Segundo “Bong” Dela Cruz’s winning pedigree as a coach was immediately felt by St. Dominic College of Asia on opening day of the NCRAA’s 30th season as the Pikemen brought their new culture en route to scoring a convincing 75-61 triumph over Bestlink College Friday at the Philsports Arena.
Didoy Proel, one of only four holdovers from last season’s team, stepped up big and filled in the big shoes left by his former teammates as he affirmed his new role as probably the team’s new go-to-guy.
The lefty forward pumped in 26 points as he nearly singlehandedly carried the scoring load for the Pikemen, who trailed 12-23 in the early goings, but were able to outscore the Kalasag, 39-29, in the second period to slowly grab the momentum.
There was no turning back for the Pikemen, who posted leads by as high as 21 points, 66-45, midway the final period as the Bacoor-based dribblers booked an early win.
St. Dominic College of Asia had already matched last season’s previous record where the team won only once in 11 games, but Dela Cruz, who led the University of Santo Tomas Tigers to a championship run nearly a decade ago, believes the new breed of Pikemen could surpass the team’s previous placing.
“We’re bringing in a winning culture in this team,” said Dela Cruz, a dead shot guard playing for UST from the late- 1980s to early 1990s. “But this team is more than just one player dominating, but we want to distribute the basketball more and try to become more unpredictable.
Joining SDCA on the winner’s circle on opening day were De La Salle University-Dasmariñas and Asian Institute Maritime Studies.
The Patriots of DLSU-Dasma survived a late rally by University of Luzon before escaping with a 98-90 win while AIMS defeated defending champion Immaculada Concepcion College, 92-78.
