ATHLETICS

Brilliant Effort Brings Back                    the Gold to Xavier
Hans Ang (H4B), Stallion News Writer

Posted Wednesday, 22-Feb-2006 11:52 AM

      With a lopsided victory in game one of the best-of-three series, the Xavier Juniors team was highly favored to take home the championship. CKSC however, had other plans in mind.

      With an ugly first quarter effort in game one, CKSC came out full throttle matching the Stallions blow-by-blow. At the end of the first ten minutes of play CKSC had the lead at 22-20.

      Leading the charge was the phenomenal 6’6” Justin Chua who dominated the shaded lane both offensively and defensively. He was matched-up with Xavier’s Woodward Co, who was being bothered by an ankle injury he suffered in game one.

      Not to be outdone, the Xavier Stallions came out charging in the second quarter by applying their trademark full-court trap defense. However, they found themselves in a situation they have not been the whole season. They were being dominated inside by the 6-foot behemoths of CKSC and their defense was a mess. Perhaps, the only highlight of XS during the first half was senior guard Philip Ong’s David vs. Goliath block versus CKSC big man Alexander Wong. With several crucial turnovers and lapses in defense, the Stallions found themselves down by 7 going into the break.

      After two energetic performances during the half time by the CKSC pep squad and Dance X, both teams charged out off the gates with full force. More diving for each loose ball and ganging up for every rebound was witnessed in the third quarter as the game began to really heat up.

      With both star-centers, Woodward and Justin, leading their squads, the crowd was on its feet as each wanted his team to take the lead. As time wound down in the third quarter, a crucial fast break jump shot by third-year swingman Alejandro Torres and a nifty assist from court general IC Sta. Maria to big man Jert Yao, gave the Stallions breathing space with a 3-point lead..

      As the fourth quarter was about to start, the cheering from both sides of the UNO Gym became louder. Drums boomed with energy and the Xavier supporters were screaming at the top of their lungs. Above the usual Xavier cheers, the audience started to chant, “CON-TRE-RAS! CON-TRE-RAS!” for XS guard Wesley Contreras.

      Back to the action, the CKSC once again grabbed the lead. By that time, Woody was on the bench, so seniors Charles Tiu and Philmon Yao took charge. The duo fueled the Stallions by putting up spectacular three-pointers and unorthodox lay-ups. However, still the Stallions seemed to have no answer for the CKSC‘s giants of who were evidently having their way inside. By the time Woody was ready to get back into the action, he was welcomed by the crowd with an ecstatic chant: “MVP! MVP!”

      As Justin Chua picked up his fourth foul, CKSC coach, Sunny Co was forced to pull out his big man. The Xavier Stallions continued to attacked CKSC with a flurry of three pointers and three-point plays, but no matter what they did they were unable to put away the CKSC team.

      However, as the game came down to the last 2 minutes, the XS squad showed why they were picked to play in the All-star game. Charles Tiu launched back-to-back three pointers and Woody had a three of his own. Marc Edwards Tio sank 2 clutch free throws as the Stallions suddenly found themselves up by six with barely a minute remaining in the contest.

      CKSC attempted to mount a last run to chip away the lead, but veteran IC Sta. Maria came up with a steal and a breakaway lay-up. Finally putting the nail on the coffin, Charles Tiu, brother to Tiong Lian Legend Chris Tiu, came up with a steal, despite two players bringing down the ball, and got fouled as Xavier sank 3 of its final 4 free throws to cap a 16-0 run that resulted in an 84 – 73 victory and the championship for the XS Juniors Stallions.

      The awarding ceremony that night was not only special for the Juniors team but for the aspirants team as well since both were able to win the first place trophies in their respective divisions. the Xaverians along with their supporters from the Xavier Community, their families and friends, accompanied capped off the exciting night by singing with pride the Xavier School Song. “LUCEAT LUX!”

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