Draco Dominates the Court: COE scorches CASS in PALAKASAN women’s basketball pre-game, 89-6

In a pregame showdown that felt more like a masterclass than a scrimmage, the College of Engineering’s (COE) Draco breathed fire on the court, dismantling the College of Arts and Social Sciences’ (CASS) Cassanova with a staggering 89-6 blowout at the MSU-IIT Gymnasium on Saturday, March 7.


From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, COE showcased a level of synergy and speed that left CASS struggling to find their footing. The tone was set early when COE’s Player #10 sank the first basket, igniting a scoring run that never wavered.


Their strategy was precise and calculated, with Player #14 acting as a tactical anchor. She consistently positioned herself at the back to recover loose balls and reset the offense—a move that allowed COE to keep possession almost exclusively in their territory.

Despite the lopsided score, CASS showed flashes of grit, particularly from Player #1, who anchored a stubborn defense and forced COE to work for their inside shots. They called for a strategic timeout early at 0-11 in an attempt to halt the other team’s momentum, but struggled to convert opportunities against COE’s suffocating press.

 

While Cassanova’s #15, #29, and #5 managed to put points on the board, Draco’s collective “all-eyes-on-the-ball” mentality proved difficult to overcome. The spotlight frequently shifted to Draco’s #26, whose lightning-fast reflexes turned steals into immediate points, while the tandem of #6 and #14 showcased seamless chemistry in controlling the ball’s movements.

The undisputed star of the match was Castillo, Player #29. With an impressive 14 points, she spearheaded Draco’s transition game and proved to be the most consistent scoring threat on the floor. Her ability to read the play and find the gap in Cassanova’s defense ultimately earned her the Player of the Game honors.


Following the buzzer, Castillo attributed the team’s success to the grind behind the scenes, stating, “What made us manage to win today was really our teamwork and the hard work we put into our practices. I truly hope that this same energy will continue to carry us through all our upcoming games.”

Written by Raneshka Gudes
Proofread by Fame Orong
Photos by Krizylle Louise Giltendez