MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Cultural College ended the league’s longest winning streak that started last season by pulling off a 54-53 thriller over reigning champion Saint Jude Catholic School in the third PCYAA basketball competitions on Saturday at the Uno High School gym in Tondo, Manila.
Kimson Chen led the Seagulls with 16 points and 11 rebounds but it was Michael Manansala and center Daniel Manalang who produced the winning baskets that ended St. Jude’s 15-game winning run.
After Daniel Manalang’s soft jumper tied the count at 53-all, Manansala effectively sealed the deal for PCC by scoring one of his two free throws in a match of unbeaten teams.
The Judenites had 4.5 seconds left to execute their last offensive play but they bungled their chance after Daniel Pua failed to catch a pass from Jared Filipino. The Judenites slipped to 4-1.
In the other game Saturday, Jubilee Christian Academy finally barged into the winning column after five starts with a 75-49 victory over still winless Saint Peter the Apostle School.
JCA, last year’s losing finalist, surged to a 36-25 halftime advantage before they practically settled the game with a furious 26-6 run in the third quarter for a commanding 62-31 lead heading into final period.
Lanz Tan played only for three quarters but still managed to collect 18 points and 20 rebounds while Kyle Barraza buried two triples to finish with 13 points and nine boards.
Carl Ong chalked up 17 points and 16 rebounds as Makati Gospel Church-NLCA picked up its third win in five games with a 66-53 decision over Pace Academy.