STI College Malolos notches 2nd win against STI College Caloocan

Kelbert Victoria sinks a 15 - footer

STI College Malolos scored its second win against a determined STI College Caloocan 65 -46 team that solidified their bid to be the top team in Group B of the 2016 STI National basketball Tournament National Finals. The Malolos team will face another undefeated team, STI West Negros University to determine the top team in Group B.

Andreas Schmidt hits this floater

Dave Cruz came back with a bang for STI College Malolos after serving a one-game suspension by top scoring with 14 points and adding 3 rebounds an assist and a steal.  STI College Malolos started the first five minutes of the first quarter with a paralyzing 10 – 3 blast  and secured the quarter with a 19 – 10 lead as Cruz torched the Caloocan defense with five first quarter points which was backed up by Center Kelbert Victoria’s four points.

Aram Pujante drives by Redd Aquino 

In the second quarter both teams fought to a standstill as both teams shot identical 3 of 11 from the field and STI College Malolos just maintained their lead 31 - 20at the end of the half. In the  third quarter Ralph Bonifacio took matters into his own hands by scoring 11 points to lead the Malolos team to a third quarter surge. While their offense went to full gear their defense limited the Caloocan team to 21% shooting as the Caloocan 5 missed 13 shots. Veteran point guard Mark Abin carried the fight for the Caloocan dribblers by scoring 5 points. The quarter ended with the Bulakenyos enjoying a commanding 21 point lead 52 – 31.

Dave Cruz scores a basket

The fourth quarter saw STI College Malolos just cruise to victory as they stymied every Caloocan run to make the game close. Ariel Bautista tried to pump some life in the Caloocan team but unfortunately his scoring cannot be supported by his teammates as the Malolos team coasted to victory as they await their match up against co-undefeated Group B leader STI West Negros University. STI College Malolos outrebounded their smaller counterparts 52 – 31 and had more assists 13 – 3 which spelled the doom for the Caloocan team.

Mark Abin scores on this drive to the basket

The Scores:

STI COLLEGE MALOLOS (65)

Cruz D. 14, Bonifacio 13, Pujante 9, Victoria 7, Gatchalian 6, Salo 6, Encarnacion 3, Bautista 2, Cruz L. 2, Santos 2, Tamayo 1,

STI COLLEGE CALOOCAN (46)

Abin 14, Bautista 14, Aquino 6, Schmidt 5, Lazaro 2, Maala 2, Salazar 2, Laysico 1, Castillo 0, Perez 0, Flores 0, Sarmiento 0

Quarter scores: 19 – 10, 31 – 20, 52 – 31, 65 – 46