Talisay 1st Cong. Kiko Cup basketball tourney champ - Digicast Negros
February 6, 2023
The powerhouse basketball team of Talisay City emerged as champion of the 1st Cong. Kiko’s Cup Metro 3rd Basketball Tournament, defeating E.B. Magalona with a score of 72-70 in a tightly contested final game held at the E.B. Magalona Public Plaza Saturday, February 4.
The Talisay cagers were awarded P50,000 in cash, while 1st-runner up E.B. Magalona team received P30,000 during the awarding program led Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) with tournament manager Talisay City Councilor Rolin Meliton and E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon.
Third placer, Silay City basketballers received P20,000 and the fourth-ranking team of Victorias City was awarded P15,000.
The mythical five players – Julio Magbanua Jr. of Murcia, Louie Jay Villarosa of E.B. Magalona, Elliel John Resolis from Victorias, Sonny Katipunan of Silay, and Earvin de la Peña of Talisay were recognized for their exceptional performance throughout the tournament and were awarded P5,000 each.
The MVP (Most Valuable Player) award went to Rommel Hechanova of E.B. Magalona , while the finals MVP award was won by Nike Montalvo of Talisay. Both received P3,000 each.
During the opening program of the tournament finals, Benitez thanked all the players and tournament officials as he assured them that no matter the outcome of the games was, the entire Third District is the real winner.
More tournaments for the Third District will be planned to accommodate more types of sports, he said.
Among local government officials who led the support for their basketball teams were Talisay Vice Mayor Nic Jalandoni and Councilor Kenn Tirthndas; Silay City Councilors Ryan Gamboa and Lyndon Bernardo; Victorias Mayor Javi Benitez, Councilors Dexter Senido, and Audie Malaga.
Also present and rooting for the E.B. Magalona team were the municipal officials led by Malacon and Vice Mayor Eric Matulac.*
