LCCM dethrones TIP, sets title clash with PMMS

MANILA, Philippines - La Consolacion College-Manila built enough cushion in the fourth quarter to frustrate a late-charging Technological Institute of the Philippines as it hacked out a thrilling 55-54 victory to clinch the last finals berth in the fourth Interscholastic Athletic Association at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum yesterday.

Guard Josue Quintal, Marlowe Garner Isip and Tanzanian center Jimmy Brown provided the spark for the Blue Royals in the last period while foiling the Engineers’ late rally to set up a title showdown with newcomer Philippine Merchant Marine School.

The best-of-three finals is tentatively set on Monday with PMMS installed as the favorite after sweeping the six-game classification round.

Quintal finished with 20 points, Isip chipped in nine markers while the 6-foot-9 Brown made two key blocks in the payoff period as LCCM dethroned the Engineers to reach the finals for the third straight time.

LCCM, handled by Bong dela Cruz, actually had a twice-to-beat advantage but went on to finish off TIP just the same.

The 6-foot Quintal hit three crucial layups in the fourth, including a difficult shot off two defenders that put LCCM ahead at 53-48 with 3:55 remaining in the contest. He also set up Isip for an undergoal stab as the Blue Royals kept a 55-51 lead, 1:27 to go.

TIP made a last ditch effort to force a knockout when guard Sean Paulo hit a triple with less than 40 seconds left to pull within a point.

After the Engineers made a defensive stop on the ensuing possession, Paulo had a chance to win it but missed a buzzer-beating three-point shot from the left corner, triggering an LCCM celebration.

Paulo finished with 21 points, Jemuel Namocatcat had 15 markers while Kim Medina scored 12 for TIP in a losing effort.