AILEEN Balmatero scored on a follow-up shot with 4.3 seconds to go, lifting the Rizal Technological University Lady Thunder past the defending champion La Salle-Dasmarinas Lady Patriots in double overtime, 58-56, at the Pasay City Sports Complex.

The 19-year-old Balmatero hit the winning shot after teammate Dalia Quilang bungled an attempt, enabling the Lady Patriots to snatch the 19th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) women’s basketball crown.

Balmatero, who was hailed as the season’s Most Valuable Player, tallied 23 points, while teammate Alyssa Bulanquit had 10 in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls, and ANI AgriNurture Inc.

The Lady Thunder's title conquest denied the Lady Patriots a chance to go for a three-peat after winning back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. RTU took Game 1 with a 71-54 win, while La Salle-Dasma bounced back in Game 2 with a 60-54 victory.

“It was team defense, lalo na sa point guard nila. Nagde-deliver sa kanila si Alalaine de Gomas at nagki-create ng opportunities,” said Lady Thunder coach Marcia Faustino, a former member of the national team.

It was very close until the end. Balmatero’s shot shattered a 56-all deadlock, which Lady Patriot Marideth Caraan forced with 49.4 ticks left.

Caraan, who had five points for the Lady Patriots, ran out time while trying to make her final shot.