Powerhouse dumps Gladiators, Warriors defeats Aspac Boys in APCRAA basketball tourneys

Two alumni teams claimed basketball championships in two tournaments held by the APC Rams Alumni Association (APCRAA) on April 19, 2015, at the APC Gymnasium.

Powerhouse defeated Gladiators, 38-37, in the women’s basketball finals, while Warriors defeated the ASPAC Boys, 83-77, in the men’s basketball finals.

Women’s tournament MVP Yves Galvez made 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals. Tournament leading scorer Joy Corpuz had 20 points and 7 rebounds, including two crucial free throws to gain the lead with about a minute left in the game.

The Gladiators were leading most the game until a late surge from the Powerhouse team, forcing a deadlock with 1:21 remaining in the game. Free throw woes and crucial turnovers from both teams became a factor. Powerhouse grabbed the lead after Corpuz sank both of her free throws.

Gladiators had a chance to put the game into overtime with three seconds left. Janella Taroma was awarded with two free throws with 0.2 seconds left, after she was fouled by Powerhouse’s Casey Bustamante as she drove to the basket. Unfortunately, she split her free throws, sealing the championship to Powerhouse.

In the second finals game, the Warriors and ASPAC Boys fought a close game until the first half. By the second half, the Warriors increased their lead by as much as 10 points, and held the lead until the final buzzer. Tournament MVP Archie Gratil scored 24 points, while Mark Pagaduan of ASPAC Boys leads his team in scoring with 27.

The elimination round of the women’s basketball tournament was held every week from March 15 to 29, while the men’s tournament took place every week as well from March 15 to April 12.

Powerhouse gained the first finals berth by having the best record of 3 wins and 1 loss in the double round-robin elimination round. Gladiators got the second finals slot by defeating Dream Team in their do-or-die game last March 29.

For the men’s tournament, ASPAC gained the first finals berth by having a 3-1 record in the eliminations. The Warriors grabbed the second finals seat by having a 2-2 win-loss record.

The APCRAA plans to hold a second conference this year in September or October.