Olympians survive Hawks in 6th NAASCU opener

Rookie Jun Perez capped his game long brilliance with a basket as time expired to lift last year's runner up STI College Olympians against the defending champion University of Manila Hawks 60-58 in the opening of the 6th NAASCU at the Cuneta Astrodome last Saturday. The Olympians were ahead by three 57-54 when UM forward Pol Santiago nailed a three pointer with 9 seconds left to tie the game. That actually set up Perez' heroic shot that avenged the Olympians over their tormentors from last year.

 

The Olympians started to dictate the pace of the game with its signature defense early on as they shot down the Hawks' high octane offense. The triumvirate of Ramon Mabayo, Dexter Micutuan and Jojo Belano ran rings around their counterparts to take an early 12-5 lead. The quarter ended with the Olympians ahead 14-10. The second quarter saw both teams shuffle their men and the first half became a "first blink you die" affair as both teams pressured each other to no avail. The half ended with the Olympians still ahead 29-26.

 

In the third canto, the 5 time champions got back as they summoned their strength courtesy of the inside plays of Onofre Napiza and Christian Gobis as the Hawks caught up with the Olympians to take a 38-36 lead with 2 minutes left. Olympian Francis Junatas beat the buzzer to end the third quarter with both teams tied with 41points apiece.

 

The fourth quarter was a nip and tuck affair as opening day jitters took its toll as both teams shot horrendously at the free throw line. The game was full of exceptional defensive stops and extraordinary teamwork that led to each team's basket. Perez' impeccable orchestration of plays led to baskets by Michael Cabangon & Dexter Micutuan to keep the Olympian's a notch ahead until he scored in the dying seconds.

 

It was the second loss of the Hawks in the six years that they have been in the league and the first time they were held below sixty points. It's a good start for the Olympians who are one of the favorites to win it all this year. Next stop is corporate rival AMA Computer University on July 29, 2006 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

 

Box Scores:
STI COLLEGE (60)
Perez 13, Micutuan 11, Cabangon 10, Porto 7, Macalma 5, Junatas 4, Mabayo 4, San Luis 2, Rosales 2, Belano 2, Dia 0, Lunar 0, Legaspi 0

 

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA (58)
Napiza 17, Gobis 13, Santiago 11, Maliksi 11, Delostrinos 3, Bucalen 2, Advincula 1, Bonus 0, Estacio 0, Facun 0, Ocampo 0

 

Quarter scores: 14-10; 29 -26; 41-all ; 60 - 58