22/08/2026
Reigning champ PODMSI storms back BCCI, stays unbeaten at 2-0
The defending champions refused to surrender as Team PODMSI erased an 11-point halftime deficit and rallied past Bestcap Career College, Inc. (BCCI), 34–28, in the APSTaP Sports Meet 2026 this morning at the Brgy. Apulid Basketball Court.
Finding themselves in an uphill battle early in the contest, the Montessorians trailed BCCI, 3–15, after the opening quarter and 8–19 at halftime before they responded with composure and determination in the second half to turn the tide and complete a remarkable comeback.
The momentum shifted in the second half when PODMSI unleashed its “Big 5”—Lucas Francis Basco, Carl Nico Callo, Athom Lundang, Gian Andre Calpito, and Ben Gabriel Gomez—catching BCCI off guard as the Montessorians intensified their offensive attack and defensive pressure.
Lundang and Roxas spearheaded PODMSI’s charge as the team gradually chipped away at BCCI’s lead, eventually taking control of the game and securing a hard-fought 34–28 victory.
For head coach Dave C. Bermudez, the early deficit brought some pressure, but his confidence in his players remained firm, saying, “Sa lamang ng kalaban sa umpisa, may pressure. Pero hindi ako nawalan ng tiwala sa mga bata na kaya pa rin naming humabol at ipanalo ang laban,” as he trusted the team to mount a comeback and secure the victory.
This epic comeback gave the reigning champions their second straight win in Bracket A following their opening-game victory over St. Vincent School Foundation, Inc. (SVSFI), putting PODMSI at 2–0 and on top of the bracket.
With eight schools divided into two brackets of four teams each, the tournament follows a round-robin elimination format, with the top two teams from each bracket advancing to the semifinals.
PODMSI will face its final Bracket A opponent, Bethany Christian School (BCS), next as they aim to complete a sweep of the elimination round and strengthen their position heading into the semifinals.
Guided by coaches Dave C. Bermudez and Dexter Christian L. Valix, Team PODMSI continues its title-defense campaign with an unblemished record and growing momentum.
Down by 11 at the half, the defending champions proved once again that championship experience means staying composed when the game gets tough and showed that the game is never over until the final buzzer.
