Saints, Cubs nail NCAA South cage titles

MANILA, Philippines - University of Perpetual Help-Laguna stormed past University of Batangas, 80-68, to retain the 13th NCAA South men’s basketball crown at the San Beda Alabang Sports Complex in Muntinlupa City recently.

Banking on their deep bench and solid defense, the Saints of coach Victor Escudero repulsed the Brahmans’ repeated rallies before pulling away midway in the final quarter to complete a sweep of their best-of-three playoffs.

Perpetual took the opener, 91-81.

Meanwhile, the San Beda Alabang Red Cubs beat the Baby Saints, 69-54, to capture their sixth straight juniors championship in the event sponsored by Chocolate Clothing, Philips Avent, Goody and Chefs Classics.

“As I’ve always said, our defense is our best offense and this is what carried us through to our second straight title,” said Escudero. “This championship feels better than the first one.”

On the other hand, Red Cubs assistant coach James Tolentino cited head coach Jun Tiongco, who was out of the country, for forming competitive teams over the years to set up their own juniors dynasty in the NCAA South.

“This sixth straight crown is all his (Tiongco’s) handiwork, I can’t claim the credit,” said Tolentino, being groomed to take over as head coach of the Red Cubs.

San Beda Alabang’s Jude Ballada was named the juniors tournament MVP while teammate Reychan Bernaldez was picked the finals MVP.

Perpetual’s Merlin Custodio earned MVP honors for the second consecutive time in seniors division.

Meanwhile, the Saints also copped the men’s and girls’ volleyball titles while La Salle-Lipa took the boys’ crown.