Golden Tigers lunge at the Dukes
BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS GOODWILL GAMES
PRISAA champion University of Luzon Golden Tigers showed their might in the last two quarters to repulse arch-rival and UCAAP champion Lyceum Northwestern University Dukes, 94-83, in the Battle of Champions Goodwill Games held at Dagupan People’s Astrodome on January 28.
The multi-titled Tigers took the first juncture by four points, 16-12, only to succumb in the second quarter to trail by three markers, 28-31, but never lost hope on the third as they orchestrated a 16-1 romp led by guard Jeffrey Vitales and forward Julius Catuday pumping in 15 and 10 points, respectively, recapturing the front, 64-54, and never looked back up to the final buzzer and left the Dukes stunned.
“Although the match was a goodwill game, both teams showed strong intensity from start to the end because prestige was at stake,” event organizer and former LNU head coach Angel Gumarang said. “The game proved that the Tigers were well-prepared this time” he added
In the first game, UPang-PHINMA Flames and PAMMA Seafarers fought a seesaw play in all of the four quarters that eventually ended in a draw, 80-80. With Flames leading by three, 80-77, in the last 18 seconds, PAMMA forward Robert Castellano unexpectedly sank a triple at the left wing a mere second left to tie the match. Both coaches agreed with each other not to extend for a five-minute extra period that left the spectators speculating how the game could have ended. (JAG, Jr.)
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