The STI College Olympians fought tooth and nail against the 18 and under Team Pilipinas basketball squad but unfortunately folded in the endgame to lose 85-78. It was a game that the Nationals took control 90% of the time as Coach Eric Altamirano was trying to see how the nationals would respond and how the others would show how good they are as 24 players suited up for the National Team.
The Nationals started like a house on fire as Rusell Escoto, Jeron Teng, Ael Banal and Cedric Labing-isa orchestrated a 17-2 start as the Olympians groped for form after missing their first six shots in the first five minutes of the game. The Olympians then regrouped, and sent in their shock troopers who gave the Nationals a harder time orchestrating. Former Tiger Cub Storm Riva matched up well with former team mate Cedric Labing-isa as he rallied the Olympians who also unveiled their new recruits namely Cameroonian Henry. The quarter ended with the National on top by only six 25-19.
The second quarter was another see-saw affair after the Olympians got back from a 19 - 29 deficit. Since both teams wanted to play most of their players since the Nationals have 24 and the Olympians have 18 players, the game was played for 12 minute quarters. Maclean Sabellina was firing on all cylinders for the Olympians as he teamed up with another veteran Norman Ihalas to give the Olympians a chance to stay close as the quarter ended with the National still on top 44 - 40. 
The Olympians started the third quarter with superb defense as Henry, Sabellina and former SSC Staglet RK Morales leading the pack. The Nationals turned the ball over as the Olympians blocked shots and stole the ball that they translated to fastbreak points to take the lead 52-49 with five minutes left in the game. Russel Escoto and Kevin Ferrer battled back as the Nationals showed their take on defense as the quarter ended with the Nationals still on top. 
In the fourth quarter, the Nationals pulled away 72- 62 as their defense forced the Olympians to turn overs and missed shots. The Olympians on the other hand did not give up easily as they came to just four points and was still into the game in the last minute as the score stood at 78-82. Unfortunately, the seasoned Olympians buckled under pressure and missed their shots which gave the Nationals win. Over all it was a good game for the Olympians since they are still months away from gelling as a team. With what I saw, the forthcoming Father Martin's Cup would be interesting.
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