Report by Rainier Acosta | Photos by JM Magday
Gryffindor Lions clinched the PalaCASSan 2024 Women’s Basketball Championship edging out the Slytherin Serpents with a 51-44 victory yesterday, November 28 at the bustling San Roque Covered Court.
With 1 minute and 30 seconds remaining of the final quarter, Gryffindor team captain Trisha Anne Manalo suffered from a cramp during a pivotal play, forcing an early exit during a crucial moment, 47-44.
Despite the setback, Desiree Santiago and Althea Sarceda stepped up for the Lions, displaying exceptional teamwork and composure under pressure.
In the crucial stretch, Santiago sank a put-back, followed by Sarceda who nailed a mid-range jumper, securing decisive four points to widen the gap and sealed the victory, 51-44.
“Unang-una po sa preparation, wala talaga kaming training, yung mga kasama ko po ngayon, yung iba, ngayon ko lang din nakita so parang on the spot game lang po kami tapos yung key namin is bilis lang po lalo na po maliliit mga kasama ko, maliliksi sila,” Manalo said.
During the opening frame, Gryffindor’s defense struggled to tighten up, giving the Slytherin the opportunity to capitalize and take an early 13-8 lead.
In the second period, Gryffindor mounted a 6-0 run courtesy of three fastbreak points of Manalo, rallying to seize a 23-22 advantage and putting themselves in position to steal the lead.
However, in the third quarter, Slytherin regained a 37-36 lead, with Nike Andrea Banag sinking back-to-back layups that ignited the Serpents' offense and shifted the momentum heading into the final frame, 37-36.
Under pressure, with their team captain sidelined by cramps in the 4th quarter, the shorthanded Gryffindor stayed composed, with Santiago and Sarceda stepping up to secure a 51-44 victory.
Meanwhile, in the battle for third, Ravenclaw secured the bronze as they captured a descent seven-point lead, 40-33 victory against Hufflepuff.
In a post-game interview, Ravenclaw team captain Czarleene Guieb credited their victory to a strong connection inside the court, emphasizing how the team’s discipline and willingness to listen to one another were key in their third podium finish.
“Samahan talaga, pagiging disiplinado, at teamwork kapag hindi kaya ng isa tutulungan ng isa, sisikapin nilang maka-score para makahabol,” Guieb said.
In addition, the teams that finished on the podium were awarded medals and certificates, recognizing their outstanding performances at this year's Sports Fest.
Comments