THE Teleperformance (TP) beat VXI Robinsons, 56-50, in their championship match to clinch its third straight title in the Davao Inter-BPO League (DIBL) Invitational Basketball Tournament that came to a close on Sunday, July 9, at the Montaña Recreation and Fitness Center along Dacudao Avenue in Agdao, Davao City.
Ed Cañedo scored 12 points on top of four rebounds, three assists and three steals to romp away with the finals most valuable player (MVP) award while teammate Lou Gracilla was hailed the conference MVP with an average of 15.1 points.
A series of deadlocks ensued in the game but TP took control in the final two minutes.
TP coach Peter Epe, in a phone interview with VoxPop Davao, said it was a hard-fought game as both teams had what it takes to win the title.
"Nakalamang lang mi sa breaks of the game. Gi challenge nako sila nga kung kinsa'y mubigay sa fourth quarter mapildi jud. (We just put it off to the breaks of the game. I also challenged them to never give up)," Epe recalled during the crucial minutes of the finals.
The veteran coach, however, was elated with the successful title defense as it was also his first time to coach a team that haven't lost a game from the eliminations up to the finals.
He also thanked the TP management for the full support and trust as well as the players who played with their hearts.
TP was also bannered by Daryl and Levi Ochate, Arnulfo Dula Jr., Lanz Kevin Uy, Crizon Decena, Justin Mark Bongalo, John Rey Del Rio, Roberto Dalisat Jr., Patrick Funa, Giussepe Yves Inso, Fernan Ricky Bagolor, Elijah Lael Ramos, Rome Vhon Neri, Michale Angelo Pates, Virgil Flores, Paul Vincent Miñoza, Jaysan Fernandez and Joseph Anthony Creencia.
The VXI SM, meanwhile, survived past Offsourcing Philippines, 65-62, to place third in the event sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.