COACH Rocky Calingin and the Xavier University Senior Crusaders finally scored a titular win over long-time tormentor Southern de Oro Philippines College (SPC) Sharks.
In doing so, the XU Crusaders had likewise denied the SPC Sharks of coach Rey Dangcal of a grandslam finish in their storied inter-collegiate rivalry.
“Wala kami makasabot sa among gibati pagtan-aw. Mas mag-coach nalang kami kay sa motan-aw mi sa kulbahinam nga dula,” said XU Athletics Department staff Arvin Martinez, right after the Crusaders outlasted the Sharks via 106-100 thriller in the 2017 CDOBF Basketball Tournament college division final on Saturday at the XU gym here.
Red-hot shooting guard Sean Tidoy scattered 24 points including five three-point bombs in leading the Crusaders, while towering center John Rey Manatad came up with 15 markers.
It was a close fight right from the start as the opposing teams engaged in a seesaw battle with the third quarter ending in a 79-all deadlock.
This time around, however, Calingin’s title-hungry charges showed grit and composure down the stretch.
From a narrow lead, 100-99 with less than a minute left, Manatad converted his own offensive rebound which appeared to be the turning point of the memorable game as the Sharks failed to answer in their last ball possession.
“The Sharks were very competitive and both of us showed a real championship heart as can be gleaned by several lead changes,” said Calingin.
“But I have to give credit to my boys as they really have matured, worked hard and stay focused.”
When time expired, coach Dangcal accepted defeat right away.
“I learned where we lost our touches against XU, but I am moving on and will focus instead to the next challenge which is the Loyola Cup. But like I said, coach Rocky is a competitive coach,” said Dangcal.
With the win, Calingin’s wards will represent Cagayan de Oro in the Philippine Collegiate League Mindanao Finals set on November 21-25 in Davao City.
