ILOPRISAA: IDC banks on third-quarter mastery to draw first blood on USA

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Iloilo Doctor’s College (IDC) Medics leaned on a clinical third-quarter performance to take down the University of San Agustin (USA) Golden Eagles, 90–72, in Game 1 of the Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (ILOPRISAA) Men’s tertiary basketball finals on Feb. 23, 2026, at the Western Institute of Technology (WIT) basketball gym in Iloilo City.

After a nip-and-tuck first-half affair when both schools traded lead changes, IDC sucked the life out of USA midway through the third quarter, unleashing a demoralizing 32–15 avalanche that proved to be the early exclamation point in Game 1.

In just a blink of an eye, the 49-all deadlock quickly became a lopsided contest, courtesy of IDC’s efficient two-way performance and rebounding control.

To kick things off, IDC’s coaching staff, headed by Mr. Albert Nabo, relied on the strong rotation of Elmer Malan, Reynel Cañuto, Yohan Posa, Kent Gaitan, Kobe Perez, and Michael Jayme, who were responsible for the massive turnaround.

Jayme began IDC’s third-quarter rampage with a slick euro-step layup, followed by consecutive baskets from Malan, Cañuto, and Posa that widened the gap to double digits.

To make things worse for USA, Gaitan, IDC’s primary 3-point shooter, finally got out of his first-half slump, while Perez provided the much-needed playmaking on the break and pesky perimeter coverage.

All those in just six minutes made up for IDC’s 21–4 closing run to end the third frame.

From fighting for every possession, the boys in blue suddenly snatched the straps in the driver’s seat and comfortably took a nice ride to cap off Game 1 in style.

Franc Tono, one of IDC’s veteran guards, also stepped up when his team needed him the most, as his aggressiveness in attacking the rim kept his team within reach when USA made a run in the second quarter.

The Golden Eagles attempted to inch closer after deploying full-court defensive pressure, but the experienced IDC backcourt of JN Magarse and Perez easily cruised past USA’s defenders.

With the statement Game 1 win, the Medics moved a dub away from defending their ILOPRISAA Men’s hoops crown and will have the chance to wrap up the championship series today at 5:30 p.m., still to be held at WIT.

Can USA bounce back?

Or will IDC celebrate with a 2–0 sweep?