Patriot cagers upset FAITH, notch bronze in FSC ‘16

Bouncing back after their semifinal loss to the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Blazers, the DLSU-D Patriots claimed the third spot with a 66-61 tight triumph against the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) Brave Hearts, that wrapped up their bid in the Friendly and Solidarity Cup (FSC) at the De La Salle Lipa Gymnasium, March 19.

 

Setting the pace

The beginning of the first quadrant became tight due to FAITH’s Jio Aldrin Lopez’s muscling in drives and Patriots Yancy Remulla and Luke Joshua Parcero’s hotshot shooting that put the game to a 15-all deadlock.

However, it was Remulla, Parcero, and Janari Reyes’ 6-0 run that sparked the Cavite-based squad’s confidence, ending the first quadrant with a 21-15 lead.

With the momentum on the green-and-white side, Lopez shoved to produce more shots and steals, but still not enough to overcome Remulla’s rebounding skills and Parcero’s bank shots, as they closed the first half on a high note, 34-26.                                

 

Edgy finale

Despite white-and-blue team’s Lopez and Emmanuel Joshua Vino displaying their perfect jump-shots and three-point shots, Ira Kim Imperial and Exequiel Jonas De Vera routed the Tanauan-based squad with their combined three consecutive three-point shots that led third canto’s score to 53-40.

Living out their moniker, the Brave Hearts electrified the crowd in the last four minutes of action through their 16-0 run led by John Noel Sayas that placed the game to an inch-close, 62-61.

After burning their remaining timeout, the Caviteños recomposed themselves and let Parcero and John Cantimbuhan’s combined four free throws conclude the match, 66-61.