IT WAS five years in the making before Olivarez College could repeat as champions as the Sea Lions defeated the De Ocampo Memorial College Cobras, 72-64, to bag the Sta. Lucia Land-NCRAA 25th season crown Friday.
In front of their hometown cheering crowd, the Sea Lions poured out their emotion and came up with a steadier game in the final match of the season.
“I told the players, particularly the graduating students, that this will be the last time you’re going to wear green,” said Olivarez coach Mike Saguigit. “You need to give your best.”
Jayboy Solis, Pruvil Bermudes, Arnel Sunga snd Alvin Rabe ended their playing seasons as champions for the Sea Lions, who pocketed their third championship in the NCRAA.
The Sea Lions took Game 1 via a thrilling 89-86 overtime win after squandering a 16-point lead in the fourth period.
De Ocampo Memorial College struck back in Game 2 with a more dominant showing to tie the series and force a rubber match.
In the final game of the season, the Sea Lions made sure there won’t be any more collapse.
The Cobras, on the other hand, self-destructed in Game 3 and couldn’t complete a run due to their poor free-throw shooting.
They missed 16 straight free throws from the 7:16 mark of the third period until the 6:58 mark of the final quarter.
All in all, the Cobras shot a dismal 15-of-45 from the foul line.