By PR | 06:28 PM October 10, 2023
Horrace Morata played perhaps the best game of his career as he almost singlehandedly led Tagbilaran City in dispatching Jagna, 102-94, in Game 1 of Governor’s Cup 2023 Juniors Division Finals.
Playing inspired basketball in front of a 2,500-strong hometown crowd at the Bohol Wisdom Gym, Morata poured in a tournament-best 56 points — more than half of his team’s total output — to push Tagbilaran City take a 1-0 lead in the best of 3 finals series.
“I’m very happy [with the result of the game] and I’m thankful for my coach for giving me playing time to deliver this performance,” Morata said in a post-game interview.
Jagna was not able to find an answer to Morata, who is also an ace varsity player for the Philippine Maritime Institute (PMI) Navigators and paid dearly for it.
The 5’8 guard scored almost all of his points on high-percentage layups and floaters as he punished the smaller frontline of Jagna that was unable to protect the rim on his incursions.
The port town players showed late signs of life as they cut Tagbilaran City’s lead to just six, 100-94, with a minute left into the game.
But Morata quickly answered with his last bucket in the dying seconds of the game to seal the victory.
Along with his 56 points, Morata also had two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Jagna’s team effort was not enough to stop Morata’s barrage with four players scoring double digits led by George Martin Jamora’s 15 points.
Jagna now has to bounce back with its back against the wall in Game 2 next week at its home floor while a win by Tagbilaran gives it the coveted championship. (PIMO/MAV)
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