FEU trips Adamson, La Salle stuns UST in UAAP

(From Inquirer)

Defense-minded Far Eastern University showcased its remarkable shooting this time to roll to a sixth straight triumph on Sunday.

The unbeaten Tamaraws recorded the league’s highest shooting percentage in seven years to clip the Adamson Falcons, 74-65, and strengthen their hold of top spot in the 73rd UAAP men’s basketball tournament, on Sunday, at the PhilSports Arena.

RR Garcia led a balanced offensive with 16 points as the Tamaraws registered an impressive 57.4 percent shooting clip and pushed the Falcons to a share of third with the idle Ateneo Blue Eagles at 3-2.

The Tamaraws’ shooting clip was the highest since Sept. 4, 2003, when University of the East shot 60 percent in its 80-69 triumph over National University.

FEU veteran Aldrech Ramos collected 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while Cameroonian Pipo Noundou posted 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Tamaraws.

“I know that the other teams are focusing their defense on me, so it’s good that everyone’s contributing,” said Garcia, a former RP Youth team member.

The Tamaraws posted a staggering 60.7 shooting clip in the first half and took a 42-32 advantage, before stretching the gap to as many as 15 points, 58-43, in the third quarter.

But Capacio said the Tamaraws, who would shoot for a first-round sweep against the Tigers on Saturday, need to work on their end game.

“I’m not happy with our finish; we had turnovers down the stretch,” said Capacio.

Alex Nuyles, who shot a game-high 23 points, towed the Falcons to within 58-51, before the Tamaraws responded with a 14-5 spurt to erect a 72-56 lead.

While the title-favorite Tamaraws continued to live up to their billing, La Salle’s young Green Archers sustained their aggressive run by grabbing solo second after downing the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 61-53, in the second game.

The Archers raced to a 19-point advantage, 41-22, and bucked the Tigers’ fourth-quarter rally to clinch their fourth victory in six games. UST slipped to fifth at 3-3.

“I can’t say anything more, I’m proud of the boys,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio. “From our first group to the third group, the intensity was the same. Offensively and defensively, this is our best game.”

In the La Salle versus UST game, Jovet Mendoza topscored with 16 points, but the Archers also drew solid games from rookies Almond Vosotros and Luigi dela Paz.

“Our gameplan was to play defense above the three-point area because we know UST loves to shoot,” said La Salle coach Dindo Pumaren.

The scores:

First Game

FEU 74 —Garcia 16, Ramos 13, Noundou 11, Knuttel 10, Exciminiano 8, Cervantes 6, Cawaling 5, Romeo 3, Cruz 2, Mendoza 0, Bringas 0, Sanga 0.

ADAMSON 65 —Nuyles 23, Cañada 11, Camson 8, Alvarez 7, Colina 4, Cabrera 4, Stinnett 2, Manyara 2, Lozada 2, Basillio 2, Etrone 0, Galinato 0.

Quarters: 24-18, 42-32, 58-49, 74-65

Second Game

LA SALLE 61 —Mendoza 12, Vosotros 8, Dela Paz 8, Villanueva 8, Atkins 7, Tolentino 6, Andrada 6, Tampus 2, Paredes 2, Marata 2, Webb 0, Ferdinand 0.

UST 53 —Bautista 18, Camus 13, Mariano 8, Afuang 6, Pe 4, Teng 2, Fortuna 2, Daquioag 0, Marquez

Quarters: 15-12, 37-22, 47-33, 61-53

San Sebastian shoots for win No. 6

(From Manila Bulletin)

August 2, 2010, 8:25am

Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. — SSC-R vs CSB (Jrs)
12 noon — EAC vs Mapua (Jrs)
2 p.m. — SSC-R vs CSB (Srs)
4 p.m. — EAC vs Mapua (Srs)

Expect another gung-ho performance from Calvin “The Beast” Abueva as San Sebastian College goes for win No. 6 and the solo lead against College of St. Benilde Monday in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Game time is at 2 p.m. with the Stags, owing to their deeper bench, installed the heavy favorites against the Blazers, who are seeking an end to their two-game skid after winning their initial assignment opposite Arellano University.

The defending champion Stags are hoping for their sixth straight victory that will move them ahead of San Beda College (5-0).

Mapua Institute of Technology tries to follow up its lopsided win against Letran three days ago when the Cardinals mix it up at 4 p.m. against the rejuvenated Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The 6-foot-3 Abueva, who produced a monster game of 16 points and 15 rebounds on top of four steals in the Stags' 72-59 triumph against Jose Rizal University last Friday, will continue to be the prime offensive weapon of San Sebastian.

"He's one reason why we are winning. Even during the practice he plays the same aggressiveness and intensity," Agustin said of Abueva, a Pampanga native, a strong contender for this season's MVP plum.

Marata, Lanete named as week's top collegiate cagers

(From GMA News)

Two players who came from basketball-oriented families unleashed their firepower and towed their respective teams to victories in the UAAP and NCAA men’s basketball tournaments.

Samuel Joseph Marata, nephew of the late Ric-Ric Marata, and Garvo Lanete, younger brother of PBA guard Chico Lanete, were the hands down choice for Players of the Week by the scribes covering the country’s premier collegiate games.

The younger Marata tore a page from his uncle’s gun-slinging ways in the Philippine Basketball Association as he kept his La Salle Archers on target to shoot down archrival and two-time defending champion Ateneo Eagles, 66-63, in their teams’ first encounter in the UAAP this season.

Samuel connected on all his four three-point attempts, including two inside the final minute, as the Archers completed a dramatic come-from-behind victory.

With Marata hitting the lights out, La Salle was able to snap a six-game losing skein against Ateneo dating back 2008.

"I think it was him," said Marata, referring to his uncle regarded as one of the best shooters in the history of local basketball. "Maybe, he guided those shots, that's why it went in."

Lanete, on the other hamd, emerged as the new main gunner of San Beda.

Lanete affirmed the role as his team’s top gun and propelled his squad to four straight victories.

The Lions’ sizzling performance catapulted them on top of the standings alongside defending champion San Sebastian Stags.

Against San Beda’s 77-60 win over fierce rival Letran, Lanete best typified the role of go-to-guy. He knocked in 22 points, highlighted by three triples, as the Lions pulled away and didn’t look back.

His impressive show was more than enough to earn the scribes’ nod and become the NCAA Pres Corps Player of the Week.

“He plays good and knows when to step up. He can deliver big shots at any given time, that’s how good this kid is," said San Beda coach Frankie Lim, whose squad beat Letran for the eighth consecutive time dating back 2007.

UAAP: Adamson downs UST; FEU routs UP

(From Inquirer)

Adamson University continued its impressive play after warding off University of Santo Tomas, 75-71, Sunday in the 73rd UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Dynamic guard Lester Alvarez took charge in the end game en route to a team-high 22 points, four of which came from long distance for the Faclons, who are now tied with La Salle in second place with a 3-1 slate.

Jeric Teng, meanwhile, exploded with a game-high 23 markers on 7-of-14 shooting from the three-point area for the Tigers, who suffered its second setback in four stints.

UST once again caught fire from downtown as it tied its own record for most three-point shots with 16, a mark it set against UP in its last game.

In the first game, the Far Eastern University rolled to its fourth straight victory in the 94-70 drubbing of University of the Philippines.

Terrence Romeo led all scorers with 21 points on three-of-five shooting from beyond the arch as the Tamaraws brought the Maroons its fourth straight loss.

Tams eye third straight win

(From Manila Bulletin)

Games Thursday (Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. — UP vs UST
4 p.m. — FEU vs UE

It’s payback time for Far Eastern University as it seeks its third win in as many games against last year’s Final Four tormentor University of the East this Thursday in the 73rd UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws, one of the title favorites this season, opened their campaign with two close wins, beating defending two-time champion Ateneo and National University in succession to wrest the solo lead after the league's second week.

RR Garcia has been the star in FEU's twin victories, firing 25 points in a 72-69 win over Ateneo then hit 18 points, including the go-ahead triple that eventually gave the Tamaraws a 76-72 victory over the dangerous Bulldogs.

Those feats enabled the former RP U-18 team standout to secure the first UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week.

Although Garcia and the rest of the Morayta-based squad are on top, they should still be wary of the Red Warriors in their 4 p.m. encounter.

UST and University of the Philippines collide in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m.

"Hindi pa kami kailangan mag-relax dahil nung preseason tinalo kami ng UE so siguro konting adjustments na lang gagawin namin," said coach Glenn Capacio, whose squad blew a 20-point lead in a loss to UE in the Filoil preseason tournament last April.

UE lost its first two games by an average margin of 16 points. On July 10, the Recto-based dribblers lost 70-57 to University of Santo Tomas then were handed an 82-63 drubbing by La Salle last Sunday.

Paul Lee scored 25 points in their defeat to the Green Archers but has obviously been playing hurt after suffering a hairline fracture in his right foot prior to the start of the season.

Tamaraws edge pesky Bulldogs for 2-0 start in UAAP caging

(From GMA News)

Determination and heart helped Far Eastern University (FEU) avoid being a victim of the league's perennial doormat turned-Final-Four-contender. For National University, it was a case of celebrating too early.

Games Today
(PhilSports Arena)
2 p.m. Ateneo vs UST
4 p.m. UE vs La Salle

The FEU Tamaraws rallied from a seven-point fourth quarter deficit to score a thrilling 76-72 win over the hard-fighting Bulldogs of NU in the 73rd UAAP men's basketball tournament on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

"We expect the game to be tough since NU has nothing to lose and they were playing against an FEU team that’s ‘a title contender/No. 1 team on paper’. All the teams wanted to challenge us," said Tams coach Glenn Capacio.

It was the second straight win for the Tams, ranked as the team who can foil two-time defending champion Ateneo's three-peat bid, as they survived the gallant stand put up by the vastly-improved Bulldogs, who fell to a 1-2 record.

Sophomore guard RR Garcia had a five-point swing in a 12-2 closing exchange as the Tams turned a 68-61 deficit to a 73-70 advantage with one minute and 13 seconds left in the final period.

NU, fresh from a 66-59 win over La Salle on Thursday, seemed headed for an upset when it posted that seven-point lead 4:31 left in the final period. They could have gone up by nine if not for Kokoy Hermosisima’s missed lay up try.

FEU capitalized on NU’s missed opportunity with rookie Terrence Romeo draining a three-pointer to touch-off the Tams’ scoring run.
NU's Kokoy Hermosisima (right) tries to keep the ball away while being tightly-guarded by FEU's Christopher Exciminiano during their game in the 73rd UAAP men's basketball tournament on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. GMANews.TV

The Bulldogs threatened for the last time, 73-72, courtesy of Hermosisima’s inside incursion with 56.7 seconds left in the clock.

But luck wasn’t on NU’s side with their shot attempts, the last two free throws by Hermosisima, failed to find its target while Garcia’s charities and a Reil Cervantes split at the stripe iced the game for FEU.

FEU seemed headed for an easy win when it zoomed to a 21-41 lead after 10 minutes of play.

But NU, behind Hermosisima’s hot shooting in the second period, kept the game close as the Bulldogs entered the halftime break staring at a 37-36 deficit.

Mervin Baloran gave NU its first taste of the lead, 40-39, early in the third before Joseph Terso made seven straight points for a 47-44 count.

Cervantes paced the Tams’ scoring with 20 points to go with his seven rebounds and one blocked while Garcia tallied 18 markers (7-of-14 from the field) and four assists. Romeo added 11 off the bench.

Hermosisima scored 14 of his game-high 23 points in the first half to lead NU’s losing cause. He shot 4-of-5 from the three-point area in the first 20 minutes of the contest but struggled in the last two quarters.

Khobuntin finished with 14 points while Terso added 11. Rookie big man Emmanuel Mbe was limited by the FEU defense to eight points and seven rebounds after a 21-point and 19-rebound effort in their win against La Salle.

Bombers, Cardinals trounce separate foes

(From GMA News)

Defense gave Jose Rizal University (JRU) and Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) easy wins over separate opponents in Friday’s 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Games Monday
(The Arena, San Juan City)
10 am – Arellano vs Perpetual (Jr)
12 nn – San Beda vs Letran (Jr)
2 pm – Arellano vs Perpetual (Sr)
4 pm – San Beda vs Letran (Sr)

Jose Rizal trailed for most of the game but threw a defensive blanket on Perpetual Help in the second half to complete a come-from-behind 78-62 win while Mapua carved out a masterful 73-51 decision over Arellano U in the main event of a double-header.

John Deco Lopez, back after missing the first three games of the season due to a leg injury, paced JRU with 16 points as the Bombers rolled to their third straight win after a 68-52 opening day loss to San Beda.

Alex Almario and JR Bulangis added 12 and 10 markers but it was the do-it-all duo of Marvin Hayes and John Njei who provided the spark for the Vergel Meneses-coached Bombers.

Hayes had 11 points and 10 rebounds while Njei recovered from his slump with an all-around performance of 10 markers, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

However, it was JRU’s defense in the final half that turned things around for the Bombers.

"In the first half, they (Perpetual) were getting the touches and attempts so I told the boys to prevent them from receiving the ball. I’m glad they responded," said Meneses.

PCU recruit George Allen exploded for 16 points in the first half as the Altas enjoyed a 34-29 cushion at the break.
Perpetual Help's Raffy Ynion (left) tries to ward off the pesky defense put up by JRU's Joe Etame during their game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament on Friday at The Arena in San Juan City. GMANews.TV

JRU then tightened up its defense in the second half to make things miserable for Perpetual’s shooters to slowly turn things around.

Allen was held to one point in the final half to finish with 17 while Arnold Danganan had 16 markers as the Altas suffered their fourth straight loss.

Njei stole the thunder from fellow Cameroonian and NCAA Press Corps’ Player of the Week Joe Etame, who was used sparingly in the game. Etame only had two points, two rebounds and two blocks in nine minutes.

"He (Etame) was rushing his shots in the first half when he should’ve taken it strong inside. In fairness, Njei was playing really well on both ends of the court," said Meneses.

In the second game, Mapua gave Arellano U little room to operate as it hammered out a 73-51 decision to notch its second win in three starts. The Chiefs fell to a 1-3 record.

In juniors’ action, RP youth standout Joshua Alolino scored a season-high 36 points as Perpetual Help cruised to a 90-74 win over Jose Rizal while Mapua leaned on Andoy Estrella’s 30-point effort for an 86-66 rout of Arellano.

The old college try

(From Business Mirror)

COLLEGE basketball means different things to different people. And whatever it means to all or any of them, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) definitely rank high in the hierarchy of present-day mania of both leagues’ concerned publics.

Teams regard the start of the season as a “product reveal.” Much like a product launch where the new package is unveiled at a climactic moment. The first playing day is when the team gets to show off not just its new look or its new uniforms, but also its new weapons, its new capabilities (or lack thereof), its new ingredients. The new product, after all, is the result of almost a yearlong process of addition and subtraction, test-drives and torture tests, tweaking and retweaking, and, finally, buffing and polishing for the big day in the only league that matters.

Every season, the product is reconstituted (new recruits come on board), reenergized (perked up and bonded by preseason team building), retweaked (new roles are assigned or identified) and reformulated (a new outlook, a new attitude, perhaps a new coach?). Then the product is unleashed to compete in the free-market place of opinions and ideas. Will the players perform differently under the harsh glare of hard-court lights and the TV cameras? Will they be conscious of the big expectations from critical though supportive alumni? Will they win, or will they lose when they get down to business on the floor?  How will media write about them? It’s for the players and their coaches to make their myths or bust them.

League sponsors look at college leagues differently. For them they are effective, no-fail, expressways to their target markets. Millions of pesos are spent on UAAP or NCAA airtime, promos, sponsorships, collaterals—just to capture the attention and imagination of collegiate ball lovers—mostly kids who are impulse buyers, avowed fanatics and avid supporters of their school teams. And alumni who will fight to the death in defense of the glory of their alma mater, never mind if they behave more like children than their children.

UAAP game days, for example, are invariably like carnival days, with freebies from league sponsors freely distributed at the gates: plastic clappers, foam fingers, fans, balloons, sample products. Fast-food chains, in particular, think up of imaginative promotions to ride on to the UAAP fever. Krispy Kreme had themed doughnuts going for a while—with the sweet calorie traps sporting the various UAAP school colors.

During the Final Four, the more that consumers consumed of doughnuts representing a particular school, the higher that school’s score in Krispy Kreme’s own Final Four competition. Clever, isn’t it? Knowing that supporters of all the schools will never let their schools down. And so they go on consuming.

Jollibee came out with soda-pop bottles sporting the mascots and colors of the various UAAP schools last year, encouraging one and all to collect all eight. This year convenience store Mini Stop has a Buzzer Beater promo that also relies on the consumption of drinks in UAAP-themed glasses. The more drinks you consume, the bigger your chances of landing any of the prizes that will be raffled off.

Even game venues look at their school league customers fondly. The UAAP broke attendance records at The Big Dome last year during the Ateneo-La Salle games. It broke that attendance record some more during the Cheerdance Competition of Season 72.

Thus, game venues like the Araneta Coliseum, PhilSports  Arena and the Filoil Flying V Arena look at collegiate leagues as cool customers. They bring in the market consistently. And the house rocks when they do.

Then there are the die-hard fans, followers, alumni, students and supporters of the various schools. These people can hardly regard their schools objectively. For them there is no other way to watch college ball games unless their hearts beat red and raw and are exposed on their sleeves. These are the people who wear war paint during crucial matches, who wave custom-made banners emblazoned with the names of key players at the crowd after that player scores or blocks an opponent’s shot. Win or lose, right or wrong, the team they support is the best. And opponents beware! These impassioned supporters are ready to wage war on anybody who goes against their choice of team.

Finally, there are those who don’t really care much about the x’s and o’s of a basketball game. For them college ball games are happy hunting grounds for hotties and crushes and every game watched is a toe-curling experience. Connoisseurs not so much of the game but of the men who play them, they have even come up with a list of must-watch and must-cheer-for players who make everything worthwhile. Shrek would not approve, but these teenage señoritas have singled out the most desirable college ball players in Season 73, based largely on looks and sex appeal.

These are, in their school’s alphabetical order: Lester Alvarez, Eric James Camson (Adamson U); Nico Salva, Kirk Long (Ateneo de Manila U); Simon Atkins, Samuel Joseph Marata (De La Salle U); RR Garcia, Jens Knuttel (Far Eastern U); Joseph Hermosisima, Ajeet Singh (National University); Paul Lee, James Martinez (University of the East); Mike Silungan, Alvin Padilla (University of the Philippines); Clark Bautista, Christopher Camus (University of Santo Tomas).

What about you? Why do you watch college basketball?

UAAP vs NCAA coaches: When the game was theirs

(From GMA News)

Imagine this.

One team is made up of two former members of the PBA's All-Defensive team, a former Rookie of the Year winner, an ex-Best Import awardee and a noted gunner during his heyday in the professional league.

The other side is bannered by two former MVP's and members of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players, an ex-PBA heart-throb and member of the league's most popular team, two tough defenders during their stint in Asia's first play-for-pay league.

Make way for your extraordinary starting fives in this season's collegiate games – a fantasy game between your former PBA superstars-turned coaches.

Take your pick: The UAAP coaches (Norman Black, Glenn Capacio, Leo Austria, Dindo Pumaren and Pido Jarencio) versus the NCAA mentors (Vergel Meneses, Ato Agustin, Richard Del Rosario, Frankie Lim and Leo Isaac).

Which team has the better end of the deal once they strut their wares inside the hardcourt?

Black expected to lord it over

"Don't make me laugh. I'm an import. No way the NCAA team can beat us," said Black, who steered San Miguel Beer to a grandslam title in 1989.

"We still play competitive basketball. Me and coach Leo (Austria) were teammates with the Ateneo Basketball League and we're back-to-back champions," added Black.

PBA coaches Yeng Guiao of Air21 and Boyet Fernandez of Sta. Lucia are also convinced Black will make the big difference.

"You can tell Norman is still in tip-top shape because he doesn't have a bulging stomach unlike the other coaches and he still has the build," said Guiao.

"Definitely, UAAP because of coach Norman," said Fernandez. "And they have good balance on the team. They have stoppers in Glen and Dindo and gunners in Pido and Leo."

Sports commentators Chino Trinidad of GMA-7 and Boyet Sison of Hardball, believe Black's presence definitely gives the UAAP coaches the advantage.

"If you remove Norman from the equation, then definitely, we will have a very exciting match up," said Trinidad. "But the more interesting match up is between Meneses and Capacio."

Black had a stellar PBA career both as a player and as a coach.

After suiting up for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA, Black found his way to the PBA where he debuted as Tefilin's import in 1981. The following year, he suited up for San Miguel Beer, which he led to two finals stints capped by an Invitational Conference triumph over Crispa.

He also had stints with Great Taste, Magnolia and Alaska. But it was with San Miguel where the 6-foot-5 import won championships both as a player and coach.

Black also played against other illustrious reinforcements in the PBA such as Billy Ray Bates of Crispa, Andy Fields and Donnie Ray Koonce of Toyota, Lew Massey of Gilbey's Gin, Russel Murray of Tanduay, David Thirdkill of Tanduay/Purefoods, Michael Hackett of Ginebra and seven-time Best import awardee Bobby Parks of Shell.

"I do believe NCAA with Vergel, Ato and Leo has a more balanced team, but Norman will be too much against Richard del Rosario," said Sison.

Like Sison, UAAP sports analyst TJ Manotoc picks the NCAA as well.

"I like the balance on the NCAA team, but I would love to see Vergel and Ato do their thing inside the court," said Manotoc.

Letran coach Louie Alas, whose dream of playing in the PBA was cut short by a career-threatening knee injury in 1990, sees the "dream battle" as anybody's game.

"You have a Norman Black, who has an edge on the UAAP side and you have two former PBA MVPs in Agustin and Meneses on the other side. I think it's anybody’s game," said Alas.

And how would Del Rosario - a 6-foot-4 banger who played for Pepsi, Mobiline and Sta. Lucia - fare against the Old Black Magic?

Imagine Black powering his way inside against Del Rosario, a player who's more than willing to give up his body even without messing up his hairdo.

Known as a role player in the PBA, Del Rosario never backs down to the challenge -- an attitude every coach wants to have on a player. He's one guy who never complains and is more than willing to do the dirty job.

The Aerial Voyager vs Mr. No Nonsense

The match up between 1995 PBA MVP Meneses and Capacio, an eight-time All-Defensive Team member, is certainly a classic. Both went up against each other at the backcourt with Capacio's no nonsense defense, bottling up the usually-prolific Meneses a lot of times.

Capacio played for Purefoods' four championship teams and was a stabilizer, both on offense and defense.

Meneses, on the other hand, blossomed to become one of the PBA's most exciting players. Once denied an opportunity to win the 1992 Rookie of the Year plum, the man known as "The Aerial Voyager" worked on his game and became one of the best one-on-one players in the league. He won three championships while playing for Swift and Sunkist. He also suited up for Barangay Ginebra, FedEx, Talk 'N Text and Red Bull Barako.

The Atom Bomb vs The Fireman

Expect the scoreboard to light up once gunners Agustin and Jarencio go head-to-head.

Curiously, both coaches now are under one PBA team – San Miguel Beer – where they serve as Siot Tanquincen's assistant mentors.

Definitely, basketball fans would love to see the 1992 PBA MVP take on the player regarded in the pro league as: "The Fireman."

Agustin rose to stardom when he carried an injury-plagued San Miguel squad to numerous titles in the 1990s. He was a third-string guard and had to play the spot vacated by Samboy Lim, Hector Calma and Franz Pumaren when all those players were on the sidelines.

Jarencio, too, started as a backup and worked his way in the starting roster of crowd-darling Ginebra. He first played for Great Taste in 1988 as backup to an aging Bernie Fabiosa, then moved to Purefoods the following year where he again came off the bench to Al Solis and Dindo Pumaren in that particular order. He then landed a spot in coach Guiao's 1991 Diet Sarsi squad.

Jarencio's break came when he joined the Robert Jaworski-mentored squad and became the lead combo guard.

When two Leos meet

What about the two Leos – Isaac and Austria?

Isaac was one of Ginebra's glamour boys during the 1980s. A 6-foot-1 point guard, he was able to use his height advantage over smaller counterparts. At a time when illegal defense was still in effect in the PBA to prevent teams from playing zone defense, the former Mapua hotshot was able to thrive and score points while posting up against smaller defenders.

As for Austria, he came at a perfect time when he was the outstanding player playing the point in 1985. He was named Rookie of the Year the same season and able to share minutes with Fabiosa while playing for Shell Azodrin.

The Bullet vs Dangerous Frankie

Well, the two played together in one team for quite sometime.

Pumaren was Purefoods' starting point guard 1993 with Lim as backup. Olsen Racela, who will soon end his outstanding career with San Miguel Beer, was third in the rotation.

But Pumaren and Lim also went head-to-head several times.

Flashback 1990 in the Third Conference. Purefoods was a young team handled by legendary coach Baby Dalupan, who was up against a budding mentor who will later turn out to be one of the best of all time, Tim Cone of Alaska.

Pumaren was on his sophomore year while Lim was already a veteran point guard.

In the conference, Pumaren would celebrate at Lim's expense when the Purefoods team won their first championship.

Pumaren is known for his playmaking skills, while Lim, who started his PBA career with Tanduay in 1981, is regarded for his clutch shooting from beyond-the-arc.

So which side are you? Who’s got the edge? Who do you think will win in this fantasy showdown?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Great Expectations

(From Inbound Pass)

AT THE start of each UAAP Men’s Basketball season, hopes are high for all teams. Even the perennial bottom-of-the-standing teams envision the season as a new chance to crack the Final Four. Especially for the coaches, anything can happen and, with the right amount of effort and luck, winning is within reach. But, the success of each team in a given season rests largely on what is expected of them at the beginning – Will they perform according to expectations? Will they fail to meet expectations? Will they exceed expectations? These are the questions that lead to more questions within the season and may even run into the next.

As a season progresses, things change for many teams. Some that are expected to be “championship contenders” fall to lowly teams and, in an instant, lose grip on any championship hopes (Ateneo remembers “the NU game” from 2007). An injury befalls an important player, and an entire team’s chemistry is damaged beyond repair. And, as De La Salle discovered last season, a team cannot rely on reputation alone and expect to be effective as usual.

Season 73 opened over the past weekend and we eagerly watched the games with much curiosity and interest, to try and gauge the potency of all eight teams. Looking at the opening weekend matchups, we made bold predictions inside our college-basketball-savvy heads and, based on our assessments of team rosters, previous matchups between teams and personal preferences, expected certain teams to win over others. How did the opening weekend go, and how much did it live up to our expectations? Let us take a brief look at each matchup, and assess.

In the offseason, the long-starving Maroon Nation was abuzz with Final Four aspirations and high hopes unseen in so long. UP finally had seasoned veterans to go with young sparkplugs, and the additions of scorers Saret and Silungan had fans giddy with excitement. La Salle, many think, is not Final Four material this season. UP should win, right? Once again, State U fans were left crying, wondering what went wrong…AGAIN. Fans wondered aloud why UP did not field certain players long enough for them to make an impact (Mikee Reyes?), why Magi Sison is on the National Team, why the team’s new guys can’t be saviors like that big new guy in 1986, and why UP had to be so, well, like UP has been for a long time. UP played so out of sync, that Simon Atkins, who has not been a factor in his entire UAAP career, looked like a superstar. On Day 1, UP miserably fell below its fans’ expectations, while La Salle, without a doubt, exceeded theirs. To top it all, UP was supposed to have a new team name this season, in lieu of “Fighting Maroons” – a university-wide contest was even held to suggest the new name, but the announcement of the winning moniker was deferred. After the game, a UP diehard commented, “tanggalin nalang ang ‘Fighting’, kasi hindi naman pumalag.” Tsk tsk…

Now, East and Santo Tomas historically give us good, action-packed games, but not in the second half last Saturday. UST totally dominated the second half and, much to the surprise of everyone, except maybe the Tiger faithful, blanked Paul Lee and the Warriors to score a convincing victory. Jeric Teng was phenomenal on both ends. UST went way above expectations, especially since some rank them in dead last for the season. The Warriors will recover, and we know Lee & Co. will perform better next time, but the opening weekend performance of UE was a little below expectations.

Adamson and NU play hard whenever they face each other. They seem to consider themselves peers in the UAAP – underachieving teams that are usually fighting to stay out of the cellar, and a win against the other can be the win that keeps them out of it. And battle they did. But many look at Adamson now, with their veteran lineup composed of athletic players with high energy, as a sure Final Four team; thus, the Falcons were expected to handily beat the Bulldogs. Even though expectations for NU have risen considerably since billionaire Henry Sy backed up the team two years ago, the truth of the matter is, it is almost impossible, to make a 180 degree turnaround, or anything close to it, in such a short amount of time. A new owner and a new coach do not make an immediate winner. NU was more of the same – turnovers galore and an opening weekend loss, which will surely not be its last. Adamson, on the other hand, was right on target in beating NU, but failed to live up to its early Final Four ranking. In this game, NU was well within expectations, while Adamson was a notch below. It is interesting to see how Adamson deals with its Final Four projection, a ranking it is not used to.

Finally, it was Ateneo versus FEU. This was the game everyone was talking about as “the game” for opening weekend. Both teams delivered. Being the defending back-to-back champs, Ateneo has the proverbial bull’s-eye on its back, and the Tamaraws took aim, and hit! The game had more of a “Game 3 of a championship series” feel than an opening weekend, first-game-for-each-team tussle. The Eagles understand that many believe this is the Tamaraws’ year, and, even without three main men from last year, fought tooth and nail until the very end. The game could have gone either way. However, RR Garcia just announced that he is the best quarterback this season and the rest of the league has to respect FEU as a favorite – a complete team inside and out. For the Eagles, Salamat was a bit of a disappointment, being that he is looked at as their leader for this year. But Salva, Buenafe, and even Kirk Long, seem to be as capable of leading their team, if need be. At the end of the day, Ateneo is still champ, until FEU can wrest the title away. Surely, all expectations were met in this game. How we wish all games can be as intense and entertaining!

Expectations…which will be met? So much already happened, so much showcased for the basketball-crazy UAAP fans. And that was just opening weekend. We look forward to the rest of it. Season 73 is now open!

Tamaraws nip Eagles in battle of UAAP favorites

(From GMA News)

Powerhouse team Far Eastern University and grandslam-seeking squad Ateneo gave everyone a glimpse of a projected blockbuster finale in their debut game in the UAAP men’s basketball Season 73.

The titanic battle was fought over nine deadlocks and 13 lead changes, but a gutsy sophomore guard stole the spotlight in the tense match that was decided by a missed a shot in the final four tenths of a second.

Ryan Roose Garcia matched his career-high 25 points, including a crucial three-point play in the closing seconds of the game as the Tamaraws survived the Blue Eagles, 72-69, Sunday at the Big Dome.

Scores
FEU 72 – Garcia 25, Cervantes 13, Ramos 10, Sanga 9, Bringas 8, Noundou 3, Romeo 2, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 0, Knuttel 0, Cawaling 0.
Ateneo 69– Salva 14, Buenafe 13, Long 11, Dela Cruz 10, Escueta 6, Salamat 6, Monfort 3, Erram 2, Golla 2, Chua 2, Gonzaga 0, Austria 0.
Quarter scores: 1-15, 35-30, 51-52, 72-69.
The second-year guard, who filled in the big shoes left by Mark Barroca, broke a 67-67 standoff by driving past Kirk Long and scoring on a lay-up plus a foul over rookie Edwin Escueta with 1:18 left in the game.

He completed the three-point play to give the Tamaraws enough cushion.

"I was pressured in the first quarter, but slowly but surely, I relaxed, and got my confidence going in the second half," said Garcia, who also had five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

FEU is the team considered to be the biggest thorn on Ateneo’s bid of a three-peat. But for coach Glen Capacio, the victory is just a realization on how tough the games are going to be played in this season’s tournament.

“We still have to prepare against all teams in the UAAP. Whatever effort we had in this game, we have to double it in the next games," said Capacio.

Reil Cervantes added 13 points and five rebounds while Smart-Gilas Pilipinas developmental team member Aldrech Ramos had 10 points and eight rebounds. Paul Sanga contributed nine points, all coming from beyond-the-arc, as the Tamaraws displayed balance firepower.

The Blue Eagles, who only lost a game en route to winning their second straight title last season, lost their season-opening match for only the second time since 2005.

The Blue Eagles had several chances of snatching a win over the Tamaraws, including their last offensive trip that opened up the lane for Nico Salva. But the team’s premier frontliner this season, muffed a potential game-tying basket as Cervantes secured the rebound.

Cervantes split his charities with only four tenths of a second left for the final tally.

It was a down-to-the-wire struggle for the two teams expected to dominate this season.

Salva had 14 points while Ryan Buenafe chipped in 13 markers. Long finished with 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals while rookie forward Arthur dela Cruz Jr., son of former San Miguel Beer and current Barangay Ginebra assistant coach Art dela Cruz, had 10 points in a promising debut as a Blue Eagle.

But the star of the show was definitely Garcia, who let loose crucial triples during crunch time to finish the job done for the Tamaraws.

The Tamaraws joined early winners La Salle, University of Santo Tomas and Adamson in the win-column to share the lead in the first two play dates of this tournament.

UAAP caging to unveil talented rookie field

(From Inquirer)

A scion of a Filipino boxing great, two high school scoring hotshots and second-generation cagers banner the 44 rookies set to debut in Season 73 of the UAAP varsity tournament starting Saturday.

Nico Elorde, the grandson of boxing great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, leads De La Salle University’s seven freshmen after starring for De La Salle Zobel in high school.

“He provides the team with a lot of energy and hustle,” said Green Archers coach Dindo Pumaren. “He works really hard.”

The 5-foot-9 Elorde is the only son of boxing promoters Johnny and Liza to cross over to basketball. His elder siblings, Bai and Mig, are also into boxing.

Kenneth Mamaril, son of former Ginebra slotman Romy Mamaril, suits up for the University of Santo Tomas along with six other recruits.

UST coach Pido Jarencio expects the 6-foot-5 Mamaril, also the younger brother of Air21 big man Billy Mamaril, to improve as the season matures.

“He was supposed to join us last year, but he had a foot injury,” said Jarencio. “He has recovered, and what he needs now is more exposure. We’re positive that he’ll improve.”

Arthur dela Cruz, the 6-foot-3 son of former top PBA defensive player Art dela Cruz, debuts for the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles after seeing action with the San Beda Red Cubs.

“He has very good basketball sense, so I expect him to do well for our team,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

University of the Philippines’ Joshua Saret and Far Eastern University’s Terrence Romeo, who both shattered juniors scoring records last year, also hope to make a mark.

Saret, who played for the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers last year, eclipsed the NCAA juniors record by firing a remarkable 89 points in one game.

The 5-foot-8 point guard made the feat even more astounding by posting a rare quadruple double with 11 rebounds, 12 assists and 13 steals.

“He’s a player who has good decision-making and a high basketball IQ,” said UP mentor Aboy Castro.

Romeo similarly set a staggering UAAP juniors record last season with the Baby Tamaraws by firing 83 points.

“Even though he’s a rookie, he plays like a veteran,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio.

Two Africans are also among the new faces with 6-foot-6 Kenyan Lionel Manyara beefing up Adamson University and 6-7 Cameroonian Emmanuel Mbe boosting National University.

UAAP preview: Warriors out to end 25-year title drought

(From GMA News)

The last time University of the East won the championship, the late Ferdinand Marcos was still the nation’s most powerful figure, SM North Edsa was newly established and was the biggest mall at that time and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) had only six teams left after the legendary Crispa Redmanizers and rival Toyota Corollas' disbandment a year before.

And the Warriors had two prominent names on their lot – Allan Caidic and Jerry Codiñera – who will soon finally make their mark as two of the fabled members of the PB'’s 25 Greatest Players.

That was 25 years ago, the last time the Recto-based cagers won a UAAP title that capped their back-to-back crowns.

Since then, UE always ended up dry despite having numerous chances in a stretch of more than two decades under coaches who have come and go.

Last year, the Warriors surprisingly marched their way back to the Promise Land, but they did not have enough arsenal to match up against the high-flying Blue Eagles of Ateneo, who won back-to-back titles.

They had a good run to the crown last season, but signs are not encouraging this time around.

Their best frontliners, Pari Llagas and Elmer Espiritu won't be around for the Warriors as the duo decided to turn pros.

Two other members of last year's starting unit, Val Acuña and Rudy Lingganay, will not be returning as well for the Lawrence Chongson-coached squad.

But there's one positive note for the Warriors.

Paul Lee, UE's cerebral quarterback, will be back to keep a hold of this young team and will most likely play alongside veteran James Martinez at the backcourt.

Martinez, who suffered an ACL injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season last year, will play a crucial role for the Warriors. His condition remains doubtful, though, whether he can step up as quicker as the younger guys in the league or he will eat his opponents' dust.

Also returning are power-leaping 5-foot-9 guard Raffy Reyes and smart and snappy 5-foot-10 guard Paul Zamar, who will provide speed and hustle.

They will be joined by 6-foot swingman Ric Enguio, an athletic guard from Lyceum.

Ken Acibar, 6-foot-6, is expected to get the minutes he need this time, as well as 6-foot-5 center/forward Sam Razon. Newcomer Jun Rosopa, a 6-foot-5 banger, will be utilized more this season.

UAAP preview: Maroons ready to turn critics to believers

(From GMA News)

Grandslam-seeking Ateneo and perennial powerhouse Far Eastern University are two teams likely installed in the Final Four.

But University of the Philippines coach Aboy Castro isn’t bothered by the fact that these squads are the heavy favorites.

Perhaps, he will be contented to see his Fighting Maroons as the unlikely dark horse in this year’s Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

“While Ateneo and FEU are expected to be there on top, I believe it’s going to be a wide-open race for the remaining two slots in the Final Four and we have a good chance to figure in those two," said Castro, one of Chot Reyes' assistant coaches with the Talk N Text Tropang Texters.

Castro has his good reasons.

His team in the Philippine Basketball League, Pharex, which is beefed up by his UP Maroons’ squad, made it all the way to the finals few months ago.

The Maroons also got surprised backing from UP management, a kind of support hardly given to its varsity teams the previous years.

This year’s batch of Maroons were given a world-class international exposure in the Abunassar Institute of Basketball, which sharpened up the squad for this season’s cage war.

These things, aside from the fact that Castro will be parading a squad that remains intact, keeps the third-year coach upbeat of his team’s chances.

The UP quintet will be led by Smart Gilas player Magi Sison, Woody Co and shooter Martin Reyes.

Also returning are their senior forwards Miguel Maniego and Dionisio Hipolito and point guard Mark Lopez, who are expected to shore up the lineup even more.

“When I got here, I had only one senior. Now I have more seniors. We are an older team," said Castro, who took over the reigns for Joe Lipa.

The Fighting Maroons kept themselves busy and had a good pre-season showing in the Filoil Flying V tournament.

“Hopefully, the experience and the wars we have been involved in the past will make us better this year," Castro said.

Sison is the team captain and Castro said that he has improved by leaps and bounds as a player since becoming a member of the national team.

“He has a different mentality now and he’s become our leader on the court," Castro said.

Keeping the core of his squad isn’t the only upside for Castro. The team also strengthened its recruitment program, tabbing a quality rookie in Fil-American Mike Silungan.

Silungan, a prized-find from Chicago, has shown his potential early. He already completed his two-year residency and is ready to plunge to action in big-time basketball scene.

Also included on the squad is former junior standout Joshua Saret, who was best remembered for knocking down 89 points for Jose Rizal University in the NCAA junior’s tournament last year.

Castro said that it will be easy to overlook Saret’s ability on the court after scoring that many points.

“In that game, he also had 12 assists, 11 rebounds and 13 steals. That’s really a special player in my book," Castro said. “His scoring will always be there, but more importantly, he is a player with a high basketball IQ."

Jose Manuel from Xavier, Martin Pascual from Ateneo and Vergel Evangelista from the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCr) will also be playing their first season with the Fighting Maroons.

Carlo Gomez, Mark Juruena, Miguel Reyes and Moriah Gingerich are the sophomores in the squad.

With the right ingredients on his squad, there’s certainly nowhere to go but up for the Fighting Maroons this year.

UAAP preview: Bulldogs out to provide more bite than bark

(From GMA News)

People passing by a refurbished building in F. Jhocson St. in Sampaloc, Manila, will see a refreshing outlook that erases the stigma of the school’s losing tradition.

Yes, there’s an air of vibrancy inside National University, whose basketball team has been revitalized and given a new identity.

A new management. A new coach. A new attitude.

Definitely, the Bulldogs are ready to do more bite than bark in this season’s UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

“The support of the management is overwhelming. They’ve provided us everything that we need," said NU’s first-year coach Eric Gonzales. “The bottom line is, a good institution with a good program with a good budget will become a good school."

Since the SM Group of Companies took over the school, the Bulldogs have set their minds on how they can get out of the cellar.

The team has been a perennial tailender and has the longest title drought, stretching over 56 years.

Gonzales was a former assistant coach in some of the major basketball leagues like the PBA, the MBA, UAAP and NCAA. His first head coaching job will be tested this season.

“It’s not easy as far as transition is concerned. But I’m trying to develop good relationship with the players," said Gonzales.

From being the acknowledged whipping boys of the league, Gonzales wants his team to develop a new identity – to become the best defensive team in the league.

“We take pride on that. Majority of our practices, we’re focusing on defense. The only way to be a contender is to be the number one defensive team in the league. That’s what we are focusing on," said Gonzales.

The Bulldogs had a busy off season as they trained in Indiana with noted coach Ed Schilling, who is the camp director of the Champions Academy.

The Bulldogs also fared well in pre-season tournaments.

The Bulldogs will have six new breed on their roster, including Cameroonian Emmanuel Mbe, a six-foot-five slotman, who will anchor the team’s interior defense.

“He is a monster inside," said Gonzales of Mbe, who once played for Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Seniors Jewel Ponferrada and Mervin Baloran, the top rebounders of the team last season, will share frontcourt duties with Embe, while Kokoy Hermosisima, the sophomore guard, is expected to provide the scoring sock for NU.

Senior Jerome Tungcul and juniors Joseph Terso and Marion Magat will most likely play vital roles so are Ajeet Singh and Larry Malanday.

Other rookies include Yvan Ludovice from San Beda, Jeoffrey Javillonar from Rizal Technological University, Paolo Javelona from Bacolod, Glen Khobuntin from Letran and Joseph Eriobu, another Cameroonian.

Gonzales sees the Bulldogs as a special team that is ready to erase its long years of miseries.

“They are special. I can see the fire in their eyes and the winner within them. They still have to mature, but we are fast tracking that," said Gonzales.

Archers face Maroons in UAAP opener

(From Manila Standard)

WHEN the 73rd season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines kicks off on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum, one thing should be noticeable to basketball fans: There is really no sure thing as far as making it to the Final Four is concerned.

The league, which adopted the theme “Where Heroes Are Made,” opens with a twinbill pitting De La Salle University against University of the Philippines at 2 p.m., and University of Sto. Tomas taking on University of the East at 4 p.m..

This early, fans can expect a difficult, mad scramble to the Final Four, with all eight teams capable of pulling off surprises.

This is because all these teams have undergone massive restructuring and tinkering in the pre-season. Some teams have changed personnel, others went abroad for training stints, while most have joined pre-season tournaments to hone their basketball skills.

Still, if pre-season hype is to be believed, defending champion Ateneo de Manila, perennial contender Far Eastern University and darkhorse Adamson University should occupy the top three places in most basketball fans’ list as prohibitive favorites.

The Blue Eagles, who are seeking a third straight title, remain a favorite to make it back to the winners’ circle because they still have most of the players who were responsible for giving the team back-to-back titles.

Bombers nip pesky Knights in OT to enter NCAA win column

(From GMA News)

Jose Rizal University flubbed and floundered in regulation, but held steadier in overtime to outlast Letran, 67-62, and barge into the win column of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers blew a five-point lead in regulation play, allowing the Knights to force an extra five-minute stretch.

But they made some crucial stops and hit important baskets from the charity stripes to reward coach Vergel Meneses his first coaching victory in the country’s oldest collegiate tournament.

"I'm happy to get that first win, but not that way. We should have won it in regulation," said Meneses, one of the members of Philippine Basketball Association’s 25 Greatest Players.

Joe Etame, the 6-foot-7 Cameroonian, finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds. He had four points in overtime while the Heavy Bombers held the Knights to just a field goal to secure their first win in two games.

Rookie Mark Lopez had 12 points and seven rebounds and Marvin Hayes contributed 10 points and 10 boards before fouling out in the final canto.

The Heavy Bombers appeared on their way to secure the win in the regulation period after JR Bulangis nailed a triple that pushed JRU to a 57-52 lead, 1:44 left.

But the Knights refused to throw in the white towel as JP Belencion drained a three-pointer to cut the lead to two. In the next play, Franz Dysam forced Heavy Bombers' Alex Almario to a jump ball and the Knights got the ball back because of possession arrow.

Belencion muffed a potential game-winning triple but Andre Pantin grabbed the rebound and scored on a putback with 3.2 seconds to force the overtime.

Kevin Alas, who missed Letran’s opening-day, losing match to San Sebastian, 53-59, showed up Monday with a cast on his right ankle. But he played in pain and finished with 18 points on a lethargic 5-for-17 shooting from the field.

Belencion had eight points, but made only 3-of-14 from the floor. Jam Cortes had eight points and 10 rebounds, but was on the bench during the latter part of the contest because of cramps.

JRU led 26-16 in the second quarter, but Letran rallied back and eventually tied the game at 29-all at the half.

The Knights, then, grabbed a 40-35 lead with 3:32 left in the third on a basket by Cortes. The team lost the lead two minutes later when a putback by Lopez gave the Heavy Bombers a 42-40 advantage.

Blazers stun Chiefs, 70-64

(From GMA News)

Playing with an inferior frontline, College of St. Benilde relied on its speed and outside shooting to surprise Arellano, 70-64, for a strong start in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Blazers, who finished seventh last season, got the much-needed lift from former RP U-18 team member Mark de Guzman, Carlo Lastimosa and lanky Jan Tan to stun the fancied Chiefs.

De Guzman finished with 14 points, five rebounds and nine assists while Lastimosa scored all of his 13 points in the second half. Tan, meanwhile, had a double-double performance with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

St Benilde won its fourth consecutive opening-day match dating back 2007, two of them came from coach Richard del Rosario.

"The guys have a lot of energy. I feel this is a more-talented team compared to my team last season. But this is a young team, so the players have the tendency to commit mistakes. I'm hoping they would mature as the season goes on," said Del Rosario.

The Blazers squandered a 47-37 lead midway the third quarter as Isiah Ciriacruz hit back-to-back triples to cap a 13-3 run and knot the count at 50-all.

But the Taft-based cagers answered back by hitting three consecutive treys -- the first from RJ Argamino, second from Ralph Nayve and third from De Guzman – as the Blazers got their second wind and another sizeable lead, 59-50, with less than two minutes in the third.

The Chiefs, who beat the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals last June 27, made a last-ditch stand of a rally when Jerald Lapuz hit five straight points to pull his team to within 64-66 with 4:10 to go.

But Lastimosa scored on an alley-hoop play - a play similar to the one being done by his uncle, cage great Jojo Lastimosa, during his heydays in the PBA.

That set up a strong finish for St. Benilde, which kept Arellano grounded and without a basket the rest of the way.

The Blazers hit nine three-pointers while grabbing 38 rebounds, three more than the Chiefs.

"We switched to a zone defense because they have a lot of slashers, so good thing we were able to execute defensively, " said Del Rosario.

But the match had its ugly ending.

With only four seconds left and the game already decided, De Guzman hit Lapuz on the face with the basketball, creating a near altercation. The St. Benilde cager was assessed with a technical foul.

Lapuz finished with 16 points and five rebounds while Celada added 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.