Defending champs PampangaStateU denied repeat by SNCBT, 99-93
SPORTS
Falling short in their bid for back-to-back glory, the Pampanga State University (PampangaStateU) Honorians bowed to the St. Nicolas College of Business and Technology (SNCBT) Hoplites, 93-99, in the championship match of the United Central Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) Season 10 Invitational Tournament on October 2 at Systems Plus College Foundation (SPCF).
Best Player of the Game Francis Galura powered the Hoplites with 23 points, leading his squad past the defending champions and blocking PSU’s path to another UCLAA crown.
In the opening canto, SNCBT struck early as Jhon Carl De Ausen sank consecutive three-pointers, giving his team an 11-point lead, 31-20, by the end of the first quarter.
Both squads traded baskets in the second frame, but the Hoplites maintained control, 55-47, despite a clutch three-pointer from PSU’s Enrico Bugarin.
Determined to turn the tide, the Honorians anchored their defense and launched a shooting spree, with Tristan Valiao contributing two three-pointers in the third quarter, though it was still not enough to wrest momentum from SNCBT, 78-67.
With the clock winding down, Honorian basketeers unleashed a full-court press, putting everything on the line, as Bugarin nailed a crucial three-pointer with 36.2 seconds left, trimming the deficit to just three, 96-93.
However, the Hoplites responded with a dagger three-pointer of their own, shutting down the Honorians’ rally and securing the title, 99-93.
The loss marked the Honorians' only defeat of the tournament, concluding their campaign in the championship match.
Despite falling short, PSU’s Joshua Miclat and Jiam Quiambao were recognized as part of the tournament’s Mythical Five.
