Raffy Dela Pena | FCF
The two oldest Dominican institutions of higher learning in the Philippines clashed in an epic battle for a cause greater than a battle on the hardwood floor.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the University of Santo Tomas, reunited with their roots in the historic walled city of Intramuros for a benefit game held on Wednesday at Letran’s Blessed Varona Gymnasium.
The match, fittingly named “Dominicans Collide,” featured Rain or Shine rookies Raymond Almazan and Jeric Teng, who took a break from their PBA teams and joined their respective collegiate squads for this one-off event.
Aljon Mariano, recovering from a recent knee injury, did not play but was in the bench to show support to the UST Growling Tigers.
The Knights, who were days removed from a painful Game 3 loss to San Beda College in the recent National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors basketball finals, dominated throughout the game. But the Growling Tigers proved to be a tough match led by the duo of Kevin Ferrer and reserve team forward Louie Vigil.
By the dying seconds of the fourth quarter, with UST leading by a point, Kevin Buenaflor completed a tip-in at the buzzer, giving Letran an 80-79 win over their Espana Avenue counterparts.
Both teams shook hands and exchanged pleasantries as both schools sang the Himno de Letran and the UST hymn, signifying the common heritage of Letran and UST in Intramuros and as a Dominican school.
Buenaflor finished with 11 points, with Ford Ruaya leading the Knights with 15 points. Star guards Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal each had 10 points.
Eduardo Daquioag paced the Growling Tigers with 18 points, followed by Ferrer with 17 and Vigil with 16.
A silent auction was held on the side, featuring game-worn items by some of Letran’s star players.
Knights guard Mark Cruz, whose signed game-worn jersey fetched for a whopping Php 20,000, said that he was very surprised with the gesture.
“I was on my way to school when I found out that my jersey was worth that much. I was so surprised and honored to be a big help (for the typhoon victims),” told Cruz to Fullcourtfresh.com
Among the other items up for bid were game-worn shoes, Letran Knights team trading cards, and dinner dates with select members of the team.
Both the Letran community and Thomasian guests were enthusiastic on the charity event. 2nd Year Engineering student Aaron Arada of Letran said, “It is a good game at saka nakakatulong din nman tayo dahil dun charity works. At saka isa ring technique yun. It also serves a tune up para sa both teams para makita yung strengths and weakness in offense and in defense.”
3rd year Tourism student Aerielle Ruiz of UST said, “I didn’t feel any competition (between Letran and UST) or what. But we enjoyed a lot. Sana nga may part 2 pa eh dahil sobrang saya.” Indeed, the Letran community, together with the UST Yellow Jackets and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, chanted “Go USTe” whenever the drumbeats start.
And despite a few friendly hooting and cat calls, both the Letranites and Thomasians showed their support to the events by loud and proud cheers to both the Knights and Growling Tiger players.
The charity event was planned by Fr. Juan Ponce O.P. as part of the Letran relief efforts to the victims of the Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Tickets were sold at 300 pesos and the total sales will be donated to the people of Visayas.
Both Teng and Almazan, who were given permission by head coach Yeng Guiao of Rain or Shine, said that they were more than happy to have been part of the match.
“I’m very happy to be able to participate in this event. It was good that Raymond and I were allowed by our team to play,” said Teng, the former Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).
“This was a no-bearing game. Whatever happened in this game, we’re all happy with the result,” said Almazan, who gained the NCAA Season 89 seniors basketball MVP and Defensive Player of the Year distinctions.
When asked if they would participate again should there be a rematch, both players would not hesitate to help out again.
“I would be honored to play again, but I will let the younger guys get the spotlight,” added Teng.
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