MANILA, Philippines - Host First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) banked on the triple of Reygie Debulcos to beat newcomer University of Batangas, 77-75, in overtime at the start of the NCAA South Season 12 men’s basketball tournament at the FAITH gym in Tanauan, Batangas.
Debulcos knocked down the game-winning trey with 20 seconds left in the extra period as the Bravehearts, semifinalists last year, touched off their hosting and 10th anniversary celebrations on a bright note.
Pedrian Rutor and Marvin Javier logged in double-double numbers of 12 points and 12 rebounds while Debulcos finished with 10 points to spearhead FAITH, which actually completed a sweep of its three assignments in various fronts on opening day.
FAITH’s boys basketball entries started the Bravehearts’ Day One romp with a 96-53 rout of UB behind the 26-point, four-rebound, three-assist and four-steal effort of Gian Atienza and the 18 points of Adriel Malabanan. Oliver Neal Arim added 14 points.
Equally impressive were the Bravehearts’ men’s volleyball squad which dispatched San Pablo Colleges in straight sets, 25-14, 25-12, 25-16.
Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas blanked De La Salle-Lipa, 25-20, 25-13, 25-19, to join the winner’s circle in the opening day of the tournament backed by Globe, Coke and Lima Park Hotel.
The NCAA South’s 12 season will feature 10 teams fighting it out for the league’s first-ever overall championship in the men’s women’s and juniors divisions.