The New Lifers placed third overall and secured a podium finish in the Chachago Invitational Basketball League (CIBL), defeating Jubilee Christian Academy (JCA), 79-71 last September 10 at the PACE Talayan Gym.
In their previous meeting with JCA, MGCNL stole the game, winning 79-75 in an intense battle that went to the wire.
The New Lifers proved that consistency is key as they stayed in control and played at their pace in their second match-up against JCA, holding them back for 40 minutes of game time and ultimately reigning triumphant 79-71.
MGCNL got off to a rough start, trailing 10-7 after the first nine minutes. Looking to finish the quarter strong, the green-clad players got a much-needed putback courtesy of high-flying Adrian Tan, ending the first quarter down one, 10-9.
Heading into the second quarter, MGCNL exploded for a monstrous 19-5 run led by giant Trey Chua, maestro Karl Yue, and sharpshooter Adam Uy. However, JCA did not fall back as they went for a run of their own, finishing the quarter only down by three, 30-27.
After 20 minutes of action, the Jubileeans opened the quarter with a big three, but the New Lifers wasted no time, as Maddox Lim and Uy grabbed six straight points to regain the lead. The squad kept a comfortable cushion for the rest of the third quarter, led by do-it-all Yue dishing out assists, making crucial baskets, and securing multiple rebounds.
JCA immediately drained a shot from beyond the arc to start the final quarter, bringing the lead down to just six points, at 55-49. MGCNL did not back down as they closed the game out, not letting Jubilee come any closer. Ice-cold Uy and powerhouse Kurt Sotingco held it down for the green side, getting buckets on consecutive possessions to stay in the lead.
The New Lifers lead skyrocketed to 15 points, 69-54, with only five minutes left to play. MGCNL remained steady and ready, as Yue bodied his way into the paint, securing a basket and finishing a three-point play.
Tan secured an easy bucket and Chua sank two freebies at the line to steal the game for the New Lifers, emerging victorious 79-71.
Marksman Uy took the Player of the Game Award, as he scored 26 points while dishing out one assist and stealing the ball two times.
MGCNL also found valuable production from all-around Yue, 6-foot-2 Chua, and hardworking Lim. Yue and Chua each dropped a double-double, the former scoring 13 points and grabbing 15 rebounds while the latter putting up 11 points and rebounds apiece. Lim, on the other hand, led the bench effort of the team, scoring 13 markers, grabbing 7 boards, and snatching 3 steals.
Chua, Uy, and Yue also bagged individual awards in the 17-under level competition. Team captain Yue and shot-creator Chua each took a spot in the Chachago Mythical First Team while 15-year-old Uy also secured a spot in the Stik-O Mythical Second Team.
The New Lifers will continue to prepare for the upcoming PCYAA season and are currently playing in the Throwdown Premier Basketball League, held in Hillsborough Village.
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