Experience played a pivotal role in JC2’s thrilling 78-76 win over Exile as Mark Isip, a former PBA journeyman, delivered crucial free throws in the last three seconds and bailed his team out of trouble on opening night of the V-Cup 40-And-Up Legends Basketball Tournament at the Treston College Gym in Taguig.
A member of the multiple-champion team of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws during the early 2000s, Isip went a rebound away from posting a double-double performance as he came up with 20 points and nine boards, but his two pressure-packed free throws were enough to lift his team to victory after teetering on the brink of defeat a few seconds earlier.
Just a few offensive trips back, Popoy Banzali presided as the last action hero for Exile as he knocked in five points in a span of 11 seconds to tie the game, 78-all.
Still, JC2 patiently worked on a good play and Isip, also a member of the Tamaraws coaching staff the past six years, used his basketball smarts just when his team badly needed it the most.
Right after hitting his charity shots to put his squad back in the driver’s seat, Exile designed a play intended for Banzali, who pierced the defense of JC2, then spotted a wide open Rey Mendoza at the corner, but the latter decided to fake a shot as the final buzzer sounded.
“I guess my experience played a big role,” said Isip. “This league for 40-and-up is not just about staying fit. Since ang profession ko is still in coaching, I need to set a good example. If you could show it, you can teach it. Kahit papaano, part of longevity.”
A total of eight teams will be competing in this 40-and-Up tournament which will serve as a fitting platform for ex-professional players and local cagers who want to stay actively fit.
Aside from Isip and Banzali, other notable players include multi-titled PBA champion Jerwin Gaco and ex-MPBL player Jay Sierra from JC2, former NCAA stars Erwin Sta. Maria and Floyd Dedicatoria of Tito Rex’s Firewire, ex-Ginebra players and University of Perpetual Help greats Gilbert Malabanan and Chester Tolomia of Saints Basketball, former PBA players Willie Wilson, Ronald Tubid and Bonbon Custodio of Cura Industries, former UAAP stalwarts Hyram Bagatsing, Josant Cervantes and Abraham Santos of Tela.Com Athletics and IT Depot, former MPBL player Mon Mabayo and 2005 UAAP Mythical First Team member Edwin Asoro of Exile, celebrity baller Boom Labrusca, former Petron Blaze Booster and past University of Santo Toms star Jojo Duncil and Arnold Oliveros of Capitals Basketball and veteran international campaigner Ricky Ricafuente of Lancaster Legends.
