West Negros University guns for a record-setting performance today when it clashes against JPV/Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod for Game 2 of its best-of-three titular showdown in the 2008 Negros Basketball Association’s Mayor’s Cup Summer Basketball Tournament at Tay Tung gym.

Undefeated in the eliminations, the Mustangs cruised to an easy victory over Marwin Pawnshop in the semifinals and patiently waited from the sidelines as the JPV/CSA-B wrestled with Province of Negros Occidental for the second finals berth.

The scenario started to change, however, in Thursday’s Game 1 as JPV came out strong and challenged the Mustangs’ dominance in every department, though losing at the end with a heartbreaking 71-70 final score.

Led by Johnson Salazar, JPV pulled a first quarter rally that left WNU trailing behind, 16-10, solidifying the challenge in the second quarter as the Eagles engaged the Mustangs in a shootout as the halftime buzzer sounded with the score pegged at 34-29 in JPV’s favor.

Ely Olarte and Alfie Villariza however, took charge of WNU’s offense in the third quarter as the Mustangs scored 26 against JPV’s 20 to post a one-point edge, 55-54, going into the final period of the ballgame.

It was a roller-coaster ride for everyone inside the gym as the lead swung from one side to the other with the JPV refusing to back down while WNU displayed its championship form.

“The game was one of the classic ballgames we witnessed in the NBA with the crowd loving every second of it,” league president Oscar Bascon said as he expressed appreciation for the loyal NBA crowd who trooped to Tay Tung gym to watch the games since it started April 20.

With one foot in the champions’ door, the Mustangs are favored to wrap up the tournament today and claim the title, although their bid will not go unchallenged as the JPV squad is expected to put up a good fight against them.

“Should West Negros win today, it will be the first time in NBA history to have champion with an unblemished record since the elimination round,” league president Oscar Bascon said.

But a win by the JPV will be in itself record-setting for this tournament as it will be the first squad to beat WNU, he said.

Nevertheless, the 3:30 p.m. championship game is a must-see one for those who love the game, Bascon said, adding that the battle for third place between the Province of Negros Occidental and Marwin Pawnshop is just as exciting with the Capitol guys enjoying an advantage after posting a 102-93 in their Thursday’s matchup.*NAB

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