UPang shocks defending champ UL
PRISAA-UCAAP GOV. AMADO T. ESPINO CUP
LIVING UP to its reputation as a constant title contender, 2005 winner University of Pangasinan-PHINMA Flames shocked defending champions University of Luzon Golden Tigers in a come-from-behind 89-82 victory in their game last Thursday at DWAD gym.
With the victory, the Flames are now in solo lead in the ongoing 2011 PRISAA-UCAAP Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. Cup Collegiate Basketball Championship.
The Flames, trailing by as many as 20 points, 35-55, midway in the third quarter and yielding the period by 15 marks, 50-65, the boys of Jay Ronquillo engineered a 13-2 binge with power-forward Joni Laca doing most of the scoring, putting in nine to close the gap by just a point, 75-76, with three minutes left.
Countered by Tigers center John Larry Balmes and guard Jonathan Panunciar, the never-say-die Flames surged anew with Mapandan son Raymund Sta. Ana tying the game with a triple, 81-81, plus another basket by Laca, giving them the lead for the first time, 83-81.
Panunciar bungled his two free throws and three-point specialist Nikko Cresencio misfired a three-point in an outbalanced attempt, 28 seconds left. Flames center Allan Roquin then secured the defensive rebound, was fouled, and converted the two free throws, 11 ticks remaining to seal the win.
“We play for the heart and for our fans. We play for pure victory and that’s UPang-PHINMA Flames,” said Ronquillo after the game.
Two Flames’ players came in double-digit scores: Laca registering a game high 31 points and Joe Anthony Jacinto contributed 15.
Balmes had a team high 19 points while Panunciar had 11.
In the second game of the day, carrying a winless card after its four outings, PIMSAT Colleges finally found its mark and luck by repulsing Colegio de Dagupan, 94-84.
AIE-College lost to PAMMA, 94-91, in the first game.
Hostilities resume on August 22 at the Dagupan People’s Astrodome with Lyceum Northwestern University tackling PAMMA at 1:00 p.m. UPang-PHINMA collides with PIMSAT Colleges at 2:30 p.m. while University of Luzon clashes with Colegio de Dagupan at 4:00 p.m.–JAGJr.
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