21/06/2026
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๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
In a hard-fought championship showdown of the 58th Araw ng Carmen Basketball Tournament Junior Division, Tuganay put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short against defending champion and tournament powerhouse Ising, 97-82. Tuganay never backed down and continued to challenge the reigning champions proving their championship existence.
๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ
Tuganay opened the game with Ruzgal, Brigoli, Devilleres, Dacles, and Cuyos in the starting lineup. Ruzgal battled the taller Suarez in the opening tip-off, while Brigoli orchestrated the offense from the point guard position.
Dacles scored Tuganay's first basket of the game with a three-pointer from beyond the arc. Ising quickly established control and built a 13-3 advantage, but Tuganay responded behind the aggressive drives of Cuyos, who repeatedly attacked the basket and broke through Ising's defense.
The deficit was trimmed to just three points after Panilagao converted on a putback opportunity and Camacho knocked down a three-pointer to make it 15-12. However, Ising maintained its offensive rhythm while Tuganay continued to chase. Panilagao added consecutive layups to keep the pressure on as the opening quarter ended with Ising ahead, 24-16.
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ
Tuganay fielded Sarin, Panilagao, Catapusan, Brigoli, and Dacles to start the second period.
Panilagao opened the quarter with two made free throws before Cuyos powered through the defense for a tough finish inside. Dacles then buried a quick corner three to keep Tuganay within striking distance.
Cuyos continued to attack the paint and scored another basket to bring the score to 34-25. Devilleres A. added a bank shot, while Cuyos converted from the free-throw line to cut the deficit to 12 points. Devilleres J. chipped in with a jump shot and a reverse layup as Tuganay fought to stay close. At halftime, Ising remained in front, 48-37.
๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ
The second half began with Catapusan, Dacles, Cuyos, Brigoli, and Panilagao on the floor.
Dacles immediately sparked Tuganay with a three-pointer, cutting the deficit to 48-40. Panilagao and Catapusan each converted their free-throw opportunities, while Catapusan energized the crowd with a take-off follow-up from Dacles.
Camacho answered with a three-pointer to make it 58-49, but Ising continued to hold the lead. A strong connection between Catapusan and Panilagao resulted in another basket for Tuganay, while Panilagao and Camacho later added points from the charity stripe to bring the score to 67-57.
The quarter was briefly disrupted by a commotion involving Dalman and Catapusan after their arms became entangled, while Sarin and Dumanig were also involved in a similar incident on the opposite side of the court.
Despite Tuganay's efforts, Ising remained firmly in control and closed the third quarter with a 72-59 advantage.
๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ต ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ
Tuganay entered the final period with Dacles, Camacho, Cuyos, Panilagao, and Brigoli.
Cuyos scored the team's first basket of the quarter on a layup before Ruzgal showcased finesse with a left-handed jelly layup. Dacles capitalized on an open lane for an easy finish, while Cuyos continued to impose his presence inside, scoring another basket and converting two free throws.
The Tuganay big man once again attacked Botin, finishing a bank shot and completing a three-point play opportunity to trim the deficit to 87-72. Brigoli also displayed his creativity around the rim, converting two jelly layups in the closing minutes.
However, the defending champions maintained their composure and secured the title with a 97-82 victory.
๐ ๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ
As Ising successfully defended its crown and reaffirmed its dominance, Tuganay emerged as a worthy challenger that pushed the champions throughout the contest. Among the league's talented field of teams, Tuganay's championship appearance and unwavering effort stand as a testament to its growth, determination, and competitive spirit.
Though the title remained in Ising's hands, Tuganay's remarkable run to the finals has already carved its place as a proud chapter in the team's legacy.
Written & Layout | Vin Gallardo
Photos in Frame | HELMETTANYO
