PSSBC Ironcon Cup: Dragons stun Bullpups; Red Cubs score

CHIANG Kai Shek College subdued UAAP champion National University in double overtime, 73-71, even as NCAA titlist San Beda College flaunted its might at the start of the 3rd Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Ironcon Builders Cup Saturday at CKSC gym in Tondo, Manila.

The CKSC Blue Dragons and the NU Bullpups fought on even terms but it was CKSC which emerged victorious as JV Gallego and Fran Yu came through with clutch plays at crunch time in their Group A showdown.

“It was a tough game and we’re just lucky to pull off the win because NU also has a solid basketball program,” said CKSC Coach Goldwyn Monteverde. “Hopefully, we can build on this momentum.”

Gallego led all scorers with 29 points while Yu contributed 9 markers, including the game-winning basket off a perfect feed from Rafael Toribio in the dying seconds as the Blue Dragons virtually clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the four-group of three teams tournament presented by Ironcon Builders.

Led by bull-strong Mark Dyke, the Bullpups actually led, 61-56, with less than a minute left in regulation. Gallego, however, sparked a blazing finish with two free throws that helped turn things around.

The San Beda Red Cubs, coming off a record-setting 21st NCAA title, downed UP Integrated School, 79-63, in Group D action of the tournament also sponsored by MEC Computers, Dickies Underwear, Jumbo Plastic Lineleum, Hapee Toothpaste, Rain or Shine, Blackwater-Ever Bilena, Hapee Toothpaste and Freego.

Niko Abatayo scored 13 points to lead a balance attack for the Red Cubs who are hoping to improve on their runner-up showing last year.

In other games, Far Eastern University used its height and heft advantage to rout St. Stephen High School, 98-55, in Group B while multi-titled Xavier downed UE, 78-60, in Group C.

Tyler Tio starred for Xavier with 28 points highlighted by four triples, including one that triggered the team’s breakaway midway in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, PBA chair Pato Gregorio, who represented Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Manny V. Pangilinan, lauded the efforts of the PSSBC Board of Governors, saying the tournament is “the grassroots of highest order.”

Aside from Gregorio also present were Gilas Coach Chot Reyes, Butch Antonio and Ranidel de Ocampo, who received the P1 million bonus as promised by Hapee’s Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Blackwater-Ever Bilena’s Dioceldo Sy and Freego’s Eduard Tio.

Officials from UAAP, NCAA and Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball League, led by Dr. Dory Poa also graced the occasion.

Meantime, the  game between Xavier and UE will be shown today at Aksyon TV.