Would you believe that the two-week break from the collegiate basketball preseason leagues came like a breeze and a few days from now the 2009 season of the NCAA would commence? I almost forgot to put out the necessary prediction rankings that I am compelled to cram this.Not to fret though as I already have an overview of how I would rank the ten teams for the coming season. This time around, I would be doing things differently since I foresee that competition would be tight. Just like tour cy...

The Altas of University of Perpetual Help System Dalta are swine flu-free and are raring to go in the nearing NCAA season. “We have no swine flu cases at Perpetual Help. If there are some students that are sick, it is just common flu cases, nothing alarming,” said Mike del Mundo, UPHSD representative in the NCAA Management Committee. Meanwhile, the Perp Squad has been collecting trophies after a second place finish in last year’s NCAA cheerleading competition. Less than ...

Arellano University and Philippine Marine Merchant School barged into the semifinals in the seniors division of the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the St. Placid Sports Center. The defending champion Chiefs slammed de Ocampo Memorial College, 84-72, while PMMS humbled Jose Rizal, 69-67. In juniors, San Beda College-Rizal walloped St. Jude College, 83-43, San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Manila defeated University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 64-52, University of Santo Tomas downed Far Eas...

Colegio de San Juan de Letran kept the tradition of an NCAA school dominating the juniors division of the Nike Summer League as the Squires lanced University of Santo Tomas, 79-76, on June 10 at the Far Eastern University Gym.It was never easy for Letran despite leading most of the way as the Tiger Cubs kept knocking on the door all throughout the contest. JR Ongteco’s field goal inside the paint provided a seven-point cushion for CSJL, 78-71, with less than two minutes remaining.US...

Jose Rizal University shot the lights out in the second half to emerge on top of De La Salle Zobel, 88-85, on June 10 at the Nike Summer League juniors division battle for third at the Far Eastern University Gym.The Light Bombers found their target in the fourth period, scoring six buckets from beyond the arc with Louie Vigil’s three with :20.6 seconds to go forcing overtime. Richard Lontoc then scored a crucial backbreaking three-pointer for a three-point lead, 87-84, :48.2 to go i...

Arellano University defeated Olivarez College, 63-56, on June 6 to remain unscathed in nine games in the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the St. Placid Sports Center in San Beda College-Manila. In other senior games, Ateneo de Manila Univeristy downed Informatics College A, 81-75, and de Ocampo Memorial College edged Universal College, 66-64. Philppine Marine Merchant School stunned Far Eastern University, 75-58, STI College beat Lyceum de Subic Bay, 62-55, and Jose Rizal University smashed Natio...

PRESS RELEASE San Sebastian College marched to its fifth final appearance in the Shakey’s V-League by sweeping the undermanned Adamson side in their Final Four series while Far Eastern U repulsed Univ. of Santo Tomas to force a sudden death for the other final berth at The Arena in San Juan yesterday. Thai import Jaroensri Bualee frolicked in the continued absence of Nerissa Bautista and Joanna Botor-Carpio, firing 18 hits while Laurence Ann Latigay added 17 points for the Lady Sta...

San Sebastian College-Recoletos cashed in on the absence of Adamson University's guest players as it fashioned out a surprisingly easy 25-14, 25-20, 25-18 victory to move closer to the finals in the sixth Shakey's V-League at the FilOil-Flying V Arena on June 4. University of Santo Tomas needed an extra set to topple Far Eastern University, 25-14, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, to likewise move closer to the championship.

San Beda College-Rizal humbled reigning NCAA high school champion San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Manila, 77-58, on June 5 in the juniors division of the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the La Consolacion College of Manila Gym. In the other juniors match, Colegio de San Juan de Letran overpowered guest RP Women's Team, 98-39. In seniors, Jose Rizal University downed NCRAA titlist Universal College, 63-57, while La Consolacion edged Olivarez College, 76-71. Meanwhile, defending champion Arell...

San Beda College shook off Ateneo de Manila University, 80-71, on June 5 in the the FilOil-Flying V Preseason Manny V. Pangilinan Cup at the FilOil-Flying V Arena. The Red Lions were in control most of the way, enjoying a 17-point lead, 70-53, coming from an 8-0 start in the fourth quarter. In other games, De La Salle ended its slump, crushing Letran, 94-81. Maui Villanueva topped the Archers with 16 points, while Bader Malabes had 12. James Mangahas netted 11 markers. RJ Jazul scorched fo...

All four games of the quarterfinals of the seniors division of the Nike Summer League held on June 4 at the Far Eastern University Gym were moved to June 8.This transpired due to the court's unplayable condition. The first two matches between FEU and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Jose Rizal University and San Sebastian College-Recoletos were already postponed.The game of San Beda College-Manila versus Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila was stopped at halftime with...

Jose Rizal University and University of Santo Tomas reach the semifinals of the 2009 Nike Summer League, winning their quarterfinal assignments on June 2 at the Far Eastern University Gym.JRU applied pressure and ran breaks on La Salle Greenhills to come out on top, 81-73.Louie Vigil as usual carried the Light Bombers on his shoulders with 29 points and five rebounds. He connected a crucial three-pointer with 3:42 remaining to start a 13-4 run to put the game away for good, 81-70.Joshua Sa...

Colegio de San Juan de Letran and De La Salle Zobel booked a rematch as they beat their respective opponents in the quarterfinals of the 2009 Nike Summer League on June 2 at the Far Eastern University Gym.The Squires took advantage of an incomplete Ateneo High School squad to win, 64-57.Glenn Khobuntin powered his way inside the paint, scoring eight of Letran's last 11 points in the final three and so minutes. The fourth year slotman sealed the game with two freethrows with :55.3 in the clo...

University of the East continued De La Salle University’s losing streak, 74-63, on June 3 in the FilOil-Flying V Preseason Manny V. Pangilinan Cup at the FilOil-Flying V Arena. The Warriors had a 15-2 spurt to finish the third quarter to go ahead, 65-47. A James Martinez three 8:18 in the fourth was UE’s biggest lead, 68-48. Martinez led East with 15 points while Elmer Espiritu accumulated 14. Paul Lee scored 12 markers. Peejay Barua headed De La Salle with 17 points Mean...

Defending champion Arellano University smothered National University, 84-52, on June 1 to pick up its seventh win in row in the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup held at its own gym. In other games that day, Philippine Marine Merchant School downed Informatics College B, 76-43, San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite smashed Ateneo de Naga, 101-63, and de Ocampo Memorial College won over Pamantasang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa via default.

PRESS RELEASE Adamson showed its readiness for the Final Four, posting a 25-16, 25-21, 25-15 victory over Far Eastern U to arrange a semis duel with San Sebastian College in the sixth Shakey’s V-League at The Arena in San Juan yesterday. Jill Gustilo took over the offensive chores for the defending champions, scoring 11 hits while Angela Benting and Paulina Soriano each contributed nine points to key the victory at the close of the single round quarterfinal phase. Adamson thus too...

PRESS RELEASE San Sebastian College-Recoletos foiled Far Eastern University's bid for an outright semis entry as it essayed a 25-22, 25-18, 25-17 victory in the sixth Shakey’s V-League at the FilOil Arena in San Juan. Thai import Jaroensri Bualee came away with 16 hits while Rysabelle Devanadera and Lou Ann Latigas tossed in 11 points apiece for the Lady Stags, who thus matched the UST Tigresses’ 4-0 mark heading into the penultimate playdate of the quarterfinal round on Sunda...

San Sebastian College-Recoletos submerged De La Salle University, 73-59, in the FilOil-Flying V Preseason Manny V. Pangilinan Cup at the FilOil Arena. The Stags unearthed a 15-2 spurt in the first quarter and led by as many as 33, 58-25. Jimbo Aquino topped Baste with 18 points with Raymond Maconocido notching 12. Ian Sangalang scored ten. The Archers were led by former Staglet Arvie Bringas with 12 points. Bader Malabes also had ten markers. This is DLSU’s first defeat in five gam...

PRESS RELEASE Far Eastern U recovered from a shaky start to repulse a surprisingly tough University of St. La Salle-Bacolod, 23-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-23, yesterday as the Lady Tams stayed in the hunt for a semifinal berth in the sixth Shakey’s V-League at The Arena in San Juan. Maica Morada scored with a crosscourt hit to shatter a 23-all count in the fourth set then the Lady Tams watch USLS’ libero Realyn Valeriano’s dig went wide to clinch the hard-earned victory in 1:4...

Oracle Residences took some effort in disposing Pharex in the first game of the PBL PG Flex finals, 79-73, on May 26 at the San Juan Gymnasium. Rico Maierhofer, Chris Timberlake, and Mark Barroca turned the tide with a 19-4 run in the fourth period from the Titans trailing by five to lead up to ten, 74-64, with more than a minute to go. Maierhofer, awarded Defensive Stopper of the Year earlier, became an offensive option with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. Roberts Labagala provi...

Lyceum de Subic Bay University trounced Informatics College A, 95-73, to join Universal College on top of Group A with a pristine 4-0 slate in the seniors division of the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the La Consolacion College-Manila Gym. National University downed Ateneo de Naga University, 67-56, in the only other seniors match. In juniors, San Beda College-Rizal slammed Ateneo de Naga, 76-30, San Beda-Alabang blasted Naga City Montessori, 77-61, and Philippine Marine Merchant School ...

De La Salle University walloped archrival Ateneo de Manila University, 72-58, on May 20 to sweep the first round of elimination in the women’s division of the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the Saint Placid Gym in San Beda College-Manila. Adamson University trounced University of the East, 67-48, in the only other women’s game. STI College smashed Ateneo de Naga, 97-31, and Naga Montessori downed RP Women’s Team, 75-71, in juniors action. Guest team Nokia Pilipinas un...

PRESS RELEASE Frustrated by University of Santo Tomas the last time out, Far Eastern University vented its ire on University of San Jose-Recoletos as it romped away with a 25-13, 25-16, 25-22 victory in the quarterfinal round of the sixth Shakey’s V-League at The FilOil Arena in San Juan yesterday. The Tams outhit the Jaguars in the hour-long contest with Rachel Anne Daquis and Irish Morada combining for 18 hills and 21 points and April Jose stepping up with eight points. It was a ...

Pharex eliminated Licealiz, 78-71, on May 21 in the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup at the San Juan Gymnasium to reach the finals for the first time. Francis Allera scored six points, including a killer three, in an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter to give the Bidang Generix an eight-point lead, 73-65. Allera topscored with 17 points, a perfect 6/6 from the line. John Melegrito contributed 14 markers, shooting 5/5 from the two-point area and 4/4 from the charity stripe. Ronnie Matias had 13 points and sev...

Far Eastern University was victorious in straight sets against Ateneo-Oracare, 25-22, 25-22, 25-22, in Shakey's V-League at the FilOil Arena. FEU closed out its stint in the single round elims with a 5-2 card, joining early qualifiers University of Santo Tomas and San Sebastian College-Recoletos. The Eagles wound up with a 4-3 card, their chances for a playoff hinge on Adamson University’s match with San Sebastian. A victory by the Lady Falcons (4-2) will eliminate the Eagles while a ...

Seeded teams Oracle Residences and Licealiz Shampoo won their respective first games in the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup semis series on May 14 at the San Juan Gym. The Titans got the first strike against Cobra Energy, 83-70. Four players scored in double digits for Oracle with Benedict Fernandez leading the way with 18 points. Pari Llagas and Patrick Cabahug led the Energy Warriors with 12 points apiece. In the second game, the Hair Doctors won against Pharex, 83-72. Lance Convento finished with ...

PRESS RELEASE Defending champion Arellano University smashed San Sebastian-Cavite, 77-41, and UCAA titlist Universal College edged STI, 59-55, to extend their amazing run to four in the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the San Beda Gym. Ateneo dumped De Ocampo, 85-60, and Olivarez College downed Nokia RP team, 81-75, to likewise boost their semifinal bids. In the only juniors’ match, University of Santo Tomas slammed Xavier, 77-49.

College of Saint Benilde overcame Colegio de San Juan de Letran in overtime, 89-86, on May 13 in the FilOil Flying V Preseason Manny V. Pangilinan Cup at the FilOil Arena. Jeff Morial topscored with 22 points, 11 coming in the fourth and OT periods, scoring the key baskets. Robbie Mañalac scored 14 markers. Jaypee Belencion concluded with 21 points, 14 coming from a torrid shooting third quarter. Reymar Gutilban had 17, while Jam Cortes scored 11 markers and Aloy Taplah with ten. In th...

San Beda College-Rizal slammed Adamson University, 83-49, on May 11 to seize its fourth straight win and the solo lead in Group A in the juniors division of the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the La Consolacion Gym. University of Perpetual Help System Dalta downed Far Eastern University, 60-55, in the only other high school match. In seniors action, Informatics A defeated Pamantasang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, 79-77, and La Consolacion trounced guest team Nokia Pilipinas under-16, 78-61.

Ateneo de Manila University defeated Jose Rizal Univeristy, 69-58, in the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the St. Placid Gym in San Beda College. Far Eastern University edged past San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite, 71-70. La Consolacion College of Manila beat National University, 78-67.

Far Eastern University pounced Adamson University in straight sets, 25-22, 25-21, 25-17, to assure itself of a playoff for a quarterfinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League at the Blue Eagle Gym on May 10. Maica Morada fired 14 hits and Shaira Gonzales tossed in 10 points for the Lady Tamaraws. The match lasted for only an hour and 12 minutes. FEU owns a 4-1 mark. Adamson, led by Angela Benting’s 11 points, slid to 3-2. Ateneo-OraCare blasted University of the Philippines, 25-12, 25-...

PRESS RELEASE Informatics B walloped NCBA, 72-55, and San Sebastian-Cavite trounced National U, 77-49, to boost their respective bids in the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the San Beda Gym.Perpetual Help trounced NU, 75-51, to likewise enhance its campaign.

University of the East blew away College Saint Benilde, 75-54, on May 6 in the FilOil-Flying V Preseason Manny V. Pangilinan Cup at the FilOil-Flying V Arena. Paul Lee led the Warriors with 15 points. In the other game, Mapua trounced Perpetual Help, 80-61. Allan Mangahas had 18 points. TG Guillermo and Edwin Cornejo finished with identical 12 markers. Raffy Ynion spearheaded Perpetual with 12 points.

Former University of Santo Tomas head coach Aric del Rosario will be the commissioner for the NCAA in the coming season. This became formal last week after the NCAA Policy Board agreed with host San Beda College's recommendation of del Rosario to be the commissioner. He is currently the commissioner of the Fr. Martin Summer Cup and the FilOil-Flying V Preseason Manny V. Pangilinan Cup. Del Rosario also mentioned that NABRO and select BARECOM officials will be the referees this year. NABRO hand...

I was at the Nike Summer League covering the games when I saw my high school alma mater basketball head coach watching on the sidelines, waiting for their turn at the court.I walked to where he was and started a little chat, catching up with the goings-on in the school and the sports teams since the last time I was there, which was a few months ago covering a collegiate league which one of his assistant coaches is the president.Talk turned to the school’s preparation for NCAA South when th...

NCAA schools San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Manila and San Beda College-Rizal won their respective juniors division matches in the Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the La Consolacion College-Manila Gym. The Red Cubs subdued STI College, 63-60, with Art dela Cruz scoring 24 points for San Beda. The Staglets defeated across the street neighbor University of the East, 59-53, while Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Educational Foundation routed St. Jude College, 57-22. Meanwhile in the seniors div...

Far Eastern University held off College of Saint Benilde, 25-10, 18-25, 25-14, 25-22, on May 3 to extend its win run to three in the Shakey’s V-League at the FilOil Arena. Rachel Daquis fired 23 points, including two blocks. Cherry Vivas and Maica Morada backed Daquis with 13 and ten points, respectively. FEU still has a clean 3-0 slate. Guest players Maureen Penetrante and Ivy Remulla combined for 21 hits for Benilde. CSB fell to 1-3.

Josh Vanlandingham played big for Licealiz as the Hair Doctors scalped Cobra Energy, 92-84, in the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup at the San Juan Gym on April 30. Vanlandingham had a career-high 32 points, 19 coming in the third quarter. He finished the game with a 13/18 clip. The Hair Doctors won their second straight match and now has a 4-3 standing. Cobra fell to 2-5. In the other game, Magnolia Purewater ended Oracle's win streak.

Adamson University escaped past College of Saint Benilde in five sets, 25-20, 18-25, 24-26, 26-24, 15-10, in the Shakey’s V-League at the FilOil Arena on April 30. Paulina Soriano fired a career-high 21 hits, while Rissa Jane Laguilles added 18 points for the Lady Falcons. Angelica Quinloghad a performance of 12 hits, two service winners, and one block. The Falcons now have a 3-1 standing. Guest player Maureen Penetrante scored 24 hits for Benilde. Katty Kwan backed her up with ...

De Ocampo Memorial College trounced Informatics College A, 61-52, on April 29 to notch its third win in a row in the seniors division of the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the St. Placid Gym in San Beda College. In high school play, Ateneo High School routed St. Jude College, 67-40, while Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Educational Foundation defeated the RP women’s National Team, 67-43. In the women’s divsion, Far Eastern downed Adamson University, 60-47, and Ateneo pummeled U...

It was a day of champions in the Fr. Martin Summer Cup on April 25 at the Arellano Gym when defending champion Arellano University edged FMC division III champs Far Eastern University, 51-50. UCAA titlist Universal College stunned UAAP men’s basketball crown holders Ateneo de Manila University, 66-61. In other games, Philippine Marine Merchant School routed Olivarez College, 82-68, while Jose Rizal University dumped Pamantasang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, 82-68. In the only juniors ma...

De Ocampo trounced National Colleges of Business and Arts, 83-49, over the weekend to notch its second straight win in the seniors division of the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the San Beda Gym. In the other seniors’ match, San Sebastian-Cavite routed Informatics B, 88-68. In juniors action, Far Eastern-FERN smashed San Beda-Alabang, 71-50, San Sebastian-Manila smothered Xavier, 75-29, and University of Santo Tomas won via forfeiture over University of the East.

Oracle Residences won against Licealiz, 79-72, to take the first semis berth in the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup at the San Juan Gymnasium on April 25. The Titans are still undefeated after five games. John Wilson scored 16 points, while Benedict Fernandez and Jason Nocom both ended up with 13 apiece. In the second game, Pharex dumped Cobra, 82-62. Ian Saladaga led Bidang Generix with 18 points.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } University of Perpetual Help System Dalta surprised Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 76-72, on April 25 in the FilOil-Flying V Preseason Manny V. Pangilinan Cup at the FilOil-Flying V Arena. The Altas scored the last six points of the contest all in the final minute with Raffy Ynion scoring the go-ahead basket, :19.6 to go. Jason Salvado then sealed the outcome from the line. Ynion ...

College of Saint Benilde handed University of the Philippines' second defeat, 17-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-22, 15-9, in the Shakey's V-League held at the FilOil-Flying V Arena on April 23. In the other game, Far Eastern University overcame Lyceum of the Philippines University‘s gritty stand and carved out a 25-22, 25-22, 25-27, 25-15 victory. With this win, the Tamaraws are at solo first.

Licealiz held its ground in the endgame against Pharex to win, 87-78, in the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup at the Ynares Sports Center on April 23. James Sena took over for the injured Jervy Cruz to finish with 20 points and ten rebounds. In the other game, Magnolia Purewater escaped from Cobra, 69-67. Neil Pascual had a career game with 13 points and ten rebounds, but it would have went to naught if Patrick Cabahug's three-pointer at the buzzer went in. The Hair Doctors and the Wizards are tied at ...

From seven, the NCAA is now up to nine. This occured after Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College confirmed their participation in the country's oldest collegiate league. The NCAA sent invitations to three schools to become guest participants in the next season. The third educational institution is Angeles University Foundation. The two Manila-based squads have given their go-signal to join the NCAA. The league is awaiting confirmation from the Pamapanga-based campus. In order to ta...

Reigning UAAP high school champion Ateneo High School rallied from 24 points down in the first half with a huge finish to turn back University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 69-61, to notch its second win in the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the St. Placid Sports Center in San Beda on April 22. In women’s action, De La Salle defeated Adamson, 53-45, and defending UAAP titlist Far Eastern smashed University of the East, 55-39. Guest team RP Women’s national squad downed St. Jude, 6...

Far Eastern University cruised to a 25-19, 25-15, 25-14 triumph against University of the Philippines in the 2009 Shakey’s V-League first conference at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan on April 21. The Tamaraws pounced on the Maroons’ poor reception and relied on guest player Tina Salek’s near-flawless setting to dominate their rivals en route to the straight-set victory. Salak put up 23 sets for FEU, which drew 12 hits from veteran Rachel Daquis and 11 each from Sh...

Letran College beat Far Eastern University, 72-69, in the continuation of the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup held April 20 at the La Consolacion College of Manila Gym. Adamson University trounced University of the East, 72-45, while De Ocampo edged STI College A, 74-73. San Sebastian College-Cavite won against three-time Metro Manila Intercollegiate Athletic Association champions Blue Royals, 90-74.

The Nike Summer League kicked off on April 20 at the Far Eastern University Gym. Regular updates could be found on the official Nike Summer League website: http://www.nikebasketball.com.ph/nsl2009/index.php

Adamson reasserted its mastery over Ateneo-OraCare as it scored a 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 romp in an auspicious start to its title-retention drive in the sixth season of the Shakey's V-League at the Filoil-Flying V Arena. Guest player Nerissa Bautista rattled off 14 kills while skipper Angela Benting added 14 hits. Ateneo-OraCare Thai import Keawbundit Sontaya finished with 12 attacks. Helping her out are Ateneo alumna Charo Soriano with 10 hits, while Fille Cainglet had nine. In the second ...

Reigning NCRAA champion Universal College dumped Pamantasang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, 81-53, for its first win in the 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup at the Arellano University Gym held on April 18. Far Eastern started its campaign with a bang by trouncing Olivarez College, 71-61.  

The FilOil-Flying V Preseason Manny V Pangilinan Cup opened with all the flair and drama as De La Salle had a close encounter with nemesis Ateneo de Manila, 67-65, on April 18 at the FilOil-Flying V Arena. Tata Marata, Maui Villanueva, and Bader Malabes scored clutch buckets to give the Green Archers a five-point lead, 67-62, :19.0 in the clock. Ateneo had its chance of stealing the game with Jai Reyes swishing a three-pointer to turn it into a one-possession contest less than eight seconds la...

San Beda-Rizal blasted Xavier, 93-60, to notch its second victory in the Fr. Martin Summer Cup on April 18 at the Arellano University Gym. In the other juniors division action, University of Santo Tomas had a close shave against STI College, 62-58. Meanwhile, the home team stomped on Informatics-B, 90-50, in seniors Group B.

Big league juniors basketball champions San Sebastian and Ateneo de Manila had rousing debuts in the Fr. Martin Summer Cup held on April 17 at the St. Placid Sports Center. The Staglets, aiming for their fifth straight NCAA title, trounced Adamson, 82-64. UAAP defending champions Ateneo left San Beda-Alabang eating dust, 102-48. In the other juniors action, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta defeated guest team RP Women’s, 77-33. In the women’s division, Adamson Uni...

The favored teams expectedly won against their respective opponents to jumpstart the Fr. Martin Summer Cup on April 15 at the St. Placid Sports Center in San Beda College in Mendiola. Ateneo de Manila, which was composed mainly of its training team players, routed National College of Business and Arts, 87-38. Eman Monfort, who played in the UAAP some seasons back, led the attack with 20 points. Jose Rizal University shred Informatics College, 78-50, with Alex Almario heading the onslau...

Last conference's finalists Oracle Residences and Magnolia Purewater had convincing victories to jumpstart the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup on April 14 at the San Juan Gymnasium. The Oracle Titans limited Licealiz to seven points in the second quarter and led by as much as 23 to start their campaign with a 73-64 win. Mark Barroca was on the spotlight with 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Big men Rico Maierhofer and Edwin Asoro combined for 28 markers and 13 boards. New hand Ch...

San Sebastian Lady Stag Laurence Ann Latigay has the world on her feet. Latigay led the Baste's women’s volleyball team to four straight NCAA championships and together with Margarita Pepito, won two consecutive NCAA beach volleyball titles. The Lady Stags also took home their first Shakey’s V-League trophy in the most recent conference. The individual accolades Latigay has garnered are also a mouthful. Two-time NCAA volleyball MVP, NCAA beach volleyball MVP, V-League MVP of the l...

Manilla Santos of UAAP champion De La Salle women’s volleyball team had her jersey retired today in simple ceremonies held on March 20 at the Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory in the De La Salle-Manila campus. This is the first in the school’s annals that a volleyball player and a female athlete had her number retired. Santos joins basketball players Kurt Bachmann (33), Lim Eng Beng (14), and Renren Ritualo (4) whose numbers were retired by the university. This was bestowed on her after...

Three summer basketball leagues would usher in the collegiate basketball preseason as schools prepare for their respective leagues once the next school year begins. The 15th Fr. Martin Summer Cup, the longest running summer league among the three, would commence on April 15. The tournament features seniors and juniors divisions, and in this edition, would include the women’s category. The Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup is currently wrapping up with the finals to be played this Sunday at ...

As far as the NCAA seniors basketball champions San Beda Red Lions are concerned, enigmatic swingman Rogemar Menor is still part of the three-peat squad. “We have heard na doubtful siya dahil he wants to go pro,” SBC assistant coach Ed Cordero said. “It is not true na tinanggal siya.” Menor still has one year left of eligibility and it is up to him whether he would play it out or skip it altogether to reportedly jump to the PBA. There are also reports that he declined s...

At first, Jose Rizal University had the luck of the draw having its two teams advance to the semifinals of the Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup. It turned out to be a series of unfortunate events as the two lost to separate opponents last weekend held at the St. Placid Gym in San Beda College-Manila. San Sebastian College-Recoletos defeated JRU A, 81-64, while Far Eastern University beat JRU B, 74-61, to advance to the finals which would be held on March 22 at the St. Placid Gym at 10am. Jimbo A...

st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } La Consolacion College Manila won for the second straight year the Metro Manila Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball championship, defeating Don Bosco Technical College, 100-91, on March 14 at the San Juan Gym. Francis Camacho scored 25 points to lead La Consolacion while MVP Glenn Cadeliña came up with 13 markers. Four others scored at least 12 points for the Bong dela Cruz-mentored Bule Royals. Bjorn Andre Casib...

Jose Rizal University B rallied back against University of the Philippines, 76-74, to make it into the semifinals of the 4th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup at the La Consolacion Gym held on February 28. Marvin Hayes and Raycon Kabigiting scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, while Marc Cagoco also did his part with 15 points to power the Bombers to the semis alongside unbeaten teams San Sebastian and Far Eastern. In other games, Letran routed Perpetual Help, 82-66, Adamson trounced St. Clare...

Don Bosco Technical College won its fourth straight Metro Manila Intercollegiate Athletic Association juniors basketball crown after downing Saint Joseph School, 88-65, on February 28 at the DBTC Gym. JR Tabulog and Ken Guillarte scored 19 of the Greywolves’ 25 first quarter points to establish control early. Don Bosco led, 50-28, at the half to put the game away, tasting leads as high as 25. Tabulog scored 17 of his 21 game-high markers in the first half with Guillarte ending u...

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } College of Saint Benilde and La Salle Greenhills won the NCAA general championship after simple rites on February 27 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The Blazers garnered 368 points after first place finishes in chess, taekwondo, and in men’s and women’s table tennis. LSGH had 290 points, coming up on top in swimming, football, lawn tennis, taekwondo, and athle...

College of Saint Benilde won both the NCAA men’s and women’s seniors table tennis divisions, while its high school counterpart La Salle Greenhills was overall champion in NCAA juniors lawn tennis and athletics as the premier collegiate league comes to a close.The Blazers had to win in a knockout battle against Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 2-1, on February 21 at the CSJL Gymnasium to formally win the diadem. This is after the two squads ended up tied in the double round eliminations...

San Sebastian College-Recoletos had a double kill at the La Salle Greenhills sand court on February 25, winning both the women's and juniors divisions of the NCAA beach volleyball tournament. Laurence Ann Latigay and Margarita Pepito had a relatively easier time defeating College Saint Benilde's LC Girly Quemada and Giza Yumang, needing only two sets, 24-22, 21-15. Back in the single round robin eliminations, the Lady Stags went the whole route before winning, 19-21, 23-21, 16-14. MVP awardee ...

Three teams gained semifinal round spots in NCAA women’s beach volleyball with undefeated squad San Sebastian College-Recoletos leading the way with action held on February 16 at the La Salle Greenhills sand court. The pair of Lou Ann Latigay and Margarita Pepito of SSCR defeated Kesia de Luna and April Sartin of University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 21-15, 21-14. They then needed three sets to dispose Kriszell Moralejo and Gena Andaya of Colegio de San Juan de Letran to remai...

No one was able to stop San Beda College from winning its eight straight NCAA football seniors crown as the Red Booters swept the competition, culminating with a 5-0 victory against Philippine Christian University on Valentine's Day at the Philippine Sports Commission football field. Jerome Orcullo scored in the 19th minute and Eliezer Fabroada matched it in the 22nd minute to give San Beda a 2-0 advantage going into the half. Joseph Jino Villarino then headed the ball into the back of the net ...

Harbour Centre accomplished six straight championships, ending the Philippine Basketball League PG Flex Linoleum Cup finals against Magnolia, in four games, 88-73, at The Arena on February 10. Behind by as much as 11 in the second quarter, Batang Pier exploded in the second half, bridging the two quarters with a 20-6 run to lead by 13, 71-58, with an Al Vergara three-pointer, 8:25 in the fourth quarter. Although the Wizards came close to within one, 72-73, with four and a half minutes left in ...

Neil Rañeses made up for a two point performance back in game one to score 25 markers and lead Magnolia Purewater to its first victory against Harbour Centre, 84-80, in the PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup held on February 5 at the Ynares Sports Arena. The former Coca Cola Tiger also came up with five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks. "Kailangang mag-step up (because) last game na stop ako," the veteran Wizard said. This game featured a few milestones for the Wizards. This i...

Harbour Centre used all of its artillery to pound Magnolia Purewater, 84-71, in their first game of the PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup finals held on February 3 at The Arena. JR Cawaling and Edwin Asoro took over in the fourth quarter, leading a 13-5 burst to give Batang Pier an 11-point bubble, 74-63, 2:59 remaining. Reed Juntilla finished with 16 points and six rebounds with Cawaling scoring ten, eight of them coming in the fourth period rally. Mark Barroca provided the match’s largest mar...

What started as a shootout ended as a defensive struggle as Magnolia shackled Bacchus in the fourth period to come out on top, 88-83, in game five of their Philippine Basketball League PG Flex Linoleum Cup semifinals series held this afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena. The Wizards put a spell on the Energy Warriors, holding Bacchus scoreless in a span of nearly five minutes while building an 85-79 gap going into the final two minutes. With Magnolia Purewater trailing by six, 73-79, Al Magpayo...

Magnolia Purewater lives another day, putting the clamps on Bacchus, 83-69, in the fourth game of their Philippine Basketball League PG Flex Linoleum Cup semifinal series at the Ynares Sports Arena. With Paul Lee out in the first quarter with an injury, the Wizards found the task easier, leading by 17 in several occasions, the last time to end the third period, 63-46. Magnolia had its defense on another level, frustrating the Energy Warriors' gunners whole game long, while finding their shots e...

Saint Dominic Savio College returned to its winning ways, overcoming La Consolacion College, 82-79, in the Metro Manila Inter Collegiate Athletic Association on January 25. The Unicorns leaned on Jerome Billones, Samier Janjua, and Ronnie Agsalud, who all scored in double digits. Billones finished with 18 points to lead the way, while Janjua and Agsalud had 17 points and 12 points respectively to defeat the defending champions. SDSC now sports a 4-1 standing and would face Informatics College ...

Bacchus finds itself in an unfamiliar scenario as the Energy Warriors lead their PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup semifinals series against Magnolia after winning, 89-83, on January 27 at The Arena. Patrick Cabahug scored the key baskets to finish with 19 points, shooting 5/9 from beyond the arc along with three rebounds and four assists. Al Magpayo had a conference high 22 points for the Wizards, which now trail the best of five matchup, 1-2. Meanwhile, Harbour Centre entered the finals for the sixt...

Harbour Centre emerged victorious once more, 73-66, to go ahead, 2-0, against Hapee in the Philippine Basketball League PG Flex Linoleum Cup semifinals held at the Ynares Sports Arena. The defending champions held the Complete Protectors scoreless for four minutes each to begin the first and third quarters even though there were instances in the second period where Hapee had the upperhand in the second period. Al Vergara gave his team the highest lead with two freethrows from Chris Tiu's fifth...

College of Saint Benilde exacted some sort of revenge on Mapua Institute of Technology as the Blazers won over MIT, 1-0, to kick off the National Collegiate Athletic Association football festivities on January 17 at the Philippine Sports Commission pitch. Jan Phillip Dalaota scored the only goal of the match in the 77th minute. This is a way of payback for CSB after losing, 1-0, to the Cardinals in last year's second round robin, preventing the Taft-based squad from entering the finals against ...

Games on Saturday: PSA Sports Complex 8 a.m. – LSGH vs MIT (J) 10 a.m. – CSB vs MIT (S) 1 p.m. – SBC vs CSJL (J) 3 p.m. – SBC vs PCU (S)   Four games are on tap as the National Collegiate Athletic Association football wars commence tomorrow at the PSA Sports Complex in Pasig. Defending champion San Beda College kicks off its campaign against Philippine Christian University at 3 p.m. as College of Saint Benilde begins its season facing Mapua Institute of Tec...

Games on Sunday: DBTC Gymnasium 8 a.m. – Holy Spirit vs St. Joseph’s College (W) 9:30 a.m. – Dominican vs St. Joseph’s College (M) 11 a.m. – RTU vs Holy Sprit (M) San Juan Gym 12:30 p.m. – La Consolacion vs Manila Doctors (M) 2 p.m. – Don Bosco vs Dominic Savio (M) After the lengthy holiday break, the 11th Metro Manila Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association season resume with games in basketball and volleyball in the weekend. The most hectic sc...

Metro Manila Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association defending champion La Consolacion College-Manila started its campaign on the right track, winning against Don Bosco Technical College, 98-96, last Sunday at the Saint Dominic Savio College Gym. Mel Mabigat and Glenn Cadelina led the Blue Royals, scoring 21 points apiece. Francis Camacho had 16 points and Ralph Gali made 12 points. Johan Marcelo took the reigns for last season’s third runner-up with 28 points. Bjorn Casibang had 18 p...

Philippine Army FC completed a sweep of the inaugural season of the Filipino Premier League, blanking Giligan's FC, 2-0, in the championship match yesterday at the PSA Football Field in Pasig. Ricardo Becite III scored from a free kick at the 30th minute, hitting the right corner of the goal as Giligan's goalkeeper Jaypee Coopera barely flinched from his position, caught unaware with the flight of the ball. Romano Vistal then completed the romp with a goal in the 76th minute. "Load lang kami n...

Games on December 12: Dominic Savio Gym (boys' basketball) 8am – Don Bosco vs St. Joseph School 9:30am – Dominic Savio vs Antipolo Lady of Lourdes 11am – St. Joseph's College vs La Consolacion Games on December 13: Dominic Savio Gym (basketball) 8am – Manila Doctors vs La Consolacion (W) 9:30am – Informatics vs Rizal Technological (M) 11am – Manila Doctors vs Dominican College (M) 12:30pm – Dominic Savio vs College of the Holy Spirit (M) 2pm – La ...

Just like last conference, Pharex stopped Harbour Centre’s undefeated run. This time, it was doubly beneficial as the Generix won its first outing in the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup halting Batang Pier, 78-74, on December 11 at the Arellano University Gym. Pharex, which is notorious for being not able to finish with a flourish, erected a 16-point headway, 67-51, 8:19 in the fourth period from a Chris Ross drive in lay up. This also provided enough buffer as the seemingly not-in-the...

Saint Dominic Savio College and Don Bosco Technical College lead the men's and boys' basketball divisions respectively after notching their second wins on Metro Manila Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association over the weekend at the DBTC Gym. The Unicorns defeated Saint Joseph's College Quezon City, 99-82 on December 7 to be in solo first in the second week of action. Dominic Flores led the way with 15 points, while Jay Agsalud and Kyle Cadiz both wrote in 14 points. Jerome Billiones completed th...

Differet circumstance but the same outcome. This after Magnolia Purewater had a close shave against Bacchus, 75-72, in the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup on December 4 at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym. From a 72-all tie going into the final two minutes of the contest, Eder Saldua and Jaypee Alcaraz made freethrows to seal the count. At the other end, Patrick Cabahug and Rey Guevarra overshot their game-tying attempts from beyond the arc. In the other contest that day, Toyota Otis concluded t...

Harbour Centre swept the first round of the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup after defeating Hapee, 87-77, on December 2 at the Ynares Sports Arena. In the other game, Magnolia Purewater is in solo second with five wins, beating Bacchus, 83-72.

I am aware that the Philippine Collegiate Champions is already underway. But I am putting this out for the heck of it. As a disclaimer, I did this early Monday morning before any of the games started and I did not make any changes since. And the reason it is in text format is that it is easier that way and creating real bracket is a killer. Besides, time was not on my side. So here goes... Group X round of 16 Ateneo de Manila University vs Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila Winner: A...

Harbour Centre had a telling fourth quarter run to dump Bacchus, 82-60, in the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup held on November 25 at the Ynares Sports Arena. Boyet Bautista orchestrated Batang Pier in the key period to break game open. He finished with 14 points on 5/7 shooting along with five assists. Rico Maierhofer topped up with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and three blocks. Paul Lee led the Generix with 16 markers, going 3/6 from outside along with seven rebounds....

Harbour Centre stayed clean after attaining two contrasting victories in the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup. Batang Pier relied on endgame breaks to finish Magnolia Purewater, 76-75, while they cannoned Burger King to submission, 83-70, to go 4-0. Toyota Otis finally took one by outshooting Bacchus, 91-86. The Energy Warriors went 1-1 for the week after overcoming winless Pharex, 91-83. In WPBL, Ever Bilena held down Mail and More, 89-76, for its second win of the tournament. Smart UP is also ...

A pair of routs highlighted the opening day action in the 11th Metro Manila Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association held last Saturday at the Don Bosco Technical College Gymnasium in Kalentong, Mandaluyong. Saint Dominic Savio College used its running game to the hilt to trounce Manila Doctors College, 110-70. In the other seniors game, Informatics College-Diliman crushed Dominican College, 87-64. With all cylinders running, SDSC operated on its high octane offense to dominate the high scoring c...

JR Tecson made himself recognized, scoring 13 points in the final quarter to hand Burger King's second win in the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup, defeating Pharex, 89-83, at the Ynares Sports Arena today. Seldom used during San Beda's latest title run, Tecson lit up by shooting 67% at the field, 3/5 at the three-point area, and 2/2 at the line to produce a third of BK's points in the pivotal period. "When I told the bench to step up they delivered," said Stunners head coach Allan Gregorio. "It ...

UAAP's Far Eastern University and University of San Carlos of CESAFI complete the 16 teams that would vie for the Philippine Collegiate Champions League national championship after defeating their respective opponents in the crossover of the Mindanao zonals on November 17 at the Xavier University Gym. The Tamaraws buried Capitol University, 106-49, while San Carlos beat the home team, 69-66. With teams in the same mother league disallowed to face each other in the round of 16, it is most likel...

Dylan Ababou is making headlines, scoring all of his 18 points in the second half to lead Magnolia Purewater to its second victory against Toyota Otis, 77-65, in the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym on November 15. "The time I learned Ababou was on board, we and the coaching staff were excited about it," said Wizards head coach Koy Banal. Al Magpayo led the Wizards with 20 points on 3/5 three-point accuracy, along with seven rebounds, five assists, and a block....

Smart Buddy-UP managed to escape unscathed against Muscle Tape-Lyceum, 65-62, in the WPBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup held at the Lyceum of the Philippines University Gymnasium in Intramuros, Manila on November 16. Smart was already up by 11, 54-43, from a Joan Roma lay in, 8:52 in the fourth quarter, when the Amazons fought their way back and came to within three, 62-65, from a Legiel Ortencio charity, 30.7 ticks remaining. UP point guard Fille Cainglet missed her try from point blank as a loos...

The UAAP Seniors All-Stars never went behind except in the first basket as it ran aground the NCAA Seniors All-Stars in the UAAP-NCAA All Star Games, 91-80, last Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena. Jervy Cruz led the way for the UAAP All-Stars with 16 points. He was also declared MVP. "It is a good experience as a coach," said winning mentor Norman Black of UAAP champion squad Ateneo de Manila. "You have so much talent. The problem is how much playing time you are going to give to each of them....

Magnolia Purewater prevailed in overtime, 88-80, in the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup held yesterday at the Arellano University Gym. The Wizards came back from 16 points down in the third quarter and sent the game into extra time with two Ian Saladaga freethrows from a Spartacus Rodriguez foul, :11.1 second remaining. Magnolia then limited the Generix to four points in the last five minutes as Jaypee Alcaraz scored a three-pointer, :31.1 seconds to go, to cap the comeback, 86-78. "Iyong ...

Colegio de San Juan de Letran drew NAASCU champion San Sebastian College Recoletos-Cavite in the sweet 16, while San Jose will go up against NCAA three-peaters San Beda College after qualifying for the Philippine Collegiate Champions League nationals by winning their respective semifinal bouts in the Visayas zonal held at the Ormoc Superdome. The Knights bagged the championship after RJ Jazul drained a buzzer beater against USJR, 84-82. Junmar Fajardo led University of Cebu with 29 points, 22...

Harbour Centre crashes Toyota Otis, 98-93, on November 11 at the Ynares Sports Arena to start Batang Pier's PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup campaign undefeated in two games. Mark Barroca and Nick Stephens teamed up and scored 12 points in a 16-6 run to give  Harbour some headway, 94-86, 3:!2 in the fourth quarter. "For us to beat Toyota, we have to help one another," said Harbour Centre coach Jorge Gallent. Barroca topped Harbour with 15 points, shooting 6/8 at the field and 3/3 from the l...

The Metro Manila Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association would open its 11th season on November 22 at the Don Bosco Technical College Gymnasium in Mandaluyong. The MMICAA has 13 member schools, namely: Antipolo Lady of Lourdes School, College of the Holy Spirit, Dominican College of San Juan, Informatics College-Diliman, La Consolacion College-Manila, Manila Doctors College, New Era University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig, Siena College-Quezon City, Saint Dominic Savio College, Saint Jo...

Yes, I know. It has been more than a month since the NCAA basketball season ended. But for the sake of letting you know that I am still alive and well, here is the final installment of the power rankings this season. 1 Sam Ekwe (SBC) – Predictably, the finals MVP gets top spot and it shows. With averages of 14.3 ppg, 15.3 rpg, and 1.8 bpg in four games, spells nothing else but consistency. 2 James Sena (JRU) – Sena was the should-have-been mythical team member. Look at his s...

Nutri-C Ateneo and Cassy Tioseco towered over Sunkist-De La Salle, 60-47, in the 2008 WPBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup held November 8 at the Ynares Sports Arena. The Eagles led from start to finish as they led by as much as 24, 47-23, from a Marylyn Matreo basket sometime in the third quarter. “During the UAAP, we did not have a big post (presence) like Cassy Tioseco,” said Nutri-C coach Haydee Ong.  “(With her addition) we have an inside and outside game.” Tioseco was ...

Harbour Centre went into gear with a victory against Pharex, 83-66, in the PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena on November 8.   Batang Pier started the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run to break the game open, 75-59. Mark Barroca’s two freethrows, 1:42 in the clock, was the game’s final points and highest margin.   Reed Juntilla had a double-double with 21 points on 9/16 shooting, along with ten rebounds and four assists. Reil Cervantes and Mark Barroc...

Arellano University became the second squad mentored by Leo Isaac to enter the Philippine Collegiate Champions League after beating University of Santo Tomas, 69-59, in the Luzon zonals on November 6 at the Makati Coliseum.   Orlando Daroya led the way with 32 points, ten rebounds, and five steals. Jordan Melaño had ten.   “Alam ko capabilities ng mga players ko,” Isaac said. “Marami na rin kaming napatunayan.”   Despite being two-time NCRAA ch...

Emilio Aguinaldo College-Manila head coach Nomar Isla filed his resignation on November 3, assuming responsibility for letting 6'7" Cameroonian import Emmanuel Mbe transfer to University of Santo Tomas. "He assumed responsibility of the loss," Manuel remarked. "Masama loobni Nomar." Mbe played for EAC in the UCAA but did not suit up for the San Marcelino-based squad in the Unigames where the Generals finished second behind Ateneo de Manila. Isla served his resignation last Monday but he was b...

Mapua Institute of Technology is the first team that joined the seeded schools in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League National finals by cruising past University of Luzon, 77-59, in their zonals matchup on November 5 at the Makati Coliseum.   Ian Mazo started the onslaught, scoring three triples and a fastbreak finish in the first quarter to finish with 14 points.   Mapua faces CUSA representative Manuel L. Quezon University in the sweet 16. This was determined by drawing of...

NCAA South champion Don Bosco Technical College’s good fortune continued as the Greywolves defeated University of Nueva Caceres, 73-64, in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League on November 4 at the Makati Coliseum.   DBTC found its groove late in the contest as Jose Lorenzo Madamba and Bjorn Casibang scored big threes to dispose UNC in the last two and a half minutes .   Casibang topscored with 18 points, making 9/13 at the freethrow line. He also had seven rebounds and ...

University of the East needed a big finish to upend Emilio Aguinaldo College, 92-74, in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League zonal phase held at the Makati Coliseum on November 3. The Generals were able to come close to within four, 60-64, from an Arjel Mendoza three to start the fourth period. But the Red Warriors brushed EAC off with a 19-5 run to end the contest. UE is just a win away from qualifying in the PCCL national finals. Pari Llagas led with 23 points and nine rebounds. Marti...

Lyceum of the Philippines University achieved a grandslam by emerging victorious against College of Saint Benilde, 51-44, in the third game of the WNCAA seniors group A at the Sr. Assumpta Filser Sports Center in St. Scholastica’s College.   The Pirates led by as much as 14, 36-22, 2:10 of the third quarter. However, Lyceum had to hold off the Blazers’ final gasp as Julie Ann Paras turned it into a three-point game, 44-47, 1:03 left in the fourth period.   Nevertheless,...

Jose Rizal University may not have won the NCAA basketball crown, but the so-called "People's Champions" have gotten the admiration of the typical Filipno. "The common person could relate to JRU," Jose Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia said. "They can be a Bomber." Unlike other big league finalists such as UAAP basketball champion Ateneo, UAAP cage runner up De La Salle, and NCAA three-peaters San Beda College, JRU does not exude the air of being elite. Different from the structured cheers of the ...

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde extended the WNCAA Seniors A basketball finals to a do-or-die contest after beating defending champion Lyceum of the Philippines Univerisity, 61-58, yesterday at the Sr. Assumpta Filser Sports Center in St. Scholastica’s College.   Angelica Bonleon scored a key bucket, :28 in the clock, to give the Blazers a three-point advantage, 58-55. Jessa Mae Sarael then made two freethrows, :13 to go, after Precious Mae Jimenez of Lyceum overshot her attemp...

1 (6) Marvin Hayes (JRU) – I was supposed to do a mythical five top five, but that was kind of pushing it. Besides, the others did not cooperate. It is just proper to give homage to the player who helped his team to a 3-0 week. Hayes may not have had the best of stats (3.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3 apg, 1.7 spg for the week), but who would have expected him to be in the mythical team... AGAIN?2 Neil Pascual (MIT) – Pascual had his best game against the Stags (17 pts, 18 rebs, 9/17). Yes, he ou...

I was already on my way to my eight-month vacation until I remembered there is still one game left in UAAP men's basketball. Considering how one-sided the first game went (and the comments in this website as well), who could still think that the Archers still have something up their sleeve? Rabeh Al-Hussaini was a monster. Rico Maierhofer was weak-kneed, Nonoy Baclao let him eat leather for lunch. The Eagles were so good, Chris Tiu need not to flop his way to get his points. As in really, they...

Mapua Institute of Technology lives another day as the Cardinals pulled the rug on San Beda College, 53-51, to extend their NCAA basketball semis faceoff one more game at the Astrodome yesterday. MIT scored all but one of their field goals from the three-point area in the second half to go up, 51-38, with a Jonathan Banal three-pointer, 7:58 of the fourth quarter. The last field goal by the Cardinals came from a Neil Pascual inside basket from a Kelvin dela Peña pass, 3:25, 53-44. "Doon...

Seems that I was so into the San Beda-Letran game last week, I forgot to put up my power rankings. Since there was only one game the previous play week, might as well include it with the one I missed. 1 RJ Jazul (CSJL) – You might be wondering,why Jazul. In a week where nobody played consistent for two games, Jazul comes close. He averaged 19 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2.5 spg, 6.5 tpg in the two games he played. The thing is that his stats were not extreme highs and lows, unlike the o...

Jose Rizal University took first blood in their NCAA seniors basketball playoffs series by mandhandling Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 69-53, on September 17 at the Astrodome. The Heavy Bombers claimed the twice-to-beat advantage, a goal set by JRU head coach Ariel Vanguardia for the season. The Bombers had a torrid start that the Knights could not recover from, while Letran had nothing going their way whole game long. JRU led by 22, 36-14, midway of the second quarter then turned it into a 25...

Mapua Institute of Technology eliminated San Sebastian College Recoletos, 63-54, and formally entered the final four in NCAA seniors basketball held at the Astrodome on September 17. The Cardinals limited SSCR to two points in the third period to lead, 49-28. They then held off the Stags' running game in the final quarter to face San Beda College in the semis. The defending champions own a twice-to-beat advantage after finishing the eliminations on top of the standings with 11 wins and thr...

Colegio de San Juan de Letran advanced to the finals of NCAA juniors basketball after Jarelan Tampus scored the game-winning basket against Jose Rizal University, 94-93, on September 17 at the Astrodome. Keith Agovida had a chance to win it for the Light Bombers but he missed his attempt. Roi Sumang led the Squires with 28 points, while Kevin Alas finished with 20 points. Tampus, Glenn Khobuntin, and Jeremy Roxas combined for 40 points. CSJL would face defending champion San Sebastian Coll...

San Sebastian College Recoletos women's and juniors volleyball teams and Colegio de San Juan de Letran's seniors volleyball squad finished their respective finals series in NCAA volleyball in similar fashion on September 18 at the St. Placid Gym in San Beda College. SSSCR was barely challenged in attaining its fourth straight NCAA women's volleyball crown after disposing College of Saint Benilde in straight sets, 25-14, 25-19, 25-12. Sasa Devanadera poured in 13 points, 12 coming from atta...

And we are down to two. In their head-to-head matchup this season, the Eagles have De La Salle's number, emerging victorious twice. In the first round, Ateneo needed a blistering fourth quarter rally to put down its nemesis. They next time the two met, the final score did not indicate how dominating ADMU was in that contest. Jvee Casio is out of his element recently, playing good in spurts at best. Then comes in James Mangahas to save the day. At the other end, you have Chris Tiu and Rabeh Al...

All it took was one shot to be the difference maker for San Beda College as it won against rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 65-63, in an overtime thriller to take the first spot and along with it the twice to beat advantage in NCAA seniors basketball on September 10 at the Araneta Coliseum. Borgie Hermida threw a hail mary of a teardrop from about ten feet as the leather hit the backboard before swishing in through the net at the buzzer as the Red Lions celebrated in midcourt. Before gettin...

Jose Rizal University posted a victory in a event that is not its strong card as the JRU Pep Squad bagged first place in the NCAA Cheerleading Competition on September 10 at the Araneta Coliseum. Relying on clean execution, Jose Rizal garnered a total score of 198.8 points from the judges. JRU brought home P80,000 in cash prize plus a trophy and mp3 players for every member of the champion squad. "We just did what the requirements are and did our best," said JRU head coach Ramon Christopher Se...

In a matchup that features two playoff chokers, somebody has got to give. They faced each other once upon a time ago. In that year, the Eagles went all the way to the chequered flag. Would the same happen this season? So far, the trends favor the blue side. Ateneo is 2-0 against the Warriors. They have Rabeh Al-Hussaini. Sure, the Warriors could counter with Hans Thiele and Elmer Espiritu combined, but how about Nonoy Baclao? Everything else is equal. It is just a matter of James Martinez, Pau...

Like in most victories the Archers had this season, all they need is one good quarter. One good third quarter, in fact. Another trend De La Salle has been going through ever since returning from suspension is that the men's basketball team tends to make things difficult for themselves. Does that mean would this virtual best-of-three go the whole route? How much gas is left from both squads?

This is a matchup that would make Anton Montinola salivate. And of all dates, it has to be on the 11th of September. Go figure. Both came from critical losses. If either won and the other lost last week, we would not have this extra playdate to begin with. But no, neither could complete their task, thus we have this simple complication. The Tams and Archers are 1-1 head-to-head and both teams are so even, De La Salle won by nine, FEU by eight. In the first round matchup, Jvee Casio exploded f...

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta recovered in the final three sets to win against San Sebastian College Recoletos in the playoff for the fourth semis slot in NCAA men's volleyball, 19-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-22, 15-12, on September 9 at the St. Placid Gym in San Beda College. The Altas would face top seed San Beda in the semifinals that would begin tomorrow. The other pairing pit second ranked Colegio de San Juan de Letran against against third placer College of Saint Benilde. The...

San Sebastian College Recoletos made an unusual feat for two straight seasons, sweeping the NCAA women's volleyball eliminations after defeating San Beda College, 25-9, 25-4, 26-7, yesterday at the SSCR Gym. The Lady Stags are rewarded for their 12-win conquest with an outright finals berth and a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals as the three other teams go through the stepladder elimination format. Fourth-seeded Letran College would go up against third-ranked University of Perpetual Help ...

1 Ian Mazo (MIT) – Mazo hammered in a 35-point week highlighted by 50% shooting from beyond the arc. That is something unheard of from Mazo since he went 17 points and 4/6 at the three-point area against the Blazers back in 2006 (7/14/06). Why, Horacio Lim was still the head coach back then. Other than that, he is showing some stuff in other departments with 4 rebs and 2 blks against the Dolphins (8/25) and 6 rebs and 4 asts against the Knights (8/29). 2 (8) Ogie Menor (SBC) &ndash...

As things stand right now, there are six (as of the latest count... I am starting to figure out more as I go through this) possible tie scenarios in the ongoing NCAA men's basketball tournament. It could be as simple as a two-team tie at 10-4, 9-5, or even 8-6, and it could get as complicated as a quadruple-tie at 9-5. Do the math. I already did. Here are the possible best case and worst case scenarios for the five teams in contention for a playoff spot, starting with the team with the...

This game matters more for the Archers with a twice-to-beat at stake. It also depends on whether the Tams could repeat on UE on September 4. If you want to go back to some history, I will indulge you. The most glaring stat of the first round: freethrows. The Archers shot a combined 13/29, while Chris Tiu for his lonesome was a Dwyane Wade-like 17/19 at the line. No wonder this game takes three hours to finish, not counting the endless gimmicks, ads, and other unnecessary stuff Studio 23 ...

Is this year's battle of cheerdance champions a day early? Would this be a precursor on what would occur the next day in the CDC? If we are going to base the first round, this is a no contest for the Tigers. Magi Sison was the lone double digit scorer for the Maroons, and Jervy Cruz did not even played his statistical best this game. Just so you know, this will be Cruz's last dance.

Another no-bearing game, so this one is for pride and bragging rights. Some reacted loudly with me calling it Battle of Recto, so how about Battle of the East? Back in the first round, the Tams played with Robert Kave and without Mac Baracael. In the second round, Kave is gone but Baracael has returned. Would the outcome also change? Nevertheless, the question of the day would be: considering the bad blood between the Pumarens and Montinola, would this game be put in protest?

Seriously, would anyone comment in an Adamson-NU game thread? This is basically the battle for last place, although the Falcons have an eight-point advantage in the quotient. With nothing at stake, would it really matter what the outcome of this game would be?

Jose Rizal University found its winning ways once more, detonating Philippine Christian University, 74-59, in NCAA seniors basketball on September 1 at the Astrodome. JRU had its first breakaway in the third period with a 14-0 blast to go up by 18, 50-32, 4:27 in the clock. The Bombers then had a 17-2 rally highlighted by five straight John Wilson three-pointers, to enjoy their highest lead, 72-49. A Nchotu Njei long shot, 3:28 to go, capped the run. "We have to be honest. We felt the p...

Defending champion in NCAA women's volleyball San Sebastian College Recoletos is a game away from sweeping the eliminations and an outright championship berth after beating University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in straight sets, 25-15, 25-22, 25-22, at the St. Placid Gym in San Beda College on September 2. Sasa Devandera produced 16 hits, while reigning MVP Lou Ann Latigay put up 13 points in attacks for the Lady Stags' 11th victory. SSCR closes the eliminations against San Beda on ...

Talk about luck of the draw. While the Archers would bleed for wins, the Tams have it easy for the twice-to-beat advantage. When this game would take place would be immaterial. I just want this to be over and done with. The UP team playing in Fr. Martin Cup Division II is a lot more interesting to watch right now. Who needs Robert Kave and Mac Baracael when the Tamaraws are still winning?

We have seen this before. It was last year when the Bulldogs surprised Ateneo. What are the chances it would happen again? However, the scenario has changed a bit. The Eagles already have a twice-to-beat advantage. Anything that happens here is moot. Right? With the way ADMU is playing right now, it is near improbable that they would lose three straight to finish the eliminations and complicate things. You have the inside-outside punch of Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Tiu. And then you have the...

The Falcons are playing without energy, De La Salle is playing without Franz. And this is the most interesting it could get. Yes, I am intentionally discounting the bottom three teams to do anything significant to rock the boat. But an Archer loss here would make it doubly easy for Far Eastern to bag that twice-to-beat advantage. That counts for something. For the teams facing DLSU, make hay while the mouse is away.

Ogie Menor exploded for 35 points to lead San Beda College in eliminating College of Saint Benilde, 91-74, in NCAA seniors basketball on August 27 at the Astrodome. The Lions gain a playoff berth, winning their ninth contest. Menor put up a show, notching eight points from a 55-all tie, holding the Blazers scoreless to end the third period comfortably ahead by 13. The fourth year swingman shot 6/11 from beyond the arc, 6/8 from the two-point area, and 5/6 at the line. He also produced six rebo...

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...