Short-handed DLSU-D cagers succumbed to defeat against SFAC in NCRUCLAA, 68-76

With only eight players on their roster, the Patriot cagers succumbed to a neck-and-neck loss against the Saint Francis of Assisi College System (SFAC) Doves, 68-76, in the National Capital Region Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (NCRUCLAA) at the University of Makati (UMak) gymnasium on February 20.

 

Hanging by a thread

Before the final canto, the Patriots showed determination in the opening of the third quarter as they edged the Doves with rookie Kobe Caronongan’s rebound shot, 38-37. As the green-and-white team got worn out, they lost their composure in the end while receiving back-to-back layups from SFAC’s highest-pointer Paolo Castro, 50-56.

Tracking the second quarter, DLSU-D cagers Loor and Exequiel Jonas De Vera unleashed uninterrupted jump shots and a buzzer-beater three-pointer to freeze the scores, 33-all.

 

Starting from the bottom, Patriot Caronongan spearheaded the team with relentless layups and rebounds that boosted the green-and-white team’s morale in the first canto, 17-18.

 

Expressing his thoughts about Patriot Cantimbuhan’s loss in the team, “Unang–una siya ‘yong inaasahan ko na tutulong sa amin sa scoring at the same time ‘yong leadership [niya] especially sa mga crucial parts lalo na’t ang konti pa namin [sa team].”

Vying for their last chance to step up in the quarterfinals, DLSU-D will battle against the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) Iron Eagles at the same venue on February 27, at 2 in the afternoon.