Cordillera Career Development College Admirals booked the last finals seat after dismantling University of the Cordilleras Jaguars in their step ladder semi – finals match – up at the CCDC Gym, 90 – 61.
The Admirals will seek to retain its men’s basketball crown and hopes to secure their fifth over – all title in the 36 – year – old Baguio – Benguet Educational Athletic League and will square off in another rematch against their lone tormentor during the eliminations round, the University of Baguio.
UC surprised the defending champion with their early fight back in the first quarter tying the ball game at 12 all with 2:42 remaining.
CCDC would outscore the Jaguars from then on and take a 24 – 19 at the end of the first 10 minutes of their match.
“Sa first quarter talagang kinapa pa namin yung game tsaka kame nag adjust sa second quarter sa depensa. Sa offense, sinabi ko lang sa team na kung ano yung mga drills naming ginagawa sa training, yun lang gawin nila,” said coach Manuel Felix Jr.
And just like in their first encounter, the Admirals was again overwhelmed the Jaguars with their choking half court press, nearly doubling their lead at the end of two quarters, 27 – 44.
“Pinaka importante talga yung depensa, yan lagi paalala ko,” added Felix.
With their choking defense, their offense also clicked on the other end with John Mar Cabradilla leading the team with 14 while Leomar Jade Vasadre added 12, Renz Jornacion chipping in 10 and Paolo Boado coming up with nine.
Toby Fang-asan meanwhile led UC with nine while John Austin Bayle added eight as the Jaguars end their season on a high note placing third, an improvement from their fifth-place over-all last season.
Bracing another tough showdown with the University of Baguio Cardinals on Thursday, Felix said the team needs to stay focus and steer clear of any distractions that might cause them the championship.
“Number one thing is dapat i-control nila yung emotions nila sa laro, dapat macontrol, second is yung depensa, and dapat healthy ang team,” added Felix.
Aside from staying focus, Felix is weary they need to hurdle UB’s twice to beat advantage after sweeping the eliminations round, where they last played November 21, edging season host Baguio Central University, 95 – 54 for their seventh win.
“Sinasabi ko sa team is parang best of three lang to, natalo tayo ng Game 1 and then ipanalo natin yung last two para hindi nila isipin yung twice to beat advantage,” said Felix.
Game 1 is set the UB Cardinals gym on Nov. 27, at 3:00 PM. Roderick Osis
