By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 10, 2008
The time has come for Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Ateneo’s six-foot-four center.
After playing second fiddle to the likes of Doug Kramer and Ford Arao in his first three seasons, Al-Hussaini rose to become the Blue Eagles’ top performer and strong candidate for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
His strong performance helped the Eagles top the eliminations in the UAAP basketball tournament with a 13-1 win-loss record.
Al-Hussaini currently trails University of Santo Tomas’ Jervy Cruz in the statistical points’ race with an average of 71.1429, almost four points behind the 75.0714 points Cruz amassed.
Appearing in all 14 games of the double-round elims, Al-Hussaini averaged 18 points a game, second to Cruz in that category, along with 9.6 rebounds, third in the league.
Winning the MVP, however, is not Al-Hussaini’s priority.
"Sa akin naman hindi ko iniisip ang manalo ng MVP," he said. "Basta ang importante ay yung makapagchampion kami kasi noong high school ako hindi ako nakapagchampion gusto ko naman sa college, kung may award na dumating bonus na yun."
Ateneo coach Norman Black believes that Al-Hussaini has a strong chance to garner the MVP title, although he concedes that Jervy Cruz of University of Santo Tomas would be a tough obstacle to overcome.
"I think he has played enough to garner to award but Jervy Cruz is a tough competition," said Black.
Before suiting up for the Eagles, Al-Hussaini honed his skills in the NCAA junior tournament where he played for the Philippine Christian University.
PCU, however, did not come close to challenge the supremacy of the San Beda Red Cubs.
In his first three UAAP seasons, Al-Hussaini normed just 6.1 points and five rebounds in 32 games.
This season, however, Al-Hussaini blossomed into Ateneo’s biggest scoring threat.
Against University of the East, Al-Hussaini nailed 18 points and 17 as the Eagles trounced the Warriors, 64-58.
"I played a bad game the previous game so sinabi sa akin ni coach na kailangan kumuha ako ng offensive rebounds to pass the ball so I pushed myself more.
"Ginawa ko lang yung sinabi ni coach kasi I played a bad game so I pushed myself more kaya kailangan ko grab ng offensive rebounds and pass the ball," he said after that game.
His most notable performance came on July 31 when he dropped 33 points, the most by any player this season, and grabbed 20 rebounds last July 31.
But ironically, the Eagles lost, 72-66, to Far Eastern University for the team’s only defeat.
While Ateneo is a strong candidate to win the crown, the task is not yet over for the team as they will meet UE in the Final Four.
Although the Red Warriors are ranked fourth, Al-Hussaini doesn’t count them out.
"Sa Final Four, iba na yung way of playing," said Al-Hussaini. "Yung UE gustong makaisa sa amin. Kami ayaw naming paabot pa sa ganun so feeling namin yung game against them ay magiging intense at more of a defensive game."
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
UST star Cruz to leave UAAP with a heavy heart
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 9, 2008
Jervy Cruz wept when the final buzzer sounded last Saturday as the UST Growling Tigers ended their dismal 6-8 season with a 71-63 win over University of the Philippines.
Playing his last game with the Tigers, Cruz hit nine of his team’s 11 points in the final quarter to cap a three-year career in which he helped his alma mater win the title in 2006.
That championship was the one that Cruz wants to relive.
"Kung may gusto akong balikan siguro yung championship naming noong 2006," Cruz, who was then elevated from Team B prior to that season.
In his final game, Cruz scored 21 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, his seventh consecutive double-double effort.
Cruz said he’s disappointed that the Tigers failed to land a spot in the Final Four.
"Sayang nga kasi maganda entrance ko champion kami tapos pag-exit ko laglag kami so masakit," Cruz lamented.
UST struggled during the season, dropping heartbreaking defeats. The Tigers also lost key players like Japs Cuan and Francis Allera to injuries.
The Tigers also failed to win against teams that made the Final Four.
"Sa end game talaga nawawala kami, yung mga veterans medyo inconsistent tapos yung iba sa amin injured," he said.
Cruz played hurt in the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Hapee Toothpaste in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). He incurred the injury during the halftime break where he slipped off a wet surface.
Against doctors’ advice, Cruz opted to continue playing.
"Hindi pa ako 100 percent dahil sa hamstring, dapat nga ipapahinga ako this season pero sabi ko last season ko na at kailangan kong ibigay lahat para sa team," Cruz said.
Despite the Tigers’ elimination, Cruz remains as one of the top contenders for the coveted Most Valuable Player award for the second straight season.
Cruz leads Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Ateneo in the statistical points race with 75.0714 . He averaged 19.8 points and 13.7 rebounds in all 14 games this season as he led the league in both categories.
UST coach Pido Jarencio said he believes that Cruz has the tools to make it to the Philippine Basketball Association.
"Malaki ang potential niya na mag-PBA so good luck sa career niya, hardworker talaga siya," said Jarencio. "Siya ang MVP ng UAAP ganun kasimple, puro siya double-double kahit injured siya."
Cruz, who is celebrating his 22nd birthday today, is expected to suit up again for Hapee in the PBL.
He admits that he would miss college basketball.
"Ang mami-miss ko sa college basketball ay yung crowd," he reflected.
"Kung pwede lang na hindi ako aalis dito eh hindi ako aalis eh."
Jervy Cruz wept when the final buzzer sounded last Saturday as the UST Growling Tigers ended their dismal 6-8 season with a 71-63 win over University of the Philippines.
Playing his last game with the Tigers, Cruz hit nine of his team’s 11 points in the final quarter to cap a three-year career in which he helped his alma mater win the title in 2006.
That championship was the one that Cruz wants to relive.
"Kung may gusto akong balikan siguro yung championship naming noong 2006," Cruz, who was then elevated from Team B prior to that season.
In his final game, Cruz scored 21 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, his seventh consecutive double-double effort.
Cruz said he’s disappointed that the Tigers failed to land a spot in the Final Four.
"Sayang nga kasi maganda entrance ko champion kami tapos pag-exit ko laglag kami so masakit," Cruz lamented.
UST struggled during the season, dropping heartbreaking defeats. The Tigers also lost key players like Japs Cuan and Francis Allera to injuries.
The Tigers also failed to win against teams that made the Final Four.
"Sa end game talaga nawawala kami, yung mga veterans medyo inconsistent tapos yung iba sa amin injured," he said.
Cruz played hurt in the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Hapee Toothpaste in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). He incurred the injury during the halftime break where he slipped off a wet surface.
Against doctors’ advice, Cruz opted to continue playing.
"Hindi pa ako 100 percent dahil sa hamstring, dapat nga ipapahinga ako this season pero sabi ko last season ko na at kailangan kong ibigay lahat para sa team," Cruz said.
Despite the Tigers’ elimination, Cruz remains as one of the top contenders for the coveted Most Valuable Player award for the second straight season.
Cruz leads Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Ateneo in the statistical points race with 75.0714 . He averaged 19.8 points and 13.7 rebounds in all 14 games this season as he led the league in both categories.
UST coach Pido Jarencio said he believes that Cruz has the tools to make it to the Philippine Basketball Association.
"Malaki ang potential niya na mag-PBA so good luck sa career niya, hardworker talaga siya," said Jarencio. "Siya ang MVP ng UAAP ganun kasimple, puro siya double-double kahit injured siya."
Cruz, who is celebrating his 22nd birthday today, is expected to suit up again for Hapee in the PBL.
He admits that he would miss college basketball.
"Ang mami-miss ko sa college basketball ay yung crowd," he reflected.
"Kung pwede lang na hindi ako aalis dito eh hindi ako aalis eh."
Monday, September 8, 2008
UAAP Season 71 Cheerdance Competion Results and Videos
Scores:
93.30 UP Pep Squad
85.27 UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe
83.96 FEU Pep Squad
83.81 Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion
81.04 Adamson Pep Squad
72.89 UE Pep Squad
70.07 DLSU Animo Squad
68.36 NU Pep Squad
UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe
UP Pep Squad
FEU Cheering Squad
NU Pep Squad
AdU Pep Squad
ADMU Blue Babble Battalion
UE Pep Squad
CDC Dream Team
CDC Announcement of Winners
93.30 UP Pep Squad
85.27 UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe
83.96 FEU Pep Squad
83.81 Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion
81.04 Adamson Pep Squad
72.89 UE Pep Squad
70.07 DLSU Animo Squad
68.36 NU Pep Squad
Videos:
DLSU Animo SquadUST Salinggawi Dance Troupe
UP Pep Squad
FEU Cheering Squad
NU Pep Squad
AdU Pep Squad
ADMU Blue Babble Battalion
UE Pep Squad
CDC Dream Team
CDC Announcement of Winners
UP pep squad retains crown
By Francis Santiago - Manila Bulletin - September 8, 2008
University of the Philippines Pep Squad produced another awe-inspiring performance yesterday to retain its title in the 2008 Samsung UAAP Cheer-dance Competition yesterday before a record crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.
Highlighting its tribal war-theme performance by forming an oblation that saw the crowd of 23,000 explode in approval, the 25-man squad beat fierce rival University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe and FEU Cheering Squad to capture its fifth overall crown since the event was established in 1997.
For its feat, the UP Pep squad received P195,000 cash prize plus MP3 players for each member.
"I think yung pagkakaroon ng theme, sobra ng pagkakaiba from the other routines," said UP Pep Squad co-captain Angelica Sison, one of the oldest members of the cheerleading group.
Sison’s fellow member Francis Fleta was named as the Samsung Stunner.
The win was a fitting reward for the Lalaine "Lala" Perena-mentored squad as UP is celebrating its centennial anniversary.
With a tribal war story and a "Tribo Sugod" sign to show off during the routine, Sison believed the theme was one of the factors that decided their victory.
"Sa routine namin may preparation for war, gathering of troops tapos yung sugod effect parang makikita sa whole routine namin na may storya in a tribal way," 22-year old Sison, a graduating communication research student who is a candidate for Cum Laude this year, said.
UST, which was dethroned as champions last season after winning five straight title since 2002, overcame a slow start to claim second place for the second straight year.
FEU, which performed with a fire-blazing theme, captured its seventh third-place finish.
The Ateneo de Manila Blue Babble Battalion placed fourth for the second straight year followed by Adamson Pep Squad and University of the East. De La Salle Animo Squad and the National University Pep Squad wound up seventh and eight, respectively.
University of the Philippines Pep Squad produced another awe-inspiring performance yesterday to retain its title in the 2008 Samsung UAAP Cheer-dance Competition yesterday before a record crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.
Highlighting its tribal war-theme performance by forming an oblation that saw the crowd of 23,000 explode in approval, the 25-man squad beat fierce rival University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe and FEU Cheering Squad to capture its fifth overall crown since the event was established in 1997.
For its feat, the UP Pep squad received P195,000 cash prize plus MP3 players for each member.
"I think yung pagkakaroon ng theme, sobra ng pagkakaiba from the other routines," said UP Pep Squad co-captain Angelica Sison, one of the oldest members of the cheerleading group.
Sison’s fellow member Francis Fleta was named as the Samsung Stunner.
The win was a fitting reward for the Lalaine "Lala" Perena-mentored squad as UP is celebrating its centennial anniversary.
With a tribal war story and a "Tribo Sugod" sign to show off during the routine, Sison believed the theme was one of the factors that decided their victory.
"Sa routine namin may preparation for war, gathering of troops tapos yung sugod effect parang makikita sa whole routine namin na may storya in a tribal way," 22-year old Sison, a graduating communication research student who is a candidate for Cum Laude this year, said.
UST, which was dethroned as champions last season after winning five straight title since 2002, overcame a slow start to claim second place for the second straight year.
FEU, which performed with a fire-blazing theme, captured its seventh third-place finish.
The Ateneo de Manila Blue Babble Battalion placed fourth for the second straight year followed by Adamson Pep Squad and University of the East. De La Salle Animo Squad and the National University Pep Squad wound up seventh and eight, respectively.
Cruz leads MVP derby in UAAP
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 8, 2008
Despite his team’s disappointing run, University of Santo Tomas’ Jervy Cruz has the inside track of winning his second straight Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum in the 71st UAAP basketball tournament.
Playing in his final year with the Growling Tigers, Cruz tallied 75.0714 points after the double-round elims to remain firmly ahead in the MVP race.
Ateneo’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini was second with 71.1429 points.
Although UST failed to enter the Final Four this season, the 6-4 Cruz tallied 961 points that went with a 90-point bonus and five-point penalty to secure the lead in the Statistical Points race sponsored by Smart Bro and powered by Imperium Technology.
Cruz led the league in scoring with an average of 19.8 points and was also No. 1 in the rebounding department with 13.7 boards. He highlighted his rebounding prowess by posting three 20-plus rebounds in 14 starts.
Al-Hussaini mustered 801 points and garnered a 195 bonus points to take second spot. The 6-6 standout normed 18.0 points on 48.5 percent shooting while hauling down 9.6 boards a contest as Ateneo finished the elims on top with a 13-1 record.
The former Philippine Christian University Baby Dolphin ranked second in scoring at 18.0 a game and made the highest points ever scored by a player this season by dropping 33 points in a loss to Far Eastern University last July 31, 72-66.
A far third in the MVP race is Al-Hussaini’s teammate Chris Tiu, who posted 62.1429 points while the De La Salle tandem of Rico Maierhofer and JV Casio came in fourth and fifth with 61.5000 and 60.8571 points, respectively.
National University’s Edwin Asoro, who like Cruz has also played his final year in the league, came in at sixth with 53.4286 points followed by Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao with 50.7143 points.
Baclao, a former West Negros College (now University) finished tied for first in blocks with Aldrech Ramos at 2.6 a game.
UST’s Dylan Ababou (50.6429), FEU’s Mark Barroca (49.8571) wound up eighth and ninth while University of the East’s Marcy Arellano ended up 10th (47.7143).
On the other hand, Ateneo’s Ryan Buenafe, ranked 22nd overall, 36.5000, leads all rookies with La Salle’s Maui Villanueva way behind at 35th at 32.1429.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila secured top spot in the juniors competition after defeating defending champion De La Salle Zobel, 69-64, yesterday at the Blue Eagles Gym.
Despite his team’s disappointing run, University of Santo Tomas’ Jervy Cruz has the inside track of winning his second straight Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum in the 71st UAAP basketball tournament.
Playing in his final year with the Growling Tigers, Cruz tallied 75.0714 points after the double-round elims to remain firmly ahead in the MVP race.
Ateneo’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini was second with 71.1429 points.
Although UST failed to enter the Final Four this season, the 6-4 Cruz tallied 961 points that went with a 90-point bonus and five-point penalty to secure the lead in the Statistical Points race sponsored by Smart Bro and powered by Imperium Technology.
Cruz led the league in scoring with an average of 19.8 points and was also No. 1 in the rebounding department with 13.7 boards. He highlighted his rebounding prowess by posting three 20-plus rebounds in 14 starts.
Al-Hussaini mustered 801 points and garnered a 195 bonus points to take second spot. The 6-6 standout normed 18.0 points on 48.5 percent shooting while hauling down 9.6 boards a contest as Ateneo finished the elims on top with a 13-1 record.
The former Philippine Christian University Baby Dolphin ranked second in scoring at 18.0 a game and made the highest points ever scored by a player this season by dropping 33 points in a loss to Far Eastern University last July 31, 72-66.
A far third in the MVP race is Al-Hussaini’s teammate Chris Tiu, who posted 62.1429 points while the De La Salle tandem of Rico Maierhofer and JV Casio came in fourth and fifth with 61.5000 and 60.8571 points, respectively.
National University’s Edwin Asoro, who like Cruz has also played his final year in the league, came in at sixth with 53.4286 points followed by Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao with 50.7143 points.
Baclao, a former West Negros College (now University) finished tied for first in blocks with Aldrech Ramos at 2.6 a game.
UST’s Dylan Ababou (50.6429), FEU’s Mark Barroca (49.8571) wound up eighth and ninth while University of the East’s Marcy Arellano ended up 10th (47.7143).
On the other hand, Ateneo’s Ryan Buenafe, ranked 22nd overall, 36.5000, leads all rookies with La Salle’s Maui Villanueva way behind at 35th at 32.1429.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila secured top spot in the juniors competition after defeating defending champion De La Salle Zobel, 69-64, yesterday at the Blue Eagles Gym.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Archers play for win, Eagles for pride
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 6, 2008
It will be a no-bearing game for top semifinalist Ateneo when it tangles with archrival De La Salle University today, but expect the Eagles to battle the Archers as though a championship is at stake as the elimination round of the UAAP basketball tournament comes to fitting close at the Araneta Coliseum.
While the Blue Eagles have nothing to lose but pride in their 4 p.m. encounter, the stakes will be higher for the Archers who will be eyeing the No. 2 spot and the second twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals.
Nothing will make Ateneo happier than beating their arch enemy. A loss for the Archers means they will have to face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws for the last twice-to-beat-advantage already enjoyed by the Eagles regardless of the result of today’s game.
Ateneo coach Norman Black acknowledges that his team has nothing to gain or lose in today’s duel but he expects them to play their best against La Salle.
"It’s La Salle-Ateneo so there’s always the pressure to win," said Black. "Whether it’s a no-bearing game or not, our supporters would love us to beat La Salle so I know it’s going to be a bearing game for them (fans) and it may not be a bearing game for us but we’ll just try our best to win."
The Eagles are set to meet University of the East in the Final 4 needing only one win to secure a finals berth.
Ateneo will be bannered by Most Valuable Player candidate Rabeh Al-Hussaini along with team skipper Chris Tiu, reserve guard Eric Salamat, and rookie Ryan Buenafe.
As for the Green Archers, all they need to do is to win in order to secure second spot in the Final Four after Far Eastern University suffered a 73-61 defeat to University of the East last Thursday.
Franz Pumaren is expected to be back to coach the team in today’s game after his stint with the RP Youth squad in the FIBA Asia Youth Championships in Tehran, Iran where he led the Filipino cagers to a quarterfinals berth.
In Pumaren’s absence, Jack Santiago, a former PBA cager before being tapped as La Salle’s assistant coach six years ago, steered the Archers to two close victories over University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University.
"It’s a good experience for me pero sabi ko nga sa mga boys sana wag nila sana akong pakabahin ng ganun because it's going to be hard for myself," Santiago said.
As for the match against the Blue Eagles, Santiago hopes that the team would not suffer the same problems it had in the last two games.
"I told them that we’re running away from our system. Some defensive and offensive plays, hindi ginagawa," Santiago said. "I mean come big games like against Ateneo, we cannot have these kinds of mistakes."
In hopes of winning this time against their rivals, Mythical Five candidates JV Casio and Rico Maierhofer are expected to give their all while role players Peejay Barua and James Mangahas will also have to produce well.
Meanwhile, UST aims to end its season on a winning note when it tangles with University of the Philippines in the 2 p.m. opener.
It will be a no-bearing game for top semifinalist Ateneo when it tangles with archrival De La Salle University today, but expect the Eagles to battle the Archers as though a championship is at stake as the elimination round of the UAAP basketball tournament comes to fitting close at the Araneta Coliseum.
While the Blue Eagles have nothing to lose but pride in their 4 p.m. encounter, the stakes will be higher for the Archers who will be eyeing the No. 2 spot and the second twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals.
Nothing will make Ateneo happier than beating their arch enemy. A loss for the Archers means they will have to face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws for the last twice-to-beat-advantage already enjoyed by the Eagles regardless of the result of today’s game.
Ateneo coach Norman Black acknowledges that his team has nothing to gain or lose in today’s duel but he expects them to play their best against La Salle.
"It’s La Salle-Ateneo so there’s always the pressure to win," said Black. "Whether it’s a no-bearing game or not, our supporters would love us to beat La Salle so I know it’s going to be a bearing game for them (fans) and it may not be a bearing game for us but we’ll just try our best to win."
The Eagles are set to meet University of the East in the Final 4 needing only one win to secure a finals berth.
Ateneo will be bannered by Most Valuable Player candidate Rabeh Al-Hussaini along with team skipper Chris Tiu, reserve guard Eric Salamat, and rookie Ryan Buenafe.
As for the Green Archers, all they need to do is to win in order to secure second spot in the Final Four after Far Eastern University suffered a 73-61 defeat to University of the East last Thursday.
Franz Pumaren is expected to be back to coach the team in today’s game after his stint with the RP Youth squad in the FIBA Asia Youth Championships in Tehran, Iran where he led the Filipino cagers to a quarterfinals berth.
In Pumaren’s absence, Jack Santiago, a former PBA cager before being tapped as La Salle’s assistant coach six years ago, steered the Archers to two close victories over University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University.
"It’s a good experience for me pero sabi ko nga sa mga boys sana wag nila sana akong pakabahin ng ganun because it's going to be hard for myself," Santiago said.
As for the match against the Blue Eagles, Santiago hopes that the team would not suffer the same problems it had in the last two games.
"I told them that we’re running away from our system. Some defensive and offensive plays, hindi ginagawa," Santiago said. "I mean come big games like against Ateneo, we cannot have these kinds of mistakes."
In hopes of winning this time against their rivals, Mythical Five candidates JV Casio and Rico Maierhofer are expected to give their all while role players Peejay Barua and James Mangahas will also have to produce well.
Meanwhile, UST aims to end its season on a winning note when it tangles with University of the Philippines in the 2 p.m. opener.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Game Result: UE 73 - FEU 61
UE Red Warriors
73 Points
35 Rebounds
15 Assists
_8 Steals
_6 Blocks
29/69 (42.03%) FG
_6/25 (24.00%) 3P FG
_9/12 (75.00%) FT
FEU Tamaraws
61 Points
39 Rebounds
12 Assists
_4 Steals
_5 Blocks
28/66 (42.42%) FG
_4/18 (22.22%) 3P FG
_1/2_ (50.00%) FT
Quarters: 23-8, 36-24, 54-45, 73-61
73 Points
35 Rebounds
15 Assists
_8 Steals
_6 Blocks
29/69 (42.03%) FG
_6/25 (24.00%) 3P FG
_9/12 (75.00%) FT
FEU Tamaraws
61 Points
39 Rebounds
12 Assists
_4 Steals
_5 Blocks
28/66 (42.42%) FG
_4/18 (22.22%) 3P FG
_1/2_ (50.00%) FT
Quarters: 23-8, 36-24, 54-45, 73-61
UE thwarts FEU
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 5, 2008
University of the East thumped Far Eastern University, 73-61, yesterday to deny the Tamaraws an outright playoff for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals of the UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors went on a whirlwind start to open up a 23-8 first quarter lead, stretched this to 16 in the next two periods and then held off a short-lived FEU uprising to end their elimination round assignments with a 9-5 record going to their best-of-three semifinals series with top qualifier Ateneo.
The loss closed out the Tamaraws’ elims record at 10-4 . FEU was eyeing a victory that will give the Tamaraws at least a playoff for the No. 2 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage in their semis battle with De La Salle university.
As it is, FEU is now praying for a La Salle loss to Ateneo tomorrow for a playoff for the coveted No. 2 spot. The Archers are carrying a 10-3 card.
"I’m so proud of my boys for the tremendous effort," said UE coach Dindo Pumaren. "FEU looked scared, every time they bring down the ball parang hirap na hirap sila."
Pari Llagas led UE with 17 points on top of seven rebounds while James Martinez added 16 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the three-point area.
"Hopefully maganda pa rin laro namin pero kumpiyansa ako na maganda itatakbo ng team," said Pumaren who will need to beat the Eagles twice to advance to the finals.
"We’re going up right now, yung peak namin tamang-tama, we made some stops in this game especially coming from Raffy Reyes," Pumaren said. "Madadala namin tong panalo na to sa Final Four."
Benedict Fernandez, who succumbed to cramps late in the fnal period, led FEU with 16 points and four rebounds. Reil Cervantes finished with 10 points and five boards with Aldrech Ramos tallied 10 points and seven caroms.
In the first game, Adamson University wrapped up its campaign with a 68-57 victory to end the season with a 3-11 record.
The Falcons leaned on the efforts of veterans Marc Agustin and Paul Gonzalgo to snap a nine-game losing skid that started during the first round of hostilities.
Agustin and Gonzalgo wrapped up their playing careers with the San Marcelino-based cagers in style as the sons of former PBA cagers tallied 18 and 15 points, respectively.
Undergraduate Jerick Canada added 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals while Alex Nuyles chipped in 10 markers and nine boards.
"I’m happy na hindi kami nakulelat ngayon," said Adamson coach Leo Austria. "People were expecting us to be the darkhorse team pero siguro next season we’ll try our best to get into the Final Four and I think may potential yung team."
"We did our best, pero we came up short but it’s a good lesson for us," added Austria, who reassumed his duties as Falcons’ mentor after leaving the team in 2006 to coach Welcoat in the PBA.
Raymund Aguilar finished with 14 points and nine rebounds as the Bulldogs finished the year with a 2-12 card, losing its final six games. Edwin Asoro, who is also playing his last season, was held to six points on 2-of-8 shooting.
University of the East thumped Far Eastern University, 73-61, yesterday to deny the Tamaraws an outright playoff for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals of the UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors went on a whirlwind start to open up a 23-8 first quarter lead, stretched this to 16 in the next two periods and then held off a short-lived FEU uprising to end their elimination round assignments with a 9-5 record going to their best-of-three semifinals series with top qualifier Ateneo.
The loss closed out the Tamaraws’ elims record at 10-4 . FEU was eyeing a victory that will give the Tamaraws at least a playoff for the No. 2 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage in their semis battle with De La Salle university.
As it is, FEU is now praying for a La Salle loss to Ateneo tomorrow for a playoff for the coveted No. 2 spot. The Archers are carrying a 10-3 card.
"I’m so proud of my boys for the tremendous effort," said UE coach Dindo Pumaren. "FEU looked scared, every time they bring down the ball parang hirap na hirap sila."
Pari Llagas led UE with 17 points on top of seven rebounds while James Martinez added 16 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the three-point area.
"Hopefully maganda pa rin laro namin pero kumpiyansa ako na maganda itatakbo ng team," said Pumaren who will need to beat the Eagles twice to advance to the finals.
"We’re going up right now, yung peak namin tamang-tama, we made some stops in this game especially coming from Raffy Reyes," Pumaren said. "Madadala namin tong panalo na to sa Final Four."
Benedict Fernandez, who succumbed to cramps late in the fnal period, led FEU with 16 points and four rebounds. Reil Cervantes finished with 10 points and five boards with Aldrech Ramos tallied 10 points and seven caroms.
In the first game, Adamson University wrapped up its campaign with a 68-57 victory to end the season with a 3-11 record.
The Falcons leaned on the efforts of veterans Marc Agustin and Paul Gonzalgo to snap a nine-game losing skid that started during the first round of hostilities.
Agustin and Gonzalgo wrapped up their playing careers with the San Marcelino-based cagers in style as the sons of former PBA cagers tallied 18 and 15 points, respectively.
Undergraduate Jerick Canada added 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals while Alex Nuyles chipped in 10 markers and nine boards.
"I’m happy na hindi kami nakulelat ngayon," said Adamson coach Leo Austria. "People were expecting us to be the darkhorse team pero siguro next season we’ll try our best to get into the Final Four and I think may potential yung team."
"We did our best, pero we came up short but it’s a good lesson for us," added Austria, who reassumed his duties as Falcons’ mentor after leaving the team in 2006 to coach Welcoat in the PBA.
Raymund Aguilar finished with 14 points and nine rebounds as the Bulldogs finished the year with a 2-12 card, losing its final six games. Edwin Asoro, who is also playing his last season, was held to six points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
FEU aims for No. 2 spot
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 4, 2008
Far Eastern University will have everything to gain with a victory over University of the East today in the penultimate day of eliminations in the UAAP basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena.
The Tamaraws, in the Final Four for the first time since 2005, are eyeing at least a playoff for the second twice-to-beat incentive in their 4 p.m. date with the Warriors.
In contrast, the Warriors, who completed the Final 4 cast with an 89-87 win over the University of Santo Tomas last Sunday, will only be gunning for an improvement of their record but will not alter their schedule of battling Ateneo in the semifinals.
Ateneo, with its 12-1 record has clinched the No. 1 spot, which is mandated to meet the No. 4 team in the Final 4.
A loss by the Tamaraws will still give them the chance of forging a playoff for the No. 2 position and the second twice-to-beat incentive if the Eagles beat the Archers on Saturday in the last regular playing day of the league.
Both the Tamaraws and Archers have similar 10-3 records.
Clashing in the first game at 2 p.m. are Adamson and National University.
Despite their better record, FEU head coach Glenn Capacio is worried about their recent performances in which they barely escaped past lowly National University and University of the Philippines.
"Kapag alam nila (Tamaraws) na wala nang chance yung kalaban nila sa Final Four parang may tendency silang mag-relax," said Capacio.
However, Capacio’s objective for the game against the Red Warriors, whom they beat in the first round, 71-69, is not only to see it as a chance to claim second spot but also as a way of proving their legitimacy as a title contender.
"Nasa aming kamay kung anu yung kapalaran namin, hindi kami umaasa na matalo yung kabilang team so kailangan magtrabaho kami, kung gusto naming maka-finals kailangan manalo kami sa UE."
The Tamaraws will be led by sophomore point guard Mark Barroca, Benedict Fernandez and big men Aldrech Ramos and Reil Cervantes.
Mac Baracael, who scored nine points in his second game after sustaining a near-fatal shooting accident two months ago, and reigning Rookie of the Year JR Cawaling are also expected to contribute for the Tamaraws.
The Red Warriors are coming off a pulsating 89-87 win over University of Santo Tomas, a victory that earned them the last spot in the Final Four. In that game, UE nearly blew a commanding 24-point margin after UST staged a big comeback.
But head coach Dindo Pumaren and his wards hope to finish the second round on a high note before meeting the Blue Eagles in the semis.
"FEU is right there struggling. Dati nakikita ko na sharp sila but I think parang iba na laro nila so we feel na kaya namin sila," Pumaren said.
In their win over the Tigers, UE got strong efforts from veteran Marcy Arellano, big man Pari Llagas and Paul Lee. The three are expected to step up for the Recto-based cagers along with rookie Paul Zamar, Hans Thiele, and Elmer Espiritu.
Far Eastern University will have everything to gain with a victory over University of the East today in the penultimate day of eliminations in the UAAP basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena.
The Tamaraws, in the Final Four for the first time since 2005, are eyeing at least a playoff for the second twice-to-beat incentive in their 4 p.m. date with the Warriors.
In contrast, the Warriors, who completed the Final 4 cast with an 89-87 win over the University of Santo Tomas last Sunday, will only be gunning for an improvement of their record but will not alter their schedule of battling Ateneo in the semifinals.
Ateneo, with its 12-1 record has clinched the No. 1 spot, which is mandated to meet the No. 4 team in the Final 4.
A loss by the Tamaraws will still give them the chance of forging a playoff for the No. 2 position and the second twice-to-beat incentive if the Eagles beat the Archers on Saturday in the last regular playing day of the league.
Both the Tamaraws and Archers have similar 10-3 records.
Clashing in the first game at 2 p.m. are Adamson and National University.
Despite their better record, FEU head coach Glenn Capacio is worried about their recent performances in which they barely escaped past lowly National University and University of the Philippines.
"Kapag alam nila (Tamaraws) na wala nang chance yung kalaban nila sa Final Four parang may tendency silang mag-relax," said Capacio.
However, Capacio’s objective for the game against the Red Warriors, whom they beat in the first round, 71-69, is not only to see it as a chance to claim second spot but also as a way of proving their legitimacy as a title contender.
"Nasa aming kamay kung anu yung kapalaran namin, hindi kami umaasa na matalo yung kabilang team so kailangan magtrabaho kami, kung gusto naming maka-finals kailangan manalo kami sa UE."
The Tamaraws will be led by sophomore point guard Mark Barroca, Benedict Fernandez and big men Aldrech Ramos and Reil Cervantes.
Mac Baracael, who scored nine points in his second game after sustaining a near-fatal shooting accident two months ago, and reigning Rookie of the Year JR Cawaling are also expected to contribute for the Tamaraws.
The Red Warriors are coming off a pulsating 89-87 win over University of Santo Tomas, a victory that earned them the last spot in the Final Four. In that game, UE nearly blew a commanding 24-point margin after UST staged a big comeback.
But head coach Dindo Pumaren and his wards hope to finish the second round on a high note before meeting the Blue Eagles in the semis.
"FEU is right there struggling. Dati nakikita ko na sharp sila but I think parang iba na laro nila so we feel na kaya namin sila," Pumaren said.
In their win over the Tigers, UE got strong efforts from veteran Marcy Arellano, big man Pari Llagas and Paul Lee. The three are expected to step up for the Recto-based cagers along with rookie Paul Zamar, Hans Thiele, and Elmer Espiritu.
Monday, September 1, 2008
La Salle escapes against Adamson
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 1, 2008
La Salle went two-of-two without head coach Franz Pumaren.
But what a experience it was for assistant coach Jack Santiago as the Archers needed an extra five minutes to eke a pulsating 84-79 win over the surprisingly stubborn Adamson squad in the UAAP basketball tournament yesterday at the Philsports.
Last Thursday, the Archers leaned on a late-game heroic of Maui Villanueva to produce a harrowing 81-79 win over University of Santo Tomas.
Those wins were scary but Santiago said they were fulfilling.
"It’s a good experience for me pero sabi ko sa kanina na sana wag nila akong pakabahin dahil mahirap din sa akin," said Santiago, who was visibly nervous during the last two minutes of the regulation.
"I accomplished my mission for coach Franz," said Santiago, still feeling jittery.
Pumaren is out of town calling the shots for RP Youth team in the Asian Youth Championship in Tehran, Iran. He will be back in time for another tense duel with Ateneo on Sunday.
Santiago, who played for six seasons in the PBA before he joined the staff of Pumaren, had to thank LA Revilla this time for bailing them out of trouble.
The rookie guard converted a go-ahead triple with 1:46 to go in the extra session as the Green Archers shattered a 76-76 deadlock. JV Casio and James Mangahas also contributed to dispatch the upset-minded Falcons.
With the win, their 10th in 13 starts, the Archers enhanced their bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final. They are currently tied with idle Far Eastern University, thus making their encounter with Ateneo on Sunday a must-win.
In the second game, University of the East completed the semis cast by ousting 2006 champion University of Santo Tomas, 89-87.
For a while, the Red Warriors appeared headed for a breezy win when they took a 74-50 lead late in the third quarter but the Tigers came through with several spurts that saw them move dangerously within 87-88 with 37 ticks left.
Despite missing 7-of-9 free throws, the Warriuors still survived the Tigers’ onslaught who played minus coach Pido Jarencio in the fourth after being ejected for continues complaining.
The Warriors, who will meet FEU on Saturday, will face the Eagles in the semis.
"Sabi ko nga sa mga boys, a win is a win kahit na gaano kasama ang pagkapanalo namin panalo pa rin," Santiago said.
Casio led La Salle with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists despite shooting 6-of-16 from the field while Rico Maierhofer tallied his fifth double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Mangahas recorded 15 points, including four straight in overtime as La Salle built a 76-73 lead only for Paul Gonzalgo to answer back with a triple at the 2:07 mark.
Gonzalgo scored 23 points on 4-of-10 treys while Marc Agustin made 14 points and five rebounds. It was ninth consecutive defeat for the Falcons to fall to 2-11.
In a game that saw nine deadlocks and eight lead changes, the Falcons took the lead with 1:00 left in regulation on two foul shots by Agustin, 70-68. But Casio scored off several Adamson defenders to tie the contest anew with 43.1 ticks to go.
The Archers had a chance to win the game with 5.7 seconds in the fourth but Revilla failed to convert on a driving lay up.
La Salle went two-of-two without head coach Franz Pumaren.
But what a experience it was for assistant coach Jack Santiago as the Archers needed an extra five minutes to eke a pulsating 84-79 win over the surprisingly stubborn Adamson squad in the UAAP basketball tournament yesterday at the Philsports.
Last Thursday, the Archers leaned on a late-game heroic of Maui Villanueva to produce a harrowing 81-79 win over University of Santo Tomas.
Those wins were scary but Santiago said they were fulfilling.
"It’s a good experience for me pero sabi ko sa kanina na sana wag nila akong pakabahin dahil mahirap din sa akin," said Santiago, who was visibly nervous during the last two minutes of the regulation.
"I accomplished my mission for coach Franz," said Santiago, still feeling jittery.
Pumaren is out of town calling the shots for RP Youth team in the Asian Youth Championship in Tehran, Iran. He will be back in time for another tense duel with Ateneo on Sunday.
Santiago, who played for six seasons in the PBA before he joined the staff of Pumaren, had to thank LA Revilla this time for bailing them out of trouble.
The rookie guard converted a go-ahead triple with 1:46 to go in the extra session as the Green Archers shattered a 76-76 deadlock. JV Casio and James Mangahas also contributed to dispatch the upset-minded Falcons.
With the win, their 10th in 13 starts, the Archers enhanced their bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final. They are currently tied with idle Far Eastern University, thus making their encounter with Ateneo on Sunday a must-win.
In the second game, University of the East completed the semis cast by ousting 2006 champion University of Santo Tomas, 89-87.
For a while, the Red Warriors appeared headed for a breezy win when they took a 74-50 lead late in the third quarter but the Tigers came through with several spurts that saw them move dangerously within 87-88 with 37 ticks left.
Despite missing 7-of-9 free throws, the Warriuors still survived the Tigers’ onslaught who played minus coach Pido Jarencio in the fourth after being ejected for continues complaining.
The Warriors, who will meet FEU on Saturday, will face the Eagles in the semis.
"Sabi ko nga sa mga boys, a win is a win kahit na gaano kasama ang pagkapanalo namin panalo pa rin," Santiago said.
Casio led La Salle with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists despite shooting 6-of-16 from the field while Rico Maierhofer tallied his fifth double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Mangahas recorded 15 points, including four straight in overtime as La Salle built a 76-73 lead only for Paul Gonzalgo to answer back with a triple at the 2:07 mark.
Gonzalgo scored 23 points on 4-of-10 treys while Marc Agustin made 14 points and five rebounds. It was ninth consecutive defeat for the Falcons to fall to 2-11.
In a game that saw nine deadlocks and eight lead changes, the Falcons took the lead with 1:00 left in regulation on two foul shots by Agustin, 70-68. But Casio scored off several Adamson defenders to tie the contest anew with 43.1 ticks to go.
The Archers had a chance to win the game with 5.7 seconds in the fourth but Revilla failed to convert on a driving lay up.
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