ILOILO City – Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix showed that they are still a dominant force in the Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (ILOPRISAA) secondary boys basketball tournament.
The Red Phoenix has successfully retained the crown after an 85-65 rout of St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets-Elite Lab in the do-or-die Game 3 on Monday at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University here.
Led by the 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists of Jid Locsin, the Red Phoenix jumped to a quick double-digit lead in the first half before widening it to as high as 20 points in the second half.
Red Phoenix head coach Vincent Conlu said it is always a tough match facing the Panda Rockets and he was delighted that they have emerged as the winner.
“Credit goes to St. Robert’s and coach John (Guanco) they were really a tough opponent and all of their players were as talented as ours,” Conlu told Panay News.
It was a successful series comeback for the Red Phoenix after losing the first game last Saturday, 100-78, before bouncing back in Game 2 last Sunday, 85-78, to force a do-or-die Game 3.
Heading into the finals, the Red Phoenix ousted University of San Agustin in the semifinals, while the Panda Rockets prevailed over Sta. Clarita International School Primes.
Up next for the Red Phoenix is the Regional PRISAA where they will be facing other Western Visayas-based teams for a chance to represent the region in the National PRISAA slated later this year.
“This is just the start for us. We will be more intense in our training for the upcoming Regional, and hopefully, have another chance to represent our region in the nationals,” Conlu said.
Meanwhile, St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets-Elite Lab clinched the crown in the elementary division after beating Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix in the do-or-die game./PN
