AGAINST all odds in enemy’s territory, Team Pilipinas-San Beda reigned supreme as it outscored host Thailand Chulalongkorn, 50-40, in a closely fought one-game final of the 2018 Pacific Rim NCAA Basketball Championship held over the weekend at Chulalongkorn University Coliseum in Bangkok, Thailand.
Outmanned due to injuries of its three key players, the Filipino kids gallantly fought tooth and nail against much taller and heftier Thais and overcame the physicality of the game e nroute to a hard-earned victory in the prestigious tournament participated in by 16 team nations.
San Beda-Taytay’s frontliner Prince Ray Alao carried the offensive thrust in an almost no-relief job to defy all the defense thrown at him as he earned his first Most Valuable Player award as a bonus in his team’s triumph.
Spitfire Lanze Ronquillo ‘s ballhandling and playmaking ability also made the difference against their Thai counterparts, while Nathaniel Manarang’s offensive and defensive poise in the third canto helped stop Thailand’s attempt to break away from a see-saw battle in futility.
Carlo Bathan and Deandre Largueza conspired in controlling the Thais’ star player, while Yco Protacio, Tonchie Conde, Dexter Alapar, Marlon Alcera, Red Caidic, Jabez Lirazan, Jomel Yap and Marcus Espiritu contributed to the cause.
“The boys gallantly neutralized the Thais’ strength at the paint area with speed, positioning, slashing, foulbating, determination and patriotism. I told them that they are playing not only for San Beda but for the Philippines. Now they are our new sports heroes. They deserve this victory,” said head coach Manu Inigo, who acknowledged his deputy mentor VL Sandalo and AndyMejos, San Beda University sports head Ato Badolato and COCOLIFE for the support.