RP cagers cop Rimula plum


BRUNEI: IT was a triumph that arguably put Philippine basketball back on the Asian cage map.

In an all-Filipino finale, the RP-San Miguel Beer squad carved out a thrilling 70-67 win over Alaska Sunday night to bag the Fifth Shell Rimula Cup in front of a packed National Indoor Stadium here.

It was the first international basketball championship for the Nationals of coach Chot Reyes, a win made doubly sweeter with Jayjay Helterbrand being cited as the event’s Most Valuable Player.

The Ginebra playmaker drilled a crucial 3-pointer in the closing minutes to lift the RP cagers, who go home $20,000 richer for bagging the title.

“Give the credit to the players, to the San Miguel Corporation management especially to Ramon Ang and PBA Commissioner Noli Eala because this is their project,” said Reyes, savoring his first major overseas triumph.

Despite the victory, Reyes could not help being wistful, saying: “ This was supposed to be our culminating tournament for the FIBA-Asia Championship in Doha, Qatar. Unfortunately, that won’t happen.”

The International Basketball Federation has banned the Philippines from all FIBA-sanctioned events until the row between the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Basketball Association of the Philippines has been settled.

The POC expelled the BAP from its membership at a general assembly meeting on June 30.

“I appeal to [BAP president] Joey Lina and to the leadership of BAP. Please, let us play. I don’t know what it takes but this team deserves to play because they work hard, play together and will make us proud,” Reyes added.

In the battle for third, the SK Knights of South Korea salvaged some pride as it held on to a 95-82 victory over Toshiba Brave Thunders of Japan.

Asi Taulava netted 14 points and 11 rebounds while Tony dela Cruz added 12 for the Nationals, who massacred the Toshiba Brave Thunders of Japan, 94-66, in the semifinals Saturday—a fitting payback for their only loss in the elimination round.

The Aces, who beat the favored SK Knights of South Korea in the other semifinal clash, settled for the runner-up purse of $10,000, but had to play without coach Tim Cone at the end of the first period.

Cone was banished from the court by referee Roberto Ting for his continuous complaining.

“That win by the RP-SMB and Alaska in the semis is a big statement game as it showed that Philippine basketball is back in the Asian map,” Reyes said.

Import Artemus “Tee” McClary paced all scorers with 19 points to go along with 11 rebounds for the Aces. Mike Cortez chipped in 16 while Brandon Cablay added 11.

Despite Cone’s ejection, Alaska managed to stay in the game and even tied the game for the last time at 57-all after Cortez completed 3-point play off Taulava, 3:21 remaining.
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congrats kay coach chot at sa RP Team