Saint Francis of Assisi College closed out its elimination campaign in runaway fashion as it dumped Philippine State College of Aeronautics, 89-63, in the National Capital Region Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (NCRUCLAA) Basketball Tournament held last week at the Colegio de San Lorenzo Gym.
The Doves went full throttle in the third frame, outscoring their rivals, 27-17, to take a 66-50 advantage going into the payoff period and finish second in Group B elims with a 6-1 record.
John Michael Cruz, Paulo Castro and Chris Lalata starred in the pivotal third period as they combined for 17 points to help the Doves pull away for good, giving them extra boost when they meet with Group A third placer PATTS College of Aeronautics (5-2) in the knockout quarterfinals.
Though coach Gabby Velasco fielded his role players save for Cruz in the fourth, the Doves still managed to repel the Iron Eagles’ rally.
Cruz scored eight points in the fourth period and went on to notch 21 points aside from grabbing 12 rebounds. Castro did not score anymore in the final canto but still finished with 13 points.
Scores:
SAINT FRANCIS 89 – Cruz 21, Castro 13, Lalata 11, Lanoy 9, Chu 7, Parcero 7, Manzanilla 4, Cenita 4, Guevarra 4, Ceguerra 3, Ramos 2, Derama 2, Cristobal 1.
PHILSCA 63 – Bilar 16, Patricio 15, Cardinoza 9, Jimenez 8, Gumban 5, Capricho 4, Evangelista 4, Llaneta 2.
Quarters: 21-17, 39-33, 66-50, 89-63.