Goldstar wins

Defeats Sports Ambassadors, 79-74, in friendly

MORE seasoned Goldstar Hardware leaned on its vast experience to defeat youthful U.S. based Sports Ambassadors team, 79-74, in a friendly game held at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center Monday evening.

Goldstar jumpstarted an 18-14 advantage at the end of the first period but John Gross’ nine points helped the US Sports Ambassadors snatch a 37-29 lead at the break.

Though both teams succumbed to errors and turnovers, they still forced a 68-all deadlock barely five minutes and 19 seconds left in the game.

But Jumabon Bulac sparked Goldstar’s 9-3 run to pull away with a 77-74 edge in the last 42.7 seconds and never looked back to secure the win.

Bulac fired 28 points to lead scoring for Goldstar while Marlon Basco added 13.

Trevor Mabalon canned 26 for the U.S. Sports Ambassadors as Josh Winkler and Gross chipped in 17 and 14, respectively.

Americans’ coach Joseph Cole, in a media interview, said: “They (Goldstar) are a very good team. It’s been a great experience to play them although this was our first loss here so far (smiles).”

Cole said his players, mostly 19 years old to early 20s, came from other parts of the United States and were just able to practice and play as a team for just a week before coming to the Philippines for a series of clinics, friendly games and other outreach activities.

He also praised Davao City for its warm and friendly people and being “a good place”.

Goldstar coach Ice Gravador, for his part, thanked Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Mindanao Cluster B director Regino “Boy” Cua for inviting his team play against the American visitors in a friendly match.

“They are a good team. They are well disciplined in executing their plays. I’m sure we have learned a lot from them,” Gravador said.

Cua was among those who witnessed the game.

The Americans were set to play another exhibition match Tuesday evening opposite the Christopher “Bong” Go-led City Mayor’s Office.