Chiang Kai Shek beats NU, rules Seaoil NBTC cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – Chiang Kai Shek College claimed the title of the best high school basketball team in the land with a pulsating 88-80 win over National University in the Division One Championship of the Seaoil NBTC League at a packed Ynares Center in Pasig City on Sunday, March 9.

John Gallego, the CKSC Blue Dragons’ chief gunner, scored 11 consecutive points while waging battle with NU’s Hubert Cani and Enzo Battad. Gallego’s splurge bucked a 74-71 deficit and gave the Blue Dragons a precious 80-78 lead with 2:55 left to play.

Gallego closed out his scoring with four consecutive free throws off a foul and a technical foul called on Cani, who was penalized for using profane language.

NU’s main man immediately drove to the basket in the Bullpups’ next possession to level the count at 80-all at the 2:33 mark. But it was the last basket that NU would score as Manuel Mosqueda, Cani, and JP Cauilan all missed crucial shots.

Graduating CKSC power forward Meds Salim hit two free throws and scored on a fastbreak lay-up to give the Blue Dragons a huge four-point lead with 58 second to play. Cani had a chance to whittle down the lead but the normally steady NU guard muffed both free throws.

Shannon Gagate put back a missed Gallego jumper and he punctuated Chang Kai Shek’s come from behind victory with a two-handed dunk and the game’s final points.

Gallego, who topscored with 32 points, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament and Finals MVP. Salim, who will be heading for NU for college, backed him up with 21 points. JP Cauilan, who will also move up to the seniors Bulldogs, led NU with 23 points. Carlos Lopeña added 16 points while Cani and Mark Dyke chipped in 10 a piece.

The Blue Dragons’ victory gave them their third title after the this year and broke a 1-1 head-to-head match up with NU. Chang Kai Shek also claimed the Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation championship in August of last year as well as the recently concluded Seaoil Metro Manila Basketball League title.

CKSC head coach Goldwyn Monteverde was at a loss for words for his team’s achievement.

“I am very happy to see all our hard work and sacrifices pay off,” he said while trying to keep his emotions in check. “This will give prominence to our school and our community,” said Monteverde.

They will play for a fourth title on March 14 when they face the Xavier Stallions in the finals of the Philippine Secondary School Basketball League.