PHILCONGEN-HK

Solid First Nips Boracay Fresh, 104-97, to win the Palaro Ng Konsulado

5 July 2005

Winners of Men's Basketball Tournament: click here

In a breathtaking championship game, Solid First magically rose from the throngs of defeat to win the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Cup of the Palaro ng Konsulado sa HK 2005 men’s basketball tournament, edging out Boracay Fresh in overtime, 104-97, before an appreciative Sunday crowd at the Lockhart Road Playground in Wanchai on 3 July.

With Boracay Fresh on the verge of a historic 10-game sweep of the tournament, Solid First playmaker Eric Alcantara rescued his team from the agony of defeat by firing a tying miracle three-point shot with three seconds to go and Boracay leading, 88-85, to extend the game into overtime.

Solid First then outscored Boracay Fresh in the five-minute extension, 16-9, to complete its classic win over top seed Boracay.

The win was a fitting tribute to Solid First coach Eddie Boy de la Cruz, who plotted the final play with a masterful inbound pass from the opposite end of the court to a waiting Alcantara just outside the 23-foot three-point zone to extend the game into overtime.

De la Cruz, who promised a memorable tournament before the Palaro started in April, was adjudged best coach for spearheading Solid First to the championship.

Alcantara made it to the Mythical Team with Francis Ita-as (Solid First), Renchie Enriquez (Boracay Fresh), Eugene Sta. Maria (MIGA) and Kervin Yu (Budget Finance). However, Ita-as, the heart-and-soul of Solid First, was the unanimous choice as MVP of the Finals.

Anthony Villon, who led the PCG Blue Boys’ campaign with overpowering averages of at least 30 points and 20 rebounds per game, was also the unanimous choice for MVP of the League.

Marlon Villa of the PCG Blue Boys nipped Emil Custodio of PARDS Hoops, 14-12, to emerge as the tournament’s three-point shootout king.

Meanwhile, Budget Finance bested MIGA to place second runner-up for the SFA Cup (Class A).

In the Class B Division (Philippine Consulate General (PCG) Cup) for the fifth to eight placers, the PCG Blue Boys nipped Kabalen, 85-83, in another thriller to win the PCG Cup. Lahing Kayumanggi and PARDS Hoops placed seventh and eight in the overall standings.

Takuza, which placed ninth, was given the Sportsmanship Award in recognition of its active support and participation in the tournament.

The Palaro is co-organized by the Consulate and Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. – HK Chapter and sponsored by PLDT (HK) Ltd. The tournament committee was composed of Jun Andrada (chairman), Wigmore Capiendo (vice-chairman), Ruben Biascan and Jover Lopez (members) and VC Noel Novicio (adviser).

PALARO NG KONSULADO SA HK 2005

Men’s Basketball Tournament

FINALS & AWARDING CEREMONY

3 July 2005, Lockhart Playground, Wanchai

AWARD CATEGORY	WINNERS – PCG CUP	PRIZE/S
3^rd RUNNER-UP	PARDS HOOPS	Trophy + Certificates
2^nd RUNNER-UP	LAHING KAYUMANGGI	Trophy + Certificates
1^st RUNNER-UP	KABALEN	Trophy + Certificates
CHAMPION	PCG BLUE BOYZ	Trophy + Certificates
SPECIAL AWARDS
BEST COACH	Eduardo dela Cruz, Solid First	Medal
MYTHICAL 5	Francis Ita-as (Solid First) Kervin Yu (Budget Finance) Eric Alcantara (Solid First) Renchie Enriquez (Boracay Fresh) Eugene Sta. Maria (MIGA)	Medals
MVP OF THE FINALS	FRANCIS ITA-AS, SOLID FIRST	Trophy + Medal
3-POINT SHOOT OUT KING	MARLON VILLA, PCG BLUE BOYZ	Trophy
MVP OF THE LEAGUE	ANTHONY VILLON, PCG BLUE BOYZ	Trophy
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD	TAKUZA TEAM	Plaque
WINNERS- SFA CUP
3^rd RUNNER-UP	MIGA	Trophy + certificates of appreciation to all Players/members
2^nd RUNNER-UP	BUDGET FINANCE	Trophy + certificates of appreciation to all Players/members
1^st RUNNER-UP	BORACAY FRESH	Trophy + certificates of appreciation to all Players/members
CHAMPION	SOLID FIRST	Trophy + medals + certificates of appreciation to all Players/members