Jack Daniels overhauled an early 16-point deficit and crushed holders Ice Light 74-61 to lift the championship trophy in Pinoy Libangan League Season 8 at Zayed Bin Sultan Gym in Satwa, Dubai.
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They started slow and were down by six points, 16-10, at the end of first quarter and were buried deeper by Ice Light in the middle of the second frame, 32-16.
But the duo of Wangyu Alvarez and Ryan Makasilhig orchestrated a 13-3 run to keep Jack Daniels within a manageable distance, 35-29, at the turn.
Jack Daniels played like a different team with a more sense of urgency in the second half as Alvarez initiated another rally, an 11-4 spurt, to give them a taste of the lead for the first time, 40-39, with seven minutes left in the third period.
They then utilised a run and gun play and had a scoring spree in the payoff period while the shorthanded Ice Light suffered from fatigue and wilted in the closing minutes.
“We just didn’t quit,” Jack Daniels coach Perry Sanchez told Sport360. “Even though we started badly and were down huge, we just got into our rhythm and played big in the second half. I also give credit to Alvarez for leading our comeback.”
Alvarez, who was adjudged MVP, led Jack Daniels with a double-double performance, top-scoring with 22 points and collecting 10 rebounds while Best Rookie Derick Manalo and Patrick Navarro added 11 and nine points respectively.
For his part, Ice Light coach Tony Agustin said their lack of players prevented them from defending the Cup and added: “We played a bad second half. Everything we gained in the first half we lost in the second half.”
Meanwhile, Aries Ricero posted 24 points to help Season 6 champions Angaz finish in third place after dominating Dawnville 66-52.
Individual awards
MVP – Wangyu Alvarez
Mythical 5 – Dexter Tabiano, Aries Ricero, Tristan Calara, Abe Chan, Ryan Makasilhig
Best coach – Perry Sanchez
Rookie of the Year – Derick Manalo
3-pt. King – Richard Regalado
Scorers:
Jack Daniels 74 – Wangyu Alvarez 22; Derick Manalo 11; Patrick Navarro 9; Mark Bernal 7; Ryan Makasilhig 6; Dave Agagne 6; Russen Asuncion 5; Tatoy Barranco 4; Jayson Teodoro 2; Manny Talamayan 2
Ice Light 61 – Tristan Calara 20; Abe Chan 17; Richard Regalado 15; Bon Mañalac 6; Mike Aliño 2; Zandro Tabon 1
