PCCL co-champs in rare finish: Lions, Tams divide and rule

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda College and Far Eastern U came away with victories in varying fashions to share the crown in a rare finish in the National Collegiate Championship at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The Red Lions posted a payback of sorts against the NCAA final tormentors Letran Knights, hammering out a lopsided 94-72 victory while the Tams survived the tough University of San Carlos Warriors, 82-77, in the other semifinal contest.

Due to inclement weather condition Thursday, organizers of the annual event decided to cut short the tournament and declare the semis winners co-champions for the first time in the 13-year history of the tournament.

The Lions rode on a superb first quarter charge to take control, built a 21-point cushion at the turn before cruising to the easy win to complete their successful title defense in the league.

San Beda and Letran, however, were without the stars that anchored their respective drives in the recent NCAA finals with the Lions showing up sans Nigerian Ola Adeogun, Arthur dela Cruz and Baser Amer and the Knights suiting up minus coach Aldin Ayo, Kevin Racal and Mark Cruz.

Glenn Capacio, a former FEU mentor, took over the coaching reins of Letran vice Ayo.

San Beda coach Jamike Jarin and the Lions, however, put it all in stride.

“We just want a victory,” said Jarin.

Fil-Am Devon Potts led the way for the Lions, who fielded in all their 15 players with all but three scoring at least a point.

San Beda roared to a 26-12 lead in the first 10 minutes of play then stormed to a 49-28 bulge at the break.

The Tams, who beat the UST Tigers in a classic UAAP finale, looked headed to dominate the USC Warriors with a solid start but the reigning CESAFI champions fought back in the second quarter to threaten at 34-36.

But the Morayta-based cagers imposed their will and inside strength in the third to stay in control but needed to toughen up down the stretch to turn back the Warriors and clinch the win.

FEU also ruled the event in 2004-05 while San Beda reigned supreme last year.

Jojo Trinidad paced FEU with 19 points while brothers Ken and Steve Holmqvist added 17 and 10 markers, respectively.

The scores:

First Game

San Beda 94 – Potts 11, Tankoua 9, Sara 9, Mocon 9, Tongco 9, Oftana 9, Soberano 9, Cabanag 9, Bolick 8, Noah 7, Sedillo 4, Presbitero 1, Carlos 0, Bonsubre 0, Adamos 0.

Letran 72 – Balanza 15, Nambatac 10, Sollano 9, Dela Peña 6, Calvo 5, Gederia 5, Publico 5, Apolonio 5, Bernabe 4, Luib 2, Apreku 2, Quinto 2, Balagasay 1, Caralipio 1, Ular 0.

Quarterscores: 26-12; 49-28; 76-51; 94-72

Second Game

FEU 82 – Trinidad 19, K. Holmqvist 17, S. Holmqvist 10, Bienes 9, Orizu 8, Comboy 7, Ebona 4, Nunag 4, Lee 2, Roxas 2, delos Santos 0, Arong 0, Bayquin 0

USC 77 – Tagapan 20, Olago 14, Toyambi 13, McAloney 9, Pepito 7, Ortega 6, Laguyo 5, Magat 3, Maconocido 0, Rabat 0, Lim 0, Ecarma 0

Quarterscores: 24-16; 36-34; 57-49; 82-77