PATTS gunner Jhon Paul Manansala attacks the defense of PWU’s Ferdie Misajon. (Arnold Almacen/PDI)
League newcomer Philippine Air Transport and Training Services College of Aeronautics banked on the hot hands of Jhon Paul Manansala and Louis Lloyd Capinding in the homestretch to frustrate Philippine Women’s University, 78-70, Tuesday in Game One of the 7th Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association basketball finals at Makati Coliseum.
Manansala, top pick to earn the Most Valuable Player plum, scattered 29 sizzling points but it was Capinding who made the crucial points as the Seahorses grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three title series.
PATTS will gun for its first ISAA title on Friday at La Consolacion Gym in Manila. Gametime is set at 9:30 a.m. with the Patriots facing the huge task of putting the cuffs on the acrobatic 6-foot-1 Manansala.
Obviously satisfied with the win fashioned out before a sizeable crowd, PATTS mentor Lency Aransazo declared his hate to see a Game Three.
‘‘We have to maintain our focus. I don’t want a third game because PWU has the ability to come back,’’ said Aransazo, whose charges needed to beat three-time titleholders Philipine Merchant Marine School twice in the semifinals to advance to the finals.
Bannered by the lanky Jeric Serrano, Dave Tecson and Jazper Alvez, the Patriots, who are eyeing their first title, seemed on the way to snatching the victory against the erratic Seahorses as they surged to a 51-41 advantage.
But the Seahorses found their bearing to take the upperhand when Capinding buried the first of his three triples in the fourth quarter, 65-61.
Capinding and Manansala shattered the hopes of the Patriots for a recovery as they gave PATTS a 73-67 advantage. Tecson responded with a three-point play but Jestoni Loyola crushed the hopes of the Patriots with a booming triple in the return play.
The Seahorses actually extended their winning streak to seven games after a shaky 0-2 start to the season.
The game became heated in the last one minute of play which led to the ejection of burly PATTS center Mark Velasco by tournament commissioner Boy Quismodo. Velasco was caught by the referee kicking the face of Tecson following a heated battle for the ball.
The 6-foot-4 Velasco, later, apologized to Quismodo and to the table officials. He will not be suspended and will be able to play in the second game of the series.
In the first game, PMMS salvaged third place after downing La Consolacion College-Manila, 67-55. Four Mariners headed by Jerome Pasia finished in doubled figures as the Mariners led from start to finish.
The Scores
First Game
PMMS 67—Pasia 19, Antonares 12, Matillano 11, Debulcos 10, Esguerra 5, Cruz 4, Attas 2, Chan 2, Villamayor 2, Quilatan 0, Feliciano 0, Mabaquiao 0.
LA CONSOLACION-MANILA 55—Grealy 15, Salomon 13, Quinlog 13, Magwale 5, Marks 5, Yap 2, Versoza 2, Rivota 0, De Vega 0.
QUARTERS: 15-13, 35-28, 49-39, 67-55
Second Game
PATTS 78—Manansala 29, Loyola 17, Capinding 11, Velasco 6, Calubag 5, Cayson 4, Orada 4, Fandialan 2, Diaz 0, Reed 0.
PWU 70—Serrano 22, Tecson 19, Fernandez 12, Alvez 6, Andaya 4, Claveria 4, Pallares 3, Misajon 0, Estevez 0.
QUARTERS: 16-16, 35-33, 51-53, 78-70