HAU Golden Guardians absorbed a 79–111 drubbing at the hands of the Pampanga State University (PSU) Honorians in their second elimination-round outing of the 10th United Central Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) at PSU’s home court on September 14.
With the first quarter opening in high intensity, the Golden Guardians answered PSU’s Jaylee Padilla’s first basket with back-to-back three-pointers to build momentum. Deadlocked in the closing seconds, the Angeles-based squad was deprived of the lead as the Honorians converted two free throws to close the period, 27–25.
Despite starting strong with back-to-back threes, a basket, and a free throw, the Golden Guardians faltered as the Honorians regained control and widened the gap. Twice halted by power outages, the quarter ended with HAU struggling to keep pace as PSU stayed ahead, 53–47.
After a lineup change, the Golden Guardians lost their rhythm with multiple errors and unsportsmanlike fouls, allowing the Honorians to capitalize. Fueled by the momentum on their home floor, PSU strung together baskets to build a 69–89 cushion, leaving the Guardians trailing from behind.
In the final quarter, the Golden Guardians, down by 32 points, yielded the home-court victory to the Honorians, who sealed the game with a commanding 79–111 blowout in the second elimination round of the UCLAA — handing HAU its first loss of Season 10.
HAU is set to face the Systems Plus College Foundation (SPCF) Panthers on September 21 at Angeles University Foundation (AUF) as the UCLAA elimination rounds continue.
