Seahorses trip Blue Royals, retain ISAA basketball title

The PATTS College of Aeronautics Seahorses and La Consolacion-College Blue Royals pose with officials after the ISAA championship game. Photo by Marlette Jomeine Hernais/Contributor

REIGNING champion PATTS College of Aeronautics concluded an impressive season with a methodical 61-55 victory over arch-rival La Consolacion College-Manila to sweep the 8th Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

Cheered by some 1,500 fans at the Trinity University of Asia Gym, the Seahorses poured the heat early to finish with aplomb against the determined Blue Royals, whose downfall was hastened by their lack of firepower.

‘‘It was a very well-played match against a tough foe. I credit our defense for the win,’’ said winning coach Lency Aransazo after his charges earned a trip to the Champions League before the end of the year.

Season MVP Joshua Diaz joined hands with Finals MVP Jhon Paul Manasala to find holes in LCCM’s defense, while Mark Cloyd Velasco and Louis Capinding contributed with big hits to keep the Mendiola-based cagers at the bay.

Diaz, who keyed LCCM’s 54-50 victory in Game One, against masterfully presided over the well-oiled plays of PATTS.

ISAA head of basketball operations Andie Cristobal of LCCM and Commissioner Boy Quisido of the National Amateur Basketball Referees Organization presided over the awarding ceremonies.

Also present were PWU’s Prince Santos, Jae delos Santos of Manila Tytana Colleges and Benjie Hernandez of PATTS.

PATTS Chief Financial Officer Felisa S. Valdez and Dr. Emelita Javier, VP for Student Affairs, also witnessed the championship game.

Joining Diaz in the Mythical team are Thurlough Grealy (LCCM), Jeremy Sarona (LCCM), Marion Soriano (MTC) and Jezrell Andaya (PWU).

SCORES

PATTS 61 –Manansala 19, Diaz 16, Orada 12, Capinding 5, Loyola 3, Noble 2, Velasco 2, Beltran 2.

LCCM 55 –Rivota 16, Sarona15, Grealy 9, Obado 9, Bardaje 4, Salomon 2,

Quarters:14-3, 25-19, 48-34, 61-55