RP-Harbour overpowers Yonsei five

People's Journal
October 13, 2007

SEOUL – After adjusting to the cool weather here, the Harbour Centre-Philippine team unraveled its true form Friday, crushing Yonsei University, 91-76, during a friendly game at the Yonsei University gym.

With veteran Eugene Tan and Boyet Bautista setting up the table for gunners Patrick Cabahug, Eric dela Cuesta and Jeff Chan, the Nationals shattered the Koreans’ defense time and again with a barrage of three-pointers in the final half that set the tone for a breezy win.

Taking the cue from Jonathan Fernandez who buried three treys in the second quarter, Cabahug sizzled in the third by knocking three of his own while Chan and dela Cuesta combined for three more in the fourth to complete their domination of the host squad.

With the win, the Nationals, who are fine-tuning for the coming 24th SEA Games in Thailand this December, avenged their stinging 79-76 loss to Myungji University Thursday.

“Sobrang lamig kasi dito kaya kahapon lang naka-adjust ang mga bata,” said Harbour Centre-RP team manager Erick Arejola. “Our shooters finally found their range so we hope to improve further in our next three games.

The Nationals, whose training is bankrolled by Harbour Centre owner and amateur basketball godfather Mikee Romero, arrived here Wednesday night.

After making several gutsy drives, Bautista, the smallest in the RP squad at 5-foot-7, was tightly marked by the Koreans in the fourth but their effort went in vain as the former Letran star still finished with 15 points.

“Boyet did his usual thing on the court while Eugene kept us together in the GAME with his leadership,” said coach Junel Baculi.

UAAP MVP Jervy Cruz of University of Santo Tomas and Beau Belga also had fine moments as they dominated both ends of the court to contribute 9 and 7 points, respectively.

“They controlled the boards and made big contribution in the offensive end,” added Arejola.

The Nationals are to meet Hangyang varsity team on Saturday.