PRISAA HIGH SCHOOL CAGEFEST FINALS

THE climb towards a title is always steep for the University of Pangasinan (UPang) dribblers, either in the senior or junior division.

Facing an arch enemy, expect a tense and a close game.

The province’s greatest rivalry in school caging took center stage one last time Monday and the University of Pangasinan Junior Webczars won the crown, nipping the University of Luzon (UL) Cubs, 94-92, in the PRISAA First Inter-Private Schools Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez Cup held at the Dagupan People’s Astrodome.

The young boys of Cesar Duque previously defeated the Cubs, 92-89, in their first encounter of best-of-three championship series.

What happened in the first game was practically repeated in the second match where the 6’5″ Dexter Degano controlled the boards and proved unstoppable in the paint area to put the young Webczars to an early 10-point lead, 38-28, at the half.

But it was the Cubs’  pressure defense in the second half that forced the Arellano-based junior Webczars to play nowhere near their intimidating form and  were caught   flatfooted to lead by a mere point, 80-79, halfway in the final quarter.

The junior Webczars, playing with strong motivation and big confidence to win the crown, never gave up and finished victorious.

“UL played well, particularly defensively but we did a better job offensively while maintaining our defense. It was just all hard work and everyone played very well from the role players to the stars,” said Coach Jay Ronquillo.

Five players from the junior Webczars came in double figures, led by Degano with a team high 23 points.

Marlon Ramos chipped in 18, Joven Cervas contributed 13 while Dennis Manarin and Gerald Manaois had 12 points apiece.

On the losing side, Harold Diocares scored a game high 31 points while Royce Lawrence Tinte contributed 23.

“The three-month long tournament was very successful,” said Phil Celi, the tournament executive director.

“We hope to hold another one next year and to invite more schools in the province to participate,” Celi added.—JAG,Jr.