SJI wins 10-under title

ST. JOHN’S Institute Blue team defeated the Stallions, 8-5 to capture the 10-under title in the 3-on-3 finals of the 1st LNA-7 3-on-3 Basketball Challenge 2012 played at the West Negros University Gymnasium.

After a 2-all deadlock at the start of the game, SJI pulled away from the Stallions.

Andre Lechoncito led the Baby Falcons with 4 points, Aceford Chua added 3 points and Steven Pura with one point. Ernest Hilado is the 4th member of the team.

Oscar Jacinto led the Stallions with 3 points, while Fritz Valencia and Saavedra Jr. delivered a point each for the Stallions.

In the 3-on-3 competition, a made basket is scored a point and a 3-point basket is scored 2 points.

Meanwhile the Stallions quartet got their revenge, defeating SJI-A in the 12 under finals, 14-12.

Andre Dadivas and Malayas finished with 5 points apiece for the Stallions, backstopped by Genise and Fuentevella's 2 points each.

SJI missed the injured Kis Suarez and was forced to play with only 3 players in the semifinals and finals.

Still SJI was in the lead early in the game until they had to play at a disadvantage, 2 against 3 with 4 minutes left in the game, as Emman Go fouled out.

SJI had a golden opportunity to force a shootout, as Anton Albayda was fouled as time expired attempting a 3 point shot, but Albayda missed his free throws as Stallions escaped with the 12 under title.

Christian Calinawan led SJI with 8 points, Anton ALbayda 3 points and Go scored a point. (Stephen Tan)