San Juan trips Munti, tops NCR Palaro

MANILA, Philippines –  San Juan City, bannered by Xavier School players, rained treys on Muntinlupa and fashioned out a 68-60 victory in the finals of the National Capital Region Palarong Pambansa qualifier at the Pasay Sports Complex recently.

Rendell Lee fired 27 points as the San Juan boys completed their comeback from an opening day setback with a sweep of their next eight games to clinch the gold medal and the lone NCR berth in this year’s Palaro slated May 8-14 in Dipolog, Zamboanga.

Tyler Tio backed Lee with 22 points and went on to emerge the tournament’s MVP while Kyle Ong added 11 for San Juan, which overcame a nine-point deficit in the third quarter.

It was big fightback for the gutsy San Juan boys, who played with sheer determination after dropping their opening game assignment as they hurdled eight do-or-die games, including a come-from-behind win over Muntinlupa in the finals.

Muntinlupa, represented by La Salle-Zobel and Southridge in the 12-under tournament, appeared headed for victory after leading by nine in the third but whose title bid fizzled out in the face of San Juan’s mighty comeback.

Lee spearheaded that rally with a cluster of three pointers with the rest of the team backing him up with tough defensive plays to neutralize Muntinlupa’s offensive threat.