RIZAL RULES COCA-COLA PBA YOUNGSTARS 9-12 AGE GRP
Banking on its inside game in the final period, Rizal Province repulsed defending titlist Marikina, 47-38, to bag the Coca-Cola PBA Youngstars 9-12 yrs age group championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.
Miguel Santos, who was named tournament Most Valuable Player, scored 12 of his game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter as Rizal broke away from the tight championship match.
Marikina actually appeared headed for back-to-back titles, leading 12-7, at the end of the first quarter. But Julian Jugo waxed hot in the second period, banging in 10 points to give Rizal the upperhand, 20-19, at the half.
Rizal earned a spot in the Finals of this annual summer league by trouncing Kabaka in the semifinals while Marikina downed Cainta in the other Final 4 matchup.
Named to the Coca-Cola Mythical Five were Rizal’s Santos and Jugo, Jethro Escoto of Marikina, Cainta’s Recaredo Christian Calimag and R-chie Santos of Kabaka.
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