RTU cops first SCUAA cage title

MANILA, Philippines - Rizal Technological University ended a five-year title drought by ruling the men’s basketball competition in the 22nd State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association-National Capital Region (SCUAA-NCR) season.

RTU brought down five-time champion Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 38-68, to capture the title for the first time since 2004 before a wildly cheering home crowd at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong.

Mark Trinidad stood at the helm of the Blue Thunder’s five-game title sweep, scoring a tournament-high 39 points despite the Stars’ hard-nosed defense throughout.

Jerry Glorioso added 24 points, Robby Celiz contributed 21, Jericho Cruz had 19 and Goy Bagares and Gino Agrnate had 12 points apiece to underscore the blue Thunders’ balanced game.

“Winning the title for the first time in five six years is a big honor for us,” said RTU coach Beaujing Acot, who was personally picked by RTU president Dr. Jose Q. Macaballug to handle the team late last year to regain the title.

“The boys played very hard. But we dould not have done it without the support of Dr. Macaballug and the rest of the RTU family,” added Acot, who brought in several top-notch players to reinforce the team this year.

The last time RTU won the basketball title was in 2004 with a team handled by coach Luke Dacula and bannered by Joeward JAmil, Jobert Laborte, Ian Bencito and Samuel Ignacio.

Kliff Richard Romera and Ian Quirante carried the fight for the Ariel Esqivel-mentored Stars with 18 points apiece.

Robin Arce contributed 12 points and Paul Trance and Ryan Enriquez added 10 points each.

RTU completed a double celebration as the Lady Thunder also defeated the Lady Stars, 106-44, to win the women’s crown.

Imelda Paz, Mary Anne Flores and Kristine Alejo combined for 39 points to lead the Lady Thunders of coach Tina Columna to the title

Paz fired 18 points, followed by Florez with 11 and Alejo with 10._ Julie Ann del Rosario paced PUP with 9 points.