Abuda son shines as Taytay rules PBA youth hoops

TAYTAY leaned on the scoring prowess of the son of a legendary PBA defender to turn back Cebu, 83-66, to bag the crown in the 2012 PBA Coca-Cola Youngstars National Finals yesterday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Franz Abuda, son of former PBA ace stopper Freddie Abuda, fired 23 points and drew ample support from teammates John Ryan Gumtang, Norrish Decapia and Mark Joper Diputado to lead Taytay, which was represented in the tournament by San Beda College.

Cebu, carrying the colors of University of Visayas, fell behind 23-14 in the first period and never took control of the match at any point.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud paid tribute to both finalists after the game.

Gumtang was named Most Valuable Player and joined Bobby Francisco of Caloocan, Joel Luna of Pampanga, Leonard Santillan of Cebu, and Nino Ybanez of Davao in the Mythical Team.

The scores:
TAYTAY 83—Abuda 23, Decapia 20, Diputado 18, Gumtang 11, Rubite 9, Velasquez 2, Aying 0, Mendoza 0, Tagala 0, Lagumen 0, Sese.
CEBU 66—Pinolan 17, Santillan 13, Cabanilla 11, Escalona 10, Zenarosa 5, Wamar 5, Fernandez 4, Canete 1, King 0, Canieso 0, Flores 0, Paquibot 0.
Quarters: 23-14; 47-31; 66-51; 83-66