UST, Ateneo lead Adidas NCR qualifiers

University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Adamson University, San Beda College and Ateneo de Manila University emerged as the early qualifiers to the National Finals of the adidas Streetball Challenge 2003 by ruling the National Capital Region (NCR) elimination round of the event held over the weekend at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

UST, playing under the name Team Clutch, successfully defended its NCR Seniors championship by toppling a hard fighting Arellano University-Team Citron, 17-13.

The Tigers, under coach Bernie David, showed better poise down the stretch as the Arellano offense sputtered in the game’s final two minutes. Gangling center Anthony Espiritu of UST came through when it mattered most as he delivered the killer blows for his team. He topscored with 5 points, while teammates Francis Philip Aleera, John Paul Lucindo and John Reyes contributed 4 markers apiece in a balanced scoring attack for the Tigers.

In the girl’s division, Adamson University-Team Ghost pulled the rug from under surprise finalist Team Kilroy of Brgy. 554 Zone 54 as the Lady Falcons outdueled their opponents in the overtime shootout to prevail, 13-11.

The much smaller Adamson squad, behind the hot hands of captain ball Karen Lomogda and Jenalyn Constantino, clawed its way back into the game in spite of falling behind by as many as 5 points. Lomogda and Constantino, though, were not to be denied as the fiery duo infiltrated team Kilroy’s defense with success to bring the Lady Falcons back into the thick of the fight.

Completing the Adamson cast are Merenciana Arayi and Leonora Ravago, with coach Emelia Vega.

San Beda College A-Team Mystic displayed nerves of steel as well in the overtime shootout to edge compatriot San Beda College B-Team Mantra, 19-18, in the exciting Juniors Division final match.

Hotshot John Carlos Hermida of San Beda A exploded for 10 points as he literally ran rings around the defense put up by San Beda B. He was capably backed-up by fellow Red Cubs Jamie Benedict Cruz, Jesse Raphael Grepo and Antonio Miguel Alabastro. Rene Baena called the shots for the winning San Beda A team.

Ateneo de Manila University-Team Dilemma, starring Carlos Miguel Reyes, crushed Pasig Catholic College-Team Eskimo, 14-11, to cop the Midgets crown.

Reyes shone offensively inside and out for the Ateneo small basketeers with 6 points, followed by team captain Jayvee Domrique with 4, while Kevin Gamboa and Azim Tamano added 2 points each. Coach Peter Fabie spearheaded the Blue Eaglets’ NCR title conquest.

All four winning teams move forward to the adidas Streetball Challenge 2003 National Finals slated on July 12-13, to be held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

The emerging adidas Streetball Challenge 2003 National Finals Seniors and Girls champions will represent the Philippines to the adidas Asian Streetball Finals this August in Seoul, South Korea.

The adidas Streetball Challenge 2003 is co-presented by Globe Gentext in cooperation with WG&A, adidas fragrance and body care for men, Powerade, Viva mineral water, Café Lupe, Milo, Warner Music, Ford, Purefoods, Pink magazine, Chalk magazine, Studio 23. Magic 89.9 DWTM and 99.5 RT.

Gracing the awarding ceremonies were PBA superstar and adidas endorser Kenneth Duremdes, Ateneo Blue Eagle and likewise adidas endorser Doug Kramer, and officials of adidas Philippines led by assistant manager, marketing communications Odette Velarde, national sales manager Bolet Ferrer and Ali Mall adidas brand store owner Arie Arcenas.