THE Smart Sports Scribes leaned on their smothering defense to beat the Capital1 Solar Boys, 49-32, in the finals of the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Monday.
After splitting two close matches against Capital1 in the preliminaries, the Sports Scribes took the winner-take-all match in wire-to-wire fashion, thanks to an 18-5 second quarter capped by Ivan Saldajeno's basket at the halftime buzzer, 30-12.
The story remained the same in the third period, where the team backed by Danny Espiritu, Headstart Sports Academy, and BaliPure kept its opponents at bay by making timely shots at every juncture.
Reuben Terrado of SPIN.ph was hailed as Finals MVP after a 12-point, 11-rebound performance, while Cignal's AJ Bolando had 13 markers, eight boards, and five assists.
Julio Sampedro of UAAP Varsity Channel also delivered for Smart Sports as he added eight rebounds and three steals, while Jeremiah Sevilla on ONE E-Sports had four of his six points in the fourth quarter.
Jan Ballesteros of One Sports contributed five rebounds, five assists, and four steals, Kevin Dela Cruz had four rebounds and six assists, and Robert Andaya of the Journal Group finished with three points, four rebounds, and two steals for Smart Sports.
Also playing for Smart Sports are SPIN.ph editor in chief Dodo Catacutan and chief photographer Jerome Ascaño, PSA president Nelson Beltran, Philip Matel, Lito Oredo, Dino Maragay, Elech Dawa, Jelly Musico, Rocky Nazareno, Edwin Rollon, and Patrick Romero.
Christian Jacinto and Bryan Ulanday knocked down 10 points apiece, while Aldo Aviñante had eight for Capital1, which was backed by Mandy and Milka Romero, Bulakan Mayor Vergel Meneses, Uratex, and Rebel Sports.
Meanwhile, the Strong Group Athletics Press Row Bros secured their first victory of the tournament after downing the Say Chiz Smileys in the battle for third placewhich needed overtime to settle, 82-81.
Eugene Flores of One Sports fired 30 points while Diego de la Paz and Karlo Sacamos chipped in 18 points each for SGA.
Jeric Lopez, on the other hand, paced Say Chiz' offense with 24, Cedelf Tupas added 23, and Jonas Terrado poured in 20.
In the pre-game ceremony attended by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy, Jonas Terrado was named tournament MVP after averaging 19.3 points, 15.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks during the eliminations.
He was joined in the Mythical Five by Bolando, Aviñante, Lopez, and Jacinto.
Meanwhile, Flores was recognized as the league's top rookie after norming 23.6 points, 5.4 boards, and 4.8 assists.
Rappler's Delfin Dioquino was awarded as the tournament's top defensive player after hauling in 13.3 boards, and a league-best 3.7 steals.
Reuben Terrado was hailed as the inaugural Joe Antonio Sportsmanship awardee, named after the late sports editor of the People's Journal.
PSA president Nelson Beltran of Smart was also recognized as the best senior player, providing a steady hand and valuable leadership to the eventual champion.
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