HAU Golden Guardians suffered their second defeat in the 10th season of the United Central Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) after bowing to the Systems Plus College Foundation (SPCF) Blue Panthers, 77 – 84, on September 21.
Held at the Angeles University Foundation Arena, the opening quarter was a shot-for-shot duel, with neither team yielding ground. However, turnovers by the Guardians allowed the Blue Panthers to edge ahead, 19 – 21.
The second frame turned into a tug-of-war as both sides traded baskets. With seven seconds left, Yuri De Guzman drained a clutch shot to give HAU a slim 45 – 43 lead at halftime.
By the third quarter, the rope finally snapped at the 50-point mark for the Golden Guardians as the Blue Panthers’ defense tightened. Off steals and free throws, SPCF surged ahead and buried the Guardians in a 12-point hole, 63 – 75.
In the final period, the Blue Panthers sustained their momentum with timely baskets that widened the gap. The Golden Guardians’ late push fell short as the Blue Panthers sealed the 77 – 84 win to book their quarterfinal spot.
