THE Smart Sports Scribes leaned on their smothering defense to stifle the Capital1 Solar Boys 49-32 last Monday to emerge as the champions of the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Afte a low-scoring opening frame which saw Smart go ahead 12-7, the team outscored the Solar Boys in the next 10 minutes, 18-5 to rip the winner-take-all contest wide open.
The Strong Group Athletics Press Row Bros posted their first victory in the tournament, edging the Say Chiz Smileys in the battle for third with an 82-81 victory in overtime.
The Smart squad, backed by Danny Espiritu, Headstart Sports Academy, and BaliPure kept their opponents at bay until the final buzzer.
Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph was named the finals Most Valuable Player after a 12-point, 11-rebound performance, while Cignal’s AJ Bolando had 13 markers, eight boards, and five assists.
Christian Jacinto and Bryan Jacinto knocked down 10 points apiece while Aldo Aviñante had eight for the team supported by Capital1 owners Mandy and Milka Romero, Bulakan Mayor Vergel Meneses, Uratex, and Rebel Sports.
