Friday, May 29, 2015

Repeat or Redemption? A preview of the STI NBT FInals

June Aliparo scores on the fastbreak


One team is seeking a repeat win of last year’s STI Basketball showdown that showcased the best STI basketball teams in Luzon while the other one is seeking redemption after learning from last year’s finals encounter.  The last two teams among fifty STI schools that joined the STI National Basketball Tournament is  College Santa Rosa which is seeking a repeat win against STI College Global City who is now seeking redemption. Repeat or Redemption?

Mike Sampurna lays it in

STI College Santa Rosa has the more experienced and complete team since anyone can score from this team. This year, their offense will rely mostly on the marksmanship of ace guard June Aliparo who averaged 22.33 points in the three games of the Laguna based Luzon champs. Aliparo also came out big in their hard earned conquest of STI WNU yesterday.  Supporting Aliparo are their ace guards Mark Caraan, Raul Guerrero and Jhon Ursua. These three guys can definitely pick your pocket, score on the run and squeeze in a three if needed. Up front are the triumvirate of 6’3 big men Dan Mamaed, Addis Lizen and Jan Almoro. They are Santa Rosa’s last line of defense and in their last game, the three outrebounded the STI WNU bigs 35 – 25.

Dan Mamaed on a put back

STI College Global City on the other hand have bulked up and are bigger up front with 6’5 Elmer Labis manning the paint together with 6’3 Arjay Napenas and 6’2 Anthony Pangilinan. At the same time, shooting guard Jim Lontoc and slasher Mike Sampurna are also there to provide additional firepower when needed.  King Carlos and Raymond Veluz alternate at the point guard position and are out to counter the pressure defense of their Laguna based opponents.

Elmer Labis scores on the drive


STI College Santa Rosa’s no nonsense full court pressure defense will be their bread and butter to negate the height of STI College Global City. The Taguig based cagers on the other hand will have to work hard on defense to catch up on the fast running guards of the Laguna champs to be able to stay in the game until the final minutes of the game. In the end it will all boil down to who wants it more. The player’s heart will decide if it will be a repeat for one team or redemption for the other. You choose. Game time is at 4:30 pm after the 3:00 pm battle for third place of STI College Koronadal and STI West Negros University.

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