Titans win Manila Premier League Championship defeating the Diliman Blue Dragons

by INK Writer · December 15, 2016

The victorious Titans and the coveted trophy, with President, Ed Rodriguez

Choy Arnaldo, INK

(Titan Hall, 14 December 2016) The Titans’ Men’s basketball team gained their first championship, defeating the Diliman Blue Dragons in a tight game. The Titans had previously bested St. Bernadette and Southville. Titans also play in the MNCAA and Got Skills Tournament leagues.

Wresting a victory from the Diliman College Blue Dragons (QC) proved to be a close contest, with Diliman leading in the first half. Both teams manned a full court defense, in an attempt to control the ball and restrain the opponents from scoring.

Vidal scores a jumpshot over Blue Dragons 6’5 center Diakwhite.

Titans shift strategy to break the Diliman defense and control the ball.

In the second half, the Titans shifted their tactics, with center Ward and point guard Grilli, heaving close to the Blue Dragon defense team. Keeping the Dragons out of the key, they scored significantly lower in the second half, were missing long shots and were shooting only average on foul shots.

Enderun President, Dean Ed at the game. For this exciting game, the bleachers were quite empty!

Divina and the Pep Squad.

This gave Titan forwards de la Cruz, Vidal and Nuñez the opening to intercept passes and drive in winning shots even against a heavy Diliman defense. Frequent on the keyhole shots was captain Mark Gatula, even though often double guarded.

Titans’ Center Ward with a long hook shot.

Titans’ Center Wabo with a long hook shot.

In the last 3 minutes, Titans were leading 70 to 67, then 6’5 center Diakwhite scored an easy double under the boards, giving a scary 70-69! A brief time-out and the Titans controlled the leather again, scoring 76 to 71.