MGCNL Falls to SSHS in Game 2 of the 11th PCYAA Juniors Basketball Finals

Tying the series at 1-1, SSHS forces one final meeting for the PCYAA title against MGC New Life on Monday.

The New Lifers faced a minor setback in their quest for the Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association (PCYAA) 18U Basketball title as they suffered a tough 59-50 loss to St. Stephens High School (SSHS) last Saturday at the UNO Gym, forcing a final do-or-die game for the trophy. 

Determined to get another win to finish the series, the New Lifers gave it their best shot, as they were within reach throughout the entire game. The match was not over until the game clock expired, as MGCNL nearly crawled back from a 16-point deficit.

MGCNL was off to a rough start, ending the opening quarter down by nine points, at 20-11. 

The trend continued into the second quarter as the Stephenians grabbed their biggest lead, 30-14, with over five minutes remaining in the quarter. MGCNL did not slip just yet though, scoring ten straight points to cut the deficit to just seven, 31-24, by halftime.

Entering the second half, the New Lifers were determined to get back in the game, fueling five points to give the school their first lead of the game, at 31-32. Unfortunately, their lead quickly fell apart as they were plagued with foul troubles, allowing the Stephenians to end the quarter up six, 42-36. 

The story was no different in the fourth, as the MGCNL ran out of time and fell to SSHS by nine points, at 59-50.

Despite the tough loss, the New Lifers still have their heads held high, as they know the series isn’t over just yet. In their huddle, the boys agreed to forget the loss and move on to the next play, preparing for their final match.

Luckily for the New Lifers, they have another chance to win the title once and for all as they are now set for a third and final game this coming Monday at the UNO Gym.

Led by coaches John and James Sia, the MGCNL basketball team is ready to leave it all out there in their final match at the UNO Gym, on March 25, Monday, for Game 3 of the 11th PCYAA Juniors Basketball finals series. The New Lifers are ready to bounce back, get that championship, and do it all for the glory of God.

SCORES

MGCNL 50: Uy 22, Chua 9, A. Tan 6, Lim 3, Sotingco 3, Yue 3, Cheng 2, J. Tan 2

SSHS 59: Chan 12, Ng 12, Bumanlag 10, Ong 9, Teng 8, Zhou 6, Reala 2