LSGH Greenies score sweep to win 1st NCAA U14 title

MANILA, Philippines -- La Salle Greenhills emerged unbeaten after eight-games earlier this month to claim the crown in the first National Collegiate Athletic Association 14-under basketball tournament at the Letran College gymnasium in Intramuros, Manila.

The Greenies first swept their six-game elimination round assignment, beating rivals from Emilio Aguinaldo College, San Sebastian College, Arellano University, Mapua, Letran and San Beda.

In the semifinals, the Greenies led by more than 30 points in beating the Letran Squires.

They were ahead by more than 20 points when they subdued the San Beda Red Cubs in the finals.

Point guard Joel Diomar Cagulangan of LSGH took the finals MVP honors.
Cagulangan was named in the mythical 5 along with teammates big man Joshua Marcos and forward Harribon Espinosa.

Head coach Marvin Bienvenida said that with their win, he believes that the Greenies are the team to watch out 2 years from now in the NCAA juniors.

“La Salle Greenhills never won an NCAA junior basketball title. This is the 1st and they are giving a statement that they are the team to watch out,” said Bienvenida.

Bienvanida said the team’s relentless defense, and run-and-gun offense since the opening day up the championship won the title for them.

Their big 3 also got ample support from sharpshooter Jacob Lao, Carlo Lim and Vince Guste.

Sebastian Locsin, who is the son of PBA great Noli Locsin, Tropang Texter Ryan Reyes’ kid Jaylen Reyes, Venjho Maximo, Sael Lim, AJ Javier and Paolo Calingin also had their share in helping each other to dominate during the game.