The UPHR Altas got back at last year’s conqueror Philippine Maritime Institute, 72-69, to clinch the title in the inter-collegiate side of the 59th National Students Basketball Championship at the Lamberto Macias Cultural and Sports Centre here.
The Altas outsteadied the Admirals in the extra period, 6-3, after PMI’s Cris Sta. Maria sent the game into overtime with a heave from downtown that knotted the count at 66-all.
Noy Javier, who was later named Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Jonjon Refuerzo scored the decisive baskets in overtime, thus denying the Admirals the distinction of winning back-to-back titles after ruling the same tournament in Lucena City last year.
"Nabawian din namin sila. Ini-expect ko kasi na magso-sona sila, pero tinao-tao nila kami e iyon ang gusto ng mga bata," said Altas coach Rad Pasco, who took over the coaching chores from head coach Bai Cristobal who was in Iloilo City to wed his longtime girlfriend.
"Bale wedding gift na rin namin ito kay coach Bai, kasi kasal niya ngayon (yesterday) sa Iloilo," added Pasco.
Ateneo gave PMI a double black-eye with a 55-43 win to gain the women’s crown.
Jackie Suarez, who is set to try out for the national women’s team, carried the fight for PMI with 13 points, but her efforts were not enough to unsettle the Lady Eagles, who took an early 20-11 lead and were never seriously threatened until the final buzzer.
Anjelica Barracoso finished with 18 points to lead Ateneo, which won its first crown after losing to Lyceum in last year’s finals.
The Altas took a first quarter lead, 23-12, and were still ahead, 25-19, halfway in the second frame, but an 11-3 run anchored on Javier, Rommel Balboa, Dean Apor and Refuerzo tied the ballgame for the first time at 30-all.
It was a close fight from there with the Admirals leaning heavily on Larry Rodriguez and Sta. Maria and the Altas countering behind Javier, Khiel Misa and Balboa.