Rookie-filled Patriot cagers clinch first win in 10th UCCL
Returning from a devastating loss, the DLSU-D cagers nosed out the San Pablo College (SPC) Ravens after surviving a scare in crunch time, 87-81, in the 10th season of the United CALABARZON League men’s division at the FAITH Gymnasium, Tanauan, Batangas, July 28.
Dancing on thin ice
Spearheading the Patriots, veteran swingman Pacholo Loor racked up 34 markers with nine treys including two in clutch time.
Granting his team the first lead change, Raven role player Nelson De Ocera fired a trey at 3:26, 75-76 before Patriot stalwart Janari Reyes recovered the buffer with a fast break layup, 77-76.
With the scores knotted at 78, DLSU-D’s Loor, with no hesitation, exhibited dominance in crucial situation after throwing two spontaneous rainbow shots, 84-79. Trying to bounce back, San Pablo Ravens issued a timeout before collapsing to DLSU-D’s endgame defense, 87-81.
Caging the Ravens
Triggering a power-packed start, Patriot John Cantimbuhan and Raven Ronel Himor exchanged triples back-to-back, 3-3. Grabbing the lead with the scores of 5-10, DLSU-D rattled San Pablo in a disheartening 16-2 get-go, 21-12. Topping the quarter, DLSU-D bounded with the scores of 23-15
Producing killer momentum, Patriot Loor waxed hot from the beginning with four trifectas, while co-shooting Patriot guard Dale Guttierez cruised three consecutive reverse layups, shattering San Pablo’s defense in the second canto, 52-33.
Outscoring the Dasmariñas-based squad, SPC Ravens soared high in the third quadrant, 26-13, yet DLSU-D sealed the canto with a cushion, 64-59.
Before the nail-biting match, the Patriot cagers suffered a 20-point rule by the Olivarez College Sea lions, 56-76, last Sunday, July 24.
Pursuing retaliation, DLSU-D will face Systems Technology Institute (STI) on July 31 at the same venue.
