In their first game at the 10th United Central Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA), the HAU Golden Guardians outmuscled the Marian College of Baliuag (MC) Fiery Phoenix, 87 – 80, at the Pampanga State University (PSU) Gymnasium on September 13.
The Golden Guardians started strong in the opening quarter, but the Fiery Phoenix quickly turned it into a back-and-forth battle and pulled ahead, 18 – 25, with four minutes left. HAU tried to keep pace but trailed as both squads racked up fouls — five for the Golden Guardians and nine for the Fiery Phoenix.
In the second quarter, the HAU Golden Guardians fought back to tie the game before both teams traded baskets in a tight exchange. David Alfaro missed a three, but Louise Lagman converted a jumper to keep HAU close; however, a traveling call on Alfaro in the final seven seconds left the Golden Guardians down at halftime, 43 – 50.
Switching courts seemed to shift the Golden Guardians’ luck as they capitalized on Phoenix fouls with free throws and turnovers, eventually forcing a deadlock. With both sides incurring five fouls, Lagman drilled a clutch three with six seconds left to give HAU a 67 – 57 lead at the end of the quarter.
In the closing quarter, the Golden Guardians held off a late push from the Fiery Phoenix, which committed both team and personal fouls in the final six minutes. Carl Timbol and MC’s Alexis Borga were called for unsportsmanlike fouls, and with only eight seconds left, both sides slowed down as HAU sealed their first win, 87 – 80.
Alfaro was hailed as the Best Player of the Game after tallying 21 points, spearheading the Golden Guardians’ offense throughout the match.
In an interview, Team Captain Rann Jherdy Venturanza expressed joy and satisfaction over their first win, noting that their previous outings were mostly tune-up and invitational games where they struggled to secure a victory.
“May mga bagong players so masayang-masaya panalo ngayon kasi in-accept namin ‘yung changes tsaka adjustments sa team. Parang nag-bond lang kami sa iisang team,” he shared.
Held at Angeles University Foundation (AUF), the Golden Guardians are set to face the Systems Plus College Foundation (SPCF) Panthers on September 20 at 10:30 a.m., as announced in the league’s official post.
