Talisay City, Murcia hailed champions in Gov. Cup Inter-LGU 3X3 hoop tourney

It was another exciting Saturday for all basketball enthusiasts as ABANSE NEGRENSE’s Governor’s Cup Inter-LGU 3X3 Basketball Tournament (14-under and 17-under categories) held its finals in Talisay City Gym at 9 am on Oct. 8, 2022. Talisay City and Murcia were hailed champions in the 17-under and 14-under categories, respectively.

Spearheaded by the Negros Occidental Provincial Government and the Provincial Sports Office (PSO), the tournament finally concluded in a championship game after four weeks of North and South Districts playoffs. Talisay City took the most out of the home-court advantage after emerging as champions in the 17-under category.

Talisay City player Jay Clyde S. Divinagracia was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the same category. Kabankalan City ranked second (first runner-up), and La Carlota City landed third place (second runner-up).

The Municipality of Murcia, on the other hand, ranked first in the 14-under category – a huge surprise for most viewers as they bested other strong LGU team opponents. Zaihan G. Sarmiento of Murcia received the MVP award.

Himamaylan City bagged the second-place award, while Talisay City ranked third. Cash prizes for the winning teams (one per each category: 14- and 17-under) were as follows: P10,000.00 for the champion, P7,000.00 for the first runner-up (second place), and P5,000.00 for the second runner-up (third place). MVPs also received P2,000.00 cash in each category.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, PSO Head Mr. Anthony Carlo Agustin, Talisay City Sports Coordinator Mr. Marvin Tan, Councilor Carl Lizares, and Mr. Martin Lizares were present at the tournament. Gov. Lacson gave an inspirational speech that emphasized the purpose of the ABANSE NEGRENSE Sports Programs, which is to promote grassroots sports development.

Gov. Lacson said the provincial government hopes to discover new talents that could represent the province in national and international basketball leagues. He stressed the importance of being a “student-athlete,” saying education should remain a priority of the players.

Moreover, Gov. Lacson thanked the parents for their unwavering support and encouraged them to continue supporting their children in any sport that piqued their interests. Also, he reminded the players that despite being rivals inside the court, they should still have a good sense of camaraderie among other LGU teams.

Twenty-four LGU teams participated in ABANSE NEGRENSE’s Governor’s Cup Inter-LGU 3X3 Basketball Tournament (14-under and 17-under categories). The tournament started on Sept. 10 with the North District

Bracket A Eliminations in Escalante City, followed by the North Bracket B playoffs on Sept. 17 in Talisay City. South District Bracket A and B Eliminations took place on Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 in Bago City and the municipality of Binalbagan, respectively.*