MSEUF – Lucena Wildcats rallied from an early deficit to outpower the CEFI Cougars with a 66-55 rout at the Wildcats’ home court, securing their second consecutive Quezon PRISAA Men’s Basketball Championship title on March 23.
Despite boasting an undefeated streak in the 22-game tourney, the maroon and white’s campaign was far from perfect. The first quarter was nightmarish for the Wildcats after their lackluster offense and the Cougars taking control, ending the period 12-18.
“Marami kaming ginawang offense sa simula, pero ang problema lang talaga ay hindi kumokonekta kasi mga gigil pa ang players namin,” Wildcats’ Coach Melki Villanueva expressed.
However, the Cougars’ lead would not last long, as the early setback did not stop the twice-to-beat Wildcats, who were determined to defend their title for the second year running.
“Gusto naming patunayan na ‘yung pagkapanalo namin last year ay hindi chamba lang,” Villanueva reiterated. “We wanted a back-to-back championship.”
The Wildcats quickly recovered in the second quarter with an intense offensive clash with the Cougars, finishing with a four-point advantage, 34-30.
The third quarter saw the MSEUF – Lucena team at its finest. It was a barrage of sharpshooting from the Wildcats, with the team successfully connecting a tournament-record five consecutive three-pointers, closing the quarter at 56-41.
The Cougars had no chance for a comeback in the final period as the Wildcats’ defense tightened, and their offense continued to dominate. The final buzzer sounded, confirming the Wildcats’ supremacy on the court and sealing their victory.
“Sabi namin, kapag nanalo kami, the next following years ay confident na kaming makuha ang kampeonato kasi most of our players are rookies,” Villanueva added.
No. 31 Edwin Salvaloza and No. 6 Angelo Orinday led the Wildcats’ comeback rally, pitching in 16 points each, while No. 1 CJ Aurellana tallied 11.
Meanwhile, the CSTC Stallions settled third after a hard-fought 72-82 against the Cougars.
