by Coach Tyrone Limon
Original article: http://presidentscup.multiply.com/journal/item/132/Mission_Possible_STC_escapes_the_Hardy_Boys

STC accomplished what the five other division 1 teams failed to do: defeat the Hardy Boys.

STC outscored the defending champions 22-14 in the payoff period as it carved out a come-from-behind 76-75 win. Miguel Vasquez came through with a career-game in division 1, scoring 30 points and securing a lot of offensive rebounds as STC sent shock waves to the league that they are for real. With the core of the multi-titled Freshmen United team bring their act to the alumni division, STC is bent on taking home the big one as well.

Though it was a close game right off the bat, the Hardy Boys were in control through most of 3 1/2 quarters. It became a virtual tennis match as the two talented teams traded basket after basket. Hardy enjoyed a six point lead at the half, 40-34. They still held the lead in the 4th quarter, but the resilient STC team just would not go away. With time winding down, Hardy was still on top 73 - 71; while STC had possession. Jeron Manzanero then took an open three at the side and made it (his only points in the quarter, he had a total of 15 for the game). They the took the lead 74-73 for the first time since the first quarter. However, bigman Waffy Fabie came right back and scored in the paint (the last two points  of his 16) and grabbed the lead again, at 75-74. This was a critical period as 3-time MVP Dabs Castillo, who scored 20 points, suffered cramps. The officials could not stop the game because STC had the ball, having the upperhand 5 vs. 4, Ashwin Budhrani took advantage and scored point-blank range and took the lead back 76-75 with less than 10 seconds remaining. Hardy had the ball back, but STC wisely used their "fouls to give" (2). Martin Cuna (19 points) still had the last shot, but STC established their defense properly and did not let Hardy score anymore. Mike Pamintuan added 12 markers for the players in white and orange.

With the win, the last game for the division 1 elimination round, the Hardy Boys, STC and EM all have 5-1 records. By virtue of their superior Point Differential, the Hardy Boys still clinch the Twice-To-Beat incentive against the Guingona brothers-led Jager Goma Kings. Meanwhile, STC and EM will dispute the other finals berth in their own playoff. The semis will be on Sunday March 21.

The UA&P President's Cup is an Alumni Initiative (AI) under the Office of Alumni Affairs.