Collegiate (UAAP & NCAA) Basketball News and Updates

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(UAAP) No Ateneo, no La Salle in final ‘the best thing to ever happen to the UAAP’, says FEU coach Nash Racela

For two whole decades, UAAP rivals De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila have had their fair share of the limelight.

In every single year since 1994, at least one of the two teams was able to make it into the title series with the two squads even going head-to-head on three separate occasions.

That streak was broken this season, with the FEU Tamaraws and the NU Bulldogs set to clash for the title, and FEU coach Nash Racela believes that having the attention placed on the other UAAP teams will be a boon for the league.

“I’ll be vocal about it. Kasi I realized last year lang, Ateneo and La Salle always in the finals since 1994. It’s the best thing to ever happen to the UAAP having FEU and NU in the finals,” Racela said in an interview after the game.

The Tamaraws’ mentor pointed to the quality of the games that the two finalists have displayed this season as well as the capability of the schools to pack the arena with supporters as good signs heading into the final.

“Just like how we witnessed it today. NU could bring the crowd. FEU could bring the crowd. Hindi lang naman Ateneo and La Salle makakapagdala niyan,” he said.

“I think it’s the best thing to ever happen in the UAAP.”

It will be the first finals series since 1992 where neither side of the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry will make an appearance. The last time that happened, Johnny Abarrientos was still the star of the collegiate ranks and led his FEU team to a championship over their much taller counterparts from Adamson, bannered by the Falcons current coaches Kenneth Duremdes and Marlou Aquino as well as fellow former pro EJ Feihl.

In 1993, UST swept the elimination round to win the title outright.

But while several other teams were able to win the UAAP championship since that time, most notably the UST dynasty in the mid 90s, one of Ateneo and La Salle has always been in the title picture, with the two squads winning six championships apiece in that span.

La Salle won four consecutive titles from 1997 to 2001 and again in 2007 and most recently, last season. Ateneo, meanwhile, ended La Salle’s streak in 2002 and built their own dynasty a few years later, winning five championships in a row from 2008 to 2012.

NU was the first team to reach the championship round after outlasting Ateneo, 65-63, in the first game on Wednesday while FEU dethroned the reigning champion La Salle courtesy of a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Tamaraws star Mac Belo.

From InterAksyon

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(UAAP) FEU holds off NU in Game 1 to move one win away from UAAP title

MANILA, Philippines – 2005. That was the last time the FEU Tamaraws won a UAAP men's basketball championship.

Nine years later, FEU inches closer to breaking that spell, as they are now one win away from winning their 20th title in the UAAP's 77-year history.

That became the case after the Tamaraws, three days fresh off an unforgettable win against defending champion De La Salle Green Archers at the buzzer, held on late in the fourth quarter to get past the pesky NU Bulldogs, 75-70, in game one of their best-of-three finals on Saturday afternoon, October 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mac Belo struggled from the field as he made only 3 of his 13 attempts from the field, but converted the most important shot of the game for FEU, which also got 15 and 14 points from Mike Tolomia and RR Pogoy, respectively.

Game two is on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Tamaraws could put their nine-year title drought behind them along with the disappointing eliminations they've suffered over the past few seasons.

"The most important game is the first game," said FEU head coach Nash Racela after the game. "We'll treat the next game as a do or die game."


The Pogoy show

The second half quickly turned into the RR Pogoy show, as the veteran scorer racked up 7 quick points to turn momentum to the Tamaraws' side in the opening minutes of the third quarter.

NU struggled on offense all throughout the third and was unable to take advantage of their biggest strength - their defense - as Far Eastern University scored 25 total points in the period.

"We just reminded them to do the right things," Racela talked about his halftime adjustments with his club, who was on the losing side of the scoreboard after 20 minutes of play.

"We were giving them (NU) breakdowns. I think we just reminded them to be disciplined and tamang depensa (play correct defense.)"

Entering the fourth quarter, the Tamaraws were ahead by 10, 60-50.

The Bulldogs didn't go away easily as they went on a 9-4 run to start the final quarter, capped off by a lefty layup by Gelo Alolino, to cut FEU's lead to 5, 64-59, with about five minutes to go in the contest.

A couple of jumpers by FEU extended the lead back up to 9, but the Bulldogs kept it close thanks to a combined 5 points from Alfred Aroga and Alolino.

Not long after, a clutch 3-ball by the erstwhile struggling JJ Alejandro proved huge, as it cut the Tams' lead to 3, 71-68, with 1:01 to go in game one.

Off the time-out Racela designed a play for Belo, who after a few screens caught a slower Aroga on him. Thanks to his foot speed, Belo managed to leave the Bulldogs' best defensive player biting his dust and converted a left-handed layup that put FEU up by 5, 73-68.

"Perfect place, perfect timing. Again... Mac is not afraid to take the big shots," Racela complimented his star player.

"I think NU made good adjustments... so we had to look for another guy. We were blessed na si Mac delivered."

In the following possessions, NU managed to convert a pair of free throws and get a defensive stop to have one last crack at a 3-pointer to send the game to overtime.

However, Glenn Khobuntin missed on his three-point attempt, which was followed by game-sealing free throws courtesy of Achie Inigo.

"We'll review. For sure, Coach Eric will have a lot of adjustments," Racela mentioned in Filipino. "We'll anticipate that."

Aroga led the Bulldogs with 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Alolino wasn't far behind with 14 and 7.

Troy Rosario, who left the game in the fourth period due to cramps, had 12 points and 8 boards.

NU had 31 attempts from the free throw line, but only made 15.

"I think it's a blessing they had 31 free throws," Racela said during the post-game media session. FEU had only 13 attempts from the foul line, but converted 11 and shot a respectable 41% from the field.

NU was the first team to make a significant run as they amped up the pressure on the defensive end in the second quarter.

Thanks to the Bulldogs' scrappy defense, the Tamaraws began turning the ball over on consecutive possessions which helped NU get their lead up to six.

Not long after, Rosario hit a step-back jumper to up his scoring output to eight and make the count 28-18, the first time a team had a double-digit lead in the ballgame.

A layup by Reden Celda put the Bulldogs up by 12, but FEU didn't allow the deficit to grow any larger. Thanks to a quick scoring outburst from Tolomia and Raymar Jose, the Tams managed to slice the deficit to one.

Towards the end of the first half, the pesky antics of FEU guard Ron Dennison started to disrupt the flow of Alolino, as the two exchanged some words and a staredown late in the second quarter.

The incident looked like it motivated the National U guard, whose hook shot and 3-ball helped the Bulldogs claim a 38-35 lead entering the half.

Scores:

FEU (75): Tolomia 15, Pogoy 14, Inigo 12, Belo 8, Hargrove 8, Jose 4, Dennison 5, Tamsi 3, Cruz 2, Escoto 0

NU (70): Aroga 17, Alolino 14, Rosario 12, Khobuntin 9, Celda 7, Javelona 3, Betayene 3, Alejandro 3, Diputado 2, Neypes 0, Perez 0

Quarter Scoring: 14-15, 35-38, 60-50, 75-70

From Rappler

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(NCAA) Benilde thumps Mapua to boost final four chances

College of Saint Benilde moved closer to a final four berth after an 87-76 win over a depleted Mapua in NCAA Season 90 action Monday at The Arena in San Juan.

Jonathan Grey grabbed 19 points, six rebounds and four assists to lead the Blazers (11-6) who tied Jose Rizal University (11-6) for the fourth and final playoff spot.

JRU is battling San Sebastian as of posting time, and a Heavy Bombers loss would mean that the Blazers are just a win away from officially locking in a ticket to the final four.

Benilde got off to a 7-0 start, but the Cardinals, who were playing with just seven players following suspensions they got from a bench-clearing brawl, kept the game close all throughout as Exeqiel Biteng kept Mapua afloat.

Benilde just led by four points, 37-33, after two quarters.

But the Blazers woke up in the third period, with Grey, Paolo Taha and Fons Saavedra hitting baskets as they built a 66-52 cushion entering the final frame that kept Mapua at bay.

Taha added 18 points, while Saavedra chipped in 13 markers for Benilde.

Biteng led all scorers with 23 points in Mapua’s losing effort.

The scores:

CSB (87) — Grey 19, Taha 18, Saavedra 13, Sinco 11, Romero 6, Bartolo 6, Ongteco 4, Jonson 2, Nayve 2, Argamino 2, Flores 2, Altamirano 2, Pajarillaga 0, Mercado 0, Deles 0.

Mapua (76) — Biteng 23, Serrano 17, Canaynay 12, Saitanan 11, Eriobu 8, Estrella 3, Cantos 2.

Quarters: 15-9, 37-33, 66-52, 87-76.

From InterAksyon


(NCAA) JRU turns back San Sebastian, books final four return

Jose Rizal University punched a ticket to the final four after surviving a late scare from San Sebastian, 82-77, in NCAA Season 90 action Monday at The Arena in San Juan.

Philip Paniamogan scored 24 points and made six steals, as well as shot 10 of 12 from the charity stripe to propel the Heavy Bombers to their first semifinal appearance since 2011.

JRU led by as much as 25 points, 62-37, in the third quarter before San Sebastian ended the period with a 18-7 run to trim its deficit, 69-55.

The Stags further inched closer, with CJ Perez giving headaches to the JRU defense with his drives to the basket.

A triple by Ivan Camasura and a split from Bobby Balucanag eventually kept the Stags within three, 79-76, with 42.1 seconds left.

Paniamogan then got called for a shot clock violation, opening the door once more for the Stags. But Camasura was blocked by Abdulrazak Abdulwahab, followed by Paniamogan’s free throws with 27.6 ticks left to seal the final four berth for JRU.

The victory assured JRU (12-6) of a spot in the final four, but the Heavy Bombers’ placing in the playoffs is not yet determined as College of Saint Benilde (11-6) remains still in the hunt for a spot.

A victory by the Blazers over Letran on Wednesday would force a triple tie at 12-6 with JRU and Perpetual Help. In that scenario, the Heavy Bombers would clinch the third seed due to superior quotient, with Benilde and Perpetual contesting the last final four spot.

Should Benilde lose to the Knights, the Blazers will be eliminated, leaving JRU and Perpetual disputing for the third seed in a playoff.

The Scores:

JRU (82) — Paniamogan 24, Benavides 13, Mabulac 13, Teodoro 10, Asuncion 10, Abdulwahab 6, Sanchez 3, Grospe 3, Astilla 0, Lasquety 0, Balagtas 0.

SSCR (77) — Ortuoste 22, Camasura 13, Perez 13, Guinto 9, Dela Cruz 7, Balucanag 7, Yong 4, Aquino 2, Calisaan 0, Fabian 0, Santos 0.

Quarters: 22-11, 37-32, 69-55, 82-77.

From InterAksyon
Post Merge: October 08, 2014, 08:03:26 PM(UAAP) NU outlasts FEU to force rubber match for UAAP title

MANILA, Philippines – The National University Bulldogs are at it again, proving their bite is much fiercer when their backs are against the wall.

The Bulldogs shrugged off the jitters from Game 1 and employed airtight defense to shut down the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 62-47, on Wednesday, October 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to even the best-of-3 series at 1-1 and force a winner-take-all Game 3 for the UAAP Season 77 men's basketball title.

Gelo Alolino hit back-to-back dagger three-pointers with just over a minute left in the contest to suck the air out of the rallying Tamaraws, 56-44. And even as Mike Tolomia answered with his own shot from beyond the arc that made it 56-47, the damage had already been done, and NU's bid for their first title since 1954 is alive once more after losing Game 1 of the series.

Alolino wound up with 12 points, 7 rebounds and two assists.

Troy Rosario led NU's cause with 19 points and 14 rebounds. While Glenn Khobuntin added 17 markers.

Alfred Aroga asserted his presence underneath defensively and finished with 7 points and 13 boards.

"We really focused on getting back to our roots and our defense," head coach Eric Altamirano said.

NU, which even suspended its classes from 12 noon onwards to allow its students to watch the all-important game, did not disappoint the throng of supporters that trooped to the Big Dome as they returned to the basics and put on a defensive clinic to force FEU to a season-low output of 47 points.

It looked like a slow start for FEU as the Bulldogs pounced and raced to a 22-6 advantage early in the second quarter.

But as the game wore on, and even when the Tamaraws managed to chop the lead down to 26-18 by halftime, it became clear NU had simply locked down FEU's guns.

NU held FEU to a paltry 23% shooting after the first two quarters, all while getting the most of their 16 second-chance opportunities and getting 10 points from it.

The Tamaraws, struggling to get their offense going and flip the pace to their favor, managed to cut the lead to just 6 in the third quarter before NU strung together some points for a 43-30 entering the fourth.

That lead later rose to 15, 45-30, after a Rosario basket.

FEU still fought against NU's defensive walls and came to within 50-44 courtesy of a Tolomia jumper with 2:45 to play.

But that's when Alolino struck with his dagger triple and finished the job for NU.

Mythical 5 member Mac Belo led all Tamaraws with 17 points and 6 rebounds while Tolomia added 15 markers and 5 rebounds.

Game 3 will be played on Wednesday, October 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena at 3:30 PM.

The scores:

NU (62): Rosario 19, Khobuntin 17, Alolino 12, Aroga 7, Alejandro 2, Diputado 2, Neypes 2, Javelona 1, Betayene 0, Perez 0.

FEU (47): Belo 17, Tolomia 15, Iñigo 7, Pogoy 4, Cruz 2, Jose 2, Tamsi 0, Dennison 0, Escoto 0, Hargrove 0, Denila 0, Yu 0, Ugsang 0, Escoto 0, David 0.

Quarter scores: 18-6, 26-18, 43-30, 62-47.

From Rappler

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(UAAP) Kiefer Ravena trains with Talk 'N Text, open to playing for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines - UAAP Season 77 is not over yet but Ateneo Blue Eagles star Kiefer Ravena is back on the grind already.

The newly minted Most Valuable Player said he is working on improving himself by joining the training of PBA team Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.

"I just practiced with TNT but it's just to improve myself because we have the Unigames. Yun na pinaghahandaan namin," Ravena, 20, said after he received his trophy and raked in plenty more special awards. (That's what we're preparing for now.)

Ravena says he asked his father Bong Ravena, who is part of the Texters' coaching staff, if he could join the team's training as it prepares for the upcoming Philippine Cup to open the PBA's 40th season.

"Since wala pa kami practice I asked my dad if I could join their practice first. I was able to join their conditioning and workout," he shared.

Despite training with a pro team, Ravena assured he will be standing by his word of playing out his final year with Ateneo next year.

"I'll still take my talents to Katipunan," he said in jest.

Ravena admitted the loss to National University in the Final Four despite Ateneo holding the top seed and the twice-to-beat still hurts.

But he is looking forward to the time off to recuperate and find out how to make the team better. He is also confident the Blue Eagles will bounce back next season.

"It's gonna be a stronger team definitely next season. But now we have time to think about how to improve and we have time to give the rookies more exposure. We also have time to watch the game even when it hurts."

Open to Gilas

Still a Gilas cadet, Ravena also declared he is open to suiting up for the national team once again if he should be called upon to do so.

"Pag kinuha nila ako I'll be open to it," he said. "I would be open most definitely. I won't think twice of joining the Gilas team." (If they get me I'll be open to it.)

Ravena last wore the national jersey during the Southeast Asian Games in 2013 for Sinag Pilipinas together with fellow college standouts Ray Parks and Kevin Ferrer as they brought home the gold medal.

From Rappler

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(NCAA) San Beda retains No.1 spot with 28-point rout of Arellano

Defending champion San Beda didn’t let the No.1 spot slip away from its hands after clobbering Arellano, 97-69, in NCAA Season 90 action Friday at The Arena in San Juan.

The victory continued the Red Lions’ dominance on top of the team standings and earned them a twice-to-beat advantage over No.4 Perpetual Help in the final four.

Despite the loss, No.2 Arellano still has a twice-to-beat edge against No.3 Jose Rizal University as the Chiefs make their semifinals debut.

Baser Amer finished with 19 points, three rebounds and five assists to lead San Beda.

San Beda used a blistering 15-0 attack led by Amer to end the second period and grab a 43-32 halftime lead as Arellano lost composure after getting called with two unsportsmanlike fouls during that stretch.

John Pinto sank a stepback jumper, while Keith Agovida slammed on a breakaway as Arellano came within eight points early, 51-43, early in the third period.

But Dan Sara fired back-to-back triples to ignite a 12-4 run that gave San Beda a commanding 63-47 lead which the Red Lions extended to as much as 32 points in the fourth quarter.

From InterAksyon


(NCAA) JRU outlasts Perpetual Help in OT to grab third spot

Jose Rizal University escaped Perpetual Help, 82-79, in overtime to clinch the No.3 seed in NCAA Season 90 Friday at The Arena in San Juan.

With the win, the Heavy Bombers will face the losing team in the tiff between San Beda and Arellano which are battling for the top spot as of posting time.

Bern Teodoro scored 16 points, three rebounds and two steals to lead JRU which engaged in a tight battle against Perpetual all game long.

The Altas looked to grab the win in regulation after Juneric Baloria scored five straight points to give them a 73-71 lead with under a minute remaining in the fourth frame.

But Teodoro attacked to the basket and converted a nifty layup on the other end to tie the game at 73-all with 21.7 seconds left.

Scottie Thompson tried to score the game-winner, but he failed to make a shot as buzzer sounded. Referees blew a whistle during a loose ball play in the dying seconds, but after a review, they decided to just send the game to extra time.

With the game tied at 75-all, Teodoro fired a triple from way beyond the arc for a 78-75 JRU lead with 2:45 remaining.

Gab Dagangon kept the Altas afloat, making four straight points to keep them within one, 80-79. Harold Arboleda then got a steal, leading to a fastbreak anchored by Dagangon who unfortunately missed a tough reverse.

Philip Paniamogan sank two free throws for an 82-79 JRU lead with 11 ticks left, still enough for Perpetual to tie the game with a three-pointer.

However, Baloria’s go-ahead trey was short as the Heavy Bombers came away with the victory.

Paniamogan added 15 markers for JRU, while Justin Alano led Perpetual with 19 points.

The Scores:

JRU (82) — Teodoro 16, Paniamogan 15, Abdulwahab 11, Benavides 9, Balagtas 8, Mabulac 8, Sanchez 4, Asuncion 4, Astilla 2, Grospe 2, Manuel 2, Lasquety 1.

UPHSD (79) — Alano 19, Arboleda 17, Baloria 16, Dagangon 10, Gallardo 8, Thompson 5, Oliveria 4, Dizon 0, Ylagan 0, Tamayo 0, Bantayan 0, Lucente 0, Jolangcob 0.

Quarters: 16-12, 34-32, 50-55, 73-73 (reg), 82-79 (OT).

From InterAksyon

[ShadowShaman]

Sana nxt year ang UP rin mkapasok khit sa final four

[Zurca]

(NCAA) NCAA final four wars begin with San Beda battling Perpetual, Arellano taking on JRU

Defending champion San Beda looks to move closer to its fifth straight crown while Arellano tries to make a splash in its playoffs debut as they take on a dangerous Perpetual Help and a gritty Jose Rizal University squad in the NCAA final four wars which begin on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Red Lions, once again the best team after the elimination round, hold a twice-to-beat advantage against the Altas at 2 p.m. live on AksyonTV.

The Chiefs, who are also enjoying a twice-to-beat edge in their final four debut, take on the Heavy Bombers at 4 p.m. live on TV5.

San Beda is looking to continue its playoff dominance against Perpetual, which the reigning titlists also beat last year in the final four.

This year, the Altas are trying to spoil the party for the Red Lions, who fell to them once in during the eliminations, 76-75, last September 22. San Beda pulled off a 77-75 win in their first matchup last August 6.

The trio of Baser Amer, Ola Adeogun and Art Dela Cruz are seeking to lift the Red Lions once again to the title game, but they have to withstand first an expected tough challenge from the Altas’ formidable four composed of Juneric Baloria, Harold Arboleda, Justin Alano and Most Valuable Player frontrunner Scottie Thompson.

After surprising opponents with a second-place finish in the team standings, Arellano is aiming to impress in its playoff debut. The Chiefs are in a good position to enter its first finals, only needing one win over JRU to advance.

The Chiefs and the Heavy Bombers split their season series, with JRU escaping with a 99-98 triple overtime win last August and Arellano getting back with a 75-69 victory last September 12.

Arellano is leaning once again on John Pinto, Jiovani Jalalon and Prince Caperal, while JRU is relying on the production of Philip Paniamogan, Michael Mabulac and Tey Teodoro.

From InterAksyon
Post Merge: October 15, 2014, 07:09:22 PM(UAAP) NU Bulldogs win first UAAP championship in 60 years

The National University Bulldogs won its first UAAP men’s basketball title since 1954 after outlasting the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 75-59, in the no-tomorrow Game Three of Season 77 finals on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

NU, which dropped Game One of the title series with FEU, 75-70, swept the last two games to also become the first fourth seed to win the championship in the UAAP’s final four era.

The Bulldogs dominated the second half, outscoring the Tamaraws, 25-18, in the third and 20-14 in the fourth to finish the game strong and clinch the title in front of a record crowd of 25, 138.

NU’s Cameroonian center Alfred Aroga led the way with 24 points while Gelo Alolino had 12 and J-jay Alejandro and Glenn Khobuntin added 10 apiece.

Aroga was named Finals MVP after averaging 16 points and 13 rebounds in the finals and he was mobbed by his teammates after receiving the award.

FEU enjoyed a strong start behind some early heroics from an on-point Mike Tolomia.

The Tamaraws’ star guard banked home a runner after an excellent sidestep to open scoring before following it up by sinking a midrange jumper. He’d later add a three-pointer to cap an 11-5 run for FEU to start the game.

It would not last, though, as Aroga made sure his presence was felt after coming off the bench in this game.

The Cameroonian center twice completed three-point plays – one coming after the 6-foot-7 big man dribbled the full length of the court like a guard.

With Khobuntin, Kyle Neypes and Troy Rosario all sharing the load, the Bulldogs went on a 15-5 rally that swung the game in their favor, 20-16, before Tolomia snuck inside and barely beat the quarter buzzer with a second chance layup for FEU.

Tolomia scored 11 of the Tamaraws’ 18 first quarter points.

Alejandro had some big contributions for the Bulldogs early in the second period. He knocked down a jumper from the left wing for his first two points before making a highlight reel defensive play, swatting FEU point guard Achie Inigo’s layup attempt in transition.

After Aroga provided some more top-level defense in the paint, blocking two separate shots in the paint, Alejandro broke away for an easy, wide-open layup.

A pair of free throws from Aroga gave NU its highest lead at that point of the game at eight points, 26-18.

The teams turned up the defense in the second, with the Bulldogs allowing only eight FEU points all quarter long while the Tamaraws held NU to just two points in a stretch of nearly seven minutes to come to within four, 30-26, at the half.

Tolomia had 13 points to lead FEU at the break while Aroga dominated on both ends of the floor with 12 points and three blocks. No other player from either side scored more than four points.

FEU’s MVP candidate Mac Belo, who has had to bleed for his points in this UAAP Finals series, tried to bring his team back in the third, scoring the first six FEU points of the quarter on a tip-in, a pair of free throws and strong post-up move on his primary defender, Khobuntin.

But Aroga continued to do his damage, extending out and knocking down a jumper from the baseline and muscling his way back down in the paint as NU pushed the lead back up to seven, 39-32.

Tolomia hit a three to bring FEU closer before NU unleashed a big run that changed the complexion of the game.

Alolino responded to Tolomia’s shot with a three-pointer on the other end before Rev Diputado made a big defensive play, getting a steal and starting a fastbreak that ended up with an unsportsmanlike foul on FEU’s Reymar Jose. Though Aroga missed his two free throws, Alolino scored on a floater on the ensuing possession.

Diputado then joined in on the scoring end, knocking down a trey of his own and adding two more points on a drive to cap a 10-0 run for the Bulldogs that made it a 14-point game, 49-35, with 2:53 remaining in the third.

FEU made a strong stand to close the quarter but big shots from Alejandro – a three-pointer and a three-point play – were enough for NU to carry a 55-44 lead into the final canto.

Belo tried to nudge FEU with some early baskets but NU had an answer to everything the Tamaraws could throw at them.

Khobuntin, whose parents were in attendance to watch him play in the UAAP for the very first time, helped put the game away, scoring six straight points in a 10-4 NU run that gave them a 16-point lead with a minute remaining.

Tolomia finished with 23 points while Belo had 17 for the runner-up Tamaraws.

The scores:
NU (75) – Aroga 24, Alolino 12, Alejandro 10, Khobuntin 10, Neypes 8, Rosario 6, Diputado 5, Betayene 0, Javelona 0, Perez 0, Salim 0.

FEU (58) – Tolomia 23, Belo 17, Dennison 6, Jose 4, Cruz 3, Inigo 3, Hargrove 2, Pogoy 0, Ru. Escoto 0, Ri. Escoto 0, Tamsi 0, Ugsang 0.

Quarterscores: 20-18, 30-26, 55-44, 75-58.

From InterAksyon
Post Merge: October 16, 2014, 09:16:20 AM(NCAA) San Beda gores Perpetual Help, books finals return to near fifth straight title

Defending champion San Beda clobbered a hard-fighting Perpetual Help squad, 81-75, to punch a ticket again to the NCAA Season 90 finals Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

It will be the ninth straight finals appearance for the Red Lions, who continued their mastery of the Altas after beating them for the third straight time in the final four.

Anthony Semerad led San Beda scorers with 18 points, while Baser Amer added 17 points. Ola Adeogun also chipped in 13 markers, while Art Dela Cruz scored 11 points and 13 rebounds to lead San Beda, which is seeking a five-peat for the title this season.

San Beda led by as much as 26 points, but Perpetual just kept on fighting until the end but eventually fell short against the reigning titlists.

San Beda had its guns ablaze right at the opening tip, with Amer, Dela Cruz and Adeogun teaming up on offense while stifling the Perpetual offense to fuel a 16-1 start.

The Red Lions continued their onslaught in the second period, extending their lead to as much as 26 points, 44-18, at the half.

The Altas woke up in the third quarter, with Scottie Thompson intercepting San Beda’s plays to lead a Perpetual attack. Undersized big man Justin Alano also pounded himself inside the taller San Beda frontline for an 11-0 run that put them within 15, 44-29.

Perpetual continued to cut San Beda’s lead, with Juneric Baloria scoring a buzzer-beating layup to help the Altas close within 11, 55-44, entering the final frame.

The Altas were able to come within eight points, 55-47, early in the fourth quarter, but Adeogun and JP Mendoza had answers to keep Perpetual at bay.

Gab Dagangon scored a layup with 1:18 left to keep Perpetual afloat, 74-65, with 1:18 left. Arboleda sank a triple as the Altas remained alive and kicking with just an eight-point deficit, 78-70, with 52.7 ticks remaining.

Perpetual was able to come as close to five, 80-75, with 19.4 ticks left. But an Amer split from the line followed by an Altas miss on the other end sealed the win for San Beda.

San Beda will face the winner of the Arellano-Jose Rizal University final four clash also slated on Wednesday.

The scores:

San Beda (81) — A. Semerad 18, Amer 17, Adeogun 13, Mendoza 12, Dela Cruz 11, Pascual 6, Koga 2, Tonco 2, Sara 0, Abude 0, D. Semerad 0.

Perpetual (75) — Thompson 20, Baloria 20, Arboleda 14, Alano 11, Dagangon 7, Oliveria 2, Jolangcob 1, Dizon 0, Ylagan 0, Bantayan 0, Gallardo 0.

Quarters: 22-7, 44-18, 55-44, 81-75.

From InterAksyon


(NCAA) Arellano knocks out JRU to punch historic finals ticket

Arellano dispatched Jose Rizal University, 72-65, to march to its first-ever finals appearance in NCAA Season 90 Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

After making its final four debut this season, Arellano is also appearing in its first title match since joining the league in 2009.

Arellano will try to stop the dominance of four-time champion San Beda in the NCAA finals beginning on Monday.

Dioncee Holts scored 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Chiefs.

Arellano led by as much as 12 points, 44-32, in the third quarter but JRU was able to tie the game at 61-all in the fourth quarter after Jaycee Asuncion and Tey Teodoro caught fire from the field.

Asuncion drained another jumper to give JRU a 63-62 lead. However, Arellano scored seven straight points capped by a Keith Agovida slam and a Jiovani Jalalon double-pumped layup for a 69-63 Chiefs lead with over a minute left which was too much to overcome for the Heavy Bombers.

From InterAksyon

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(UAAP) NU's Khobuntin relishes UAAP title 'no one expected us to win'

Like fellow graduating forward Troy Rosario, skipper Glenn Khobuntin gave National University something that former team stars Ray Parks and Danny Ildefonso failed to do: A UAAP men’s cage championship.

The 6-foot-4 Khobuntin made sure he would leave an indelible mark when he played an instrumental role in NU’s epic romp back to the top of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament that ended the Bulldogs’ 60-year long title drought and brought back the “surreal feeling” of being champions again.

“Sobrang special ng taong ito para sa akin,” he said during the team’s victory dinner on Wednesday at a restaurant inside the SM Megamall in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City following their 75-59 victory over Far Eastern U in  their winner-take-all match for the Season 77 crown at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Sobrang importante kasi hindi namin in-expect na mapupunta kami sa sitwasyon ito. Tapos nangyari pa sa last year ko. Nakuha namin ‘yung gusto naming ibigay sa school,” added Khobuntin, who collected six of his 10 points in the payoff period during their historic triumph witnessed by more than 25,000 fans inside the Big Dome.

“Sobrang kumpleto na talaga dahil andito rin ang pamilya ko. Nagpunta lang talaga sila dito sa Manila sa Game 3,” added the Cagayan de Oro native.

Khobuntin also could not help but relish the way they virtually started from scratch following the exodus of vital cogs, including former two-time league MVP Ray Parks, and completed one of the unlikeliest championship runs in league history when they became the first No. 4 squad to go all the way since the Final Four format was implemented in 1994.

“Malaking challenge sa team, lalong lalo na sa akin nu’ng umalis si Ray. Ang dami kong naririnig sa ibang tao na ‘Paano na ang NU? Paano na ang school namin dahil wala ng Parks?’ Kaya ginawa ko ‘yung personal motivation at challenge para magawa ko ‘yung dapat kong gawin.

“Ginawa ko ‘yung role na sinabi sa akin ni Coach (Eric Altamirano) at nagsilbi akong isa sa mga leaders ng team,” he added.

Although he admitted it’s still a big plus when you have a 6-foot-4 Parks in the fold, Khobuntin added they tried to find ways to fill that big void by playing unselfish offensively and unforgiving defensively.

“Nu’ng umalis siya (Parks), nag-usap-usap kami sa team. Wala na sa amin na star player so we need to work together. Doon nag-bloom lahat,” he stressed.

“Tsaka naging matured kami sa hirap ng dinaanan namin,” added Khobuntin, referring to their arduous climb to the finals by initially surviving University of the East for the last semis spot and overcoming a twice-to-win disadvantage against top seed Ateneo in the Final Four.

“Naging willing rin kami na ipasa ang bola kung sino ang mas open. Naging team player talaga lahat. Minsann may naghahanap ng score pero pinapaalala namin na dumepensa muna,” said the graduating Commerce student.

From Y! Sports Philippines

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(NCAA) Perpetual Help’s Scottie Thompson named MVP of NCAA Season 90

Perpetual Help’s Scottie Thompson bagged the Most Valuable Player plum for the 90th season of the NCAA during the league’s awarding ceremonies on Monday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Thompson averaged 17.35 points, 11.35 rebounds, 5.76 assists and 1.65 steals in 17 games of the elimination round to top all players in the statistical race and help the Altas to an 11-7 win-loss record good for the No.4 spot.

Despite the feat, Thompson was unable to bring the Altas far in the playoffs as Perpetual succumbed to the five-time champion San Beda in the semifinals.

Joining Thompson in the Mythical Five are Ola Adeogun of San Beda, Altas teammate Harold Arboleda, Bradwyn Guinto of San Sebastian and Most Improved Player awardee Jiovani Jalalon of Arellano.

Thompson was also included in the All-Defensive Team which was comprised of Lyceum’s Joseph Gabayni, Adeogun, Guinto and AbdulRazak AbdulWahab of Jose Rizal University.

Arellano’s Dioncee Holts was named as Rookie of the Year, while Lyceum’s Gabayni was hailed as the Defensive Player of the Year.

From InterAksyon


(NCAA) San Beda thumps Arellano to take Game One, inch closer to rare five-peat

San Beda moved just a win away from a fifth straight title after pummeling Arellano, 74-66, in Game One of the best-of-three NCAA Season 90 finals on Monday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The victory means that San Beda would just need one more victory to clinch its 19th basketball title and a rare five-peat.

Ola Adeogun posted 14 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Red Lions.

The Red Lions went off to a roaring start with a blistering 11-0 run thanks to a starting lineup composed of four big men in Adeogun, Kyle Pascual, Anthony Semerad, Art Dela Cruz and a guard in Baser Amer.

San Beda went on to lead by as much as 15 points before Arellano came back. Nico Bangga provided quality minutes off the bench as the Chiefs were able to play their trademark run-and-gun game to tie the game at 31-all in the second quarter.

However, the Red Lions closed the quarter with a 9-0 run to grab a 40-31 halftime lead.

San Beda remained in control in the second half, and looked on its way to a victory after a 59-48 lead entering the final frame.

But Arellano didn’t give up right away, John Pinto and Jiovani Jalalon leading the Chiefs in fastbreak plays which trimmed their deficit to just five, 61-56, with 6:07 left in the game.

The Red Lions easily doused the Chiefs’ uprising, as Dela Cruz scored a jumper and a layup in succession to lift San Beda to a 67-57 advantage which was enough to ward off Arellano.

Amer led San Beda with 17 points, while Semerad added 14 markers. Dela Cruz also chipped in 13 points.

Keith Agovida paced Arellano with 14 points.

The Scores:

San Beda 74 – Amer 17, A. Semerad 14, Adeogon 14, De La Cruz 13, Pascual 7, Sara 5, Mendoza 3, Koga 2, Mendoza 2, Cabanag 0, Mocon 0, D. Semerad 0, Tongco 0.

Arellano 66 – Agovida 14, Holts 11, Jalalon 9, Bangga 9, Pinto 6, Gumaru 5, Salcedo 4, Ciriacruz 4, Nicholls 2, Enriquez 2, Hernandez 0, Palma 0, Caperal 0, Cadavis 0.

Quarters: 26-17, 40-31, 59-48, 74-66.

From InterAksyon

[spidey]

maganda nilalaro ng Arellamo dito sa season na to sana sila manalo

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(NCAA) Complete dominance: San Beda sweeps Arellano to win fifth straight NCAA crown

The San Beda Red Lions stamped their dominance anew, trouncing the gallant Arellano Chiefs to come away with an 89-70 victory in Game Two for their fifth straight title in NCAA Season 90 Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

It is the 19th basketball championship and eighth in the last nine years for San Beda, which has dominated the past decade of the country’s oldest collegiate league.

The Red Lions also spoiled a courageous effort from finals newcomer Arellano, which was hoping to topple San Beda and pull off a surprise run to the title in the Chiefs’ first appearance in the title match.

Anthony Semerad exploded for 30 points to spearhead the Red Lions.

Unlike in Game One, the Chiefs held their ground against the Red Lions in the first quarter and did not allow any scoring barrage from San Beda, which led 22-14 after the period.

But San Beda broke the game wide open at the start of the second period, with Dan Sara drilling two straight triples and Semerad also nailing one to push the Red Lions’ lead to 15, 31-16.

Arellano couldn’t make its baskets during that juncture, only coming up with nine points compared to San Beda’s 17 as the Red Lions threatened to pull away.

However, the Chiefs woke up in the third period, applying pressure defense which gave headaches to San Beda’s big lineup. Arellano was able to get steals and force turnovers, allowing the Chiefs to come as close to seven points for many times during hte quarter.

San Beda showed its championship poise, making bailout shots enough to keep the Chiefs at bay as the Red Lions took a 63-52 edge entering the final frame.

Keith Agovida tried to carry the Chiefs in the fourth period, scoring four straight points to keep Arellano within nine, 65-56.

But Kyle Pascual countered with six consecutive points as San Beda held a commanding 74-59 lead with over six minutes remaining which was too much to overcome for Arellano.

Arellano suffered some scary moments, as John Pinto went down after a jumper attempt at the 6:12 mark of the fourth period. Agovida and Ice Ciriacruz also fouled out shortly after as the Red Lions got away with the win.

From InterAksyon


(NCAA) San Beda’s Anthony Semerad hailed MVP of NCAA finals

San Beda forward Anthony Semerad took home the Most Valuable Player plum of the NCAA Season 90 finals after leading the Red Lions to their fifth straight crown on Wednesday.

Semerad scored 30 points and six rebounds in the Red Lions’ title-clinching 89-70 Game Two victory over Arellano.

“It’s my last year so I want to give everything I’ve got,” Semerad told Sports5′s Apple David after the game. “I could have not done it without my teammates.”

Picked by the GlobalPort Batang Pier in this year’s PBA draft, Semerad also scored 14 points in San Beda’s 74-66 Game One win.

The Red Lions on Wednesday completed a rare five-peat for their 19th basketball title and eighth for the last nine years.

From InterAksyon

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(UAAP) Kiefer Ravena posts double-double in Ateneo’s shackling of UP

The Ateneo Blue Eagles sent the struggling UP Fighting Maroons to their fourth straight loss after a low-scoring 56-43 victory in UAAP Season 78 action Wednesday at MOA Arena.

Kiefer Ravena came up with a double-double performance of 11 points and 11 boards as the Blue Eagles remained in the driver’s seat from start to finish en route to their fourth win.

Ateneo zoomed to a 17-9 lead and turned it into a 36-17 cushion at halftime after shackling UP to just 20 percent (seven out of 35) from the field.

The Blue Eagles never looked back as the Fighting Maroons failed to mount any comeback and fell prey once again to their Katipunan rivals.

Von Pessumal added 10 points for Ateneo which improved to 4-2.

Paul Desiderio led Up with 12 points and eight boards as the Fighting Maroons fell to a 2-4 slate after a rousing 2-0 start to the season.

From InterAksyon


(UAAP) UST dispatches La Salle to grab share of UAAP lead

The UST Growling Tigers put themselves back to the top of the team standings after trouncing the De La Salle Green Archers, 77-61, in UAAP Season 78 action Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Kevin Ferrer spearheaded UST anew with 17 points and six boards, while Karim Abdul chipped in 13 points and 13 boards as they improved to 5-1 for a share of the No.1 spot with FEU.

UST trailed by as much as 14 points, 33-19, in the second quarter but a 12-0 run kept the Growling Tigers within two at halftime.

After trailing 38-36, the Growling Tigers then had another rampage, this time ending the third frame with a 24-8 blast to grab a commanding 60-46 lead that UST maintained the entire game.

Jeron Teng collected 13 points and nine boards for La Salle which settled for a 3-3 slate.

From InterAksyon

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(UAAP) La Salle climbs from 15 points down to nip rival Ateneo

The De La Salle Green Archers prevailed over Ateneo Blue Eagles, 80-76, in the first installment of their UAAP Season 78 rivalry game Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Jeron Teng led the way with 18 points and six boards as he won his battle over fellow collegiate star Kiefer Ravena who finished with 19 points and five rebounds.

The Blue Eagles led by as much as 15 points, 37-22, in the second quarter before the Green Archers rallied in the third period.

The Green Archers, down by 10 at halftime, launched a 13-2 run in the third quarter to grab the lead, 49-48.

Both teams then engaged in a tight game with the third frame even ending at 61-all.

The game was knotted at 74-all when Jerie Pingoy buried a huge jumper with 1:27 left to put Ateneo back on top, 76-74.

But Joshua Torralba sank a booming triple with 35 seconds left that gave La Salle back the lead, 77-76. The Green Archers went on to force a stop against Ateneo and also make the insurance free throws to seal the final score.

With the result, Ateneo and La Salle are now tied for fourth place with an identical 4-3 record.

In the first game, the Adamson Falcons notched their first win of the season at the expense of the slumping UP Fighting Maroons, 73-68.

Jerome Garcia exploded for 26 points to help Adamson finally end a winless start and finally break into the winning column after seven games.

UP slid to 2-5 and now has lost its past five games.

From InterAksyon