Players from the Traill International School of Thailand were proving to be rude guests.
Turns out, the reigning national champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles were even ruder hosts as they erased a 17-point deficit to stun the visitors, 76-72, at the start of the action in Division 1 of the SM NBTC National High School Championship yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Magis Eagles found themselves in deep trouble in the first three periods as they trailed, 32-49, at the 6:34 mark of the third.
But as trite as it may sound, it never pays to underestimate the heart of a champion as the Magis Eagles banked on a sizzling start to the fourth period and a fiercer endgame kick to snatch the victory and pull to within a win shy of making the knockout semis round.
Ateneo de Cebu stared at a 52-61 deficit at the start of the final frame but not long after, uncorked a 13-0 blast capped by a steal and a breakaway lay-up by reigning Cesafi MVP Jed Colonia to put the Cebu team in front, 64-61.
The Magis Eagles appeared to be on the verge of gaining the win as they extended their lead to 72-66 after two free throws from versatile forward Eroll Pastor with 2:11 left.
But a basket by Mike Yumul, a free throw by Kurt Calaguio and a booming triple from Gillian Flores tied the count at 72-all, with time down to 29 seconds.
However, Colonia got fouled in the ensuing Ateneo de Cebu offensive and split his charities for a 73-72 lead, with 18 ticks left on the clock. Traill still had its chance to upset the titleholders but flubbed it by committing a backing violation.
Ateneo de Cebu’s Patrick Yu was then fouled but left the door open by missing both free throws. However, Pastor came flying out of nowhere to grab the offensive rebound and got fouled then split his charities for a 74-72 lead with 12 seconds remaining.
Johann Rubite committed yet another costly turnover, a travelling violation, on Traill’s possession and Yu redeemed himself by scoring a basket as time expired for the final tally.
Pastor led the Magis Eagles with 26 points, 17 rebounds, three steals and two assists while Colonia nearly had a double-double with 13 markers and nine boards.
Next up for the Magis Eagles will be Southern City Colleges from Zamboanga City. A win gives them a spot in the semifinals.
Rubite paced Traill with 27 while Antonio Joson added 20.
The Scores:
Ateneo de Cebu (76) Pastor 26, Colonia 13, Bersaluna 9, Cutamora 8, Mantua 6, Manaytay 5, Nacua 3, Chua 2, Velasco 2, Yu 2, Javelosa 0, Calumpang 0, Visser 0, Yu 0.
Traill (72)- Rubite 27, Joson 20, Yumul 8, Sogbesan 7, Kone 5, Flores 3, Calaguio 2.
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