do so by fundraising again,” Tudela said.

“Next on our PH visit is a two-day basketball clinic with Pinoy Dreamers director Beaujing Acot, who was Jericho Cruz first coach at Rizal Technological University. We will see Jericho as well at the clinic,” Tudela added.

Meanwhile, the 670 Sonics would like to thank the following for supporting their PH trip: First Lady Dianne Torres, Rep. Angel Demapan, Rep. Vinnie Sablan, Rep. Ed Propst, Rep. Edmund Villagomez, Sen. Sixto Igisomar, Rep. BJ Attao, PHI Pharmacy, Best Sunshine, Pacific Islands Club, Pizza Hut, WE>1 Clothing, Island Brand Clothing, Balas Brand Clothing, Rep. Joseph Deleon Guerrero, Sonics players’ families, and Abner Venus.