AFTER missing action last year, the Jose Maria College (JMC) Kings staged a huge comeback with an unbeaten 4-0 win-loss record to book a seat in the championship match set today at the University of Mindanao (UM) Matina gym.
JMC Kings tamed the UM Wildcats, 112-46, to claim its fourth straight win behind sweet-shooting Kent Ian Espina who sizzled with 50 points including 14 three points as the tournament resumed Saturday, March 2. His teammate Anthony Suaybaguio chipped in 16 points.
Kings coach Rhoel Josol, in an interview with SunStar Davao, said they will either play DMMA College of Southern Philippines (DCSP) or defending champion Agro Industrial College of the Philippines (AIFCP) Sailors who were still playing as of Saturday.
“Maski asa sa ilang duha pareho kusog. Kung kinsa mulusot sa ilaha amo lang pangandaman (Both are strong teams. Whoever among them makes it we will just prepare),” he said, adding that this would be JMC’s third finals appearance under him in the city Prisaa Meet.
Josol said that Agro has been keeping the title for several years now. “Ungta makuha na namo karon (I hope we win this time),” he added.
Agusan-born Espina, 19, a Criminology freshman student, said he would just be ready whenever his coach tells him.
“Kung kanus-a lang ko gamiton ni coach, ready lang ko (Whenever coach needs me I’ll be ready),” he said.
In an earlier game, the Agro Sailors shattered Brokenshire College, 92-70.
The champion team will advance to the regional Prisaa Meet slated April in Tagum City.