Team Hype Wins 2014 SLAM Rising Stars Classic
Proving to be steadier in crunch time, Team Hype outlasted Team Punks via a 93-90 victory to capture the inaugural SLAM Rising Stars Classic held last March 29, 2014 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.
Featuring the best high school players all over Metro Manila, the SLAM Rising Stars Classic is an annual showcase aimed at promoting the future stalwarts of Philippine basketball.
Coached by PH U-18 chief tactician Jamike Jarin, Team Hype made key defensive stops and sank crucial free throws in the end game to keep their opponents at bay and make history as the showcase’s first ever champion.
Trailing for most of the match, the Olsen Racela-mentored Team Punks staged a late rally in the fourth led by Thirdy Ravena. The ADMU recruit strung a series of baskets to help tie the score at 87-all in the closing moments of the game.
After Team Hype standouts Hubert Cani and Clint Doliguez calmly sank their charities for a 91-87 lead, Ravena drained a three-pointer to keep the match close at 91-90 with six seconds remaining in the contest.
With Team Hype big man Arvin Tolentino converting both of his free throws for a 93-90 count with 5 ticks to go, Team Punks had the chance to send the game into overtime but could not get a clear shot at the rim as the buzzer sounded.
Leading his team to the win, Team Hype’s Hubert Cani was adjudged as the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 SLAM Rising Stars Classic. The NU Bullpup and UAAP Juniors’ Finals MVP tallied 19 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals towards achieving the award.
Cani was backstopped by DLSU commit Prince Rivero who finished with 13 markers, 4 boards and 3 steals and San Beda’s Ranbill Tongco who netted 17.
Ravena paced Team Punks with 23 points, 5 rebounds plus a steal and a block. NU recruit and San Beda Red Cub Adven Diputado added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Box Scores:
TEAM HYPE (93)- Cani 19, Tongco 17, Rivero 13, Nieto, Ma. 8, Tolentino 8, Doliguez 6, Adorio 5, Cauilan 5, Escoto 5, Nieto Mi. 4, Dela Cruz 3, Yong 0
TEAM PUNKS (90)- Ravena 23, Diputado 14, Domingo 9, Javelosa 9, Dario 8, Apacible 7, Gayosa 7, Mocon 7, Quinga 4, Subido 2, Calisaan 0, Dandan 0
Photos c/o Kappo Rivera
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