STI College Santa Rosa secures first win

 Carl Meehleib challenges June Aliparo's defense

Kim Walter Meehleib sank a free throw to give STI College Cubao a 12 – 7 lead against the defending champion STI College Santa Rosa in the first quarter of the first game of the National Finals of the STI National Basketball Tournament. After dispatching the Luzon 5 top teams STI College Sta. Maria and STI College San Jose in the second and third rounds, STI College Cubao served notice that their wins were not flukes and that their campaign in the National Finals is for real. 

 Kim Meehleib scores on the break

Unfortunately, their gallant stand lasted for only five minutes as the defending champions immediately woke up, flipped the switch and went on a paralyzing 12 – 0 run in the next four minutes as the first quarter ended with STI College Santa Rosa ahead 19 - 12. Meehleib’s younger brother, Carl Meehleib, who averaged 37.5 points in their two round romp carried the fight once again for the depleted STI College Cubao team. Unfortunately for them, STI College Santa Rosa was just starting to get the groove and find their rhythm when the second half started.

 Lugar drives to the basket

Rookie small forward Airon Jym Lugar waxed hot in the second quarter as he scored 11 points with most of his points coming off turnovers by the Cubao team which he capped off with a three pointer. Lugar was simply at the right place at the right time when the Santa Rosa got hold of the ball. He later on combined with reigning league MVP June Aliparo and returnee Brianth Ursua to bury the Cubao cagers 47- 25 at the half.

Jan Almoro scores on this undergoal stab

The third and fourth quarter was not much of a difference as the defending champions shook off the rust off their offense and gave the new kids on the block a taste of what it is playing in the National Finals. The amazing Carl Meehleib still managed to score 25 points with Jerico Almenario helping him on the boards with 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Visibly missing was their Mr. Double-Double Frans Bacalso.

Kent Fabic scores on this jumper 

For the complete statistics of the game 

please go to this link:

http://livestats.geniussports.com/webcast/STINBT/866639/