MGCNLCA Sweeps and Takes PCYAA 14U Basketball Tournament Crown
The MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) Basketball Varsity brought home the gold with a convincing 96-70 win against Philippine Cultural College (PCC) for the Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association (PCYAA) Basketball Aspirants Division on December 13, 2023 at the UNO High School Gym.
MGCNLCA claimed the championship title with a historic 15-0 record, last holding the crown as three-peat champions in December 2016.
Despite the New Lifers’ landslide victory, that game was not consistently in their favor. The first quarter ended at 16-24, in favor of PCC, as MGCNL was plagued with fouls throughout the quarter.
Down by ten, the tables turned as MGCNLCA slowly climbed back into the game in the second quarter. At the six-minute mark of the second quarter, MGCNL exploded with 12 unanswered points, following baskets from Riley Hui, Lucas Lo, and Kurt Sotingco to finally gain the lead.
The New Lifers held a seven-point advantage, 42-35, at halftime and never looked back thereafter.
With the momentum on their side, the New Lifers extended their lead into the third quarter and outscored PCC by 22 points. The Golden Seagulls were down a substantial amount, 79-50.
MGCNLCA dominated the rest of the game and concluded the championship match, winning by 26 points at 96-70.
The team was led by the shifty Lo who scored a team-high 28 points with 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Alongside him was the formidable Sotingco who posted a double-double of 23 points and 28 rebounds and the all-around Hui who added 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
This championship win was dedicated to former teammate Gab Gamboa. The victory serves as a testament to his lasting impact on the team, inspiring them to reach for greatness and honor his memory through their collective success.
Scores:
MGCNLCA: Lo 28, Hui 24, Sotingco 23, Uyecio 10, G. Liao 4, Tan 3, Huang 2, Gan 2
PCC: Miral 34, P. Shi 16, Limson 11, Cheung 4, Chen 3, D. Shi 2,
Quarters: 16-24, 42-35, 79-50, 96-70
