The Davao Microsmith Elite Eaglets captured the Under-13 championship of the Sinag Liga Asya Junior World Showcase with an 88-60 victory over New York BSA on Sunday, July 5, at the Cebu Coliseum.
Key Performers Lead Balanced Attack
Floyd Leiji Lucero, Mateo Lucas Duterte Carpio, and Carl Anakin Villegas spearheaded a balanced offensive effort for the Eaglets. Lucero earned Finals Most Valuable Player honors after recording 18 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Villegas contributed 16 points, while Carpio, son of Vice President Sara Duterte, anchored the team throughout the tournament and secured a spot in the Mythical Five.
Game Recap
The Eaglets jumped out to a 27-16 lead in the opening quarter. New York BSA rallied in the second period, but Davao maintained a 43-33 halftime advantage. After the break, the Eaglets forced turnovers, controlled the boards, and capitalized on fast-break opportunities to regain control. They entered the fourth quarter ahead 64-50 before pulling away with a decisive 13-point run that stretched the lead to 20 points, sealing the championship.
Dominant Inside and in Transition
Davao overwhelmed New York BSA inside the paint, outscoring them 64-48, and dominated in transition with a 36-9 advantage. The Eaglets also received 25 points from their bench. Perseus Berame paced New York BSA with 17 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Nathaniel James Jumao-as added 14 points and six rebounds.
Lucero Expresses Gratitude
Lucero later reflected on the championship in a Facebook post, writing, "What a journey! Still grateful and blessed for this championship." He thanked God, head coach Mark Herrera, assistant coaches Andre Herrera and Benjie Arriba Diswe, team supporters Joseph Chua and Manases R. Carpio, his parents, teammates, and relatives who traveled to Cebu to cheer for the team. "To my teammates, thank you, guys! We fought together until the end. Proud of this team," Lucero wrote.
Rising Youth Basketball Program
The championship further strengthened the Davao Microsmith Elite Eaglets' reputation as one of the country's rising youth basketball programs, completing a dominant tournament capped by a convincing 28-point victory in the finals.
