APC Rams grab 1st ABT title in double OT thriller

They proved that they deserve to be APC’s varsity team.

The APC Rams finished off the APCRAA Basketball Tournament (ABT) Season 9 Elite Division Finals by defeating the three-time champions, Team Tostitos in double overtime, 103-100, on Saturday, August 23 at the APC Gymnasium.

In a game that can be considered one of the greatest games played in the ten year history of the league, it took two extension periods to determine if the Rams will take home the perpetual trophy or if Tostitos will force a rubber match on August 30.

The Rams took control of the first half, leading by as much as 15 points in the 2nd quarter. After the halftime break, the Tostitos chipped away the Rams lead, and led the game by 10 points in the 3rd quarter. A see-saw battle ensued in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter, ending with 82-all at the end of regulation.

In the first overtime, the Tostitos had the momentum and led the 7 points. But Justine Hernando and Khalil Galido kept the fight for the Rams, regaining the lead by 1 point with 23 seconds left. Galido split his free throws, earning them a two point advantage with 17 seconds remaining. Estabillo then ran the ball halfcourt and was hacked by Mandeer Singh. Estabillo sank both free throws, forcing the game into a second overtime.

The see-saw battle continued in the second extension, with the Rams, earning a four-point advantage with less than 3 minutes left. In the last two minutes, Estabillo threw a hail-mary shot as the shot clock expired, decreasing the lead to one point. Mendoza got fouled twice and and split his charities on both occasions. Estabillo tried to tie the game once again with a three point shot but that went too strong, sealing the win and the championship for the Rams.

Finals MVP Kurt Soloria led the charge for the Rams with 38 points, 6 rebounds 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 8 steals. Mendoza contributed with a double-double output of 25 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.

For Tostitos, Brix Estabillo had a career-high 46 points with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals. Season 8 MVP Guess Dela Cuesta added 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals.

THE SCORES:

APC RAMS (103): Soloria K 38, Mendoza 25, Galido 9, Singh 8, Hernando 5, Trinidad 4, Soloria KZ 4, Ignacio 4, Besana 3, Valdez 2, Guevarra 1, Visco 0, Panes 0, Rasay 0

TOSTITOS (100): Estabillo 46, Dela Cuesta 15, Tagle 10, De Luna 10, Gratil 7, San Diego 4, De Guzman 3, Belardo 2, Castañares 2, Amurao 1, Villegas 0, Reyes 0, Gloria 0

QUARTERSCORES: 20-16, 40-34, 65-68, 82-82, 95-95, 103-100

REFEREES: J. Lesigues, E. Isuga, E. Cortez

FIBA LIVESTATS: https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/APC/2696016