WNU Mustangs rejoice after winning their 13th straight tile after defeating USLS Stingers, 71-66. RITZI MALO-OY photo
IT was a battle of the best collegiate basketball teams in this year’s NOPSSCEA games but only one survived and took home the crown.
West Negros University Mustangs bagged their 13th straight championship title after beating the hard-fighting University of St. La Salle (USLS) Stingers, 71-66, during the Game 2 and sweeping the Best-of-Three Finals at the USLS Coliseum Tuesday.
Mustangs’ team manager Tony Agustin said right after the game that it was this championship game was the toughest of all the championships he had. But he believed in their team and was confident that they will get through.
Head Coach Troy Sarabia, who won his third crown since joining the Mustangs in 2009, stressed that the Stingers is a very good team however the breaks went their way towards the end of the game.
Meanwhile, Stingers coach Eugene Opuan said that it was a quality game. He further stressed that they lost but he will never trade any team for his boys. He also told his players before the start of the game to play like true gentlemen inside the court.
On the other hand, Fil-American Jonathan Evangelista scored 21 points, 14 of which sunk in the first half, to lead the Mustangs survived over the Stingers.
“We did our best. It was not an easy win and we were starting to get tired in the third quarter but we were able to beat them,” said Rolly Jaca, who was playing his last season for the Mustangs.
With less than 3:14 minutes in the ballgame, Rashmor Catalino nailed an undergoal basket for a 62-58 lead. But Scott Salvacion sunk a 3-pointer to put the game closer, 62-61 with 2:46 left.
But Catalino was hot as he powered his way inside for 2 points as he gave the Mustangs a 64-61 lead however Marloni Gonzales hit a jumper to continue keeping the game closer at 64-63.
A huge steal from Jaca on the inbound play, and passing it to the cutting Catalino for a quick 2 points and hooked Gonzales’ fifth and last foul. Gonzales fouled out of the game with 8 points. Unfortunately, Catalino missed his charity as USLS secured the boards.
With 9 seconds left, Nikos Cuenca launched a long 3-pointer to cut the lead, 68-66 with 5 second left in the game clock. But Michael Macon scored an assurance 2-pointer and a foul from Cuenca. Macon completed his free throws for a 71-66 victory.
No comments:
Post a Comment