The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
A three-peat for Immaculada Concepcion College in the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA).
Bannered by Alfred Flores, ICC brought down De La Salle University-Dasmarinas Patriots, 83-77, and capture the title in the NCRAA Season 31 men’s basketball tournament at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
Flores, who was named as Finals MVP, came through with a game-high 30 points on11-of-20 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals in 36 minutes of action to lead the Ogie Gumatay-mentored Blue Hawks to a two-game sweep of the Patriots.
Joshua Bulante added 17 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Tutoy Ramirez contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals for the Blue Hawks, who completed a rare three-peat infront of a big crowd that included ICC President Marco Agana. school officials, parents, and supporters.
Jared Vento chipped in nine points and nine rebounds.
Ronroy Bunda carried the fight for the Dasmarinas-based Patriots of coach Tito Reyes with 21 points on 7-of-20 shooting, and six rebounds in 28 minutes of play.
Gio Santiago added 17 points, nine rebounds and three steals, Joriel Nicandro contributed 14 points and five rebounds and JL Rasonable chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds.
Actually, the Blue Hawks dominated the match and led by as many as 26 points in the first half and 17 points with 7:47 remaining.
But the Patriots came charging back on a three-pointer by Bunda, a layup by Calagos, and another three by Rasonable to cut the deficit to just nine points.
After Bulante responded with a basket,the trio of Bunda, Rasonable, and Calagos managed to trim the deficit to just two, 76-74, with 1:10 remaining.
Flores then converted a layup after Bulante grabbed an offensive rebound, extending the lead to 78-74 with 56 seconds left. Calagos committed a turnover on the next possession, but the Blue Hawks followed up with a 24-second shot clock violation, giving the Patriots another chance with 29 seconds remaining.
Santiago missed a three, and Flores took advantage by scoring on a breakaway layup to make it 80-74 with 21 seconds left. Ramirez was fouled and went to the line for two crucial free throws.
Rasonable hit a three-pointer to keep the Patriots’ hopes alive, but Ramirez sealed the win with a split at the line for the final score.
The individual awardees are:
Seniors Mythical five — Rogelio Calagos (DLSU-Dasma), Alfred Flores (ICC), Alfre Estinopo (Philippine Merchant Marine School), Victor Nuarin (Bestlink and MJ lambino (University of Luzon)
Calagos was named the NCRAA Season MVP.