FRIARS KNOCK OFF GECKOS, SETS SIGHT ON SHARKS

By Charlotte Oh

The Father Duenas Friars and George Washington Geckos, two undefeated teams, went head-to-head at a highly anticipated matchup Wednesday night at the Phoenix Center.

Although the leagues have been combined this year, both teams are the defending champions of their respective ISA and IIAAG leagues. The Friars ultimately pulled out the win over the Geckos convincingly 72-64.

Next up is another unbeaten battle as the Friars take on the 5-0 Sanchez Sharks Friday night.

The game opened with intense defense from both sides, but the Friars took the lead on offense. FD’s Colin Baker started strong for the Friars, scoring eight of his 12 points in the first quarter which helped them establish an 18-11 lead. 

Throughout the second and third quarters, the Friars hustled on defense and kept their composure, despite the physical play from both sides. FD senior Noah Cruz shined throughout the game, skillfully dribbling past the Geckos defenders, leading to fancy finishes at the rim. He ended as the star player of the game with 25 points, four assists and three steals. 

Cruz gives credit to the team as the key to their success: “Staying together, trusting each other.” 

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Friars held a comfortable 54-41 lead. However, the Geckos suddenly found their momentum. GW’s Aiden Uncangco and Jace Dela Cruz went on a 9-0 run, bringing the Geckos down by only two points at 58-56.

Cruz never let them take the lead, hitting a jumper to bring the Friars back up to 60-56. 

During these high-pressure moments Cruz explains, “That’s when we all need each other. That’s the most crucial part of the game. We just stuck together, trusted each other, do what we always do at practice.” 

However, GW’s Dela Cruz fought back, dishing two three-pointers in the fourth quarter and finishing as the top scorer for the Geckos with 19 points, while Uncangco chipped in 14. 

With just one minute left and the crowd roaring, the Friars were barely leading at 64-62. Both teams continued to show no mercy on defense, resulting in multiple fouls on both sides. FD’s Noah Tenorio showed his dominance in the paint with a huge block and hard drives, which the Geckos couldn’t counter. He ended the game with 15 points, four rebounds, and 2 assists. Tenorio and Cruz helped the Friars seal their win, with a final score of 72-64. 

Cruz felt their team was fully prepared for this game and no nerves were felt. Playing on their home court, he adds, “Defend our home. Protect the house.”

The Friars continue on their undefeated streak, moving up to 4-0, while the Geckos fall to 3-1.