MARIANAS successfully defended their Michelob Ultra Cup championship on Wednesday with a 94-84 victory over Unity Trade at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
It was a fairly even match throughout most of the first half with Marianas holding a slight advantage.
The defending champs opened the first quarter with confidence from beyond the arc, as Ervin Villarin sparked the attack with back-to-back triples. The onslaught continued with Coby Santos adding seven points, including a three-pointer, to help maintain the upper hand.
At the other end, Unity Trade leaned on Rodel Pastrana, who powered through the defense with three consecutive and-one plays, leading the offense with 13 points. But he couldn’t carry the load alone, as Marianas continued to punish defenders from long range with Chioni Dela Cruz and John Thongaram each knocking down a three-pointer to help preserve their lead, 26-21.
The second quarter brought more of the same. Ivan De Vero and Keith Santos, quiet in the opening frame, found their rhythm for Unity Trade, scoring four and seven points respectively, while Pastrana continued to draw fouls and chip away at the deficit from the free-throw line.
But Marianas always had a response. Airson Atan came off the bench red-hot, teaming up with Mii Tekopua to combine for 10 points and keep their squad ahead at the half, 49-44.
The intensity ramped up in the third quarter as both teams traded momentum. Unity Trade tightened their defensive coverage, effectively limiting Marianas’ fast-break chances. Pastrana, De Vero, and Santos remained efficient on offense, gradually closing the gap and eventually tying the game at 63-all. But Marianas quickly responded, with Preston Basa knocking down back-to-back triples to reclaim a slim lead, 67-65.
Early in the fourth and final quarter, Marianas’ Santos and Unity Trade’s Pastrana took over the highlight reel as they exchanged buckets, scoring seven and 14 points, respectively.
However, Unity Trade ran into early foul trouble, with two key players — Daniel Madero and Su Diwa — forced to sit out due to foul accumulation.
Marianas capitalized by relentlessly attacking the rim, drawing fouls and generating fast-break opportunities to rebuild a comfortable lead. They ultimately sealed a 94-84 victory over Unity Trade, cementing their status as back-to-back Michelob Ultra Cup champions.
Scores:
Marianas 94 – Coby Santos 24, Chioni Dela Cruz 13, Mii Tekopua 10, Ervin Villarin 9, Douglas Schmidt 8, Preston Basa 6, Arison Atan 6, Marvin Rabauliman 5, Aiferson Atan 4, John Thongaram 5, Jack Lizama 4
Unity Trade 84 – Rodel Pastrana 39, Keith Santos 11, Justine Enano 10, Ivan De Vero 9, Emmanuel Bondad 7, Deshawn Reign 6, Daniel Madreo 2
Article came from MVariety: https://www.mvariety.com/sports/localsports/marianas-fends-off-unity-trade-repeats-as-michelob-ultra-cup-champs/article_9d10a93c-90d2-4343-8128-496ccc53e2c4.html
