#LGRHoops: Bearcats repeat as Open champs after shocking EOG

With the top seed pushing them on the backs of the wall, the Bearcats showed the heart of a Champion, as they retained the Open Division title after dealing EOG Jamfy its first and most painful loss, 85-79, to close the curtains on season 7 last June 23 at the Filoil FlyingV Centre.

Bong dela Cruz got the better of Britt Reroma in a battle of great coaching minds, to get his third straight title in LGR Hoops history

Trailing for most of the contest after starting hot with an 8-0 run, the Bearcats clicked in the pay-off period to close out one of the most memorable games in San Juan.

Power forward Jay Collado powered his way to keep the Finals MVP trophy he first won in Season 6, finishing the game with a team-high 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

And just like in their clincher against FEU-NRMF, Collado took out EOG with a booming triple that gave the ‘cats a 79-73 lead with 2:27 left in the game.

RK Ilagan had 27 points to lead all scorers, but their seven straight wins were negated by the crushing defeat in the title game.

The scores:

Bearcats 85 -- Collado 17, Camacho 17, Alday 16, Castro 9, Bolos 7, Natividad 7, Escosio 6, Dedicatoria 4, Balucanag 2, Torrado 0, Sta. Maria 0

EOG 79 -- Ilagan 27, Mendoza 17, Matias 14, Murillo 11, Taganas 4, Apreku 2, Pagayunan 2, Rodrigado 0, Corpuz 0, Alano 0

Quarter scores: 22-23, 38-41, 58-60, 85-79

(photo by LGR Hoops)

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