IN a thrilling finale to the inaugural RNV and Affiliates Inter-Company Basketball Tournament, Team White outlasted Team Yellow’s late rally, 66-55, to claim the championship Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Team Yellow, led by Elmer Villamel, Erwin Rodillas, and Meldin Raro, set the tone early with sharp ball movement and disciplined defense, staying even with their rivals through most of the first half.
But Team White responded behind the steady play of Joel Palima, who anchored the offense with support from Benito Glorioso and PJ Ramos. Their combined firepower gave Team White a 28-22 edge heading into halftime.
Riding that momentum, Team White opened the second half with relentless defensive pressure that turned into fast-break points. John Capuyon and Ramos each scored six in the stretch, pushing the lead to double digits.
Team Yellow, however, refused to fold. Joecer Sarco, who had just four points in the first half, came alive with several fast-break drives, four of them turning into and-one plays. His surge cut the deficit to within two possessions.
Despite the push, Team Yellow couldn’t slow Team White down. Palima and Teddy Corpuz continued to score down the stretch, sealing the 66-55 victory and the tournament crown.
RNV Construction owner and general manager Ruel Villacrusis, who hosted the event, said the goal was to give employees a “positive outlet.”
“The purpose of this tournament is for them to have extracurricular activities — because all work makes a dull person,” Villacrusis said. “Instead of just drinking every weekend, why not make a change, since all Filipinos love basketball just as much as they love karaoke.”
He added that the tournament will now be an annual event.
Around 100 employees competed in the two-day event.
Team Yellow’s Joecer Sarco attempts a baseline layup against Team White in a game of the inaugural RNV and Affiliates Inter-Company Basketball Tournament at the Ada gym on Sunday.
Team White’s Joel Palima pulls up for the shot over three defenders during a game against Team Yellow in the inaugural RNV and Affiliates Inter-Company Basketball Tournament at the Ada gym on Sunday.
Team White’s John Capuyon takes the uncontested midrange jumper during a game against Team Yellow in the inaugural RNV and Affiliates Inter-Company Basketball Tournament at the Ada gym on Sunday.
