Baycats outlast Hawks in OT, rule NAASCU

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian College-Cavite outsteadied five-time champion University of Manila in overtime as it pulled off 98-91 victory to retain the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) basketball championship before a packed crowd at the Astrodome Monday.

Jhun Gracilla stepped up in the extra period and knocked down the key baskets as the Baycats beat the Hawks for the second straight time to sweep their best-of-three title series and become only the second team in league history to retain the title.

Gracilla, who later won the MVP honors, scored six of his team-high 24 points in overtime as the Baycats blanked the Hawks, 9-0, at the start of overtime play to post a 92-83 lead.

Last year’s MVP Kris Lucernas added 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Jeri Basa contributed 15 points, including five in overtime, to complete the Baycats’ successful title-retention bid.

Raymond Alcosebas and Lito Escobal added 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Baycats.

“We’re very, very happy to win the title again. This is another major achievement for the team,” said Baycats coach Edgar Macaraya.

“But we could not have done it back-to-back without the support of the school management and all our supporters. So we dedicate this victory to them,” said Macaraya, who also steered the Baycats to their first title over the STI Olympians last year.

NAASCU president Ernesto Jay Adalem of St., Clare College (Caloocan) and NAASCU honorary chairman Ernesto de los Santos of UM awarded the trophy to SSC-Cavite president Fr. Emiio Jaruda.

The Baycats also foiled the Hawks bid for a grand slam after UM captured the junior and women titles.

Gene Roland Tumapat, who both steered the Hawklets and Hawkettes to the crown, was named coach of the year in both divisions.

Mark Vincent Garcia and Sweeely Morona of UM were named MVP in the junior and women’s divisions, respectively.

The scores

SSC-C 98 - Gracilla 24, Lucernas 22, Basa 15, Ray.Alcosebas 12, Escobal 10, Antipuesto 9, Pantonia 4, Acain 2, Filio 0, Pasagui 0, Ro.Alcosebas 0, Reyes 0, Atangan 0, Callado 0, Pono 0

UM 91 - Vienes 35, Matubang 27, Manuel 14, Rabalo 8, Tamayo 4, Delos Trinos 3, Ibay 0, Patricio 0, Basan 0, Macasaet 0, Sanguyo 0, Fr.Jacob 0, Fe.Jacob 0, Mallada 0.          

Quarterscores: 17-20, 40-37, 70-58, 83-all (Reg), 98-91 (OT)