Despite trailing by as many as eight points, the Blazers marched to their second win in as many games through the efforts of fifth year off-guard Jeff Morial, who led his squad with 18 points. Coach Richard del Rosario’s wards never gave up as they consistently put pressure on the Cardinals on the defensive end with their patented half-court, man-to-man press and 3-2 zone set-up.

Blazers wingmen Chuck Dalanon and Anjelo Montecastro followed up on their solid first game performances against Angeles University Foundation with 12 and 10 markers, respectively. As a result, the Taft outfit is now atop the team standings with Jose Rizal University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Arellano University with a 2-0, win-loss mark.

Incidentally, CSB also started last season with a 2-0 mark, but won just two out of their remaining 12 games to slump to a 4-10 record at season’s end.

Mapua, which lost its opening day showdown with San Beda by 33 huge points, managed to dictate the tempo for much of the game, but failed to contain St. Benilde’s inside excursions. Allan Mangahas, who was held to just two points in the first quarter, and Mark Acosta led the Cards with 12 points apiece. Rookie coach Chito Victolero’s quintet is mired at the cellar with an 0-2 mark, tied with Letran and Perpetual Help.

St. Benilde’s starting five outscored Mapua’s opening quintet, 52-45.

The scores:

St. Benilde 74 – Morial 18, Dalanon 12, Montecastro 10, Johnston 8, Mañalac 7, Abolucion 6, Manlapaz 5, Tan 4, de la Paz 4, Wong 0, Umlas 0, de Guzman 0.

Mapua 70 – Mangahas 12, Acosta 12, Cornejo 10, Sarangay 9, Guillermo 8, Soriano 6, Pascual 5, Ranises 3, Maniego 2, Espinosa 2, Cinco 1.

The Heavy Bombers stepped on the gas all game-long and never relinquished the lead thanks to the inside-outside assault staged by veterans John Wilson, Marc Cagoco and JR Sena. The troika combined for 49 of the Shaw unit’s 83 points. Sena, in particular, had a solid all-around game and near triple-double with 14 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists.

Perpetual Help tried to keep it close in the opening minutes, with rookie playmaker Chris Elopre and Raffy Ynion taking turns to help minimize the carnage. The Bombers, though, pulled away in the second quarter and never looked back. In fact, a third quarter stretch that saw Wilson and Cagoco convert on a barrage of triples gave coach Ariel Vanguardia’s wards a game-high 25-point advantage.

The Altas, despite scoring 12 points off the fastbreak compared to JRU’s six-point output, failed to put the clamps on the Heavy Bombers’ outside guns as both Cagoco and Wilson made four treys each. Elopre and Ynion each scored 13 to lead coach Boris Aldeguer’s unit, which last beat Jose Rizal on July 13, 2007 in double-overtime.

Perpetual Help dropped to the cellar of the team standings with Colegio de San Juan de Letran with an 0-2 record. Incidentally, both squads play each other this Wednesday, July 8. Jose Rizal, meanwhile, tied Arellano University and San Sebastian College-Recoletos atop the leaderboard with a 2-0 slate.

The scores:

JRU 83 – Wilson 19, Cagoco 16, Sena 14, Hayes 11, Matute 7, Njei 6, Apinan 3, Kabigting 2, Agas 2, Bulangis 2, Salazar 1, Lopez 0, Gabriel 0, Montemayor 0.

Perpetual Help 58 – Elopre 13, Ynion 13, Vivero 9, Carrullo 7, Galabin 7, Salanga 6, Salvado 3, Roño 0, Hainga 0, dela Cruz 0, Sicat 0, Liaz 0.

Veterans:

Simon Atkins, Bader Malabes, Peejay Barua, James Mangahas, Ferdinand, Kish Co

Sophomores:

Maui Villanueva, Hyram Bagatsing, Jovet Mendoza, Joshua Webb

Rookies:

Yutien Andrada, Arvie Bringas, Gab Banal, Sam Marata, Joel Tolentino, Jed Manguera

LA Revilla was not included due to a medical problem while Marko Batricevic has not recovered from his season ending injury last year.

A close look at the line-up shows a bumper crop of rookies.  All of them are ready and capable to see action right away.  The much awaited debut of Arvie Bringas in the Senior Division will definitely be heavily anticipated.  The reed-thin “Tayshaun Prince” Andrada will also see substantial minutes considering that the Green Archers are not deep in the center position.  Personally, I am looking at Gab Banal and Sam Marata to make an impact as the season goes on.

The sophomores will definitely come out better and more polished than they did last year.  Villanueva, Bagatsing and Webb contributed heavily to the Green Archer’s 2^nd place finish last season.  Villanueva and Bagatsing will only get better.  The player that I would like to see play to his full potential is Joshua Webb.  Undoubtedly, this kid can play but he has to do it on a more consistent basis.   He is capable of being the go-to-guy if he just uses his natural basketball skills alongside his good basketball instinct.

More than the rookies and sophomores, it is the veterans of the team that worry me.   Simon Atkins needs to prove that he is capable of running the team’s offense.  His mid and long range jump shots have not really been there for him.  He has to hit them with consistency if he expects to be the point guard that many expect him to be.

Malabes is still an enigma to me.  He has shown himself to be a feast or famine player.  When he makes his shots he will shoot in streaks but when he misses, many times he does not even hit the rim.  His defense is superb but offensively, the jury is still out on him.

It’s not sure if Ferdinand will be able to play in La Salle’s first few games.  I hope his injury has healed.  He has always worked hard when he is on the court.  Now it’s time for him to work smart.  He has to make those mid range jumpers when the opportunity comes along.  His tenacity on the board has never been questioned.   His defense will be tested by opposing team’s big men like Al Husseini, Ramos, Llagas and Espiritu.  He needs to be more active on the offense too.

The returning Kish Co is a good addition to this team.  After taking a year off, Co is back.  He is a smart basketball player.  He may not have the standard physical attributes of a basketball player but what he has, he uses to the maximum.  I have always admired players like him.  He is scrappy and is always willing to give 110%.  I would not be surprised if he steps up to be the leader that this Green Archer team needs.

Peejay Barua is instant offense.  He can make those 3 pointers as soon as he steps on the court.  What he needs is the confidence to carry the team on his shoulders.  He shouldn’t be afraid to take the game winning shot if need be. In last year’s finals against Ateneo, Barua was a non-factor simply because there was Maierhofer and Casio to carry the team.  This season, he is the main option.

James Mangahas needs more emotion and must be a leader on and off the court.  He has to play with more passion and show the rookies what it takes to win games.  He has to lessen his turnovers.  In the past, Mangahas has stood in the shadows of Tang, Casio, Villanueva and Maierhofer.  If he intends to make basketball his career, he needs to have a breakout season.  He has to achieve what Pocholo Villanueva did in his last year with the Green Archers.

Mangahas  and Barua are the senior statesmen of this team.  They cannot sit back and wait for someone else to act as the team leader.

The coaching staff has their hands full this season.  Other teams are coming in with the manpower that is needed to win championships.  However, if there is someone who can pull a rabbit out of the hat, it is Coach Franz Pumaren.  With the addition of his brother Dindo, the Green Archers may just spring a few surprises.

Realistically, all the team can hope for is a Final Four appearance.  After that, anything is possible.

The Chiefs took home their second straight win after upsetting favored Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 81-73. Versatile big man Gio Ciriacruz carried the fight for the Legarda unit with 17 points and six rebounds as the Chiefs erected leads as large as 20 with three minutes left in the first half.

It was all Arellano from the get-go as its suffocating pressure defense put the clamps on Letran sniper RJ Jazul. The RP Developmental Team stalwart managed to score a measly eight points on 2-of-13 shooting from the field. Making matters worse for Louie Alas’ wards was the stellar play of Andrian Celada and Rod Apostol, who scored 14 and 12, respectively.

The Knights tried to inch closer in the fourth quarter and even brought the lead down to three, 76-73. However, Rey Guevarra missed an easy layup with 30 seconds left in the game, which led the Knights to foul and send Arellano to the charity stripe. Guevarra led the Knights with 17 points and eight boards.

A usually potent outside shooting quintet, the Muralla squad shot a dismal 6-for-34 from three-point range. In contrast, Junjie Ablan’s wards made 10-of-23 from rainbow territory, and scored 17 turnover points off Letran’s 16 errors.

Arellano now finds itself atop the league with a 2-0, win-loss slate, while Letran suffered its second consecutive loss after falling short against Jose Rizal University on opening day.

The scores:

Arellano 81 – G. Ciriacruz 17, Celada 14, Apostol 12, Miranda 11, I. Ciriacruz 9, Reducto 5, Tayontong 5, Dimla 5, Agustin 3.

Letran 73 – Guevarra 17, Belencion 15, J. Alas 8, Jazul 8, Cortes 7, del Rosario 7, Foronda 7, K. Alas 2, Taplah 2.

Quarter scores: 18-15, 47-32, 62-50, 81-73.

Aquino, held scoreless in the first quarter, erupted for a game-high 26 points, including six triples, to lift the Stags past defending, three-time NCAA champions San Beda College, 83-77, at the resumption of the league’s 85th Season at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City last July 1.

The Red Lions took the lead early on with Bam Gamalinda and Jake Pascual controlling the inside and disrupting the San Sebastian defense. In fact, the Stags only regained the lead late in the fourth quarter after Aquino buried three consecutive bombs from downtown and exposing the reigning champions’ flaws, particularly in their 3-2 zone defense.

Arguably the key to the game was the Recto unit’s ability to crash the offensive glass. Despite outrebounding San Beda by only two in the offensive rebounding category, 21-19, the Stags scored 19 second chance points, compared to the eight tallied by their opponents from Mendiola.

While Aquino towed San Sebastian to regain the lead, off-guard Jonathan Semira and big man Gilbert Bulawan helped their squad sustain the momentum until the endgame. Former RP Youth Team member and rookie slotman Ian Sangalang scored 16 points and grabbed 10 boards, while Bulawan and Semira contributed 10 and eight markers, respectively, to push San Sebastian atop the team standings with two wins out of two games.

San Beda, meanwhile, had a solid game from Gamalinda, who carried the load with 15 points and three rebounds, while Pascual registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Frankie Lim’s wards dropped to 1-1 in the team standings after slaughtering Mapua last Saturday.

The scores:

San Sebastian 83 – Aquino 26, Sangalang 16, Bulawan 10, Semira 8, Maconocido 7, Abueva 6, Raymundo 6, Pascual 4, E. Gatchalian 0, del Rio 0, Najorda 0.

San Beda 77 – Gamalinda 15, Pascual 14, Lanete 13, Daniel 11, de la Rosa 9, Tirona 6, Hermida 4, Marcelo 3, Caram 2, Taganas 0, Tecson 0.

Quarter scores: 20-25, 43-46, 60-63, 83-77.

The two guest squads kept it tight in the opening 10 minutes as EAC wrestled the advantage from the Chiefs to lead, 16-11. Arellano then turned the tables on its rivals from past NCRAA and UCAA hoops tourneys with a 6-0 mini-run to begin the second quarter. EAC’s 2-3 zone also failed to contain coach Junjie Ablan’s cagers, who outscored the Generals by 14 in the second quarter to take a nine-point advantage to the locker room at the half.

Arellano’s Andrian Celada and Rodrigo Apostol took turns to break the game wide open, and helped anchor their squad’s patented full-court, man press to hold EAC to just two points in the first five minutes of the third period. The Chiefs erected their largest lead of the game, 61-38, late in the same quarter thanks to easy transition baskets off steals.

The Legarda unit was on cruise control from that point on, putting the clamps on EAC chief gunner Argel Mendoza, who was held to 10 points and forced to commit a whopping 12 turnovers. Celada led Arellano’s high-octane offense with 19 markers, five rebounds and three blocks, while team captain Gio Ciriacruz and brother Isaiah put in 12 and 11 points, respectively. John Santos towed the Generals of coach Nomar Isla with 12 points.

Arellano’s stingy defense led to 27 points off turnovers, as well as 25 fastbreak points.

The Scores:

Arellano 80 – Celada 19, G. Ciriacruz 12, I. Ciriacruz 11, Tayongtong 9, Apostol 8, Miranda 7, Reducto 6, Agustin 3, Rivera 2, Virtudazo 2, Dimla 0, Catapang 0.

EAC 62 – Santos 12, Mendoza 10, Cubo 10, R. Yaya 9, Jabaybay 9, del Rosario 6, L. Yaya 5, Chiong 0, Sablan 0, Ong 0.

The Blazers of new head coach Richard del Rosario were able to fend off numerous runs staged by the Pampanga quintet en route to a double-digit win. Wingmen Jelo Montecastro and Chuck Dalanon were on cue early as St. Benilde built several advantages in the opening 20 minutes. AUF, though, hung tough as Fil-Am big man Matthew Carney and Guian Fuertez poured in 11 points apiece in the first half to carry the fight for coach Eric Gascon’s wards.

In the third quarter, CSB extended its seven-point halftime lead to double-digits after a long two by Montecastro and back-to-back baskets by veteran teammate Jeff Morial. The determined Great Danes weren’t about to roll over and die as they rallied via a 10-0 run, helped in part by converted freebies after St. Benilde guard Mc Abolucion was slapped with a technical foul for resenting a call with under a minute remaining in the third period.

AUF kept the game close until the six-minute mark of the final canto, where the Blazers found their groove through a series of getaway layups on the fastbreak. In fact, CSB converted 23 fastbreak points, as opposed to the 12 registered by Angeles.

Montecastro led the Taft outfit with 20 points, with Dalanon and versatile forward Ilie Johnston contributing 16 and 12, respectively. Fuertez, meanwhile, shouldered the offensive load for AUF with 18.

The Scores:

St. Benilde 87 – Montecastro 20, Dalanon 16, Johnston 12, Morial 10, Mañalac 8, Abolucion 4, Manlapaz 4, de Guzman 4, Tajonera 3, Urra 2, dela Paz 2, Tan 0, Argamino 0.

AUF 76 – Fuertez 18, Manarang 16, Carney 11, Santos 11, Maniago 9, Dumlao 4, Gigante 3, Musni 2, Gomez 2, Henson 0, Cayanan 0.

Playmaker Chico Tirona drew first blood for the Red Lions, who ended the opening quarter with a bang after an emphatic jam by American slotman Sudan Daniel. The quintet from Intramuros groped for form all game long despite pressing the Lions for most of the game.

Bam Gamalinda led the Lions with 14 points while Daniel registered 13 in his debut. Paul Cinco and Mark Acosta scored 10 apiece for the Cards, who paraded a debuting head coach in former Mapua stalwart Chito Victolero.

In the day’s second game, Jose Rizal University staved off a late Colegio de San Juan de Letran rally en route to a 69-66 win.. John Wilson led the Heavy Bombers with 21 points while James Sena followed up with 18. The power five of Wilson, Sena, Marvin Hayes, Mark Cagoco and Nchotu Njei made the Knights scramble on defense throughout the game and led by double-digits in the third period. The Knights bounced back, however, and launched a 10-0 run in the last three minutes of the game to close in on the Shaw outfit. A botched Letran possession in the dying seconds of the game handed JRU the ballgame.

RJ Jazul managed to tally 15 markers in a losing cause despite facing double- and triple-teams.

Meanwhile, the San Sebastian Stags devoured the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 76-64 in the nightcap. The Stags were able to pull off a shooting barrage over the Altas early, leading by as much as 27 in the second quarter while putting the clamps on Season 84 Mythical Five member Raffy Ynion, who was held to only two points in the entire first half. Stags guard Jimbo Aquino led his team with 20 points, while Chris Elopre paced the losing Altas with 19.

The Scores:

First game

San Beda 85 – Gamalinda 14, Daniel 13, Pascual 11, Lanete 11, Caram 10, Marcelo 8, dela Rosa 4, Hermida 4, Tecson 4, Lim 2, Taganas 2, Tirona 2, Villanueva 0, Soliman 0.

Mapua 52 – Cinco 10, Acosta 10, Guillermo 7, Raneses 7, Mangahas 6, Soriano 5, Espinosa 5, Sarangay 1, Cornejo 1, Stevens 0, Pascual 0, Parala 0, Maniego 0.

Second game

JRU 69 – Wilson 21, Sena 18, Hayes 14, Cagoco 8, Bulangis 3, Njei 2, Apinan 2, Matute 1, Montemayor 0, Kabigting 0, Agas 0.

Letran 66 – Jazul 15, K. Alas 11, Gutilban 11, Guevarra 9, del Rosario 7, Cortes 4, Foronda 4, Taplah 3, Pantin 2, Datang 0, Belencion 0, J. Alas 0.

Third game

San Sebastian 76 – Aquino 20, Bulawan 15, Semira 9, Sangalang 9, Maconocido 9, Raymundo 5, Abueva 4, Najorda 4, Pascual 1, del Rio 0.

UPHSD 64 – Elopre 19, Ynion 16, Galabin 11, Salanga 6, Salvado 3, Hainga 3, Carrullo 3, Liaz 2, Vivero 1, Rono 0, Sicat 0.

A similar problem may be brewing in the UAAP.  The officiating will be handled by referees from the PBA, PBL, SBP and BRASCU.  All these groups have had different rules and rule interpretations in the leagues that they officiate.

The hand check rule is a good example.  Each league has a different interpretation of its implementation.  If in a game there is one referee each from the PBA, PBL and BRASCU, will they have a consistent and uniform manner of enforcement?  Will their decisions be more subjective than objective?

This may have been an honest effort by Commissioner Joe Lipa to ensure that there will be no repeat of last year’s comedic officiating by NABRO which was never really addressed by Lipa’s predecessor.  I am sure the UAAP Board led by FEU’s Anton Montinola would also not want to see a repeat of the NABRO fiasco.  Last season, FEU was many times a victim of bad and no calls that had a direct impact on the game’s outcome.

I am quite concerned with the inclusion of the SBP referees in the UAAP.  In the event that an SBP accredited referee is involved in a controversial game involving the team supported by the SBP benefactor, then it would definitely raise “conflict of interest” issues.  We all know what happened when the SBP head got involved in last season’s NCAA finals when his benefactor’s team lost in 2^nd game of the best of three series.  Discretion should have been taken by the SBP by not allowing itself to be exposed to any negative issues.

It will also be interesting to see how the use of the instant replay for 3 point shots improves officiating.  Last season, there were a number of instances when 3 point plays were called for 2 points and vice versa.

The matter regarding infractions due to wrong uniforms has also been addressed.  Now it will be a technical foul and the player will not be allowed on the court or bench.  This is a more realistic way to address this issue.  Last season, the Commissioner repeatedly chanted his mantra “It did not affect the outcome of the game”.  However, it was obvious that it was not a good enough manner to solve the balance between the infraction and the penalty.

Having two foreign players on the court at the same time will also mean a technical foul and the benching of the 2^nd foreign player who came on the floor.

These two rules make a lot of sense because it addresses the infraction and more importantly removes the game being decided in the board room.

The UAAP season had not even started yet injuries are already taking its toll on some of the teams.  James Martinez of UE may miss the whole season due to an ACL injury.  A lot was expected from Martinez this season, especially with Marcy Arellano gone from the roster.

In La Salle, both Ferdinand and Marko Batricevic are doubtful to start the season.  This will definitely affect the center position in a team that already has a shortage of big men.

On the bright side, Arvie Bringas will be wearing the Green and White this season.  It will be an interesting game when Bringas plays against Ryan Buenafe, his former San Sebastian team mate.

Rumor has it that Mike Baldos will not be suiting up for the Blue Eagles.  His absence will not be because of injuries but due to some other unconfirmed matters.  Baldos would have been a big contributor to the Blue Eagle’s quest to repeat this season.

From Diliman, word has it that UP mainstay Migs de Asis will also be out of the Fighting Maroons roster.  Unconfirmed reports say that he was dropped from the team by Coach Aboy Castro.

I will be doing an exclusive one on one interview with Coach Franz Pumaren soon.  Watch out for it.

Updated last June 25, 2009

ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION GREAT DANES

CALMA, Donald Kenneth
CARNEY, Matthew
CAYANAN, Jon
DUMLAO, Jethron
FUERTEZ, Guian
GIGANTE, Gerard
GOMEZ, Chucky
HENSON, Dian Paulo
MANARANG, Limmuel
MANIAGO, Rowell
MUSNI, Patrick
NACU, Ralph
PEREZ, Tristan
SANTOS, Aaron
SAZON, Kevin Fredrick

Head coach: GASCON, Eric

ARELLANO UNIVERSITY CHIEFS

AGUSTIN, Jerome
ANQUILO, Leonard
APOSTOL, Rodrigo
CATAPANG, Erwin
CELADA, Andrian
CIRIACRUZ, Gio
CIRIACRUZ, Isaiah
DIMLA, Mark Russel
MIRANDA, Jerry
REDUCTO, Rodan
RIVERA, Ed
SALCEDO, Ralph Crysler
TAYONTONG, John Marco
VIRTUDAZO, Allen Paul

Head coach: ABLAN, Cresencio

COLEGIO DE SAN JUAN DE LETRAN KNIGHTS

ALAS, Jun-Jun
ALAS, Kevin
ANG, Patrick
BELENCION, Jaypee
CORTES, Jam
DATANG, Jomar
DEL ROSARIO, Kirk
FORONDA, John
GUEVARRA, Rey
GUTILBAN, Reymar
JAZUL, RJ
MALABAGO, Fred-rick
PANTIN, Andrei
PUBLICO, Rey
TAPLAH, Aloysius

Head coach: ALAS, Louie

COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE BLAZERS

ABOLUCION, Mac
ARGAMINO, RJ
DALANON, Chuck
DE GUZMAN, Mark
DELA PAZ, Ian
JOHNSTON, Ilie
MAÑALAC, Robbie
MANLAPAZ, Jacob
MONTECASTRO, Anjelo
MORIAL, Jeff
TAJONERA, Jorey
TAN, Jan
UMLAS, Aaron
URRA, David
WONG, Alex

Head coach: DEL ROSARIO, Richard

EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE GENERALS

CHIONG, Franz
CUBO, Claude
DEL ROSARIO, Arjay
DIOLANTO, Dhan
JABAYBAY, Ruel
LIWAG, Mark Jason
MENDOZA, Argel
ONG, Kevin
PINGOL, Ralph
SABLAN, Bon
SANTOS, John
YAYA, Lowell
YAYA, Rusell

Head coach: ISLA, Nomar

JOSE RIZAL UNIVERSITY HEAVY BOMBERS

AGAS, Jhe
APINAN, Jeckster
BULANGIS, Jay-r
CAGOCO, Marc
GABRIEL, Joel
HAYES, Marvin
JOE, Etame
KABIGTING, Raycon
LOPEZ, Derico
MATUTE, Nate
MONTEMAYOR, John
NJEI, Nchotu
SALAZAR, Adoe
SENA, JR
WILSON, John

Head coach: VANGUARDIA, Ariel

MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CARDINALS

ACOSTA, Mark
CINCO, Paul
CORNEJO, Erwin
EQUIPILOG, Dodoy
ESPINOSA, Kevin
GUILLERMO, TG
MAGAT, Niko
MANGAHAS, Allan
MANIEGO, Elison
PARALA, Michael
PASCUAL, Jason
RANISES, Rodel
SARANGAY, Mark
SORIANO, Randolf
STEVENS, Andrei

Head coach: VICTOLERO, Chito

SAN BEDA COLLEGE RED LIONS

CARAM, Anjo
DANIEL, Sudan
DELA ROSA, Rom
GAMALINDA, Bam
HERMIDA, Borgie
LANETE, Garvo
LIM, Melo
MARCELO, Dave
PASCUAL, Jake
SORELA, Michole
SOLIMAN, Ginno
TAGANAS, Jay-r
TECSON, JR
TIRONA, Chico
VILLANUEVA, Jerome

Head coach: LIM, Frankie

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE-RECOLETOS STAGS

ABUEVA, Calvin
AQUINO, Jimbo
BARTOLO, Roberto
BULAWAN, Gilbert
DEL RIO, Anthony
GATCHALIAN, Erickson
GATCHALIAN, Jayson
GUSI, Raffy
MACONOCIDO, Raymond
MAIQUEZ, Dexter
NAJORDA, Dave
PASCUAL, Ronald
RAYMUNDO, Pamboy
SANGALANG, Ian
SEMIRA, Jonathan

Head coach: AGUSTIN, Ato

UNIVERSITY OF PERPERTUAL HELP SYSTEM DALTA ALTAS

BAPTISTA, Jhorren Albert
CARULLO, Billy Joe
DELA CRUZ, Michael
ELOPRE, Chrisper
GALABIN, John Phillip
HAINGA, Robert
LIAZ, Christian
LUCENTE, Kervin
ROÑO, Robin
SALANGA, Nat
SALVADO, Jason
SICAT, JM
VILLADORES, Dale Vincent
VIVERO, Rommel
YNION, Raffy

Head coach: ALDEGUER, Boris

Background: The Knights were locked in a four-way tie for second place and emerged from the mayhem after beating Mapua. Their experience, however, wasn’t enough to see them past the hungry Jose Rizal University in a virtual best-of-three matchup, losing in a playoff for the second spot and the Final Four itself.

Key changes: Among the returning seven teams in the league, Letran enters Season 85 with the most number of players lost (eight). Daa and Melegrito, the squad’s second- and third-leading scorers, respectively, played out their eligibility in 2008, while Clarence Foronda and Anjoe Latonio surprisingly bolted for Far Eastern University deep into the summer.

The Alas brothers and Taplah should see a lot of minutes this year. Kevin Alas, in particular, was a scoring machine in high school and an almost-prized catch by De La Salle before deciding to stick it out with his dad in Muralla. Most of the team’s other rookies emerged from Letran’s fabled Team B.

Outlook: Many pundits are calling this team Louie Alas’ weakest in many years. To some extent, and on paper, that is, that assertion holds water. Save for the new faces in the squad, the Knights had mixed results in the summer leagues, finishing fourth in the Nike League but going 1-6 in the Filoil Flying V Cup. While it can be argued that the preseason is nothing more than the preseason, coach Alas has gone to the extent of holding closed-door practices for almost a week last May in an attempt to toughen his wards.

All isn’t gloom and doom in the blue side of Intramuros, though. Jazul and Guevarra form a lethal 1-2 punch and had the benefit of training under coach Rajko Toroman and the Philippine Developmental Team. Jazul is by far the NCAA’s deadliest sniper, while Guevarra has gradually improved his perimeter game. Belencion and Gutilban, meanwhile, have been quite consistent the past two months.

Prognosis: The mere presence of a battle-grizzled go-to-guy in Jazul and a solid nine-man rotation should be enough to throw the “weakest team in coach Alas’ Letran career” tag out the window. Add to the fact that, in his seven seasons at the helm, he’s made it to the Final Four seven times, and won it all thrice. 2009 may not up the championship total to four, but it will at least extend his semis streak to eight.

College of Saint Benilde Blazers
2008 record: 4-10 (sixth place)
Head coach: Richard del Rosario (1st season)
Additions: RJ Argamino, John Debuque, Mark de Guzman, Carlo Lastimosa, Andrew Musngi, Geo Sia, Lance Sikat, Jorey Tajonera, Jan Tan, David Urra
Subtractions: Archie David, Ilie Johnston, Dustin Posadas, Karl Santos, Garri Sevilla
Holdovers: Mac Abolucion, Chuck Dalanon, Ian dela Paz, Robbie Mañalac, Jacob Manlapaz, Ardie Martinez, Anjelo Montecastro, Jeff Morial, Aaron Umlas

Background: The Blazers started Season 84 strong, winning their first two games, but failed to sustain the momentum, particularly in the second round where they went 1-6. The three wins on the hardcourt, plus a fourth in the boardroom by way of the Sam Ekwe playing jersey incident, has given CSB that much-needed confidence boost heading to 2K9.

Key changes: Del Rosario becomes CSB’s third coach in three years, succeeding Gee Abanilla after the latter’s commitment to the Philippine National Team. On the floor, St. Benilde loses rotation stalwarts David and Sevilla to eligibility, and the athletic Johnston to disciplinary reasons.

Guards Mark de Guzman and Carlo Lastimosa are dynamite additions to the squad, which already has its fair share of quality backcourt players. Far Eastern transferee Tan is 6’5” and legit down low as well as on the mid-range. These three cagers should immediately contribute for the Taft quintet.

Outlook: It’s no secret that the Blazers will run, run and run some more this season to compensate for their lack of ceiling. Last year’s team also lacked that big-time presence underneath, so CSB is quite used to playing small ball. The only difference between 2008 and 2009 is that this unit is even quicker and arguably more talented thanks to the combination of solid rookies and returning vets like Dalanon, Manlapaz, Montecastro and Morial.

Prognosis: De La Salle, or “main,” in Taft jargon, has hogged the basketball limelight for seemingly a century at St. Benilde’s expense. While this isn’t as surprising as CSB’s six-year Final Four drought, it shouldn’t be reason to ignore the darker shade of green in 2009. This is the best Benilde team since it last made the semis in 2002. A 9-9 record and a shot at the playoffs aren’t out of reach.

Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals
Credentials: 2004-2006 UCAA champions, 2004 NCRAA champions, 2004 and 2006 University Games champions
Head coach: Nomar Isla (1st season in the NCAA)
Provisional lineup: Ferdinand Anquilo (F), Franz Chiong (G), Claude Cubo (F), Dhan Diolanto (F), Arjay del Rosario (G), Romeo Fotue (G), Ruel Jabaybay (C), Jeff Lapitan (C), Mark Jason Liwag (G), Loh Chee Hau (C), Argel Mendoza (G), Mark Roldan (F), Bon Sablan (F), Adrian Santos (F), John Santos (G), Neil Tuazon (F), Roy Villegas (G), Rusell Yaya (F), Lowell Yaya (F)

Background: Emilio Aguinaldo College’s winning tradition came to a halt in 2008 as it fell to the upstart Universal College Golden Dragons in the UCAA Finals and failed to make the title series in the NCRAA. Over at the Philippine Collegiate Championships, the Generals weren’t able to crack the Sweet 16 after losing by 18 to the University of the East in the Luzon Zonals.

Key changes: Center Emmanuel Mbe and scoring machine Julius Ace Quiambao are the significant losses for the San Marcelino outfit, with the former now enrolled in St. Benilde and the latter playing out his eligibility. In years past, the Generals have relied on big game, one-man wrecking crews in the form of Niño Songco, Ronjay Buenafe and Gester Ebuen. This time, expect Isla’s wards to share the ball more.

Outlook: EAC boasts of one of the NCAA’s tallest lineups. Lapitan, at 6’6” and the 6’5” Jabaybay can do damage on both ends of the floor. Loh, at 6’10,” is as big as it gets, although Lapitan and Jabaybay will see more time at the five spot. Diolanto and Cubo have had solid pre-seasons for EAC. The school’s number one option, though, is Fotue, a native of Cameroon.

The backcourt troika of Mendoza, Villegas and John Santos is offensive-minded and aggressive. Together with the athletic big men of the Generals, these guys are amazing to watch on the fastbreak. Ex-Mapua Cardinal del Rosario is a consistent back-up, while Chiong has proven to be very reliable.

Prognosis: Emilio Aguinaldo is perhaps the most talented of the three guest teams. At the very least, this team will win seven games, but can realistically gun for eight or break even at nine. Just like St. Benilde, this is a dangerous, middle-ranked five that can have a say when the eliminations draw to a close.

Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers
2008 record: 9-5 (tied for second place; lost to San Beda College in the finals)
Head coach: Ariel Vanguardia (4th season)
Additions: Joel Gabriel, Etame Joe, Adoe Salazar
Subtractions: Alex Almario, Jayson Nocom, Maui Pradas
Holdovers: Jhe Agas, Jecskter Apinan, Jay-r Bulangis, Marc Cagoco, Marvin Hayes, Raycon Kabigting, Derico Lopez, Nate Matute, John Montemayor, Nchotu John Njei, JR Sena, John Wilson

Background: After a lethargic start to the season, Jose Rizal zoomed to the top of the standings after an eight-game winning streak. An equally rocky end to the eliminations saw JRU go through a rigorous extra two games to book a twice-to-beat Final Four advantage, one it made use of before taking San Beda to the limit in the finals.

Key changes: Stalwarts Nocom and Pradas are the only key losses for the Heavy Bombers, who’ve advanced to the Final Four the past two seasons after winning a combined six games in 2005 and 2006.

Among the newbies, expect Joe to make his presence felt, particularly in the low block where he’ll be required to swat shots and help Hayes and Sena in the rebounding department. The Cameroonian suffered an injury to his knee over the summer, so a question mark hangs over his fitness level. The full rotation, though, is intact and experienced.

Outlook: Boom or bust. The Heavy Bombers have the tools to go all the way and capture their first title since 1972. They’re deep and loaded in all positions. This current unit also has experienced what it’s like to play in front of a packed house care of last season’s trip to the finals, so expect Vanguardia’s wards to be more confident and poised down the stretch.

Chemistry is also something that should bode well for JRU. This is Cagoco, Hayes, Sena and Wilson’s fourth year together. All of them have vastly improved since entering the program in Season 82. The familiarity ideally should translate into better decision-making skills on the hardwood, something that the Bombers have been groping for in years past.

Prognosis: Self-belief is something that JRU needs if it is to win it all in 2009. The problems the past two years haven’t been lack of talent or what not, but more of mental toughness. If these are sorted out this campaign, Jose Rizal University has a more than decent chance of taking home the championship.

Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals
2008 record: 9-5 (tied for second place; lost to San Beda College in the Final Four)
Additions: John Emmanuel Castillo, Ding-Dong Lamosa, Elison Maniego, Nico Magat, Christian Palma, Mike Parala, Andrei Stevens
Losses: Jonathan Banal, Kelvin de la Peña, Ian Mazo, Jewel Palomique, Neil Pascual
Holdovers: Macky Acosta, Paul Cinco, Erwin Cornejo, Kevin Espinosa, TG Guillermo, Allan Mangahas, Jason Pascual, Rodel Ranises, Mark Sarangay, Randolf Soriano

Background: Mapua came very close to knocking out defending champions San Beda. It extended the semifinal matchup to a second game, and was one of only two teams (JRU being the other) to inflict two losses on the Red Lions all-year long.

Key changes: Of all the returning squads, it’s Mapua that’s suffered the most from the loss of key players. De La Peña, Mazo and Pascual were all starters who combined for almost 30 points a game. A fourth starter, Banal, tore his ACL and will redshirt Season 85.

The Cardinals, however, have decent rookies in the fold. Magat is a former San Beda Red Cub, while Paulino was part of the fabled FEU-Fern juniors squads. Castillo, at 6’4,” could help ease first year coach Chito Victolero’s size woes. The wildcard in Victolero’s lineup is 6’1” combo guard Maniego, son of former pro Romy dela Rosa.

Outlook: Victolero takes over a squad whose key cogs weren’t integral parts of the rotation of his predecessor, Leo Isaac. In simpler terms, Mapua “veterans” Acosta, Cornejo and Cinco will be playing unfamiliar roles as starters or, at least, key second-stringers.

Mangahas, last year’s Rookie of the Year, will be the Cards’ main gun. Much of the offense will revolve around him, as well as Cornejo, who had a consistent summer. Guillermo, Espinosa, Sarangay and Soriano round out a rotation that’ll be looking to up the tempo and stay aggressive on the defensive end, particularly the perimeter.

Prognosis: Mapua’s four-year Final Four streak will most likely come to an end this year. Its losses are just too heavy, and those filling their shoes aren’t the most scarred veterans in town. However, the Cardinals won’t be as bad as people think. Six wins is a grounded projection, while eight should already be considered a success for this rebuilding school.

Projected team standings

1. Jose Rizal University
2. San Beda College
3. Colegio de San Juan de Letran
4. San Sebastian College-Recoletos
5. College of Saint Benilde
6. Arellano University
7. Mapua Institute of Technology
8. Emilio Aguinaldo College
9. University of Perpetual Help System Dalta
10. Angeles University Foundation

Finals: Jose Rizal University over San Beda College

As mentioned, Rebound: The Spirit of College Basketball contains a thorough rundown of the frontcourts, backcourts, coaching styles and intangibles of each of the 10 participating NCAA teams. I, along with Mike Abasolo, Rick Olivares and Bill Velasco, break down the upcoming season in our first issue.

2008 Record: 2-12, 8th place

Head Coach: Boris Aldeguer (1st Year)

Key Losses:  Rommel Balboa, Franz Dysam, Neil de la Cruz, Mike Kong, Jibbson Kong, Andy Mejos, Harry Petilos, Ronald Reyes

Key Additions: Jonathan Belorio, Billy Carullo, Chrisper Elorpe, Lester Dickens, Michael de la Cruz, Vincent Medrana, Lawrence Manalo, Stevenson Suyat, Jason Salvado, Dale Villadoes.

Holdovers:  Raffy Ynion, Nathaniel Salanga, John Galabin, Rommel Vivero, Christian Liaz, Robert Hainga

Background: Newly appointed Head Coach Boris Aldeguer will have his hands full this Season from an already dismal performance last year.   Though this former coach from the De La Salle Zobel Green Archers know how to win, still, doubts linger on how the Altas will perfom in Season 85 with the kind of material they’ve assembled for the war ahead.

Key Changes:  With Ronald Reyes and Neil De La Cruz out due to an ACL injury while Franz Dysam opted to stay in his hometown of Cebu City to attend to some family matters, the point Guard chores will be left in the hands of rookie Chris Elorpe.  John Galabin will be expected to start as the utility man for this squad and will be expected to contribute more from his 3-points in 15 minute production last year.

Outlook: Without a legitimate big man on board, Coach Aldeguer will have to rely on natural small forward, Nathaniel Salanga and burly Raffy Ynion to take care of the shaded area on both ends.  Coach Aldeguer will have to focus his point of attack from the perimeter and on occasion, if situations would permit, the Altas can draw out the opposing team’s big man then use their natural abilities to take advantage.  With their lack of ceiling, expect the Altas to rebound the basketball by committee and Coach Aldeguer to preach transition defense.

Prognosis: Even with his credentials, without much talent, Coach Aldeguer will have to whip-in his creative juices to keep the Altas on course in every quarter, in every situation of every game for them to win, and it will be a struggle.  “I have some recruits in the pipeline and are now undergoing residency but that will be for next season”, said Coach Aldeguer.  This Season 85, learning will be a plus, but winning will be another huge minus for the Altas this year.

San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags

2008 Record: 9-5, Fifth, Eliminated in a playoff for a Final Four slot

Coach:  Renato Agustin (1st Season)

Key Losses:  Jason Ballesteros, Franz Delgado, Froilan Saquillo, Jim Viray, Vergel Zulueta,

Key Additions:  Calvin Abueva, Raffy Gusi, Jason Gatchalian, Erickson Gatchalian, Dexter Maiquez, Ronald Pascual, Ian Sangalang.

Holdovers: Jimbo Aquino, Raymond Maconocido, Mark Bringas, Gilbert Bulawan, Jonathan Semira, Dave Najorda, John Paul Raymundo, Anthony Del Rio, Roberto Bartolo

Background: If it wasn’t for the JRU Heavy Bombers’ resurgence late in the elimination round, San Sebastian could be tasting its first trip to the Final Four since Season 81.  But even without Jason Ballesteros and Jim Viray, newly appointed Golden Stags Head Coach, Ato Agustin, will still have the priviledge of leading this team to another crack at the playoffs and maybe, all the way to the finals.

Key Changes: Changes are for the better.  The Golden Stags have just added more weapons into their stockpile of an already skillful line up.  Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian Sangalang are legitimate “basketball players” that can play on both ends in two or maybe up to three positions.  Raymaundo, Aquino, Bringas, Bulawan and Najorda already form a reliable core for, adding these three into the mix will make the Golden Stags a nasty team ready for primetime.

Outlook: With the massive build, the Golden Stags are now poised to at least reach the Final Four.  The possibility of going all the way to the finals is on the horizon.  This team have been prepped to match up with anyone in the league plus the fact that Coach Agustin is a proven winner since his playing days in the pros and that alone can inject some needed toughness, a staple they lacked last year under Coach Jorge Gallent.

Prognosis: The Golden Stags are ready to turn the corner this Season 85.  They have the manpower, the pieces plus the skills with a new coach, San Sebastian has the opportunity to go all the way.

San Beda College Red Lions

2008 Record: 11-3, Split Final Four Series with the Mapua Cardinals, NCAA Season 84 Champions vs. JRU Heavy Bombers, 2-1, 3rd Straight NCAA Title.

Head Coach: Frankie Lim (3rd year)

Key Losses:  Sam Ekwe, Pong Escobal, Ogie Menor, Kris Taupa, Eduardo Canlas

Key Additions:  Sudan Daniel, Rome de la Rosa, Anjo Caram

Holdovers: Chico Tirona, Borgie Hermida, Bam Gamalinda, Jom Villanueva, J.R. Tecson, Jay-R Taganas, Dave Marcelo, Jake Pascual, Gino Soliman, Garvo Lanete.

Background: Three Championships is an accomplishment for an Institution that has waited 28 years.  For a team that is so talented, it lost focus in a mid-season mix up with unexpected events and was on the verge of self-destruction at seasons’ end if not for Coach Frankie Lim’s iron hand that kept the ship sailing until confetti flowed from above the coliseum to ceremoniously ignite San Beda’s historic quest.

Key Changes: Leadership and imposing elements in this team will be slightly absent with Pong Escobal and Sam Ekwe finally hanging up their collegiate jerseys.  Borgie Hermida, with a bit of a disability after suffering an ACL injury during the 2008 PCC, will have to take the cudgels at the Point Guard spot assuming his playing condition is up to par.  While Hermida is getting his game rhythm back, expect Chico Tirona or Jom Villanueva to share some minutes at the point guard spot.  After a year of waiting, Sudan Daniel will finally suit up his Red and White uniform to take care of the middle on both ends.  Su has showed some improvement during the later part of the preseason after their training in Indiana, U.S.A.  Another great addition is 6′3 two-guard, small forward Rome de la Rosa touted as the actual replacement to Ogie Menor who opted to turn pro after years of service with San Beda.

Outlook: The Red Lions are still loaded but this edition is not as overawe as last year.  For 3rd year head coach Frankie Lim, this will be the most challenging season of his collegiate coaching career.  The Red Lions still have the experience and talent to realistically reach the Final Four, better yet, enter the Finals for the 4th consecutive time.  But a 4th consecutive title? I sincerely believe that the gas has run out and its about time to put their feet back on the ground.

Prognosis: The Red Lions are still strong in all departments.  The Red Lions had three championships not because of their offense, its their stern commitment to defense that has made them tough to beat.  Their defense triggers their transition attack and their offense is sound when they share the ball and head hunt for the open man.

Arellano University Chiefs

Credential: 14th and 15th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) Back to Back Champions

Head Coach:  Cresencio Ablan, Jr. (1st Year)

Key Losses:  Jordan Melano and Orlando Daroya.

Holdovers:  Jerome Agustin – Guard, Leonard Anquilo – Guard, Andrian Celada – Forward
Isaiah Ciria Cruz – Forward, Giorgio Ciria Cruz – Center, Ronnel Del Rosario – Center
Ed Rivera – Center, Rodrigo Apostol – Guard, Jerry Miranda – Shooting Guard, Allen Paul Virtudazo – Forward

Additions: Rodan Reducto (Rookie)– Forward, John Marco Tayontong (Rookie) - Guard
Ralph Crysler Salcedo (Rookie) – Forward, Erwin Catapang (Rookie) – Center, Mark Russel Dimla (Rookie) – Guard

Background: The Chiefs are entering Season 85 with a lot of enthusiasm.  Their much publicized echoing intentions of joining the league has finally been answered.  Now that their here, can they handle the limelight of playing in the oldest collegiate league in the land?  The answer is just days away.

Key Changes: Arellano will be without two of their most valuable assets in multi faceted swingman Orlando Daroya and utility man Joudan Melano.  Interesting note though, the Chiefs will be parading probably on record, the smallest point guard to play in the NCAA, 5′1 Leonard Anquilo.  Jerome Agustin will start as led point guard while Allen Paul Virtudazo can easily switch from small forward to two-guard depending on need when the smaller but speedy Anquilo is on the floor.  Veteran Adrian Celada will be their primary scorer to compliment the Ciria Cruz’s – Gio and Isaiah in the shaded area while Center Ed Rivera will come off the bench for relief duties.

Outlook: It is Junji Ablan’s rookie year as head coach.  Athletic Director and former head coach Leo Isaac made sure that he left the Chiefs in capable hands by appointing his former deputy from his coaching days with the Cardinals. With almost half the roster filled with fresh manpower, expect the Chiefs to struggle but will make life miserable for some teams in the league.

Prognosis: If they play up to their potential and put their money were their mouth is, Arellano can do some damage if the others start to take them for granted and not pay attention, after all, a badge that says back to back champions is a rarity in any league.  They came into the NCAA  a winner and the Chiefs will surely come out every game to prove a point.

Angeles University Foundation Great Danes

Head Coach: Eric Gascon

Projected Starting Five: Dian Paulo Henson – 5′7 Point Guard, Aaron Santos – 6′1 Shooting Guard, Limmuel Moises Manarang – 6′2 Small Forward, Matthew Gray Carney – 6′4 Power Forward, Tristan Perez, Small Gerard Gigante – 6′4 Center

Off the Bench: 6′2 Jethron Dumlao, 6′3 Guian Arnell Fuertez, 5′7 Patrick Musni

Others: Donald Kenneth Calma, 6′4 Jon Cayanan, Chucky Gomez, 6′3 Rowell Maniago, Tristan Perez, Ralph Nacu, Kevin Frederick Sazon.

Another proven winner with a National Students Basketball Championship under its belt, the Great Danes are another addition in the NCAA’s long search to fill the last remaining slot in the league.

There are two players to watch for in the Great Danes line up namely, Filipino American Forward Matthew Carney and exciting and athletic utility man Aaron Santos.  Questions arise on how the Great Danes will perform is a much bigger stage.  But if they’re looking for a challenge, they really came to the right place to strut their stuff.

Projections:

1. Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers
2. San Sebastian College Recoletos Golden Stags
3. San Beda College Red Lions
4. Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights
5. College of St. Benilde Blazers
6. Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals
7. University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas
8. Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals
9. Arellano University Chiefs
10. Angeles University Foundation Great Danes

Finals: Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers vs. San Beda Red Lions

Champion: Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers

Catch more of our Previews in REBOUND with myself, Chris Soler, Ric Olivares, and Bill Velasco.

Coming to your favorite bookstores and magazine stands on June 30, 2009.

An enchanted mythical creature joins this year’s UAAP season. But unlike the rest of the university icons, the legendary Sarimanok is not here to enter into battle. This beautiful bird sets out from its celestial habitat to inspire the UAAP member universities to come together.

Far Eastern University (FEU) hosts this year’s UAAP Season 72 with the theme, “One color. One goal.” The Sarimanok, which is featured in FEU’s coat of arms, has multi-colored wings representing the different universities in the UAAP.

FEU President’s Committee on Culture (PCC) Executive Director Martin Lopez explains that the theme of the UAAP is a call for unity among the participating schools and among the athletes. FEU’s cultural groups like The FEU Dance Company, The FEU Chorale, The FEU Bamboo Band, The FEU Theater Guild, The FEU Drum and Bugle Corp, The FEU pep squad and other organizations from FEU East Asia College and FEU-FERN College will all participate in this spectacular production.

Every season, the UAAP is described as a battle field for athletes.  “What is often overlooked is the spirit of camaraderie that is just as much a part of the celebration,” FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina said.

The UAAP Season 72 opening ceremony will be held at the Araneta Coliseum this July 11, 2009.

The Tamaraws took advantage of UE’s sluggish start and led by 18 at the 6:25 mark of the third period. At that same time, however, tempers reached fever pitch as Red Warriors coach Lawrence Chongson was assessed a disqualifying foul for allegedly making contact with the game official after he had sought clarification over a no-call on a Paul Lee play.

A 10-15 minute standstill ensued before Chongson headed to the locker room. However, he wasn’t alone as he took with him six of his veteran wards. Lee, Val Acuña, Elmer Espiritu, Rudy Lingganay, James Martinez and Raffy Reyes all exited the court with their coach, leaving just three players and a total of eight cagers on the team.

Apparently, this served as the catalyst for a huge game and emotional run that would surprise everyone in the venue. At the start of the fourth period, with FEU’s lead down to 14, the six Warriors reappeared. Five of them, sans Reyes, reentered the game in a platoon-like substitution. A lead that stood as high as 24 was cut down to single-digits, thanks to the inside incursions of Lee and the consistent play of Acuña.

The drama, though, was merely beginning. With about 38 ticks left in the game clock, Martinez drove hard to the basket but incurred a bad fall. Medics stretchered him off the court and initial reports indicate that the fifth year guard injured his right knee.

A Pipo Noundou turnover in a subsequent FEU possession handed the Red Warriors a chance to come even closer, something they were able to do after Acuña sank a crucial triple to trim the deficit to two, 80-78, with under 16 seconds left. The Recto unit fouled late in the next possession, and a calm RR Garcia, later named Tournament MVP, sank both free throws before stealing the ball and converting on a jumper as time expired.

JR Cawaling led FEU with 20 points, with Mark Barroca and Garcia scoring 18 and 17, respectively. Lee, meanwhile, had 16 markers for UE.

After the game, a visibly disappointed Chongson voiced his concerns over what had transpired during the game. “Even before the Lee incident, I felt we were getting the raw end of the calls. [As for the referee], he made contact with me since he bumped into me when I [tried to] clarify the no-call. If it were only up to me, I would’ve walked out of the game. But we carry the name of UE. I took my veterans with me, and told them that if the lead would go down, it’d be better for them to return to the game. So they did just that.“

In the battle for third, San Sebastian College-Recoletos redeemed itself from a loss the other day to San Beda in the Nike Summer League’s finals by winning the rematch, 87-78. Stags forward Calvin Abueva had a huge game, scoring 27 points. The Red Lions, meanwhile, were led by Dave Marcelo, who tallied 20 markers.
The scores:

First game:

San Sebastian 87 – Abueva 27, Najorda 15, Aquino 14, Pascual 14, Bulawan 12, Raymundo 5, del Rio 2, Gatchalian 0, Semira 0, Dizon 0.

San Beda 78 – Marcelo 20, Daniel 13, Gamalinda 11, Taganas 9, Pascual 8, Caram 6, Tecson 5, Soliman 4, Villanueva 2, Koga 0, Tirona 0, Sorela 0.

Quarter scores: 19-25, 42-37, 68-60, 87-78.

Second game:

FEU 84 – Cawaling 20, Barroca 18, Garcia 17, Cervantes 12, Noundou 10, Eguilos 4, Caluag 2, Exciminiano 0, Sanga 0, Tanuan 0, Manalo 0.

UE 78 – Lee 16, Acuña 15, Martinez 9, Espiritu 8, Reyes 7, Flores 6, Zamar 6, Acibar 4, Tagarda 3, Sumido 2, Lingganay 2, Duran 0, Alabanza 0.

Quarter scores: 27-16, 47-25, 64-50, 84-78.

San Beda College won its first Nike plum with a convincing 85-69 triumph over San Sebastian College-Recoletos at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last June 13. In the second period, JR Tecson and Jake Pascual led the Mendiola squad in its assault to grab the driver’s seat, one that ended with San Beda gaining the upper hand, 49-41, at the half.

In the third period, the NCAA champions erected their biggest lead of 12, 53-41, at the 9:34 mark thanks to Pascual. It was halfway through the same quarter when the Stags ignited a run that saw them trail by just two at the end of the canto, thanks to a buzzer-beater triple by Jonathan Semira.

However, San Sebastian, which was missing the services of coach Ato Agustin and stalwarts Ian Sangalang and Dexter Maiquez, wasn’t able to sustain the momentum and haplessly watched the Red Lions penetrate the lane at will. Bam Gamalinda led the Mendiola unit with 16 points, while Jimbo Aquino countered for the Stags with 18.

The Red Lions won P200,000 in cash and a P30,000 gift certificate from GNC.

In the battle for third, Far Eastern University escaped with a squeaker of a win over Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 70-69.

University of the East and Far Eastern University, two bitter nemeses in the olden days of the UAAP, will lock horns for the Preseason Cup after defeating San Sebastian College-Recoletos and San Beda College, respectively, in the semifinals at the Filoil Flying V Arena last June 12.

The Red Warriors managed to hold off the Stags, 90-84, in a close and high-octane shootout that saw six deadlocks and a red hot Paul Lee carry the scoring cudgels for the red side of Recto with 26 points. After leading by a solitary point after three quarters, San Sebastian caved in early in the fourth and saw UE build a seven-point lead at the 7:16 mark through the efforts of Elmer Espiritu. It was all Warrior ball from that point as the Stags seemed to lose steam in the endgame.

Espiritu added 19 points for UE, while Jimbo Aquino led San Sebastian with 21.

In the second game, the FEU Tamaraws exacted revenge against the Red Lions just a day after losing to them in the Nike Summer League, 64-58. Both teams played with nine-man rotations, but coach Glen Capacio’s wards emerged victorious thanks in part to 34 combined points from Reil Cervantes and rookie RR Garcia.

The Morayta quintet erected considerable advantages up until the final period, where San Beda trimmed the deficit to as low as one at the 7:32 mark after a Sudan Daniel bucket. Cervantes and Lions guard JR Tecson exchanged baskets in the ensuing possessions, but the Tamaraws pulled through in the clutch.

Sophomore forward Jake Pascual paced San Beda with 14 points.

The scores:

First game:

UE 90 – Lee 26, Espiritu 19, Martinez 10, Zamar 9, Acuna 8, Flores 8, Lingganay 4, Reyes 4, Sumido 2, Tagarda 0.

San Sebastian 84 – Aquino 21, Abueva 17, Maconocido 16, Sangalang 8, Raymundo 7, Semira 5, Pascual 4, Najorda 4, del Rio 2, Bulawan 0, Maiquez 0.

Quarter scores: 16-21, 42-41, 64-65, 90-84.

Second game:

FEU 64 – Cervantes 19, Garcia 15, Cawaling 10, Barroca 8, Eguilos 6, Noundou 4, Tanuan 2, Exciminiano 0, Caluag 0.

San Beda 58 – Pascual 14, Gamalinda 12, Tecson 10, Marcelo 8, Daniel 6, Lanete 4, Villahermosa 3, Tirona 1, Taganas 0.

Quarter scores: 21-10, 37-28, 49-44, 64-58.

After watching the Letran Knights breeze through the opening 10 minutes of action, the Stags turned the corner to book a finals ticket, 92-79. Coach Ato Agustin’s wards exploited a three-minute Letran scoring drought with an 8-0 second quarter blitz to pull away from the Muralla unit. They extended their lead to as high as 15 in the three-minute mark of the third period after two Dave Najorda charities. The quintet from Recto was on cruise control thereafter as the Knights failed to execute their offense and ignite any kind of rally.

Veteran swingman Jimbo Aquino paced San Sebastian with 20 points, with Najorda tallying 17 and second-year guard Raymond Maconocido registering 15. Guard RJ Jazul, meanwhile, led carried the Knights’ cause with 21 points.

In the other semis tussle, San Beda managed to hold off UAAP powerhouse Far Eastern University, 74-72, in a tightly-contested matchup. FEU dominated the opening minutes of the game, leading by as many as 13 in the first quarter. However, the Red Lions slowly got back into the game led thanks to guard JR Tecson and American Sudan Daniel. A triple by Tecson at the end of the third period finally handed the Mendiola unit the lead, 57-56.

At the start of the fourth quarter, the Tamaraws were able to tie the count at 59 and even led by six with 6:11 remaining in the game after a basket by Pipo Noundou. The Lions took the lead back, 71-69, after a Garvo Lanete conversion at the 1:40 mark. A series of muffed FEU possessions forced Mark Barroca to foul Tecson in the dying seconds of the game. The guard calmly sank both charities to extend the San Beda lead to four, 73-69.

Tamaraws forward JR Cawaling hit a crucial trey to trim the deficit to one, 73-72, with 9.9 second in the game clock. Teammate RR Garcia then sent Chico Tirona to the 4.5-meter line where the San Beda playmaker made one out of two freebies. In the ensuing possession, FEU big man Reil Cervantes committed a traveling violation, effectively sealing his squad’s fate.

Tecson led the Red Lions with 25 points while Daniel added 19 points and six boards. Cawaling had 25 markers for the Tams.

The title game of the 2009 NSL is set on Saturday, June 13, at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena. Preceding the finals is the battle for third at 2:30 p.m.

The scores:

First game:

San Sebastian 92 – Aquino 20, Najorda 17, Maconocido 15, Pascual 14, Abueva 8, Semira 7, Raymundo 5, Sangalang 4, del Rio 2, Maiquez 0, Gusi 0.

Letran 79 – Jazul 21, Gutilban 17, Guevarra 16, Foronda 8, K. Alas 5, Cortes 4, Datang 3, del Rosario 3, J. Alas 2, Belencion 0, Malabago 0.

Quarter scores: 19-28, 43-39, 69-59, 92-79.

Second game:

San Beda 74 – Tecson 25, Daniel 19, Lanete 8, Gamalinda 6, Marcelo 6, Villahermosa 4, Taganas 2, Pascual 2, Tirona 1, Soliman 0.

FEU 72 – Cawaling 25, Cervantes 15, Garcia 13, Eguilos 13, Barroca 8, Noundou 6, Tanuan 2, Exciminiano 0, Caluag 0.

Quarter scores: 9-21, 31-39, 57-56, 74-72.

In the curtain-raiser, San Sebastian broke the game wide open thanks to a 10-0 second quarter run en route to an 82-69 triumph over Adamson University. The biggest lead for the Stags stood at 19, 44-25, at the half. In the fourth period, the Falcons were able to cut down the Stags’ lead to four via a triple by Austin Manyera at the 5:33 mark. However, coach Leo Austria’s wards were held scoreless for four minutes thereafter as the Stags made yet another 10-0 blast to seal the game.

Jimbo Aquino and rookie Dexter Maiquez led the Stags with 14 points apiece, while another rookie, Roider Cabrera carried the load for Adamson with 15.

Far Eastern University followed suit with a convincing 76-61 rout of Jose Rizal University. A close first half was turned into a blowout as the Tamaraws held the Shaw outfit scoreless for about four minutes, and scored 10 unanswered along the way. RP Developmental Team stalwart Mark Barroca registered 27 big points, while Reil Cervantes and JR Cawaling notched 17 and 11 markers, respectively. Marvin Hayes led the Heavy Bombers, who topped their elimination round group, with 22 points as scoring threats John Wilson and JR Sena were stifled by the Tamaraw defense.

In the nightcap, San Beda College suffocated De La Salle University in the final quarter, holding the Green Archers to a tournament-low five points in the last 10 minutes to capture a Final Four seat, 70-49. The Green Archers’ last field goal in the fourth period was at the 8:07 mark by Peejay Barua. The Red Lions then unloaded an 18-0 blast that was responded to by a mere free throw with seconds left in the game. Sudan Daniel and Dave Marcelo paced the NCAA champions with 15 and 13 points, respectively. Barua led La Salle, which capped off its overall summer campaigns with a 1-6 win-loss mark in its last seven games, with 13 markers.

On Friday, June 12, the semifinals will be pitting San Sebastian and University of the East in a Battle of Recto at 4 p.m, while FEU and San Beda take the floor at 6 p.m. Both games will still be held at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

The scores:

First game:

San Sebastian 82 – Aquino 14, Maiquez 14, Abueva 13, Sangalang 11, Pascual 10, Maconocido 6, Raymundo 5, Najorda 4, Semira 3, del Rio 2.

Adamson 69 – Cabrera 15, Alvarez 13, Manyera 9, Colina 8, Nuyles 7, Santos 6, Importante 4, Cañada 4, Yambot 3, Margallo 0.

Quarter scores: 15-15, 44-25, 61-50, 82-69.

Second game:

FEU 76 – Barroca 25, Cervantes 17, Cawaling 11, Garcia 6, Noundou 5, Eguilos 4, Sanga 3, Tanuan 3, Knuttel 2, Exciminiano 0, Caluag 0.

Jose Rizal 61 – Hayes 22, Kabigting 9, Bulangis 7, Cagoco 6, Wilson 5, Sena 5, Apinan 4, Njei 3, Matute 0, Montemayor 0, Agas 0.

Quarter scores: 19-18, 37-36, 59-49, 76-61.

Third game:

San Beda 70 – Daniel 15, Marcelo 13, Pascual 11, Tecson 8, Villahermosa 7, Lanete 4, Tirona 4, Gamalinda 4, Soliman 2, Taganas 2, Koga 0, Villanueva 0, Caram 0.

De La Salle 49 – Barua 13, Mangahas 7, Atkins 7, Revilla 6, Villanueva 4, Malabes 4, Webb 3, Marata 2, Bringas 2, Bagatsing 1, Banal 0, Andrada 0, Co 0, Tolentino 0, Reyes 0.

Quarter scores: 17-16, 30-26, 48-44, 70-49.

Far Eastern University warded off the University of Perpetual Altas with a convincing 89-51 triumph in the first of four quarterfinal matchups at the FEU Gym last June 8. Bannered by the Philippine Developmental team trio of Mark Barroca, Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling, the Tamaraws were on cruise control from the get-go and converted from almost all corners of the hardwood.

Barroca led the way for the tourney hosts with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Ramos and Reil Cervantes combined for 23 points. Raffy Ynion was the lone bright spot for the losing Altas, tallying 15 points.

In the second game, San Sebastian College-Recoletos survived a late Jose Rizal University surge, 77-75. The biggest lead of the game for the Recto-based squad stood at 13, 61-48 at the end of the third period, but a four-minute scoring drought coupled with a JRU surge trimmed the lead to just two, 76-74 with 15 ticks left in regulation. Jimbo Aquino then split his charities to up the Stag lead to three with 10 seconds remaining. In the ensuing possession, JRU gunner John Wilson was fouled from behind the three-point line in the act of shooting with three seconds left, giving the Shaw unit a chance to send the game to overtime. However, he muffed two of his three free throws, costing coach Ariel Vanguardia’s wards a seat in the semis.

Aquino led the Stags with 13 points while Gilbert Bulawan added 12. Wilson paced Jose Rizal with 22 markers.

Later in the day, San Beda College and Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila finished out their game, which was stopped after the first half of action last Thursday, June 4, because of a slippery playing court. After a close opening 20 minutes that saw the Red Lions lead only by two, the NCAA champs stepped on the throttle in the third quarter to pull away, 60-46 with 10 minutes left to play and never looked back en route to an 86-70 win. Bam Gamalinda led the Red and White squad with 14 points and four rebounds with Chico Tirona and Garvo Lanete adding 11 apiece. Joseph Abaya had 13 points for the Pirates.

Letran completed the semifinal cast with a 55-46 win over Adamson University in the nightcap. The Falcons led early on but squandered the lead for good at the start of the fourth quarter after rookie Roider Cabrera sent center John Foronda to the charity stripe. Foronda duly obliged, sinking both freebies as the Intramuros outfit never looked back, even leading by as many as eight with 43 ticks left after a Reymar Gutilban jumper.

Rey Guevarra led the Knights with 14 points and six boards while Jam Cortes added a double-double performance of 10 points and 14 boards. Junard Yambot, on the other hand, led the Falcons with nine points. No Falcon scored in double figures but had a balance in scoring.

The semis begin this Thursday, June 11, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The curtain-raiser at 2:30 p.m. pits the Stags and Knights in an all-NCAA showdown. At 4 p.m., the Red Lions will lock horns with the Tamaraws.

The scores:

First game:

FEU 89 – Barroca 16, Cervantes 13, Ramos 10, Sanga 11, Noundou 11, Garcia 6, Cawaling 6, Eguilos 6, Caluag 4, Pearce 4, Knuttel 3, Exciminiano 2, Manalo 2, Tanuan 1, Guerrero 0, Cruz 0, Romero 0.

Perpetual Help 51 – Ynion 15, Elopre 9, Galabin 8, Salvado 6, Carullo 5, Salanga 4, Sicat 2, Roño 2, Liaz 0, Hainga 0, Villadoes 0, dela Cruz 0.

Second game:

San Sebastian 77 – Aquino 13, Bulawan 12, Raymundo 10, Semira 10, Maconocido 9, Abueva 9, Sangalang 8, Najorda 2, del Rio 2, Pascual 2, Maiquez 0.

JRU 75 – Wilson 22, Sena 16, Hayes 13, Cagoco 10, Kabigting 5, Apinan 5, Njei 2, Bulangis 2, Matute 0, Montemayor 0, Salazar 0, Lituania 0, Lopez 0.

Quarter scores: 23-15, 43-31, 61-48, 77-75.

Third game:

San Beda 86 – Gamalinda 14, Tirona 11, Lanete 11, Daniel 10, Tecson 10, Villahermosa 9, Marcelo 8, J. Pascual 6, Taganas 5, Soliman 2, Koga 0, Caram 0, Sorela 0, K. Pascual 0.

Lyceum-Manila 70 – Abaya 13, Ong 12, Rimando 11, Cayabyab 11, Aqualiful 6, Mendoza 6, Anactia 4, Guevarra 3, Lacap 2, Difuntorum 2.

Quarter scores: 24-10, 37-35, 60-46, 86-70.

Fourth game:

Letran 55 – Guevarra 14, Cortes 10, Jazul 7, Foronda 6, Gutilban 4, J. Alas 4, del Rosario 4, K. Alas 3, Belencion 3, Datang 0, Taplah 0.

Adamson 46 – Yambot 9, Lozada 7, Canada 7, Nuyles 6, Margallo 5, Alvarez 4, Manyera 4, Colina 3, Santos 1, Sandoval 0, Importante 0.

Quarter scores: 10-12, 20-24, 38-37, 55-46.

THE University of the East Red Warriors stamped their class on the Mapua Cardinals in the first quarterfinal matchup of the 2009 Filoil Flying V MVP Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena after an 85-78 win last June 6, 2009.

The Red Warriors broke a 72-all deadlock with four minutes to go care of clutch baskets from veterans James Martinez and Pari Llagas. Martinez scored eight of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, while Llagas topscored with 18, 10 coming in the third period.

Despite the best efforts of the Cardinals’ top scorer Allan Mangahas, who had 18 points in the game, the quintet from Intramuros was still outscored, 21-15, in the final quarter.

A block by Elmer Espiritu with 2:40 to go in the final canto killed off much of the Cardinals’ momentum heading into the final stretch of the game. Warriors Martinez and Paul Lee then buried clutch three-point shots in between a triple by Mapua guard TG Guillermo, which gave UE the lead for good at 82-78 with 1:14 left.

Mapua led by as many as five, 57-52, in the 5:04 mark of the third quarter after UE head coach Lawrence Chongson was slapped a technical foul for protesting a referee’s call. But the Cardinals couldn’t capitalize as the unit from Recto closed out the third quarter with a 12-6 run to enter the final period with a 64-63 advantage.

The scores:

UE 85 - Llagas 18, Lee 16, Martinez 11, Espiritu 9, Zamar 6, Linganay 5, Alabanza 4, Duran 4, Sumido 4, Acuna 3, Flores 2, Tagorda 2, Reyes 1, Noble 0, Bandaying 0.

Mapua 78 - Mangahas 18, Guillermo 12, Cornejo 11, Acosta 11, Ranises 9, Cinco 6, Pascual 5, Soriano 3, Stevens 3, Espinosa 0, Magat 0, Parala 0, Sarangay 0.

Quarter scores: 19-17, 42-40, 64-63, 85-78.

UE took advantage of a depleted Far Eastern University quintet en route to a 63-56 victory in the first of three games at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City last June 5. James Martinez led the Red Warrior assault with 16 points while Elmer Espiritu and Paul Lee each contributed 10. The Red Warriors dominated proceedings from the get-go, leading by as many as 15 in the second quarter.

Reil Cervantes led the Tamaraws, who played sans Philippine Developmental Team mainstays Mark Barroca, JR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos, with 18 points.

In the second game, DLSU broke out of its slump with a convincing 94-81 triumph over Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The Green Archers overcame an eight-point deficit in the second quarter and turned the game around in the 7:17 mark of the final period, where they built their largest lead at 77-65. Forward Maui Villanueva had arguably his best game of the summer to lead La Salle with 16 points. RJ Jazul, meanwhile, led the Knights with 26 markers.

The battle of the champions, pitting NCAA kings San Beda College and UAAP titlists Ateneo de Manila, closed out the elimination round with the Red Lions defeating the Katipunan unit, 80-71. After a close first quarter, the three-time, defending NCAA champions pulled away thanks to the exploits of Garvo Lanete and rookie center Sudan Daniel.

Lanete scored 21 points while Daniel netted 17 for the Mendiola outfit, whose cause was also bolstered by double-digit scoring outputs from Bam Gamalinda, Jake Pascual and Chico Tirona. The trio combined for 36 huge points, offsetting Eric Salamat’s 20-point production for the Blue Eagles.

The quarterfinal round kicks off this Saturday, June 6, with a lone matchup between UE and Mapua. The Cardinals qualified for the knockout round despite a 3-4 win-loss record after Ateneo (5-2) pulled out of the tournament. The Blue Eagles will be flying to Cebu for a series of scrimmages. On Wednesday, June 10, the quarters resume with Adamson taking on San Sebastian, San Beda and De La Salle slugging it out and Jose Rizal locking horns with FEU. All games will still be played at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

The scores:

First game:

UE 63 – Martinez 16, Espiritu 10, Lee 10, Llagas 8, Acuña 7, Duran 4, Alabanza 4, Zamar 3, Lingganay 1, Bandaying 0, Reyes 0.

FEU 56 – Cervantes 18, Garcia 12, Sanga 8, Noundou 6, Vinluan 4, Tanuan 3, Knuttel 3, Caluag 2, Exciminiano 0, Cruz 0, Eguilos 0, Manalo 0, Romero 0.

Quarter scores: 17-10, 32-24, 44-39, 63-56.

Second game:

De La Salle 94 – Villanueva 16, Malabes 12, Mangahas 11, Bringas 8, Webb 8, Co 8, Revilla 7, Bagatsing 6, Atkins 5, Barua 4, Marata 3, Andrada 2, Tolentino 2, Banal 2, Reyes 0.

Letran 81 – Jazul 26, Guevarra 14, Belencion 12, K. Alas 10, del Rosario 6, J. Alas 4, Malabago 3, Cortes 3, Taplah 2, Gutilban 1, Foronda 0.

Quarter scores: 21-23, 42-41, 69-64, 94-81.

Third game:

San Beda 80 – Lanete 21, Daniel 17, Gamalinda 13, Pascual 12, Tirona 11, Villahermosa 4, Taganas 2, Koga 0, Tecson 0, Marcelo 0, Soliman 0.

Ateneo 71 – Salamat 20, Al-Hussaini 12, Reyes 11, Long 11, Baclao 6, Buenafe 6, Salva 3, Chua 2, Tiongson 0, Austria 0, Gonzaga 0, Baldos 0, Sumalinog 0, de Chavez 0, Golla 0.

Quarter scores: 19-19, 39-31, 62-53, 80-71.

The University of the East Red Warriors turned a heavily anticipated matchup into a blowout by trouncing the young Green Archers, 74-63 in the penultimate elimination round playdate of the 2009 Filoil Flying V MVP Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena last June 3.

A tight contest during the opening 20 minutes of action turned into a living nightmare for De La Salle as James Martinez scored 10 of his 15 points in the second half to help UE break the game wide open. The Warriors led by as many as 20, 68-48, with 8:19 left in the fourth quarter via a Martinez triple. The Taft unit managed to trim down the deficit, but it was too little, too late as UE notched its fifth win in six games. DLSU, meanwhile, dropped to 3-3.

The loss was La Salle’s sixth consecutive overall this summer when factoring in the Nike Summer League as well. Peejay Barua led the Archers with 17 points, while Arvie Bringas scored 10.

In earlier games, the University of the Philippines ended its campaign on a high after erasing the hapless National University Bulldogs, 72-47. NU failed to capitalize on the absence of UP top guns Woody Co and Martin Reyes, and trailed by as many as 30 points in the second half.

Magi Sison led the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, while Mike Silungan netted 17. Bulldogs big man Jewel Ponferrada tallied 14 markers in a losing cause.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian College-Recoletos survived a pesky College of Saint Benilde quintet in a battle of much-improved NCAA quintets, 71-66. The Stags seemed to have the game under control, leading by as many as 14 points in the second quarter. An impressive Blazer surge, though, put CSB within striking distance at the half and the rest of the way. Clutch baskets by Dexter Maiquez and Jonathan Semira, however, gave San Sebastian its sixth win in seven outings.

Forward Gilbert Bulawan led the Stags with 19 points, while rookie Mark de Guzman paced the Blazers with 10, eight of which came in the third quarter.

The scores:

First game:

UP 72 – Sison 19, Silungan 17, Lopez 7, Astorga 7, Mi. Reyes 6, Gingerich 4, Braganza 4, Juruena 4, Lao 2, Hipolito 2, Marfori 0.

NU 47 – Ponferrada 14, Singh 9, Baloran 7, Hermosisima 7, Terso 3, Batac 3, Tungcul 2, Lapore 1, Cabaluna 1, Luy 0, Magat 0, Fabula 0, Donahue 0, Roy 0, Manito 0, Malanday 0.

Quarter scores: 23-11, 33-20, 54-33, 72-47.

Second game:

San Sebastian 71 – Bulawan 19, Aquino 10, Maiquez 9, Sangalang 8, Maconocido 6, Pascual 5, Najorda 4, Dizon 3, Semira 3, E. Gatchalian 2, Raymundo 2, Gusi 0, del Rio 0.

St. Benilde 66 – de Guzman 10, Mañalac 9, dela Paz 9, Lastimosa 7, Dalanon 6, Morial 6, Tan 6, Argamino 5, Abolucion 4, Manlapaz 3, Umlas 1, Wong 0, Sia 0.

Quarter scores: 20-13, 32-32, 50-50, 71-66.

Third game:

UE 74 – Martinez 15, Espiritu 14, Lee 12, Llagas 9, Acuña 6, Lingganay 4, Tagarda 4, Bandaying 3, Noble 2, Acibar 2, Duran 2, Reyes 1, Pelopero 0, Zamar 0, Alabanza 0, Sumido 0.

De La Salle 63 – Barua 17, Bringas 10, Webb 9, Bagatsing 6, Marata 5, Villanueva 4, Tolentino 4, Banal 3, Revilla 2, Mangahas 2, Andrada 1, Atkins 0, Co 0, Reyes 0.

Quarter scores: 23-19, 43-38, 65-47, 74-63.

It took two overtime periods for the Pirates to defeat the UAAP powerhouse for the second time in the tournament and book their place in the quarterfinal round via a 73-72 squeaker last June 2 at the FEU Gym.

Lyceum, which trailed by as much as 13 points early in the game, had nothing to lose as it climbed back into the game and forced the Green Archers to commit turnovers in the second quarter.

It was at the 1:06 mark of the third period that Lyceum first grabbed the lead through a Reggie Rimando basket. A see-saw battle ensued thereafter with Lyceum leading by as many as seven points – their biggest in the game – with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter. The game momentarily ground to a halt after technical fouls were slapped on Lyceum’s Jerard Ong and DLSU’s Simon Atkins. Five straight points by Peejay Barua and a two-pointer by Kish Co forced a 58-all deadlock after 40 minutes of action.

In the first overtime period, La Salle drew first blood but was held scoreless in the last three minutes, giving Lyceum the chance to rattle in five straight points to force another extra five minutes.

Down the stretch in the second overtime, the Pirates missed a total of four free throws. At the 1:19 mark, Lyceum increased its lead to five thanks to a three-pointer by Joseph Abaya. This was canceled out by Peejay Barua’s own trey, which trimmed the DLSU deficit to two, 73-71, with 1:06 remaining. Green Archer playmaker LA Revilla was then sent to the free throw line with 35 ticks left and split his charities to cut the Pirate lead to one, 73-72.

The Intramuros-based squad’s failure to convert in the ensuing possession gave DLSU the opportunity to take the game. However, Revilla failed to set a play in the final 15 seconds, handing Lyceum the last quarterfinal ticket and a matchup with San Beda College.

Abaya topscored for the Pirates with 25 points while Chris Aqualiful added 15 points and 17 rebounds. Barua, on the other hand, had 22 markers for the Green and White.

The scores:

Lyceum-Manila 73 – Abaya 25, Aqualiful 15, Rimando 10, Guevarra 8, Difuntorum 8, Anactia 5, Ong 2, Cayabyab 0, Mendoza 0.

De La Salle 72 — Barua 22, Bagatsing 9, Malabes 9, Villanueva 8, Mangahas 7, Co 6, Revilla 5, Mendoza 3, Tolentino 2, Atkins 0, Webb 0, Marata 0, Andrada 0, Banal 0.

Quarter scores: 13-20, 25-28, 44-39, 61-61 (1st OT), 66-66 (2nd OT), 73-72.

DLSU went ahead with a 6-0 spurt to cut down Adamson’s lead to just 6 in the 3rd Quarter.  Adamson countered with a 10-0 run to extend their lead to 16-points with 3 minutes remaining in the 3rd period. Falcons rookie Allen Etrone opened the final period with 5- point to his credit.

Adamson’s biggest lead stood at 22-points early in the 4th period.  Leo Canuday topscored for the Adamson Falcons with 14-points.  Jerick Canada had 11 points alongside Allen Etrone also with 11-points all in the 4th period. James Mangahas top scored for the Green Archers with 11-points.

Adamson ended their elimination round campaign with a 6-1 slate,while De La salle dropped to 3-2.

In the opener, National University ran away with their first win, 79-69 at the expense of the Mapua Cardinals. Mapua even led at the 1st half, 37-31. It was late in the third period when NU regained the laed 52-49 courtesy of Kokoy Hermosisima’s 8 point production.  It was NU’s first win in six outings. Mapua meanwhile dropped to 3-4 ending their elimination round campaign.

The San Beda Red Lions, finally arriving in the tournament after their annual US Training, almost lost the game to UP, 93-84, after a scary 1st half.  UP looked like they were headed for an upset after leading by as much as 10 points in the 3rd quarter. Excellent passing and pressure defense worked wonders for the Red Lions as they entered the 4th period down by only 6-points. The Red Lions started off the Final period with a 5-0 blistering run to trim UP’s lead.

The Red Lions improved their standings to 3-3.  UP dropped to 1-5.

Box Scores:

1st game:

National U 79 — Singh 22, Hermosisima 18, Baloran 10, Batac 8, Fabula 7, Roy 6, Ponferrada 5, Terso 2, Magat 1, Luy 0, Calma 0, Tungcul 0, Donahue 0, Cabaluna 0, Manito 0.

Mapua 69 — Mangahas 19, Guillermo 13, Cornejo 9, Acosta 9, Pascual 4, R. Magat 4, Sarangay 3, Ranises 3, Soriano 3, Stevens 0, Parala 0, Espinosa 0.

QUARTER SCORES: 13-23, 31-37, 52-49, 79-69

2nd game:

Adamson 83 — Canuday 14,Manera 12, Canada 11, Etrone 11, Colina 9, Cabrera 8, Galinato 6, Nuyles 5, Importante 3, Santos 2, Lozada 2, Camson 0, Alvarez 0, Yambot 0.

DLSU 65 — Mangahas 11, Malabes 11, Barua 9, Marata 8, WEbb 6, Bringas 6, Co 4, Bagatsing 4, Atkins 2, Tolentino 2, Paredes 2, Banal 0, Revilla 0, Reyes 0, Andrada 0.

QUARTER SCORES: 20-11, 36-24, 60-41, 83-65.

3rd game:

San Beda 93 — Daniels 29, Lanete 20, Pascual 14, Gamalinda 9, Marcelo 7, Tecson 6, Soliman 4, Villahermosa 2, Tirona 2, Caram 0.

UP 84 — Silungan 30, Ma Reyes 17, Juruena 10, Mi Reyes 9, Astorga 8, Gamboa 5, Padilla 3, Marfori 2, Gingerich 0, HIpolito 0, Lopez 0.

QUARTER SCORES: 20-20, 46-49, 67-72, 93-84.

With the summer leagues going full swing, college basketball season is slowly but surely starting to hog the sports headlines.  The UAAP is definitely where my interest lies.  As I was recuperating from my accident, I was thinking of last year and what are the things to watch out for in Season 72.

Officiating:

Will the referees again decide the games?  After last year’s horrendous officiating, the UAAP Board has to make sure that there is a vast improvement in the way the games are called.

NABRO has been replaced and rightfully so.  This year’s host, FEU, was many times the victim of the shabby and at times suspiciously shady calls by the refs.  The bad calls made on FEU last year resulted in suspensions for the referees concerned.

Word has it that the officiating chores will be handled by either BRASCU or the pool of referees from the SBP.  If it goes to the latter, then the league may once again experience questionable officiating (more on this later in the article).

Commissioner:

With Joe Lipa as the new UAAP Commissioner, there can only be improvement here.  Last year was the worst impersonation of a Commissioner ever done.  It started on the very first playing day with the ID fiasco called on DLSU coach Franz Pumaren.  It just went downhill from there.

The responsibilities of the Commissioner cannot be taken for granted.  Based on last year’s experience, it is quite obvious how the position can make or break the way the tournament is run.  There can be no doubt as to the capabilities of the person occupying the position.

Joe Lipa did a great job as the NCAA Commissioner last year and even if he was the coach of the UP and Ateneo squads, I am very confident that he will act with integrity and fairness.

Samahan Basketbol ng Pilipinas:

This is a very delicate matter that needs to be addressed.  We saw how the head of the SBP almost single-handedly stopped the finals of the NCAA when he allegedly communicated with the head of the PBL referees and complained about the officiating in Game 2 of the NCAA Finals.  This led to the decision by the head of the PBL referees to pull out their officials for Game 3.  Panic ensued and only a last minute meeting of the NCAA Board with PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad saved Game 3.  It is also worth noting that the NCAA Commissioner Joe Lipa also had a big hand in saving the finals.

It’s no secret that the patriarch of the SBP is the financial backer of the team that lost that Game 2 finals match. That alleged interference was totally uncalled for.

This same SBP head has been rumored to be lobbying for the UAAP to use the SBP pool of referees.  I pray that the UAAP does not use them.  Allegedly, Commissioner Joe Lipa is not keen on obtaining their services and I hope that the UAAP Commissioner stands his ground.

The SBP should stay away from the collegiate leagues and instead should manage the sport of basketball as a whole.  The last collegiate league that the SBP got involved in was the Philippine Collegiate Championships and we all know how that ended.  They reneged on their promise to send the winning team to the Universiade in Serbia and have not even made any effort to make a public apology or any restitution for their irresponsibility.

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THE UAAP AND THE NCAA!

Eligibility:

This early, there are already rumors of eligibility problems for some players.  There are those who are allegedly scrambling to complete their academic requirements and then there are those who seem to have doubtful eligibility papers.

There is a one player worth mentioning.  He is a rookie who was at the center of the controversy that led to the suspension and eventual departure of PCU from the NCAA.  It was found that this player had forged identification papers which showed he was not who he said he was.  He is now in the UAAP.

The Return of the Smart Gilas Players:

There will be a number of players from the Smart Gilas Philippine Team who will return to the UAAP.  FEU is the biggest beneficiary of this return with Barroca, Cawaling and Ramos getting tremendous international exposure.  Ateneo will also benefit with the return of Al Hussaini and Buenafe.

But the one player who has shown the biggest improvement is undoubtedly Mark Barroca.  He has impressed even the coaches of the opposing teams.  He was already the most consistent Tamaraw last year and may just be the pre-season choice for MVP of the UAAP.

Players Who Are Gone:

It will be interesting to see what teams will be greatly affected by the loss of their best players.  La Salle will no longer have Casio and Maierhofer.   Ateneo’s Chris Tiu will no longer don the blue and white.  Marcy Arellano of UE will no longer play.  FEU’s Baracael, whose shooting incident last year sparked the Tamaraws, is also gone.  UST will definitely miss the presence of Jervy Cruz.

My opinion is that both La Salle and Ateneo will miss their star players most.  Casio and Maierhofer are not players that can be easily replaced.  Coach Pumaren’s good fortune is that he has had a bumper crop of rookies this year and this might just soften the impact.

Ateneo will definitely need to find someone to fill in the shoes left by Tiu.  They may easily find a replacement in terms of skills but it is in the area of leadership where Tiu really will be missed.   He polarized his team and many times willed them to victory.  It may take more than a season to find someone who cast such a giant shadow of influence as Chris Tiu has done in the last 2 years.

Rookies:

This year’s rookie class will be a very notable one.  La Salle seems to have gotten the edge in local talents after bagging Arvie Bringas.  Coach Pumaren is still uncertain who among his other rookies will make the cut.  Several RP Youth standouts are also in the DLSU squad.

FEU is also parading a prize catch in Cameroonian Pipo Nandou.  He will be an impressive addition to an all already impressive team.

With no final line-ups yet, it will be an exciting year for the 2009 UAAP rookie class.

The Heavy Bombers had an 18-point production in the 2nd periord then limited the Red Warriors to just 5-points right before halftime.

JR Sena paced the Heavy Bombers with 26 points, 9-points in the 4th quarter. Paul Lee top scored for the Red Warriors with 16points.  The 3rd period ended with the game tied at 50-all with UE outscoring JRU, 21-12.

In the 2nd game, San Sebastian improved their record to 5-1 with 79-62 triumph over the Perpetual Help Altas.  The Golden Stags got steady performances from veterans Jimbo Aquino and Gilbert Bulawan who finished the game with 18 points apiece. The Altas, using an 8-man rotation, was paced by Raffy Union with 18 points.

In the  3rd game, the Adamson Falcons had a narrow escape with a 67-65 victory over the FEU Tamaraws courtesy of a  breakaway layup by Lester Alvarez.  The game was tied at 65-all with 6.9 secs left in the final quarter when Alvarez  delivered the winning basket.  Adamson and San Sebatian are now tied with a similar 5-1 record in Group A while FEU dropped to 3-3 in Group B.

Pipo Noundou and Ryan Garcia topscored for the Tamaraws with 12 points apiece while Lester Alvarez chipped had 15 points for the Falcons.

BOX SCORES:

1st game:

JRU 68 — Sena 26, Cagoco 12, Wilson 9, Njei 8, Hayes 5, Matute 3, Apinan 3, Bulangis 2, Montemayor 0, Lopez 0, Kabigting 0, Onde 0, Agas 0.

UE  64 — Lee 16, Llagas 14, Espiritu 10, Martinez 8, Acuna 6, Reyes 4, Zamar 2, Sumido 2, Lingganay 2, Acibar 0, Alabanza 0, Duran 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 20-24, 38-29, 50-50, 68-64

2nd game:

SSC-R 79 — Aquino 18, Bulawan 18, Najorda 12, Semira 8, Maconocido 7, Sangalang 5, Pascual 4, Raymundo 3, Maiquez 2, Gusi 2, Abueva 0, Del Rio 0, Gatchalian 0.

UPHSD 62 — Ynion 18, Galabin 15, Carullo 12, Elopre 9, Vivero 4, Salvado 2, Liaz 2, Salanga 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 13-17, 29-31, 56-48, 79-62

3rd game:

Adamson 67 — Alvarez 15, Nuyles 10, Colina 10, Manera 8, Lozada 7, Canada 5, Canuday 5, Etrone 3, Galinato 2, Santos 2, Importante 0, Yambot 0, Camson 0, Cabrera 0, Sandoval 0.

FEU 65 — Noundou 12, Garcia 12, Tanuan 11, Cervantes 8, Sanga 7, Exciminiano 5, Eguilos 4, Knuttel 2, Vinluan 2, Caluag 2.

QUARTER SCORING: 16-14, 31-30, 51-42, 67-65.

The Golden Stags showed no mercy on the hapless Green Archers who scored a measly 13 points against the 30-point production of the Golden Stags in the 1st period.

Led by Jimbo Aquino, has a supporting cast that includes rookie Ian Sangalang and Raymond Maconocido who produced 12-points and 10-points respectively for San Sebastian. The Green Archers had another scoring drought with only 10 points in the 2nd period against the 25 points of San Sebastian.

San Sebastian’s biggest lead in the ballgame came in at the 8:16 minute mark in the 3rd quarter with a whopping 33-point margin.  In the 4th period, De La Salle managed to bring down their deficit to 14-points with under 3 minutes left in the game.  Jimbo Aquino led the Golden Stags with 18-points while De La Salle rookie and former Staglets, Arvie Bringas, had 12-points.

The Adamson Falcons had their 4th straight victory at the expense of the National University Bulldogs, 65-57, to solidify their campaign towards the quarterfinals. Adamson led most of the way with a balanced scoring attack with Lester Alvarez leading the pack for the Falcons with 11 points followed by Janus Lozada with 10-points. Mervin Baloran top scored for the Bulldogs with 20-points.

In the opener, the College of St. Benilde Blazers survived in double overtime to clinch their 2nd win in 6 outings by outlasting the UP Fighting Maroons, 98-94. UP led majority of the first half only to succumb to the Blazers late in the 4th quarter.  Rookie Carlo Lastimosa carried the scoring load for the Blazers with 21 points.   Mikee Reyes and Martin Reyes had a combined 40 points for the Fighting Maroons.

Box Scores:

1st Game

CSB  98 – Lastimosa 21, De Guzman 16, Manlapaz 15, Argamino 14, Dela Paz 8, Morial 7, Wong 4, Abolucion 4, Sia 4, Umlas 3, Tan 2, Martinez 0, Tajonera 0, MAnalac 0.

UP 94 – Mi. Reyes 21, Ma. Reyes 19, Co 17, Juruena 14, Padilla 10, Astorga 9, Gamboa 4, Hipolito 0, Gomez 0, Marfori 0, Sison 0, Lao 0, Braganza, Gingerich 0.

Quarters: 18-23, 39-44, 57-48, 84-84 (reg), 88-88 (1st OT), 98-94 (2nd OT)

2nd game:

Adamson 65- Alvarez 11, Lozada 10, Galinato 7, Canuday 7, Manyara 6, Colina 6, Nuyles 5, Cabrera 4, Canada 3, Santos 3, Etrone 3, Importante 0, Yambot 0, Camson 0, Sandoval 0.

NU 57- Baloran 20, Cabaluna 8, Fabula 8, Luy 5, Donahue 5, Magat 5, Singh 4, Tungcul 2, Batac 0, Roy 0, Manito 0.

Quarters: 24-13, 38-23, 57-42, 65-57

3rd Game:

SSC-R 73 – Aquino 18, Maconocido 12, Sangalang 10, Raymundo 7, Najorda 7, Pascual 6, Abueva 5, Del Rio 5, Bulawan 2, Semira 0.

DLSU 59 – Bringas 12, Malabes 10, Webb 8, Bagatsing 7, Mangahas 6, Barua 4, Paredes 4, Banal 3, Tolentino 3, Revilla 2, Atkins 0, Co 0, MArata 0, Andrada 0, Reyes 0.

Quarter Scores: 30-13, 55-23, 63-41, 73-59

It was a non-bearing game for CCM but a very important one for Lyceum.  Lyceum outscored CCM   in the 3rd  quarter, 28-9. In the 4th period, Lyceum spearheaded by Jerard Ong pounded on CCM for a chance to clinch 1 of the top 2 places in Group C. Jerard Ong led the Lyceum Pirates with 13 points. Dela Cruz topped CCM with 31 points.

In the main game, FEU now playing with a complete lineup with Mark Barroca, JR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos back in the line-up.    The FEU Tamaraws prevailed with a 67-66 win over the De La Salle Green Archers minus James Mangahas and Arvie Bringas and are now in a difficult situation in Group C.

DLSU had a 5-point edge at the end of the 1st period.  The Green Archers closed the half with a 6-point  , 29-23 halftime lead. In the 3rd period, 3 straight baskets by Bader Malabes sparked things up for the Green Archers but FEU tied the knot at 40 all with 3:56 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Reil Cervantes was slapped with a technial foul for throwing an elbow in a rebound play.

In the 4th quarter, FEU grabbed the lead, 56-55 at the 5:34 minute mark.  Reil Cervantes led FEU with  12 points while JR Cawaling and Mark Barroca had 11-points and 10 points respectively. Bader Malabes had 19 points for DLSU.

A DLSU loss and a Lyceum win created a 3 way tie for 2nd place in Group C.  DLSU and Lyceum will have a knockout game this coming Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 3pm at the FEU gym for the final slot to complete the Elite 8 in the Seniors Division of the NSL 2009. The winner will face San Beda College in the Quarterfinals which will commence on June 4, 2009 also at the FEU Gym.

BOX SCORES:

1st game

LYCEUM Manila 81 — Ong 13, Difuntorum 12, Aqualiful 12, Anactia 122, Doligon 10, Guevarra 6, Abaya 6, Cayabyab 5, Rimando 3, Mendoza 2, Del Rosario 0, Igtiben 0.

CCM 64 — Dela Cruz 31, Quinones 10, Arambola 9, Crisostomo I 6, Crisostomo J 4, Estacio 4, Montilla 2, Sy 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 21-18, 34-32, 62-41, 81-64

2nd game

FEU 67 — Cervantes 12, Cawaling 11, Barroca 10,  Garcia 8, Ramos 7, Noundou 7, Tanuan 5, Sanga 4, Exciminiano 3, Knuttel 0, Eguilos 0.

DLSU 66 — Malabes 19, Barua 13, Co 13, Bagatsing 5, Webb 4, Mendoza 4, Andrada 4, Revilla 2, Banal 2, Villanueva 0, Tolentino 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 10-15, 23-29, 42-47, 67-66

With 5 minutes left in regulation, Mapua was still in front, 77-65.   Aaron Umlas and Carlo Lastimosa kept the fire burning for the Blazers with a 12-0 run then tied the game at 77-all 42.5 seconds remaining in the game. A short jumper by Mark Acosta gave back the edge back to the Cardinals, 79-77.   Allan Mangahas led the Cardinals with 16 points with Mark Acosta adding 15-points. Carlo Lastimosa had 23-points for the Blazers.

In the 2nd game, the UP Fighting Maroons asserted its supremacy with a 87-63 win over the Perpetual Help Altas. An 11-0 unanswered run by the Fighting Maroons late in the 2nd period was the turning point in the game. Woody Co led the Diliman cagers with 17 points. Chris Elopre and Nat Salanga scored 12 points apiece to lead the Altas.

BOX SCORES:

1st game:

MIT 81- Mangahas 16, Acosta 15, Sarangay 12, Gullermo 10, Cornejo 8, Soriano 8, Parala 5, Cinco 4, Ranises 3, Espinosa 0, Stevens 0, Magat 0, Pascual 0

CSB 77- Lastimosa 23, Manlapaz 10, Morial 9, De guzman 7, Umlas 7, Wong 5, Dalanon 5, tan 4, Martinez 2, Abolucion 2, Sia 2, Argamino 1, Dela Paz 0, Tajonera 0, Manalac 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 22-22, 36-32, 63-55, 81-77

JR Sena suited up but did not play. John Wilson led the JRU Heavy Bombers with a conference-high 32 points with 24 -points in the 4th period despite being late due to his current engagement with his PBL team.

With 3:14 minutes left in the 4th period, Pamboy Raymundo was ejected from the game after being  slapped with his 2nd unsportsmanlike foul.

San Sebastian only scored 8-points in overtime against the Heavy Bombers 14 point production in the extra period.

JRU Head Coach Ariel Vanguardia had this to say about his Heavy Bombers, “John Wilson is a scorer, no doubt that’s why we went to him in crunch time.   Our pressure defense worked in the crucial minutes.

In the curtain-raiser, Letran defeated the NU Bulldogs, 72-61, in a non-bearing match for both teams.   Rey Guevarra, who just arrived last night (May 21) from Jakarta after a stint with the Smart Gilas Developmental Team led the Knights with 19 points. Rookie Ajeet Singh led the Bulldogs with 17- points.

BOX SCORES:

1st game:

LETRAN 72 — Guevarra 19, Cortes 13, Gutilban 9, Jazul 6, Malabago 6, Taplah 6, J. Alas 4, Foronda 3, Pantin 2, Publico 2, K.Alas 1, Datang 1, Del Rosario 0, Ang 0.

NU 61 — Singh 17, Magat 10, Ponferrada 8, Baloran 5, Hermosisima 5, Tungcul 5, Batac 5, Cabaluna 3, Luy 2, Manito 1, Terso 0, Calma 0, Fabula 0, Donahue 0, Roy 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 19-17, 29-28, 47-42, 72-61

2nd game:

JRU 81 — Wilson 32, Hayes 15, Cagoco 10, Njei 8, Apinan 6, Agas 4, Lopez 2, Montemayor 2, Bulangis 2, Salazar 0, Matute 0, Pacheco 0, Kabigting 0, Miranda 0, Onde 0.

SSC-R 75 — Sangalang 13, Raymundo 11, Aquino 10, Pascual 10, Bulawan 9, Abueva 8, Najorda 6, Semira 3, Gatchalian 3, Del Rio 2.

QUARTER SCORING: 14-18, 24-29, 42-47, 67-67(reg), 81-75 (OT)

The Pirates, led by Joseph Abaya, pressured the Green Archers to commit costly turnovers in the dying moments of the game.  Lyceum pulled off the biggest upset so far in the 2009 Nike Summer League 2009.

Peejay Barua led the Green Archers with 23-points while Joseph Abaya had 17 points and 3 rebounds for Lyceum.

BOX SCORES:

LYCEUM 74 — Abaya 17, Ong 14, Guevarra 13, Aqualiful 11, Igtiben 10, Rimando 4, Difuntorum 3, Cayabyab 2, Doligon 0, Lacap 0, Anactia 0.

DLSU 73 — Barua 23, Mangahas 12, Malabes 11, Webb 8, Banal 5, Villanueva 4, Marata 3, Tolentino 3, Bringas 2, Bagatsing 2, Revilla 0, Andrada 0, Reyes 0, Mendoza 0, Co 0, Manguera 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 13-21, 33-40, 56-61, 74-73

It was a hotly contested 1st period as the Golden Stags, with Jimbo Aquino and Rookie Ian Sangalang  leading the way, secured the driver’s seat, 37-24. Romeo Fotue was the only player from the Generals scoring in double digits with 17- points to his credit. San Sebastian, 2nd place in Group A, will battle Group D leader, Jose Rizal University, in the Quarterfinals.

Jimbo Aquino led the Golden Stags with 18 points and 7 rebounds.

In the other knockout match, the Perpetual Help Altas went on a scoring spree with a 76-53 beating of FEATI to secure 2nd place in Group B.  Altas rookie Jason Salvado paced the team with 21- points.

BOX SCORES:

1st game

SSCR 72 — Aquino 18, Sangalang 12, Abueva 10, Pascual 8, Semira 8, Raymundo 4, Bulawan 3, Del Rio 3, Gatchalian 2.

EAC 59 — Fotue 17, Lapitan 10, Cubo 5, Anquilo 5, Chiong 5, Sablan 5, Diolanto 3, Mendoza 2, Liwag 2, Del Rosario 2, Jabaybay 2, Chee Hou 1, Tuazon 0, Villegas 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 17-17, 37-24, 59-38, 72-59

2nd game

UPHSD 76 — Salvado 21, Elopre 17, Vivero 13, Salanga 9, Ynion 6, Galabin 3, Rono 3, Carullo 2,, Sicat 2, Liaz 0, Dela Cruz 0.

FEATI 63 — Dela Cruz 23, Relova 13, Pineda 12, Ramos 8, Patian 6, Gonzalez 5, Tuano 4, Monsale 0, Santos 0, Tamayo 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 13-11, 38-24, 57-43, 76-63

John Wilson took charge by scoring 13 of his 20 points in the 2nd half.  Jaypeen Belencion, Letran’s top-gunner so far during the preseason, will be out for at least 4 weeks with a knee injury.

Reymar Gutilban might see action for the Letran Knights when they battle the UPHSD Altas on May 22. Kevin Alas paced the Knights with 13 points but eventually fouled out of the ball game with still under 1 minute remaining.  John Wilson led the Heavy Bombers with 20 points.

In the final game of the FilOil Preseason Tournament, Adamson helplessly pounced on the UPHSD Altas, 81-57. The Falcons currently have 3-1 win-loss record in the tournament.

Adamson established a 23-point lead by the end of the 3rd period.  Austin Manera paced the Falcons with 12-points. Rommel Vivero had 17-points for the Altas.

BOX SCORES:

1st game

ADAMSON 81 — Manera 12, Canada 10, Nuyles 10, Camson 8, Cabrera 8, Colina 6, Importante 5, Santos 5, Galinato 4, Margallo 4, Canuday 3, Lapitan 2, Alvarez 2, Yambot 2, Lozada 0, Etrone 0.

UPHSD 57 — Vivero 17, Ynion 12, Galabin 12,Salanga 6, Carullo 5, Rono 3, Salvado 2, Elorpe 0, Liaz 0, Sicat 0, Villadores 0, Suyat 0, Dickens 0, Hainga 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 22-13, 35-23, 61-38, 81-57.

2nd game

JRU 71 — Wilson 20, Hayes 18, Kabigting 8, Bulangis 6, Lopez 6, Matute 5, Njei 5, Montemayor 2, Apinan 1, Salazar 0, Cagoco 0, Onde 0, Agas 0.

LETRAN 53 — K. Alas 13, Cortes 11, Malabago 10, Taplah 7, Foronda 6, Del Rosario 4, J. Alas 2, Datang 0, Pantin 0, Ang 0.

QUARTER SCORING: 13-17, 28-29, 46-43, 71-53.