Golden Staglets dropped a chance for their final four campaign in the NCAA Season 90 after losing to LSGH Greenies, 78-81, on Wednesday, September 3, at San Juan Arena.
Jeremy Cruz tries hard to penetrate the tight defense of the Greenies
After being down as much as 15 points in the halfway mark of the fourth quarter, staglets made an impeccable chase with Regille Kent Ilagan and John Daniel Paclarin stepping up to make an 8-0 run, 65-72. Staglets remained trailing by 3 points until the tail end of the game yet fell short in keeping their chance alive.
With 24.8 seconds remaining, staglets gave up a foul, sending John Winifred Gob II to the line. After the 2 free throw conversions of Gob, Ilagan fired a big three, bringing them closer, 78-80. Ilagan instantly fouled Dela Cruz, who shot one of his two free throws, to extend their lead to 3 points. Unfortunately, Ilagan failed on his attempt to tie the game for a possible overtime.
Greenies were already dominant in the first period, countering even the two consecutive 3-point shots of Jeremy Cruz and ending it 14-21. They [Greenies] continued their scoring spree by knocking down five 3-point shots in the second period. Staglets struggled getting back and ended the first half trailing behind by 17 points, 32-49.
In the third quarter, Magno, Cruz, and Ilagan chipped in 14 points but Greenies still went on a scoring barrage ending the third with 15-point lead, 46-61.
“Naging relax kami during the first half kaya nahirapan na kaming humabol noong huli . . . Wala nang magagawa. Siguro, ite-test na lang namin yung attitude dun sa remaining five games kung lalaban pa kami kasi hindi naman malabo talagang pumasok eh. May chance pa pero maliit na lang,” Magno said.
Staglets are now at 6th place with 6-7 win-loss record.
Jhurem Rjell F. Ladisla