San Agustin surprise winner in Nike Bacolod leg

BACOLOD CITY - Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod shook the rank by upsetting St. John Institute, 7-5, Saturday in the final of the Bacolod leg of the Nike 3-on-3 basketball championships.

Not given a chance against the taller and heftier Falcons, the Eaglets broke a 3-all deadlock with three straight points to take a 6-3 lead with two minutes remaining. The Eaglets used speed and hustle to neutralize the Falcons’ height advantage, but still needed a break to pull off the victory.

With the Eaglets up, 6-5, the Falcons had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Robert June Genovea missed an easy lay-up with 10 seconds left. The Eaglets regained ball possession and pegged the final score on John Marin Chavez’s basket.

CSAB coach Melvin Baclay said he thought that they have a good chance of winning following their impressive 11-8 win over Bacolod City National High School in the semifinals.

"I just told them to play their game and always fight for the ball. I’m glad they delivered even beyond my expectations," Baclay said.

The Falcons reached the final by edging Cansilayan National High School, 14-13.

The Eaglets, composed of Jansen Valenzuela, Hansel Estelloso, Richard Zamora and Chavez, received a gift certificate worth P12,000 and Nike equipment. They also earn the right to represent Bacolod City in the Nike 3 on 3 national finals on Aug. 18 at SM Megamall in Metro Manila.