San Sebastian - Cavite captures back to back titles

The San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite BayCats addresed the final minute uprising of the University of Manila Hawks to capture their second NAASCU title via a 98-91 overtime win. Jun Gracillas shown brightest in the game as he scattered 24 points to lead another balanced attack by the Baycats that made 6 of their players score in double figures. Gracillas scored six points in the overtime to give the Baycats enough cushion for the Baycats as the last stand of the Hawks went for naught. This enabled the Baycats to become only the second team to win the title more than once.

The UM Hawks started the game by dictating the tempo by furstrating the Baycats as they came out with fastbreaks and their no nonsense play gave them a 31 -20 lead in the early part of the second quarter until the defense of the Baycats made them chop down the lead at the half 37 - 40. At the start of the third quarter the Baycats defense was in full blast that produced several turnovers for the Hawks which the Baycats translated into instant offense. From there on it was another uphill climb by the Hawks until they eventually caught up.

With the Baycats comfortably ahead 79 - 66, Jeff Viernes, John Matubang and the rest of the Hawks refused to give up the NAASCU title again. The Hawks unleashed a crippling 18 - 4 bomb to send the game into overtime. Both teams had a chance to win the game but unfortunately both teams defended well in the final two minutes. The result was overtime. The tandem of Gracilla and 2008 MVP Kris Lucernas scored 24 and 22 points respectively while Viernes and Matubang had 35 and 27 also. The difference was the supporting cast of the Baycats outdueled the second team of the Hawks. Gracilla was named tournament MVP

Lyceum of SUbic Bay beat the STI College Olympians to stay at 3rd place. The STI College Olympians vowed to get a better place in the said tournament next year.

SAN SEBASTIAN-CAVITE (98)

Gracilla 24, Lucernas 22, Basa 15, Ray Alcasabas 12, Escobal 10, Antipuesto 9, Pantonia 4, Acain 2, Filio 0, Pasagui 0, Atangan 0.

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA (91)

Viernes 35, Matubang 27, Manuel 14, Rabalo 8, Tamayo 4, de los Trinos 3, Sanguyo 0, Macasaet 0, Ibay 0, Patricio 0.

Period Scores: 13-20, 37-40, 70-58, 83-83 (reg.), 98-91 (OT).