Though overflowing with talent, the Saints All-Stars still figured in a close game with the Heroes. But just like last season, the Saints were able to eke out a win, taking a 94-89 win, to close out the NCAA Season 94 All-Star Day, Friday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Last season, the Saints were able to pick up an 84-80 victory over the Heroes. This is the second time the NCAA separated the teams between the heroes they represent instead of their locations.
“Unang-una, nagpapasalamat ako sa players ko sa Saints dahil naglaro sila. At least, nag-enjoy sila at nanalo kami. Yun talaga yung goal namin, to enjoy the All-Star para sa fans at sa players,” expressed Saints head coach Boyet Fernandez.
Michael Calisaan was the star of stars, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field to go along with 13 rebounds to win the Most Valuable Player plum. He is the first student-athlete from San Sebastian to take home the honor.
“Congrats to the players and congrats to Michael for winning the MVP,” added Fernandez.
Surprisingly down entering the second frame, Michael Calisaan took charge, scoring nine points during that span to give the Saints the lead for good.
The Saints led by as much as 15 points in the third canto.
Karl Borbon and the duo of Ian Alban and Jaycee Marcelino tried to lead the Heroes’ comeback in the third and fourth quarters respectively, but the firepower of the Saints proved to be too much.
Javee Mocon had 15 points in just 14 minutes of action, while Bong Quinto and Allyn Bulanadi chipped in 10 markers each. Quinto gobbled down seven rebounds as well.
JJ Domingo was supposed to be the third All-Star from Benilde, but he suffered an injury during the Blazers’ practice yesterday.
Jaycee Marcelino paced the Heroes with 15 markers. Alban added 12 points. Arellano’s Michael Canete and Jeric Diego gobbled down 10 and 11 boards respectively.
“Sayang lang wala si coach Topex [Robinson] dahil may game ata. Wala rin yung CJ Perez at yung [MJ] Ayaay. But still, congrats to the Heroes,” said Fernandez.
The Scores:
Saints 94 – Calisaan 17, Mocon 15, Quinto 10, Bulanadi 10, Capobres 8, Razon 7, Aurin 6, Calvo 6, Bolick 5, Dixon 4, Coronel 2, Fajarito 2, Tongco 2, Velasco 0.
Heroes 89 – Marcelino JC. 15, Alban 12, Cinco 8, Mendoza 7, Bordon 7, Cañete 6, Marcelino JV. 6, Bonifacio 5, Pelayo 5, David 4, Victoria 4, Dela Cruz 3, Garcia 3, Bautista 2, Diego 2.
Quarterscores: 26-28, 52-40, 78-69, 94-89
