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| Marc Conrad Reyes |
QUEZON CITY--University of the Philippines Integrated School, AMA Computer University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila, and Claret School of Quezon City annexed victories in an action-packed playdate of City Hoops Manila on Wednesday at the Central Colleges of the Philippines gym.
UPIS relied on its pressure defense to rout Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, 61-42, in juniors division action as the Diliman-based squad broke away from a low-scoring affair with its trademark fullcourt press to rattle its opponent.
The lead ballooned to as many as 35 late in the contest after Jose Marie Ignacio Gomez de Liano converted a three-pointer to make it 60-25.
Siblings Ralph and Raphael Labao combined for 23 points to lead the Maroons.
According to UPIS coach Rommel Gador, his team first assessed LSM’s talent level before escalating their defense several notches higher to start the second half.
In the aspirants division, Marist School edged AMA University, 64-58, as the Golden Bears managed to hold off the opposite camp until the end.
Dan de Guzman topscored for Marist with 17 markers, while also contributing four steals, as two others also finished in double figures. Edward Zeller was a point shy of a double-double after hauling 12 rebounds.
Nevertheless, AMA prevailed in the 13U division as the Titans had an easy time over a shorthanded Ateneo side, 71-30. City Hoops MVP Liam dela Cruz led the way with 22 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, while new recruit Gabriel Laxamana put up 11 markers.
In the other 13U match, San Sebastian thwarted Notre Dame of Greater Manila, 51-30. Blue Fernandez towered over everybody else with a statline of 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Angelo Masagca contributed ten.
“Maganda ang effort ng Notre Dame,” remarked SSCR coach Bobby Lotuaco, who was all praises for the much shorter but determined camp from Caloocan City. “Effort, energy, [and] focus, I commend them.”
Finally, Claret held SSCR to just 12 points in the second half, the final score pegged at 49-26, to register a W in the 12U division. Jerson Anonuevo lit up with 15 markers as Gian Gonzales came through with 12 and 13 boards.
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