RTU forces rubber for NCRAA title

MANILA, Philippines –  Jericho Cruz scored 27 points as Rizal Technological University snatched a 78-75 victory over Colegio de Sta. Monica at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong last Wednesday to force a sudden death for the 18th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament crown.

Cruz scattered 10 points in the fourth period, including two pressure-packed charities at endgame as the Thunder sent their best-of-three series into a winner-take-all match.

Cruz drew a foul from Jayvee Ferreria with 12 seconds left then made the charities for the Blue Thunder, who remained in the hunt for their first crown in the league backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

The Cougars’ Jay Alquisalas missed a triple as time expired.

The Blue Thunder worked behind the combination of Kenneth Balasote, Tristan Pagente, Thompson Washington and Mark Trinidad as they tied the count for the last time at 70 off Pagente’s free throw.

Cruz then hit seven points in the last 56 seconds as the Blue Thunder tried to whisk off the Cougars. His drive with 19 seconds to go came negated CSM’s John Orbeta’s three-point play, allowing RTU to stay in front, 74-73.

Mark Brana contributed 14 points for RTU, while Orbeta scored 21 points and Ferreria made 15 for CSM.