STI five a win from 2nd NAASCU title

MANILA, Philippines—Rookie Oscar Crisostomo fired four points in the final 35 seconds to lift STI Colleges to a come-from-behind 75-72 win over San Sebastian College-Cavite Tuesday and move within a win of keeping the NAASCU crown at the Makati Coliseum.

The Olympicans will go for the title on Thursday.

Crisostomo, a 5-foot-11 recruit from University of Santo Tomas, nailed a three-point shot to give the Olympians a 73-72 advantage, their first taste of the lead, with 35 ticks left.

The Baycats missed in their next offensive while STI veteran Ramon Mabayo split his free throws in the return play to give the defending champions a 74-72 lead with 12 seconds to go.

SSC missed another scoring try when Kris Lucernas bungled two free throws with seven seconds left, setting up Crisostomo for two charity tries which he split.

“We showed our fighting heart, that’s why we were able to stage that comeback,” said STI coach Vic Ycasiano.

The scores:STI 75—Mabayo 21, Vasallo 20, Crisostomo 10, Aransazo 6, Mendoza 5, Limpin 5, Washington 4, Macabasco 4, Sabellina 0, Aanoy 0, Sabacahan 0.

SSC-C 72—Gracilla 16, Escobal 11, Ra.Alcasabas 10, Lucernas 9, Basa 8, Acain 8, Antipuesto 5, Pantonia 4, Vilalreal 1, Pasagui 0, Atangan 0, Callado 0, Reyes 0.Quarters: 11-26, 34-41, 52-59, 75-72

From Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sports Section / October 1, 2008