Lions wrap up first PCCL title

San Beda’s big guns came charging in the final five minutes as the Red Lions rallied to thwart defending champion La Salle, 73-66, Monday and capture the 2014 National Collegiate Championship title in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

Ola Adeogun, Art dela Cruz and Baser Amer conspired in a 17-6 finish to power the Lions to a 2-0 series sweep of the Green Archers in their best-of-three Finals at Ynares Sports Arena.

“Coming from behind, it was very difficult for the boys but they showed pride and determination,” said San Beda’s interim coach Adonis Tierra. “They didn’t want to lose.”

Adeogun, named as the tournament MVP, shot 6-of-7 from the field to finish with 19 points, including eight in the last five minutes.

The title romp made the Lions, who bagged P1-million worth of prizes, only the second NCAA team—after San Sebastian in 2011—to rule the nationwide tournament.

Earlier, University of the Visayas edged University of San Carlos, 63-60, to bag third place and the P250,000 prize.

The Lions, who won Game 1, 88-81, spoiled Jeron Teng’s 25-point outing.

Dela Cruz posted 15 points and 13 boards, while Amer added 14 for the five-time NCAA champ, who trailed 37-45 in the second half.

Adeogun, Dela Cruz, Amer, Teng and La Salle’s Thomas Torres made the Mythical Team.

The scores:
First Game
UV 63—Abad 19, Arong 15, Codilla 9, Akomo 5, Josue 5, Octobre 4, Perolino 2, Mpouma 2, Manzo 2, Santillan 0.
USC 60—Olago 18, Lim 12, Rabat 11, Asuncion 10, Magat 3, Pepito 2, Tagapan 2, Toyambi 2, Bensig 0, Laguyo 0.
Quarters: 12-12, 31-29, 45-43, 63-60
Second Game
SAN BEDA 73—Adeogun 19, Dela Cruz 15, Amer 14,  Tankoua 9, Sara 7, Koga 2, Sorela 2, Mendoza 1, Tongco 0.
LA SALLE 66—Teng 25, Rivero 11, Mbala 10, Montalbo 8, Torres 7, Tratter 5, Muyang 0.
Quarters: 16-15, 31-33, 47-50, 73-66