(NSPC Winning Piece in Sports Writing)
ILAGAN, Isabela—Isabela National High School, behind the remarkable performances of Florante Carreon and Paul Gonzales, took all the Roxas National High School could offer before hacking out a close 60-59 win in an exhibition game held at St. Ferdinand College Court here, Tuesday. Carreon scored 21 points to lead Isabela and Gonzales 13 points but delivered this on the crucial part of the game including the winning free throw. The game started in a roller-coaster encounter and the first half ended 28-27 with Isabela on the lead. The second half was still close and Roxas took the lead with two minutes to go, but Gonzales displayed a big heart as he connected a three-pointer to give Isabela the lead, 54-53. Rolly Menor carried Roxas on that decisive moment and tied the game at 59-all with 15 seconds to go. Gonzales fished a foul with 10 seconds left and split his charity for the lead, 60-59. Herman Menor refused to give up but his last desperate jumpshot went in-and-out of the ring. “Faith carried us through this game, it’s a good game,” said Gonzales after the game. INHS (60)—Carreon 21, Gonzales, 13, Magusib, 12, Mercado 6, Aguinaldo 4, Martinez 2, Cabanlong 2, Ong 0, Lim 0, Gumaru 0. RNHS (59)—Menor 22, Balagan 18, Malaca 12, Soriano 7, Allavigan 0, gonzaga 0, Advincula 0, Limbauan 0, Galapon 0.
