By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Western Institute of Technology basketball men erased the twice-to-beat advantage of the CPU Golden Lions, sweeping them in the 2019 ILOPRISAA Tertiary Men’s basketball finals.
Going into the finals as the underdogs, the WIT players showed grit and determination to overcome the odds, and they did it in emphatic fashion.
In game 1, WIT edged CPU, 85-78, behind a scorching hot Marvin Cuerbo who was just unconscious from the field, converting difficult step-backs and fadeaways.
Early in the second quarter with almost 8 minutes left in the ball game, CPU found themselves in a deep void as star center Jesse Sullano was ejected from the game, effective until game 2.
Playing without their force in the paint, the Golden Lions relied on their firepower that WIT was able to match.
Heading into game 2, the WIT squad was oozing with confidence and momentum as the only team able to take down CPU.
As the second game started, CPU began to play with relentless energy and a scrappy type of basketball that surprised WIT, gaining an early advantage despite Sullano’s absence.
The game then went into a slugfest as Peter Traviña of WIT started to splash shots from downtown, joining him was Cuerbo who remained a consistent threat on offense despite being in foul trouble.
Superstar Miguel Sasuman of CPU answered every WIT basket, as he carried the scoring load for the Golden Lions with injured Rey Tupas playing limited minutes.
WIT continued to impose their will on the hardwood, outlasting the Golden Lions, 85-74 to grab the championship.
