UST made sure that PCCL Finals is different to UAAP Finals.

     The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers is now one step away in clinching their first Philippine Collegiate Champions League title as they outshined UAAP rival Ateneo Blue Eagles, via 82-76 pulsating victory in game one of their best-of-three titular series at the San Juan Arena last November 27.

     Graduating forward Carmelo Afuang buried a lead-stealing perimeter shot in the last 1:15 of the pay-off period, 74-73, followed by a back-to-back baskets by Karim Abdul and Kevin Ferrer to established a five-point lead, 78-73, with 20.9 seconds left in the game.

     The Blue Eagles managed to cut the deficit into two after Ryan Buenafe answered a quick three, 76-78, but Jeric Teng and Aljon Mariano sealed the game as they made all of their four combined charities to beat Ateneo for the second time in the league.

     “Sana mai-improve pa naming yung defense namin kasi naiiwan kami at saka yung help defense,” Afuang said to TomasinoWeb.

The UAAP finalist, who missed the service of Coach Pido Jarencio because of measles, pulled their acts together as five of them scored in double digits. Ferrer paced the tigers in offense, banking up game-high 18 points, highlighted by 9-of-9 in the two point territory while Abdul and Teng tallied for 24 combined markers.

“Syempre all-out kami sa next game, gusto na rin namin matapos itong series na ‘to para makuha na namin yung championship dito sa PCCL,” Afuang added, who contributed 10 markers.

UAAP 5-peat champions played strong in the first-half as they were able to build a 9-point advantage in the second canto after a 10-2 run courtesy of Nico Salva’s baseline jumpers and a dunk in the six minute mark by Greg Slaughter, 37-28.

The Tigers answered a 6-0 run in the last stretch of second frame, highlighted by a two-handed slam of Eduardo Daquioag to end the half only down by three, 39-42.

Ferrer and Afuang started the third canto with long-range shots for an 8-2 salvo to regain the driver seat, 47-44, and end the quarter with a dunk of Kevin Ferrer, 60-58.

Buenafe rocked the scoreboard for the Katipunan-based squad registering 15 points while Kiefer Ravena was handed to only 11 points including 1-of-5 in the rainbow area.

Game two of the series is happening today at the San Juan Arena. A win of UST will give the Tigers its first Champions League title since the foundation of the tourney, but a win of ADMU will extend the showdown on a winner-take all match.

Tigers’ scores: Ferrer 18, Abdul 12, Teng 12, Mariano 11, Afuang 10, Fortuna 9, Daquioag 4, Vigil 2, Pe 2, Bautista 2
Eagles’ scores: Buenafe 15, Tiongson 13, Slaughter 12, Gonzaga 12, Ravena 11, Salva 8, Elorde 3, Golla 2, Pessumal 0, Chua 0, Porter 0, Capacio 0
Quarter scores: 20-19, 39-42, 60-58, 82-76

By Karl Cedrick G. Basco
Photo taken by Jenzine Inah M. Alcantara