Stags spirit lives on in proud 25ers

MANILA, Philippines - Excelroof coach Ato Agustin said the same formula that won for San Sebastian College the 2009 NCAA championship also made the difference as the 25ers topped the Pharex B-Complex Maroons to claim the 2010 PBL PG Flex Erase Placenta Cup crown at The Arena in San Juan Saturday.

“Hard work, toughness and aggressiveness were traits we developed in our team to win the NCAA. I’m happy they also worked in our PBL campaign,” said Agustin.

“We know the PBL is a far different league than the NCAA. But we’re convinced it’s better to stick to our philosophy. We played hard, tough and didn’t give up,” Agustin added.

The 25ers, composed mostly of SSC Stags in the NCAA, beat the top-seeded Maroons two games in a row to complete their Cinderella ride in the tourney.

Excelroof whipped Pharex, 97-87, in overtime in Game One then repeated with a 97-92 win in Game Two to become the first team in a long, long while to emerge as champion in its first tourney in the PBL.

For one, the victory proved Agustin’s own Cinderella tale in the NCAA was no fluke.

“This championship meant a lot to me and I’m thankful to the people who helped us get there,” said Agustin citing the support of team owner Edwin Chua and manager Oliver Gianan.

Agustin mentioned Gianan’s “BEST” motivation and encouragement as the driving force in the 25ers quest for the crown.

“BEST stands for believe in oneself, encourage, share and trust,” said Gianan.

In Saturday’s game, the 25ers fell behind by 10 points several times but they just wouldn’t quit.

With his second unit rising to the occasion, the team methodically cut Pharex’s lead to just two points.

Needing one big salvo to finally turn things around, Agustin fielded back his starters Calvin Abueva, Ramboy Raymundo, Ian Sangalang and Jimbo Aquino in the last six minutes. And they turned things around for Excelroof.