Come-from-behind wins for Samuel, Jeremiah

Jeremiah players pose for a photo before their game against Ezekiel in the 5th Genesis Cup last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Samuel and Jeremiah rallied past their respective opponents to win their season debuts in the 5th Genesis Cup Christian Churches Inter-Color Basketball League last Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Jeremiah made a big comeback as it overhauled an 18-point halftime deficit en route to a 42-40 victory against Ezekiel in the second match last weekend. In the curtain-raiser, Samuel outclassed defending champion Caleb, 49-44.

Michael Cabanas anchored Jeremiah’s recovery, as he nailed 13 of his 17 points in the second half to lift his team to the 2-point win. Cabanas also drew help from Isagani Cortez and Fred Fatialoafa, who combined for 13 markers in the last 20 minutes of the play.

The final half began with Ekeziel holding a 32-14 advantage. Ezekiel got off to a strong start after spreading the wealth as eight of its players hit the board led by Vic Formales, who knocked in 8 points in the first half. Brian Reynolds and Noni Eugenio chipped in 6 each and five other Ezekiel players added at least one basket apiece.

Jeremiah, on the other hand, had only Cortez scoring more than 4 points for the squad, as Jorge Lizardo and Fatialofa were held to 2 points each and Cabanas was limited to 4 in the first half. However, Cabanas made up for his so-so performance at the start of the game and outgunned the entire Ezekiel crew in the second half.

Ezekiel tallied only 8 points off three field goals and a pair of free throws from Neng Yang and Reynolds for the second-half meltdown. Arvin Bacani was the lone player to can more than a basket for Ezekiel in the second half with his 4 points, while Dan Toribio nailed the other field goal for the team.

Meanwhile, in the first game, Samuel came back from a 6-point deficit at the break, 20-26, to take the 5-point winning margin.

Mark Cando and Walter Brillo teamed up for Samuel in the second half, combining for 15 of the squad’s 29 markers in that period. They also drew ample support from six of their teammates in the final half.

With Samuel and Jeremiah prevailing against their respective foes, they joined Gideon and Joshua on the win column. Gideon and Joshua topped Daniel and Isaiah in the league’s opening week matches.

First Game
Samuel 49—Cando 16, Brillo 11, Francia 4, Gonzales 4, Badal 4, Acosta 3, Robles 3, Reyes 2, Lopez 2.
Caleb 44—Hernaez 12, Castro 9, Lizardo 8, Castro 6, Gabaldon 3, Dequito 2, Lansangan 2, Gozon 2.
Scoring by halves: 20-26, 49-44.

Second Game
Jeremiah 42—Cabanas 17, Cortez 13, Fatialofa 8, Lizardo 2, Conti 2.
Ezekiel 40—Formales 8, Reynolds 7, Toribio 6, Bacani 6, Eugenio 6,Samonte 3, Casuncad 2, Cruz 2, Yang 1.
Scoring by halves: 14-32, 42-40.