I have long been itching to write about this matchup. It has long been cleared to me that the Sy's are merely minority stock holders in FEU, whereas they are a major player in National. No conflict of interest there. Here comes the confusing part. It is open knowledge that basketball godfather Mikee Romero sponsors a number of collegiate teams. It is also open knowledge that he has 'interests' in the NU basketball program. Now, what is this MOU he signed with Far Eastern UAAP Board rep Anton ...

This is the first installment of a Franz-less Archers. Granted that the assistant coaches have to step up, how would the players fare? Would they be like headless chicken or can they lead on their own? And this is as crucial as it gets. Having a more difficult schedule compared to also-in-the-running-for-twice-to-beat FEU, De La Salle is more than forced to win its last three games. As for the Growling Tigers, they also need all the wins they could get if they still want to make it to the sem...

1 (2) Sam Ekwe (SBC) - San Beda now has a new offensive weapon and it is called "The Ekwelizer". He has grown beyond his slam dunking and shot blocking imposing self into a more finesse and more multi-dimensional midrange threat (15.4 ppg). Ekwe has topscored for the Red Lions for the last five games (19 pts vs UPHSD, 17 pts vs JRU, this week). He has gotten more touches and he has been more aggressive in taking the shot (161 fg att this season). Although his shots are less than consistent (45% ...

College of Saint Benilde won a crucial match against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in NCAA women’s volleyball on August 23 at the San Sebastian Gym.   The Lady Blazers took an hour and 29 minutes to beat UPHSD in four sets, 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-14.   Cindy Velasquez had 14 points, nine coming from attacks and three from blocks to lead CSB. Katty Kwan helped out with 10 points, two of them coming from service aces.   With the victory, CSB now has the in...

The kings are back on top.   San Beda College put on a blistering show of all-around brilliance to retake the first spot in NCAA seniors basketball, winning from Jose Rizal University, 71-59, at the Astrodome on August 22.   The Red Lions had runs in the middle quarters that the Heavy Bombers were not able to recover from. Ogie Menor's three-point play, stealing the inbounds off Jay Agas at the backcourt and getting fouled in the process, at the halftime buzzer retook the lead his ...

League leading San Sebastian College Recoletos is on its way to sweep the competition in NCAA women's volleyball after defeating Colegio de San Juan de Letran in straight sets, 25-7, 25-15, 25-15, at the St. Placid Gym in San Beda on August 21. Lou Ann Latigay spearheaded the Lady Stags with 22 hits, 19 coming from attacks, while Sasa Devandera chipped in 10 points. SSCR now has a 9-0 standing. Krizelle Moralejo and Rossan Fajardo combined for 12 points for the Lady Knights. They own a 3-5 re...

The Soaring Falcons just reached an all-time low. I mean, scoring a paltry 42 points... against UP of all teams. Even the Luigi Trillo-mentored Mark Abadia batch was not this single game bad. Even if they were 0-14 that time, they were fighting. Can somebody explain to me how the hell three starters went scoreless? As for UE, anything less of a win against the faltering Falcons would be a disappointment. And that's that.

This year's Battle of Katipunan is a bust. And with the way the two contrasting basketball programs are going, it might be bound to be like that for a while. Unless Manny Pangilinan attempts to fund two teams in the same league. But that is the closest connection the two schools have as they are poles apart of each other. One is on top with a solid and well-funded program. The other... let us just say they are rebuilding.

College of Saint Benilde and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta solidified their hold in second and third places in NCAA women's volleyball, downing their respective opponents on August 19 at the San Sebastian College Gym. The Lady Blazers upended Philippine Christian University, 25-8, 25-9, 25-6. Katty Kwan scattered 13 hits, including five service ace. Kerlyne Mulingtapang added 12 points. The Lady Altas was led by April Ann Sartin with 14 points, 12 coming from attacks to sweep San B...

The two NCAA seniors basketball games on August 20 at the Astrodome had a common theme as the lesser heralded squads upset their counterparts. After pulling up a surprise last week, Mapua Institute of Technology got a shock of its own, getting upset by College of Saint Benilde, 66-56. San Sebastian College Recoletos beat Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 76-73, to pull within closer for a twice-to-beat advantage. The Blazers found themselves ahead at the start of the fourth quarter after finishin...

The Tigers might find some solace in this game after losing in overtime against FEU. They need all the wins they could get if they still want to make it to the final four. Forget NU. Right now, it is even considered fortunate for the Bulldogs to be in a triple with UP and AdU for last place. USTe should coast in this one. Unless the 'Dogs from Sampaloc could do in 40 minutes what they did to the Archers in 20. And basing on user comments, morale in España is at an all-time low.

This is De La Salle men's basketball team head coach Franz Pumaren's last game before he embarks on a trip to Iran. If you ask FEU coach Glenn Capacio, he wants to win this one to serve as a 'souvenir' to the Nokia Pilipinas Youth mentor. Game fixing issues aside (by the way, what is it with the Tamaraws and game fixing issues?), this promises to be slobber knocker. One may not notice it, but they are near mirror images of each other if one looks closer. Both have athletic wing men. O...

If things stay where they are, we might see more Eagles-Warriors head-to-head in the playoffs. Which makes then this a preview of the final four. Right... Other than the FEU-DLSU match this Saturday, this serves as this week's marquee matchup. I should have posted this blog earlier knowing how rabid Warriors and Eagles fans could get. Especially here in Ubelt.com As a sort of flashback, Rabeh "the swabeh" had 18 points and 17 rebounds. Espiritu and Llagas combined to make 21 markers and a...

The two would break a tie of ignominy. The winner stays at sixth with the loser all alone at dead last. This should be interesting. For the Maroons, winning this one would mean they improved at least three-folds from last season. For Adamson, a win would also better their standing from last year. The difference lies that more was expected from the Falcons when the season started. That said, this may still count as a disappointing season for the San Marcelino-based squad. For the heck of it, l...

1 James Sena (JRU) - The way I set up the top three in this week's rankings is intentional (meaning you may not agree with it) and you will easily spot the trend. Twice led his team in scoring (16 pts, 6/6 fts vs CSB, 8/11; 19 pts vs CSJL, 8/15) plus complimentary stats (7 rebs vs CSB; 9 rebs, 2 blks vs CSJL), nobody else came close in having the best two-game performance this week. This is Sena applying the STFU hold on everybody else. Yes, we can see you.2 Sam Ekwe (SBC) - For three games now,...

(Press Release) Back-to-back NCAA champion San Beda and Summer Cup titlist Arellano U downed their respective foes over the weekend to notch their second straight victory in the 6th Fr. Martin Division II Cup at the TIP Casal Gym. Powered by the 6’8” American Sudan Daniel, the Lions trounced the Polytechnic University of the Philippines dribblers, 88-73, while the Leo Isaac-mentored Chiefs walloped the Adamson Falcons, 72-48, to share the lead. Daniel, who will fill the vacu...

...Jose Rizal University would be number one? Well, the Heavy Bombers are now. JRU slayed a ghost of first round past to overtake vanquished Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 76-72, in NCAA seniors basketball held at The Arena on a rainy August 15. Playing in playoff level pressure, Jay-R Bulangis sank his second freethrow after missing his first for a slim 74-72 tally, :22.8 to go. The Knights had its chance, not panicking in their possession as they worked down the clock. The Bombers' defense ...

College of Saint Benilde virtually eliminated itself in NCAA seniors basketball when it lost to Philippine Christian University, 47-63, on August 15 at The Arena. Although the Blazers, still have a glimmer of hope for the last semis spot mathematically, they would find it hard to make it if they could not even win against the Dolphins, a team they won against back in opening day. The Dolphins had an 11-3 breakaway midway of the third quarter capped by a George Allen three-pointer from a Jeff Vi...

Their first round encounter was a snoozefest. I am betting that things would not be different this time around. The Blue Eagles' morale are on all-time high with Rabeh Al Hussaini and Chris Tiu dishing out MVP numbers with near consistency. Other than that, no one seems to be able to stop the ADMU juggernaut. A probable question would be, would this be another blowout or will the Falcons provide some sort of challenge? Adamson, the team with a promise failed to deliver. What should head coach...

I was supposed to post the game stats of a certain player who had "Mike Cortez" numbers, but I decided against it because that issue is a dead horse. Since the last time the two met, a lot have changed, but things have also remained the same. The Tamaraws are just a shell of their former self and are on a slight sense of urgency to win with the two frontrunners gradually leaving the pack. But that would not be easy as they have UST next, which is strong on paper with MVP candidate Jervy Cruz l...

There was a method to the madness. Mapua Institute of Technology got out of its slump in a big way by taking out San Beda College, 53-48, in NCAA seniors basketball on August 13 at the Astrodome. Playing deliberate basketball in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals countered the zone defense of San Beda by milking the clock and attempting from outside. Allan Mangahas scored a three-point shot, the kickout assist from Jason Pascual for a Mapua five-point margin, 49-44, 4:06, in the fourth qu...

Actually, they had worse. More than that later. San Sebastian College Recoletos showed it belongs to the top tier teams in NCAA seniors basketball by nearly doubling its output against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 68-36, on August 13 at the Astrodome. Jason Ballesteros' alleyoop pass from Pamboy Raymundo for a two-handed slam, 2:34 in the game, was the exclamation point and the match's highest lead, 65-29. "Nabawi namin bad start namin," said SSCR coach Jorge Gallent. "...

San Sebastian College Recoletos leads after six rounds in NCAA juniors chess with 16.5 points. Mari Joseph Torqueza has not lost a game in Board 1 for 5.0 points to spearhead the Staglets. He beat Loren Brigham Laceste of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in round six held at the Jose Rizal University Gym last August 10, while Arvie Jongko did the same to Ranilo Gil Biag in Board 3 to score a 3-1 win against the Staglets. The Squires are in second with 15.5 points. Jan Jodilyn Fronda paces Board 2...

Basing on how their first encounter went, this Saturday's games are probably the least interesting and most predictable doubleheader for the season. Unless something unexpected happens like UE's gunners hitting blanks, while UP's bombers finding their targets, then maybe we have a ballgame. Basing on how the Warriors' and the Maroons' season has been progressing, the former is more likely to happen. Marcy Arellano is still nowhere to be found, while James Martinez and Paul Zamar hit their strid...

This is a surprise, the Archers getting an easy sched, getting UP and the Bulldogs back to back. NU was relegated to the doghouse the first time around. Let us see if head coach Manny Dandan could go beyond the first quarter and put more fight in the dog. At the other end of the coin, DLSU coach Franz Pumaren is required to stockpile as many wins as possible once his squad faces the big dogs of the league. It is also to create some buffer once he starts missing games in order to fulfill his co...

With fervor simmering, the Tamaraws have now lost two games after losing their two big men for the season. To add injury to the insult, Paul Sanga is not yet a 100% although he is getting there. Which is probably the reason why JR Cawaling is left to do the task of providing the points, while Mark Barroca is taking advantage of the windfall, having his best season so far. Who else could coach Glenn Capacio depend on? Adamson, with its losses and its way of play, is now out of the race. I mean...

Did I not just make a game thread that featured these two teams a few weeks ago? In that case, this is still fresh from everybody's mind, but some of the scenarios have changed. The Blue Eagles have long recovered from their upset loss against the Tamaraws and are now on a two-game winning streak, winning against FEU and yes, UST. Eric Salamat's jaw looks fine already, getting back at the same team where he suffered that injury. At the other camp, there have been Jap Cuan sightings every now a...

Jose Rizal Univeristy blazed to an emphatic 87-60 onslaught against College of Saint Benilde notched its seventh straight win in NCAA seniors basketball on August 11 at the Astrodome. JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia's gameplan was executed to the fore, asking his players to win the game by at least 20 points and limiting the Blazers to only 60. "We have not been practicing well as a team. Baka nagrerelax," Vanguardia said."Kailangan more than 20 ang lamang para makita ko kung sharp na iyong team." ...

San Beda College withstood a shorthanded but gritty Philippine Christian University, 72-67, to remain in contention in NCAA seniors basketball at the Astrodome on August 11. Pong Escobal, who celebrated his birthday last August 7, pump faked Jeff Vidal to score an uncontested three-pointer, his only field goal from beyond the arc, which gave San Beda a five-point cushion, 70-65, 1:14 in the fourth quarter. That was SBC's only field goal in the final four minutes, the other points coming from fr...

1 Jason Ballesteros (SSCR) - Ballesteros is no longer the poor man's version of Sam Ekwe. He is now Ekwe ver 2.0. At least for this week (17 rebs, 8 blks vs PCU, 8/6; 12 pts, 19 rebs, 2 stls, 6 blks, game-winning block vs MIT, 8/8). 2 Dino Daa (CSJL) - He is "Daa" man (20 pts, 6 rebs, 3 asts vs CSB, 8/6). Get it, get it? 3 Beau Belga (PCU) - Belga sure made the bland Stags-Dolphins game become a tad interesting, making himself the center of attention with his shenanigans. His stats were...

Since I was not able to post all the game recaps on time, I might as well do them all in one go. And so that I could put some of my thoughts into them too. One thing that was common with all the matches this week is that they were all ugly to watch. That would reflect on how the power rankings would go for this week. Anyway, to the games themselves. ----- San Sebastian College Recoletos went 2-0 this week after displacing Philippine Christian University, 68-57, on August 7 and escaping past M...

Defending champion San Sebastian College Recoletos swept the first round of NCAA women's volleyball, while San Beda College achieved the same in seniors volleyball. SSCR defeated Colegio de San Juan de Letran in straight sets, 25-17, 25-12, 25-23, at the St. Placid Gym in San Beda on August 7. Season 82 MVP Sasa Devandera unleashed her all-around prowess with eight attacks, four blocks, and four service aces for the Lady Stags' sixth win. Lou Ann Latigay had 12 hits, while Melissa Mirasol and ...

It is always fun to watch these two go at each other considering the fact that they have the core of the two De La Salle Zobel champion teams. It is a reunion out there on the court every game. Getting a rain check for this one is Simon Atkins, who is still reeling from his whiplash injury from last week. The rookie Archers have not disappointed, delivering what is asked of them even though they do not pile up the stats. State, on the other hand, has been relying more on gritty luck, getting b...

Let us see how far the Bulldogs could go with their winning run as they face University of the East. The Red Warriors was not able to split their series against the Archers last Thursday. Jonathan Jahnke and Edwin Asoro woke up from their slumber to lead NU against FEU and UP. At the other end, James Martinez was the x-factor in the back-to-back tiffs against De La Salle. Has NU found its rhythm or they just had a lucky streak? After crashing back to earth, does East still have gas left for N...

Adamson University just got the surprise of their lives, getting beaten by UP during upset weekend. The Growling Tigers, on the other hand, were not as fortunate in their encounter with Ateneo de Manila. Despite that, UST still has a slight edge against the Soaring Falcons. Jervy Cruz has had relative bad games during the first round, but he was still able to finish the first around ahead in statistical points. Clark Bautista has earned his slot in the Santo Tomas rotation with his good play. ...

Payback comes early as the Eagles face their lone tormentor in the first round. On the other side of the coin, Far Eastern also give NU a first last Sunday. With that defeat, has the Marnel Baracael factor subsided or was it just a case of losing too much after Robert Kave returned home the day before? More than his flops, how would Chris Tiu adjust to what the FEU defense gives him? Will Rabeh Al-Hussaini have another monster game or was that only a fluke? What does Tamaraws head coach...

Halfway into the NCAA basketball season and the JRU Heavy Bombers find themselves right where they want to be. But before this turnaround that started when Ariel Vanguardia took over as head coach, they were nowhere to be found. The Bombers' last championship came way back in 1972 when they were still known as Jose Rizal College. JRU had a resurgence of sorts at the turn of the millennium when coach Boy de Vera led his charges to the 2001 finals where they lost to the Mark Macapagal-bannered S...

The cellar dwellers had a breath of fresh air last weekend, inducing gasps of surprise from almost everyone. The Bulldogs is sniffing the winds of change with a victory against Far Eastern University. The Fighting Maroons surpassed its record last season with a surprise for this year’s surprise package, Adamson University. Recalling that before UAAP weird event #1 happened (this was when the ADMU-DLSU game started at 2-0), UAAP weird event #0.5 was the hosts tasting a winning record...

In an unexpected twist of fate (with the help of unusual results coming from the other games scheduled over the weekend), it is the Green Archers against the Red Warriors once again. With the wounds of battle still fresh, it would be interesting how this would pan out. Foremost is the condition of the De La Salle cagers. Would they play shorthanded? Would they be walking wounded? Or would they be bouncing like pogo sticks this Thursday? Which side would rain threes? Which team would pound...

1 San Beda College – The San Beda faithful attendance has been pretty much consistent. The opening day crowd was enough buffer, while they had their usual share in the San Beda-Letran match. 2 Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Coming in second is Letran. It was a pleasant surprise that the San Beda-Letran game was an even half between the two. In most occasions in the Sam Ekwe-era, Bedans outnumber the Letranites in their faceoffs. 3 Jose Rizal University – On a per game a...

1 (6) Sam Ekwe (SBC) – I think everybody is unanimous in saying that Ekwe was a beast in the only playdate last week. This was his best offensive output (25 pts, 11/17 fgs vs CSJL, 7/30) ever since scoring 26 pts vs the Altas (8/26/07). He was classic Ekwe in the hustle board as well (17 rebs, 4 blks) with minimal rest (38 mins) in that game. His 7 tos was just an afterthought. 2 (1) James Sena (JRU) – A double-double (14 pts, 11 rebs vs PCU, 7/30), the game-winning shot, and ...

The Eagles are back on the ground and they could vent all their frustration on the Tigers. The two are evenly matched. This does not show at the standings though. At center, we all know what Jervy Cruz could do. Two MVP awards could account for that. Rabeh Al-Hussaini has been a revelation with averages of 10.4 ppg and 8.6 rpg, not counting the game against FEU, and a Player of the Week citation. Severino Baclao’s and Ryan Buenafe’s roles are pretty much defined. On the othe...

What are the odds that a team that is emotionally devastated and two men down be in a triple tie for first place? Then again, that was what of expected from them during the offseason. There should be no surprise there. What could come more of a shock is NU. The Bulldogs, who were touted to spoil the party, are only spoiling themselves rotten with all their losses in double digits except for one. It is so bad that UP is actually ahead of them. With a legit chance to be on top of the stand...

San Beda College showed who is boss, preventing Colegio de San Juan de Letran to sweep the first round, 71-67, in NCAA seniors basketball at a packed Cuneta Astrodome yesterday. The Red Lions, who led by as much as 19, 55-36, 4:50 in the third quarter, had to avert a comeback by Letran. Sam Ekwe scored the killer baskets with his jump shots, the last one giving San Beda a six-point lead, 70-64, :59.4 remaining. Jaypee Belencion trimmed the gap down to three with a three-pointer, :44.2 in...

Jose Rizal University finished the NCAA seniors basketball first round at second place with a two-point win against Philippine Christian University, 60-58, at the Cuneta Astrodome on July 30. James Sena grabbed the rebound off a Lei Mar Navarro short stab, then barreled inside against two defenders :01.4 in the clock for the winning basket. After the Dolphins burned their last two timeouts, Rogelio Busa went for the win but his three-point attempt from way out went short. This is the ...

The brothers Pumaren, in one or way another, have been in the headlines in the first round. This time, they will be at each other’s throats in a rematch of last year’s finals. And with the amount of sidelights that has happened going to the halfway mark of the elimination round, that seemed like ancient history. Speaking of history, the two have had colorful moments against each other from past seasons from game protests, game replays, and last-second shots that make Mark Borbo...

The Falcons have been losing heartbreakers lately. But considering that the Maroons are on déjà vu of season past, it would be the surprise of the decade if this game goes down the wire. How much more can UP coach Aboy Castro squeeze out from his boys? In the same vein, how can AdU mentor Leo Austria make sure that his wards would not become complacent? Will the Adamson big men have a field day against their much smaller counterparts? Will Paul Gonzalgo be suckered in to a t...

A still fired up and emotional Tamaraw side would try to defeat the only remaining undefeated team in the major leagues. On the other hand, ADMU head coach Norman Black is attempting to chase his best start eight straight wins from two seasons back by first hurdling Far Eastern. Height-wise, the Eagles are head and shoulders taller than FEU. Would the blue side power its way inside the paint or would they match it with agility and hustle? Nonoy Baclao comes into mind who could do the latte...

National University need to find more luck as it battles the resurgent Tigers. Although the Bulldogs already have two godfathers in the Sys and Mikee Romero, their effect in the current team might not be immediate. But they are already in the move as Junel Baculi got hired as consultant. This early, how much can the multi-titled National Team and PBL coach be of help in the Dogs’ campaign? UST, on the other hand, just came from an overtime squeaker against the Falcons. Regardless...

1 James Sena (JRU) – Sure, it was the Heavy Bombers’ long-range bombs (21/65 3pts last week) that was the story last week. But Sena was the most consistent Bomber, topscoring in both occasions (18 pts vs CSB, 7/23; 14 pts vs MIT 7/25), while getting his regular quota of rebounds (13 rebs, 8 off rebs, vs SBC; 7 rebs vs MIT). 2 (1) Dino Daa (CSJL) – Daa, a double-double machine (17 pts, 14 rebs, 4 asts vs MIT, 7/23). Mark that. 3 Neil Pascual (MIT) – Speaking of doub...

Two teams that could not get any form of momentum are the Tigers and the Falcons. Santo Tomas has dropped two straight. AdU is on a rollercoaster ride, winning close against UE then losing marginally against the Green Archers. Then again, UST has been known to be a slow starter, peaking up later as the season progresses, ever since Pido Jarencio took over as head coach. Would a win here propel them to that next level? Jervy Cruz was contained by FEU to just 11 points and three rebounds. Could...

Who could stop the Blue Eagles’ rampage? NU did a year ago. The Bulldogs would reprise their role as spoilers as they attempt to hand Ateneo’s first loss for the season. However, that task would be hard considering the way the Eagles are playing right now. All the cylinders are in sync. Noy Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini are controlling the paint, Ryan Buenafe and Chris Tiu are in their comfort zones, and Eric Salamat and Yuri Escueta are not bad point generals either. National, on...

In the so-called Battle of Recto, some sobriety might take place with the recent fate Mac Baracael suffered. Other than his stats and physical presence, how would this affect the Tamaraws mentally? Who would step up in place of Baracael? On the other hand, UE got out of the hump with an emphatic win over the hosts last Thursday. How would the Warriors take this game considering that their opponents are one man down because of a non-basketball incident? And a gruesome circumstance at that....

For the second straight week, the Green Archers are pulling off a back-to-back. After an easy one against Adamson, they now have UP next. The Maroons might be easy pickings for the Taft-based squad, which is currently on a four-game streak. State lost big to the Red Warriors last Thursday, and as early as now, it seems that UP is once again relegated as bottom feeders with their play. Jvee Casio once again led the way for De La Salle in their win against the Falcons. How much would be ask...

In their last game, the Red Warriors got exposed by Adamson. Or was that just breaks of the game? This time around, they would try to recover and have a better outcome against UP. The middle of the standings is a place where the Recto-based squad is not accustomed to after lording it during the eliminations last season. Elmer Espiritu’s 14-point, 11-rebound output came to naught when Paul Gonzalgo sank that game-winner that dealt UE’ second loss in two games. Marcy Arellano a...

The Archers are on a roll, while Adamson had a surprise win over the weekend. This is what will be on everybody’s minds as they battle it out this afternoon. DLSU, coming from a 93-69 conquest of NU last Saturday, would gun for its fourth straight win after dropping the opener against the Eagles. JVee Casio relegated himself to the sidelines as Peejay Barua took over in that contest with 26 points on 6/8 three-point shooting. Rico Maierhofer had an efficient game with 16 points, 13 ...

Colegio de San Juan de Letran made sure that they are still undefeated and at first place in NCAA basketball as they brokeaway from Mapua Institute of Technology in the endgame, 67-60, yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome. The Knights scored the last six points of the game, all made within the paint. Dino Daa found John Melegrito wide open inside 1:14 in the clock, for a three-point lead, 63-60 Daa then converted a hook shot from a post up position against Neil Pascual, :52.1 remaining. Rey Gueva...

Jose Rizal University caught a big fish in San Beda College, 74-69, on July 23 at the Cuneta Astrodome. John Wilson swished two three-pointers in the final two minutes to stave off the Red Lions. His second trey :14.0 in the clock gave JRU breathing space, 77-71. "They were giving us the three-point shot," said Bombers coach Ariel Vanguardia. "They were zoning us the whole game." Marc Cagoco and JR Sena led JRU with 18 points apiece. Cagoco shot 6/18 at the three-point area, while Sena had 13...

1 Dino Daa (CSJL) – Daa has been the Knights’ version of Sam Ekwe, not because he is an intimidating presence, but those rebound numbers look cool (19 rebs vs SSCR, 7/16; 13 rebs, vs UPHSD, 7/18). His other stats are not bad at all (26 pts vs SSCR; 17 pts, 4 asts, 4 stls vs UPHSD). 2 Sam Ekwe (SBC) – Speaking of Ekwe, he is on the second spot (17 pts, 11 rebs, 2 blks vs SSCR, 7/14; 12 pts, 20 rebs, 3 stls, 3 asts vs CSB, 7/18). His most glaring stat of all: 0 dunks the wh...

Colegio de San Juan de Letran came back from 20 points down in the first half to pull the rug on University of Perpetual Help, 63-62, to retain solo first in NCAA seniors basketball. RJ Jazul scored 14 points in the third quarter to turn the gap into single digits going into the final ten minutes of the contest. Jazul also led the way in the clutch, scoring six pressure packed freethrows in the final minute to steal the game from the Altas. CSJL coach Louie Alas reminded his ace scorer to driv...

San Beda College reigned over College of Saint Benilde, 74-51, to remain undefeated in NCAA seniors basketball. The Red Lions found their rhythm early with a 12-0 start after Chuck Dalanon fired the opening salvo with a three-pointer. Sam Ekwe's corner fadeaway from an entry pass forced CSB coach Gee Abanilla to call for time, 4:49 in the first quarter, San Beda up, 12-3. The Blazers tried its hardest to keep the game close, trailing only by nine at the half. However, SBC broke the game w...

The topsy turvy season continues with UST and FEU clashing to shuffle the board once again. The Tamaraws came out last Thursday the victors against the hapless Maroons, 88-66. Santo Tomas, on the other hand, lost by a squeaker against DLSU. That said, no one has an apparent advantage in this matchup. The point guards of both sides cancel each other out with Andy Barroca and an upgraded Japs Cuan starting. They are backed up by Jens Knuttle and Jeric Fortuna, both seeing action in UAAP juniors....

Who would have thought that the Falcons would be coming from a win, while UE is licking their wounds a defeat? But then, the two faced teams in opposing ends of the standings. Adamson tied down winless NU, 73-65, last Sunday, while the Red Warriors bowed down to the undefeated Eagles in the same afternoon, 64-58. This time, the two would face each other in a battle of middle of the pack squads. Although UE is now considered a small team, their big men are no pansies. Elmer Espiritu, Hans Thiel...

In the other featured game on Saturday, it would be the Green Archers in a dogfight with NU. De La Salle would come from an expected tough match against UST on Thursday, while the down in the dumps NU is still finding its form after three straight losses. For the Archers, it would be Jvee Casio, Rico Maierhofer, and the team’s freethrow shooting in the spotlight. For National, Edwin Asoro has been the most consistent Bulldog so far with a double-double to show in his team’s de...

It is the Battle of Katipunan once again and the league leading Blue Eagles are out to spoil the fun of the hosts. UP is coming from a back-to-back with a game on Thursday against FEU. That just means they have a heavy schedule this week, facing Ateneo on Saturday. On the other hand, Ateneo comes from a weekday-long rest and a 64-58 win against UE last Sunday. This doubly stacks the favor to the blue side. The Eagles have been getting inspired production from Chris Tiu, Rabeh Al-Hussain...

Colegio de San Juan de Letran remains unbeaten in NCAA seniors basketball, short circuiting San Sebastian College Recoletos, 71-67, at the Cuneta Astrodome on July 16. Dino Daa led the Knights with 26 points and 19 rebounds, making crucial baskets in the fourth period. He gave Letran a seven-point lead, 68-61, scoring off Froilan Saquillo at the post in two occasions in the final two minutes. “He was on a zone,” said CSJL coach Louie Alas. “Let us make it simple and giv...

After that rousing debut against the NU Bulldogs, the hosts return to earth after getting sideswiped by UST last Saturday. The Tamaraws, on the other hand, are far from the supposed form they were during the preseason with a slim win against Adamson and a fourth quarter meltdown against the Green Archers. The angle here is who would recover and get win number two. On paper, FEU looks more formidable, but basing on what happened during opening weekend, another surprise from the Fighting Ma...

It is the battle of two coaches who got embroiled in the ID issue. That aside, this has enough subplots for an engaging story in itself. Both squads notched their first wins last weekend with UST trouncing UP and the Archers needing a fourth quarter spark to dispose Far Eastern University. Here are the things to watch out for in DLSU: -         Will it be a Jvee Ca-show once more or will the others step up? -      &nb...

It some time for Philippine Christian University to win one, but finally it did. The Dolphins bucked another end game collapse and held off University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 65-61, in NCAA seniors basketball held at the Cuneta Astrodome on July 14. Leading at the end of the first half, PCU let the Altas catch up and take a seven-point margin going into the final quarter, 47-40. Philippine Christian worked their way back again retaking the upperhand, 55-53, with a Jefferson Vidal ...

1 (9) Kelvin dela Peña (MIT) – Asked who my player of the week was, from the top of my head I replied TG Guillermo (22 pts, 5/8 3pts, 25 mins total vs UPHSD, 7/9, and CSB, 7/11). Reviewing the stat sheets, dela Peña is not a bad choice after all (11.7 ppg, 8 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.3 spg, 7/7-7/11). 2 (5) Neil Pascual (MIT) – With the weird way the first round of games are scheduled, it can be quite inevitable that some teams would dominate some weeks. Case in point, we ...

1 RJ Jazul (CSJL) –What he did in one game (37 pts, 8 rebs, 5 asts, 3 stls, 7/11 3pts, 6/6 fts vs CSB, 7/4) is more than enough to garner him the top spot this week. Jazul also had a good all-around output the first time out (13 pts, 4 rebs, 7 asts, 4 stls vs JRU, 6/28). 2 Archie David (CSB) – despite conservative numbers (his averages fell after a 2-pt game and an injury vs CSJL, 7/4), the wiry guy with the recognizable haircut provided the biggest impact with his two clutch t...

To get this done and over with so that I could move on. As if people care what happens in the women's and juniors divisions. Women's: 1. Far Eastern University – they are good, they are deep, and they have a Nokia Pilipinas Youth squad member in their midst. 2. Ateneo de Manila University – the Lady Eagles get automatic second provided Sarah Mercado is healthy. 3. Adamson University – Nike Summer League champs, Kat Sandel, coach Emilia Vega. &l...

Since the NCAA already had a week’s worth of action, I will make this quicker. In summary, both seniors and juniors follow the same trend: six-deep (for some reason, people are wary of PCU) with one team that stands out as the heavy favourite. Seniors: 1. San Beda College – forget Emeka Udo, they got Jake Pascual. With an intact lineup, it is more than enough to guarantee a three-peat. 2. Jose Rizal University – what is keeping the Heavy Bombers from reaching...

Because the UAAP has officially begun a few hours ago, I will make this quick. 1. Far Eastern University – if the Tamaraws were last year’s surprise package, that same crew just got a year older and a year wiser. 2. University of the East – the Red Warriors’ progress in the offseason could be summarized by a Daft Punk song: harder (sure), smaller (definitely), faster (zing!), better (maybe), stronger (we will see). 3. Ateneo de Manila University – the Eagles ...

Toyota Otis caught a big fish in Hapee Toothpaste, 76-73, at The Arena on April 12 to remain in the hunt for a favorable playoff spot in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup. “I gave him (Hapee coach Louie Alas) a taste of his own medicine,” remarked Sparks head mentor Ariel Vanguardia. “Kung ano iyong play na nir-run niya sa NCAA, iyon din ang ginawa ko.” Vanguardia was referring on ace guard RJ Jazul, who is Alas’ ward in Colegio de San Juan de Letran...

Harbour Centre handed itself a nice gift before departing for Indonesia for the SEABA Champions Cup, eating up Burger King, 77-66, at the start of the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on April Fool’s Day. After Boyet Bautista popped a three-point bucket from near the top of the key, 5:55 in the second quarter for a 34-12 score, Batang Pier let down their guard and allowed the Whoppers go as near as three midway the third with Marcy Arellano scori...

Toyota Otis is making a turnaround, closing the first round of the eliminations with back-to-back victories, its latest victim being Noosa Shoes, 85-74, at The Arena on March 29. RJ Jazul had a belated welcome, spearheading with ten points in a 13-4 burst to end the third quarter. The Sparks led by 15 from two Erwin Sta. Maria freethrows, 81-66, 2:32 remaining. “He gives us a threat,” Toyota coach Ariel Vanguardia referred to Jazul. “Not only sa scoring, sa playmaking din niy...

Not even close. What everybody expected to be a close encounter turned instead into an ugly one-sided rout as Harbour Centre pulled the plug on Hapee Toothpaste, 88-69, to remain squeaky clean in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at The Arena on March 25. Flirting the 20-point mark in the first half, Batang Pier finally breached that point with a Tyrone Tang pop up right on the key, less than four minutes to go in the third quarter, 53-33. Jonathan Fernandez made one of his six t...

Burger King took control of Pharex, 82-78, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, making the two teams tied at second place before the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup takes its Holy Week break. Abby Santos took advantage of the smaller Medics, finishing with 17 points and ten rebounds. “Kailangan naming mag-hustle,” the player of the game said. “Ginamit namin height namin.” Both sides are on equal footing with a 5-2 win-loss record. The Whoppers never relinquished the upperhand t...

Jayson Castro stepped up and prevented Harbour Centre from totally sinking against Toyota Otis, 89-83, on March 13 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to keep Batang Pier’s slate clean in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup. Castro scored five straight points in the clutch to make it 89-81 for the still undefeated defending champions. The former Philippine Christian University guard saved the day after his team squandered a 16-point lead early in the second period, letting the Sparks...

Things just became more interesting as Pharex stunned Hapee in a scoring spree of a game, 100-96, for its fourth win in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on March 11. The Medics took the lead for good late in the second quarter with a Don Villamin three-point shot, 43-41, 2:11. Pharex started the second half with its highest lead, 53-42, courtesy of a Ronnie Matias triple. “We did well today. I am impressed with the guys,” said Pharex coach Carlo T...

Harbour Centre cruised to its fourth win in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup, deep frying Burger King, 83-72, at The Arena on March 8. The gap just got bigger as the game went on as Edwin Asoro was responsible for the largest lead with a three-point basket at the top of the key from a Tyrone Tang assist, 74-45, 7:20 remaining in the game. However, Batang Pier took it easy too much, enabling the Whoppers to chop the lead to a more respectable tally. All 15 Harbour players score...

Noy Javier threw up a desperation three-pointer from way outside to beat the buzzer and surprise Hapee Toothpaste, 77-76, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on March 6 for Noosa Shoes’ second win in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup. “Set play pero you have to gamble,” admitted Noosa coach Leo Isaac. “Malayo pa ang tanggap ni Javier. (Gabe) Norwood was guarding the inbounds passer. (Kelvin) dela Peña had to lob it higher.” This conquest becomes appropriate as birthday gift for Shoe Stars bos...

Unlike Rizal Memorial Coliseum, which suffered from a power outage, Harbour Centre was all systems go in sinking Bacchus Energy Drink, 90-70, in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup on March 4. Jeff Chan set the tone early, scoring 13 of his team-high 17 points in the first quarter. Harbour had two of its 28 fastbreak points from a Solomon Mercado rebound that led to a Boyet Bautista layup, 6:33 in the fourth, for the game's largest spread, 78-48. "We are getting to distribute the ba...

Gabe Norwood and Mark Borboran exploded for a combined 19 points in the fourth quarter to help Hapee Toothpaste notch its second victory in as many games in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at The Arena on March 1. The Complete Protectors made sure that Bacchus Energy drink is still winless, 85-83. Somehow it was not a surprise that the duo were involved in the final two plays of the match. With Norwood isolated out at the corner near midcourt, he advanced towards the top of th...

Kiel Misa did more than score for Burger King to steal the game from San Mig Coffee in overtime, 73-67, in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Culture and Sports Complex on February 28. The University of Perpetual Help shooter was responsible in one way or another in sending the match into extra period by first swishing two freethrows off Glen Bolocon’s fifth foul :28.8 left in the clock to turn the count, 56-58, the Titans trailing. In the next tim...

Hapee Toothpaste stepped on the gas in the fourth quarter to stop Toyota Otis on its tracks, 77-62, for the Complete Protectors’ first win in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup on February 26 at The Arena. The Cecilio Pedro-owned squad scored 31 points in the pivotal period, putting some life in a relatively low-scoring contest. Mark Borboran’s three-pointer capped a 9-2 start in the fourth to go up, 55-45, 7:10 in the clock. Francis Mercado’s triple at the buzzer was the game’s...

Harbour Centre Batang Pier took care of San Mig Coffee, 85-77, in the opening of the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at The Arena on February 23. The defending champions broke away for good with Tyrone Tang and Beau Belga teaming up for seven unanswered points in a three-minute span in the final minutes of the game to surge ahead, 83-72. Jayson Castro scored 19 points, going 5/11 at the field and a perfect 8/8 at the line, along with five rebounds and four assists to lead Bat...