By Yuri Naranja

The JCA Men’s Basketball Team outlasted the early second-half surge by St. John the Baptist Catholic School (SJBCS), 83-81, to secure their first win of the Itam Invitationals 2023 yesterday, November 12, at the FEU Institute of Technology Gymnasium.

Things were on JCA’s way as they led the entire first half heading into halftime, 46-37, with key contributions from David Manriza, Kyle Torres, and Jackson Anggolluan on the defensive end.

John Genon, Jahred Jamandron, Cedric Narcelles, Ralph Rizano, and Marc Sigua also helped the team on the offensive end of the floor.

It was a gritty battle in the second half of the game, with a 19-2 SJBCS outburst to start the third quarter, 60-64.

However, the team eventually regained momentum in the fourth quarter, closing the gap with the help of JCA’s swarming defense that led to fast-break opportunities.

The game-winning and-one bucket by Manriza, assisted by Narcelles, secured their first win 83-81.

Manriza led all JCA scorers with 15, including three steals and a block.

Angolluan also finished with 13 points, seven boards, three steals, and one block, while Narcelles also nailed 12 points, six assists, four boards, and three steals.

Renzelle Bersamin, Alfred Andres