STI edges CEU, reaches finals with UM

MANILA, Philippines - STI Colleges brought down Centro Escolar University, 82-78, in their sudden death match to arrange a title showdown with defending champion University of Manila in the 11th NAASCU men’s basketball championship at the Makati Coliseum.

The Olympians leaned on rookie Jasper Melano and veterans Jerald Bautista and Cedri Ablaza in the final two minutes to stave off the hard-fighting Scorpions and arrange a clash with the Hawks.

Hassed Gabo topscored with 16 points for STI, followed by MacLean Sabellina and Melano with 13 points each and Abe Chavez and Bautista with 10 points apiece.

“We’re happy to be back in the finals again. The boys played well against CEU,” said STI coach Vic Ycasiano, who being assisted by Raymond Tiongco and Hubert de los Santos. 

STI captured its first and only NAASCU crown at the expense of UM in 2006, ending Hawks’ five-year reign in the   league.

“We hope to do it again this year,” added Ycasiano.

Rookie John David Orbeta carried the fight for the Mon Jose-mentored Scorpions with 15 points.

Two other rookies - Chris Dumapig and Mark Parale - added 21 points between them   for CEU, which forced a rubber match   following a 66-61 win over STI  last Friday.

The game was close from start to end, but CEU failed miserably in the free throw area by   missing six in the last two minutes.