Recap

OLD CATS TEACH YOUNG BULLS SOME TRICKS

Whoever said that the old adage, “Old dogs can’t learn new tricks” was very wise. However, there should have been a caveat where the OGs can teach the young guns a thing or two.

This exactly what happened during the Kuya Cats vs Barakos Championship Game at The DUB League Volume 2.0.  Flanked by the old guards Juan Gutierrez, Toby Cudiamat, Gil Mandabon, Arvin Dela Cruz and Mohammed Karim, this group of OGs from help propel the ‘Cats on a resounding victory over the Barakos.

Much had been said about the Barakos youth and athleticism with Eugene Piong leading the attack along with Mr. Fundamentals Carl Agcamaran. This team ran their opponents in each of their wins going to the Championship. Their strong and quick guards in Neil Bagalso, Julius Ramos, Michael Perez and Yoneo Gamalinda help elevate this run-and-gun team to the big game.

However, it was the relentless grit and basketball smarts that got the Kuya Cats the win. The game was pretty close until the last 8 minutes when Toby Cudiamat, who was generally absent the whole season, showed up and turned the heat on the Barakos. He was a mismatch down low with Michael Perez and John Dahan guarding him. His clutch plays down the stretch put the icing on the cake for the Kuya Cats.

This should not take away from Juan’s overall briliance who finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and one block. Mohammed Karim was also pretty solid down low on defense along with Renz Villanueva’s tireless defense against Eugene the whole game.

The Barakos could not get in synch throughout the game as they were trying to find out what their offensive identity is. Are they a run-and-gun team or are they the bruiser team? Eugene and the guards led the attack on the break but they could not get their big man compliment their game completely.

Carl who is very effective at half court was a non-factor early in the game as the Barakos guards kept on pushing the ball. Unfortunately for them, the Kuya Cats can also run with Juan, Toby, Matea, Renz, GJ and Karim.

Carl finished with 13 points and 2 rebounds while Eugene Piong finished with 8 points and 3 rebounds.

Realizing the team identity eventually became the deciding factor as the Kuya Cats already know that they are not the fastest but they know how to compliment their games.

Meanwhile, the Barakos had to go into the offseason rethinking what they could have done better and a lot of retrospection on what type of team they want to be.

Paolo Olea and Arvin Dela Cruz had to sit out the game due to injuries.