The Road to the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup Season 5 Crown Just Got Crowded

The action returned to the Enderun Colleges Titans Court for the second game day of the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup Season 5 on Sunday, May 31. Despite the tournament still being in its early stages, the intensity is already rising.

With teams continuing to learn, adjust, and establish their identities, every game carries added significance. Across four games, fans were treated to a little bit of everything. From double-overtime and late-game heroics to hard-fought wins, it showcased just how competitive this season is shaping up to be. 

Game 1 | Adamson Soaring Falcons defeats Benilde Blazers, 93-87 (2OT)

The first game of the day proved to be its most intense. After losing their season opener, the Adamson Soaring Falcons returned with renewed urgency against the Benilde Blazers in a game that was physical, emotional, and tightly contested from start to finish. 

As the game wore on, tensions continued to rise. Neither side was willing to give an inch, and that was most evident in the closing moments of regulation. With just 17 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter and Benilde holding a 67-65 lead, Adamson turned to Emmanuel Anabo. Surrounded by two defenders underneath the basket, Anabo found a way to convert the game-tying shot, sending the game into overtime at 67-all.

The first extra period did little to separate the two squads. With both teams continuing to capitalize from the free-throw line and trading baskets possession after possession, the deadlock remained at 73-73 after four more minutes of play.

A second overtime was needed. This time, the Soaring Falcons finally found the breakthrough. Adamson knocked timely shots and tightened up defensively, effectively preventing Benilde from responding. When the final buzzer sounded, Adamson emerged with a hard-earned 93-87 double-overtime victory.

Somehow, that was only the first game of the day.

Game 2 | UPHSD Altas defeat St. Dominic College of Asia Pikemen, 88-84 (OT)

The UPHSD Altas and St. Dominic College of Asia Pikemen went back and forth for nearly the entire game, with neither team able to create much separation. 

The Altas, led by PBA legend Olsen Racela, controlled much of the regulation behind their aggressive drives to the basket. However, St. Dominic refused to go easy, finally grabbing their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter and building a five-point advantage as the time wound down.

Just when momentum seemed to belong to the Pikemen, La Cainillo stepped up. The Altas guard buried a crucial three-pointer before knocking down a game-tying jumper in the final minute. Neither team scored in the last 34 seconds, sending the day’s second game into overtime. 

The extra period remained tight, but UPHSD executed when it mattered most, holding off St. Dominic through a series of late fouls and free throws to secure the 88-84 victory. Casinillo earned MVP of the game with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping lead an Altas offense that shot 51 percent from the field.

Game 3 | Enderun Titans defeat GMC Flying Dragons, 72-66

After falling to the UPHSD Altas on opening weekend, the Enderun Titans entered the game determined to get a win. Facing the resilient GMC Flying Dragons, the Titans delivered a composed performance built on execution and disciplined team basketball.

The contest was tight in the opening quarter, as GMC’s defense consistently pressured Enderun, making scoring opportunities hard to come by. The Titans began to create separation in the second period, led by Carlos Jake Garcia, who poured in a game-high 28 points and helped Enderun take a 37-30 halftime lead.

GMC refused to back down, with Foreign Student Athlete Prosper Onyebuchi anchoring the effort on both ends of the floor. Onyebuchi finished with 21 points, 19 rebounds, and 3 blocks, repeatedly protecting the rim and controlling the glass. Despite his efforts, Enderun maintained its momentum and carried an 11-point lead into the final quarter.

The Titans continued to execute down the stretch, relying on the system of Coach Pipo and contributions across the lineup. Leading the way was MVP Joey Panganiban, who recorded a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds, along with 3 assists and a steal. His all-around performance helped secure Enderun’s first victory of season 5, 72-66.

Game 4 | St. Clare defeats LPU Pirates, 86-71

The final game of the day featured a familiar matchup between the LPU Pirates and St. Clare College. The two teams had previously met at the FilOil Flying V Arena, where St. Clare escaped with a narrow 85-82 victory. This time, however, the defending eight-time NAASCU champions were determined to leave less room for doubt.

With both teams playing their first game of the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup Season 5, the opening quarter served as a feeling-out process. Richmond Casino provided an aggressive spark for the Pirates, but St. Clare steadily built momentum and carried a 22-16 advantage after the first period. St. Clare took control in the second quarter behind the interior presence of MVP Musa Diona, who repeatedly established position in the paint and helped extend the lead to 47-31 by halftime.

St. Clare continued to dominate after the break, with Diona controlling the boards and creating second-hance opportunities through his offensive rebounding. Carl Nocum added to the attack, finishing with 21 points on an efficient 86 percent shooting clip. Despite LPU's efforts to cut into the deficit, the Pirates found themselves trailing by as many as 21 points entering the fourth quarter.

The Pirates continued to battle until the final buzzer, but St. Clare’s balanced offense and defensive capabilities proved too much to overcome. Diona finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, and a steal to earn MVP honors as St. Clare opened their Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup season with an impressive 86-71 victory.

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With every team still finding its rhythm, the second game day of Season 5 offered an early glimpse at just how competitive this year’s field may be. From double-overtime drama to statement victories, the road to the championship is already proving to be anything but easy. 

It’s the kind of competition Pinoyliga founder Benny Benitez envisioned when he said college basketball should be an ecosystem rather than a collection of separate leagues. As teams continue to gain recognition, confidence, and opportunities to compete, the level of play rises right alongside them.

Rewatch all the action now via www.youtube.com/@PinoyligaCup.