Patriots shoot down Hardy Herons, 97-64
Despite the aggressive entrance that fostered impatience and a sluggish first half, the Patriot cagers still showcased supremacy after overpowering University of Makati (UMak) Hardy Herons in a 97-64 triumph during the first season of the National Capital Region Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (NCRUCLAA) held at the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services (PATTS) Gymnasium, January 19.
Bannering the DLSU-D flag, team captain John Cantimbuhan delivered another spectacular performance for the Patriots after being hailed as the best player of the game with 31 markers.
Closely contested opening
Pulling the match’s curtain, Patriot Jonas Exequiel De Vera’s downtown shot and the green-and-white tight defense forced the Herons to commit turnovers which turned into fastbreak layups points, 7-2.
After his quiet first quarter, Cantimbuhan immediately kicked off the second canto with a fastbreak layup and a rainbow shot along with the DLSU-D team’s tight defense, 43-34.
Capping the final quarter, Patriots finally devastated the Herons with their back-to-back layups and concluding free throw, 97-64.
Patriot head coach Arnold Oliveros noted that the green-and-white squad needs to be patient inside the court, “’Yong first half namin medyo nagmamadali sila kaya hindi namin makuha ‘yong rhythm namin.”
Continuing their way on the NCRUCLAA journey, Patriot cagers will clash against Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Mariners on January 23 at University of Makati gymnasium.
