Doves, Flaming Arrows collide for crown

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Stopping the prolific shooters of the Saint Francis of Assisi Doves will be the main target of the Arellano University Flaming Arrows when they clash at 11 a.m. Friday in their winner-take-all Game 3 showdown for the 13th National Capital Region Athletic Association men's basketball crown at the San Andres Gym.

Crushed by the Doves in Game 1, the Flaming Arrows bounced back in Game 2 with an 81-76 victory Wednesday and gained a final chance to clinch their first-ever NCRAA plum.

With their title series tied at 1-all, the two squads meet in a no-tomorrow game at 11 a.m.

Coach Leo Isaac believes the key to winning the title is holding off Saint Francis' main men Leomer Losentes, Christopher Concepcion and Chris Pacana.

"We need some more adjustments. We have to limit the production of these three [players]," said Isaac, as the Flaming Arrows will try to keep the Doves from clinching their seventh title in 12 finals appearances.

Alfie Martinez showed the way for Arellano U in Game 2. His decisive layup with 15.7 seconds left gave the Flaming Arrows a seven-point cushion at 80-73 en route to the victory that frustrated the Doves' bid of nailing the title outright via a 2-0 sweep.

Orlando Daroya churned out 26 points for the Flaming Arrows, eight of them in the last period, including a charity with 11.3 seconds remaining.

In Game 1, the Doves used their vast experience to run down the Arrows, 74-61, Monday also at the San Andres gym.