CUSA: Stallions retain title after beating Bobcats, 101-98

Defending champion Manuel Luis Quezon University (MLQU) is men's basketball back-to-back champion of the Colleges and Universities Sports Association (CUSA). The MLQU Stallions defeated Central Colleges of the Philippines (CCP), 101-98, to sweep the best-of-three title series at the Trinity Gym in Quezon City, according to a CUSA statement issued on Monday. Alvin Vitug scored a game-high 46 points, almost single-handedly carrying the fight for the Stallions of coach Jojo Castillo and manager Victoria Chan. Vitug's single-game explosion included 11 three-point shots despite the CCP Bobcats' swarming defense. "He carried us today," coach Castillo said. "He was a one-man wrecking crew for us." Castillo was ably assisted by Oca Montemayor. The Stallions also defeated the Bobcast, 103-98, in Game 1. Eric Dizon added 13 points, Mark Tadlas 11, and Mark Tamayo 10 for the Stallions, who were trailing by by three points, 65-68, at the start of the payoff period. Zaldy Corpuz led the Elis Tolentino-mentored Bobcats with 31 points, followed by Tony Sonza with 19 and Jeff Benabese with 15. Earlier, the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCr) defeated University of the Assumption-Pampanga (UAP), 100-72, to clinch the women's title. The Lady Enforcers relied on Grace Quemada, Stineli Casakit, Rochelle Morona, Joan Mesina, and Wendelyn Alvarez to roll back the Lady Pelicans and bag the title for the second straight year. The scores Women PCCr (100): Quemada 22, Casakit 16, Morona 16, Mesina 14, Russ 8, Brucelo 2, Mendano 0, Fadera 0, Dioso 0, Sapunto 0 UAP (72): Yamat 27, Malit 19, Balacuit 12, Salonga 7, Mangulabnan 5, Gonzales 2, Usop 2, Yumul 0, Pabustan 0. Juniors Juniors St Jude (75): Bayobo 29, Balansag 26, Dela Peña 8, Pagkatipunan 6, Alejandro 4, Zaragosa 2, Landicho 0, Vito 0, Dizon 0, Punzal 0 PCCr (73): Dionero 22, Fernandez 21, Rosal 13, Guarin 7, Evangelista 6, Empeno 5, Mendano 2, Lee 0 Quarters: 19-12, 39-33, 56-53, 75-73 Seniors MLQU (101): Vitug 46, Dizon 13, Tadlas 11, Tamayo 10, Sumayang 8, Patricio 5, Custodio 4, Manalansan 4, Complido 0, Crisostomo 0 CCP (98): Corpuz 31, Sonza 19, Benabese 15, Carreon 9, Lising 7, Pangilinan 7, Gaba 6, De Guzman 3, Meneses 0 Quarters: 18-20, 42-37, 65-68, 101-98

- GMANews.TV