By Ding Marcelo - Manila Bulletin - September 27, 2008
La Salle could have gone out with its head high during the championship series.
But leave it to coach Franz Pumaren to stain a great game and an exceptional Ateneo victory -- and to damage his own credibility -- by claiming that bad officiating did the Green Archers in.
Well, I can’t blame the guy. He’s got to justify the loss, find a scapegoat and what better scapegoat than the referees. It would be shameful if the school shared this misconception and allow this coach to rant about officiating instead of saying that his team will come back next year and play better.
He did not blame himself, did not blame his players who panicked and played selfish and, at times, arrogant, he blamed the referees. In doing so, he missed a golden chance to rise above petty partisanship and behave like a true gentleman.
By doing so, he made his players think that they are better than their opponents although they lost fair and square; and by doing so he tried to convince the La Salle community that they’ve been cheated. What kind of coach is this? Is he talking truthfully or is he simply trying to save his job?
The referees weren’t perfect, that’s for sure. They called a very tight game, worried perhaps that it might deteriorate to the point they would lose control. It just happened that Ateneo adjusted to the referees, La Salle did not.
From a neutral standpoint, there were no glaring errors that would merit the post-game tirade of Pumaren, or any call by the referee that would have altered the outcome of the game. Instead of coming out and praising the Blue Eagles for being the better team, he now claims things would have been different had the referees been less whistle happy.
His claim of referees being biased or incompetent would not have been laughable had La Salle won a game against Ateneo this season. As it is, La Salle lost all four encounters. Also, his claim that La Salle could have won the game would have been believable if La Salle did not have to struggle to make it to the Final 4 and take the second seeding through playoffs.
Instead of being grateful for having gone this far with an overachieving team, Pumaren tried to deflect the loss from his own shortcomings to his own perception that the referees "decided the game."
What an unsportsmanlike gesture.
Imagine Pumaren saying the game was scripted for an Ateneo win. And then said he’s not sour-graping. What do you call that?
Pumaren, should learn how to accept defeat. These things come naturally. And those are values taught in La Salle schools – that you can’t win every day and every game. Apparently he was off playing basketball when these values were the topics in his classroom.
Besides, when he was winning all those games and all those titles, nobody blamed the referees even when many calls were flawed.
What makes La Salle-Ateneo games special is oftentimes not the quality of the games. It is, as has always been the case, the spirit that both schools bring to the hard court. It is the never-say-die attitude that both teams always bring in abundance that makes their games a treasure and always memorable. This is the reason why games between these two schools are always special and the reason why their rivalry is enduring. Everything is always left on the court.
But Pumaren had to spoil it.
Maybe La Salle should assess his coaching status. Remember that he’s the same guy who was in charge when the school was suspended for bringing in two ineligible players three years ago resulting in embarrassment and the return of a championship trophy.
Had his school been less protective, Pumaren, who claimed to be innocent and a non-participant in the scandal, should have been consigned to oblivion a long time ago.
But he’s still there, ruining his own reputation and that of La Salle's.
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Saturday, September 27, 2008
A bitter aftertaste
By Ed Picson - Manila Bulletin - September 27, 2008
Basketball fans have never had it so good. In the current break between seasons of the Philippine Basketball Association, there is no dearth of thrilling hoops action as the UAAP and the NCAA has been providing more than ample excitement.
As of this writing, Game 2 of the NCAA Finals between the San Beda Red Lions and the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers was yet to be played but I will surely make it a point to watch, even if my alma mater, Colegio de San Juan de Letran and its knights were unhorsed in the Final Four.
But let’s not get morose here. That’s how the ball games, as they say.
You win some, you lose some.
While the Red lions may be favored after their win in Game 1, I have admired the way JRU has played under the able mentorship of Ariel Vanguardia. He deserves a lot of the credit for turning things around for this team. It pains me that it was his cunning and his boys’ determination that caused Letran’s fall, but we all need to accept defeat no matter how bitter it tastes.
Which brings me to the classic UAAP championship battle between Ateneo de Manila and De La Salle University the other night.
It was as expected, another spectacle of a game between the two bitter rivals and naturally, emotions ran high. In the end, Ateneo wrapped it up in two games, sweeping the Archers with their 62-51 win in Game 2.
I thought all along that Coach Norman Black and his boys had the more formidable line-up and were able to hold up under extreme pressure, but La Salle was also talent-laden and was just as motivated. So I held off making predictions when asked by friends on what my take was on that series. It would always be fool-hardy to second guess a game that was to be decided not only by talent, skill and preparation. Too many intangibles also figure in the equation.
It turned out to be as closely-fought and contested as expected and I thought Ateneo won it fair and square. There may have been lapses in the officiating as La Salle Coach Franz Pumaren decried, but those looked more a result of human frailty and did not really dictate the end result.
Of course, Pumaren had all the right to complain and we have also observed the need to professionalize officiating in such high-profile games, even in the collegiate ranks. We have cited before the efforts made by the NCAA in hiring PBL referees thus putting a premium on officiating.
But what provided a bitter after taste to an otherwise exhilarating evening was the failure (refusal?) of La Salle to claim the 2nd place trophy during the closing ceremonies. I can understand the disappointment, dejection and all-around grief that muddles a juvenile’s decision-making in the aftermath of such a loss. But I’m sure there were more mature personalities in their organization that could have provided the voice of reason.
Basketball is a sporting event and the object of an inter-school competition is to promote well-being and give all those involved, especially the studentry, the thrill of competition and absorb the effects thereof. These are valuable lessons that are to fortify them for the greater battles ahead in the game called life. And that includes accepting a loss with dignity and honor.
Sadly, this was not the case during the awarding ceremonies and many were sorely disappointed at the display of unsportsmanlike behavior. At the very least, it sent the wrong message to the legion of young minds that were glued to the event.
I hope Coach Pumaren and La Salle officials have a good explanation for the unfortunate incident. They owe it to the public, especially to the young.
Basketball fans have never had it so good. In the current break between seasons of the Philippine Basketball Association, there is no dearth of thrilling hoops action as the UAAP and the NCAA has been providing more than ample excitement.
As of this writing, Game 2 of the NCAA Finals between the San Beda Red Lions and the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers was yet to be played but I will surely make it a point to watch, even if my alma mater, Colegio de San Juan de Letran and its knights were unhorsed in the Final Four.
But let’s not get morose here. That’s how the ball games, as they say.
You win some, you lose some.
While the Red lions may be favored after their win in Game 1, I have admired the way JRU has played under the able mentorship of Ariel Vanguardia. He deserves a lot of the credit for turning things around for this team. It pains me that it was his cunning and his boys’ determination that caused Letran’s fall, but we all need to accept defeat no matter how bitter it tastes.
Which brings me to the classic UAAP championship battle between Ateneo de Manila and De La Salle University the other night.
It was as expected, another spectacle of a game between the two bitter rivals and naturally, emotions ran high. In the end, Ateneo wrapped it up in two games, sweeping the Archers with their 62-51 win in Game 2.
I thought all along that Coach Norman Black and his boys had the more formidable line-up and were able to hold up under extreme pressure, but La Salle was also talent-laden and was just as motivated. So I held off making predictions when asked by friends on what my take was on that series. It would always be fool-hardy to second guess a game that was to be decided not only by talent, skill and preparation. Too many intangibles also figure in the equation.
It turned out to be as closely-fought and contested as expected and I thought Ateneo won it fair and square. There may have been lapses in the officiating as La Salle Coach Franz Pumaren decried, but those looked more a result of human frailty and did not really dictate the end result.
Of course, Pumaren had all the right to complain and we have also observed the need to professionalize officiating in such high-profile games, even in the collegiate ranks. We have cited before the efforts made by the NCAA in hiring PBL referees thus putting a premium on officiating.
But what provided a bitter after taste to an otherwise exhilarating evening was the failure (refusal?) of La Salle to claim the 2nd place trophy during the closing ceremonies. I can understand the disappointment, dejection and all-around grief that muddles a juvenile’s decision-making in the aftermath of such a loss. But I’m sure there were more mature personalities in their organization that could have provided the voice of reason.
Basketball is a sporting event and the object of an inter-school competition is to promote well-being and give all those involved, especially the studentry, the thrill of competition and absorb the effects thereof. These are valuable lessons that are to fortify them for the greater battles ahead in the game called life. And that includes accepting a loss with dignity and honor.
Sadly, this was not the case during the awarding ceremonies and many were sorely disappointed at the display of unsportsmanlike behavior. At the very least, it sent the wrong message to the legion of young minds that were glued to the event.
I hope Coach Pumaren and La Salle officials have a good explanation for the unfortunate incident. They owe it to the public, especially to the young.
Black gets job done
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 27, 2008
It took him four years, but Norman Black got the job done.
In 2004, Black, a multi-titled coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), accepted an offer to handle Ateneo de Manila a challenge he accepted despite the fact that he has not coached a collegiate team before.
"This has been probably a tougher, longer struggle," said Black after steering the Eagles to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) last Thursday.
Owner of 10 PBA titles, including nine with San Miguel Beer, Black was given high expectations by the Ateneo community to deliver a championship.
But as disappointments began to pile up, Black’s future with Ateneo became untenable.
The pressure increased ten-fold when the Eagles lost to La Salle in the playoffs last year despite sweeping their elimination matches.
Ateneo edged La Salle, 3-2, last season, but the Archers won when it mattered most and eventually crowned themselves champions.
Black said his four years with Ateneo was a learning experience, but gave him a lot of satisfaction.
"It’s a different brand of basketball in college but I think more importantly, the most satisfying thing is just watching the players grow, watching them improve and as they improve, the team improves and the team gets better," he said.
It helps that Black has probably one of the best and heftiest UAAP teams since the University of Santo Tomas frontline of Dennis Espino, Chris Cantonjos and Estong Ballesteros won a four-peat during the mid-1990’s.
Ateneo ended the season with a combined 16-1 record, including a four-game sweep of La Salle.
Led by Most Valuable Player Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the Blue Eagles also had the likes of 6-4 Nonoy Baclao, the eventual Finals MVP, and other decent big men in rookie Nico Salva and veterans Mike Baldos and Jobe Nkemakolam.
Ateneo led the league with 4.6 blocks a game, thanks to Baclao’s 2.6 swats a game in the elimination and 5.5 rejections during the finals series against the Green Archers.
The Blue Eagles also allowed the fewest points in the league at 62.3 points a game.
Height was not the only factor as guards Chris Tiu, Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes and Rookie of the Year small forward Ryan Buenafe provided help on both ends.
"We were pretty intelligent this year," Black said. "We could actually execute defensive strategies that I’ve never been able to execute from my other teams in Ateneo because the guys were very good at taking in whatever we wanted to do as far as strategy is concern."
He added: "We had games were we had four different pick and roll defenses for four different people and they were still able to execute it so a lot of credit goes to the players being dedicated to defense being able to understand what exactly the coaching staff wanted them to do."
Only two players from Ateneo Chris Tiu and Yuri Escueta -- will be gone for next season.
Black said he was glad that Tiu opted to play his fifth season.
"You know college basketball, particularly in Ateneo, when you win a championship you’ll be remembered forever they still remember the championship teams and the guys who won those championships are still looked upon being somewhat like idols so I’m happy for Chris that he came back and win the championship," he said.
Black, whose contract is expected to be extended, is losing no time to prepare his team for next season.
Several players are being eyed by the Loyola-based campus with San Sebastian juniors standout Arvie Bringas and former RP Youth member Jeric Teng among the top prospects.
Ateneo will also make a quick return to the court as well.
The Eagles are contemplating on joining the UNIGAMES in Dumaguete next month before defending their Philippine Collegiate Championship.
It took him four years, but Norman Black got the job done.
In 2004, Black, a multi-titled coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), accepted an offer to handle Ateneo de Manila a challenge he accepted despite the fact that he has not coached a collegiate team before.
"This has been probably a tougher, longer struggle," said Black after steering the Eagles to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) last Thursday.
Owner of 10 PBA titles, including nine with San Miguel Beer, Black was given high expectations by the Ateneo community to deliver a championship.
But as disappointments began to pile up, Black’s future with Ateneo became untenable.
The pressure increased ten-fold when the Eagles lost to La Salle in the playoffs last year despite sweeping their elimination matches.
Ateneo edged La Salle, 3-2, last season, but the Archers won when it mattered most and eventually crowned themselves champions.
Black said his four years with Ateneo was a learning experience, but gave him a lot of satisfaction.
"It’s a different brand of basketball in college but I think more importantly, the most satisfying thing is just watching the players grow, watching them improve and as they improve, the team improves and the team gets better," he said.
It helps that Black has probably one of the best and heftiest UAAP teams since the University of Santo Tomas frontline of Dennis Espino, Chris Cantonjos and Estong Ballesteros won a four-peat during the mid-1990’s.
Ateneo ended the season with a combined 16-1 record, including a four-game sweep of La Salle.
Led by Most Valuable Player Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the Blue Eagles also had the likes of 6-4 Nonoy Baclao, the eventual Finals MVP, and other decent big men in rookie Nico Salva and veterans Mike Baldos and Jobe Nkemakolam.
Ateneo led the league with 4.6 blocks a game, thanks to Baclao’s 2.6 swats a game in the elimination and 5.5 rejections during the finals series against the Green Archers.
The Blue Eagles also allowed the fewest points in the league at 62.3 points a game.
Height was not the only factor as guards Chris Tiu, Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes and Rookie of the Year small forward Ryan Buenafe provided help on both ends.
"We were pretty intelligent this year," Black said. "We could actually execute defensive strategies that I’ve never been able to execute from my other teams in Ateneo because the guys were very good at taking in whatever we wanted to do as far as strategy is concern."
He added: "We had games were we had four different pick and roll defenses for four different people and they were still able to execute it so a lot of credit goes to the players being dedicated to defense being able to understand what exactly the coaching staff wanted them to do."
Only two players from Ateneo Chris Tiu and Yuri Escueta -- will be gone for next season.
Black said he was glad that Tiu opted to play his fifth season.
"You know college basketball, particularly in Ateneo, when you win a championship you’ll be remembered forever they still remember the championship teams and the guys who won those championships are still looked upon being somewhat like idols so I’m happy for Chris that he came back and win the championship," he said.
Black, whose contract is expected to be extended, is losing no time to prepare his team for next season.
Several players are being eyed by the Loyola-based campus with San Sebastian juniors standout Arvie Bringas and former RP Youth member Jeric Teng among the top prospects.
Ateneo will also make a quick return to the court as well.
The Eagles are contemplating on joining the UNIGAMES in Dumaguete next month before defending their Philippine Collegiate Championship.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Pumaren blames officiating for loss
By Tito Talao - Manila Bulletin - September 26, 2008
Franz Pumaren, the De La Salle coach, was shouting above the din of the frenzied Ateneo Blue Eagles celebration in the UAAP Finals.
"It was like a script for Ateneo to win," a bitter Pumaren told sportswriters after the 62-51 loss, unmindful of the consequences of his statement.
"I don’t want to sound like I’m sour-graping, but the referees practically gave them the trophy."
Pumaren’s voice rose and ebbed in anger, his demeanor stern, his pace frantic.
"This is the worst officiated game I’ve ever seen," he said. "The referees decided the game. They didn’t even allow us to play. They robbed all those people out there of a great game."
Pumaren has won five UAAP titles in 10 years for La Salle. But the absence of dominating players like Joseph Yeo, Renren Ritualo, Mark Cardona, Ty Tang and Don Allado this season told heavily on the Green Archers, who were swept by their hated arch-rivals in all four games they met, twice in the best-of-three series.
"I’ve been in the finals so long and I’ve lost a few championships, but I’ve rarely criticized officiating. But this is really the worst," Pumaren said, continuing his harangue. "They wouldn’t allow us to play defense, didn’t even give us a chance."
Pumaren was specifically incensed at the second technical foul slapped on Rico Maierhofer for apparently flipping a middle finger at Ateneo center Rabeh Al-Hussaini with 1:31 left in the third quarter and La Salle within, 49-43.
"How could they make a call like that so crucial in the game?" said Pumaren. "How can they take away a player over something like that?"
After debating the merits of their call and consulting video footage of the play, the referees stuck to their decision, resulting into Maierhofer’s ejection.
Al-Hussaini made one of two technical free throws, and although the Green Archers came within 50-47 on James Mangahas’ 3-point shot and on pure emotion, the absence of Maierhofer, and the subsequent disqualification on fouls of JV Casio, ultimately broke the Green Archers.
Even before the final buzzer went off, former La Salle players slowly left their ringside seats, among them Yeo and Mike Cortez.
Standing glassy-eyed by the baseline was Dino Aldeguer, while Carlo Sharma, Al-Hussaini’s half-brother, leaned against the lower box wall, hidden from view.
Outside the locker room, Pumaren continued to speak with a couple of reporters as the Green Archers piled defiantly one after the other to the dugout.
"Sayang, sayang talaga," he said.
Franz Pumaren, the De La Salle coach, was shouting above the din of the frenzied Ateneo Blue Eagles celebration in the UAAP Finals.
"It was like a script for Ateneo to win," a bitter Pumaren told sportswriters after the 62-51 loss, unmindful of the consequences of his statement.
"I don’t want to sound like I’m sour-graping, but the referees practically gave them the trophy."
Pumaren’s voice rose and ebbed in anger, his demeanor stern, his pace frantic.
"This is the worst officiated game I’ve ever seen," he said. "The referees decided the game. They didn’t even allow us to play. They robbed all those people out there of a great game."
Pumaren has won five UAAP titles in 10 years for La Salle. But the absence of dominating players like Joseph Yeo, Renren Ritualo, Mark Cardona, Ty Tang and Don Allado this season told heavily on the Green Archers, who were swept by their hated arch-rivals in all four games they met, twice in the best-of-three series.
"I’ve been in the finals so long and I’ve lost a few championships, but I’ve rarely criticized officiating. But this is really the worst," Pumaren said, continuing his harangue. "They wouldn’t allow us to play defense, didn’t even give us a chance."
Pumaren was specifically incensed at the second technical foul slapped on Rico Maierhofer for apparently flipping a middle finger at Ateneo center Rabeh Al-Hussaini with 1:31 left in the third quarter and La Salle within, 49-43.
"How could they make a call like that so crucial in the game?" said Pumaren. "How can they take away a player over something like that?"
After debating the merits of their call and consulting video footage of the play, the referees stuck to their decision, resulting into Maierhofer’s ejection.
Al-Hussaini made one of two technical free throws, and although the Green Archers came within 50-47 on James Mangahas’ 3-point shot and on pure emotion, the absence of Maierhofer, and the subsequent disqualification on fouls of JV Casio, ultimately broke the Green Archers.
Even before the final buzzer went off, former La Salle players slowly left their ringside seats, among them Yeo and Mike Cortez.
Standing glassy-eyed by the baseline was Dino Aldeguer, while Carlo Sharma, Al-Hussaini’s half-brother, leaned against the lower box wall, hidden from view.
Outside the locker room, Pumaren continued to speak with a couple of reporters as the Green Archers piled defiantly one after the other to the dugout.
"Sayang, sayang talaga," he said.
Game Result: ADMU 62 - DLSU 51
ADMU Blue Eagles
62 Points
37 Rebounds
14 Assists
_3 Steals
_8 Blocks
21/45 (46.67%) FG
_2/14 (14.29%) 3P FG
18/28 (64.29%) FT
DLSU Green Archers
51 Points
38 Rebounds
11 Assists
_3 Steals
_3 Blocks
19/68 (27.94%) FG
10/32 (31.25%) 3P FG
_3/8_ (37.50%) FT
Quarters: 16-10, 41-26, 50-47, 62-51
62 Points
37 Rebounds
14 Assists
_3 Steals
_8 Blocks
21/45 (46.67%) FG
_2/14 (14.29%) 3P FG
18/28 (64.29%) FT
DLSU Green Archers
51 Points
38 Rebounds
11 Assists
_3 Steals
_3 Blocks
19/68 (27.94%) FG
10/32 (31.25%) 3P FG
_3/8_ (37.50%) FT
Quarters: 16-10, 41-26, 50-47, 62-51
Eagles sweep Archers, ending six-year title drought in UAAP
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 26, 2008
Ateneo de Manila ended its six-year title drought in grand fashion, sweeping rival De La Salle, 62-51, to bag the UAAP basketball championship yesterday before an overflow crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.
Team captain Chris Tiu ended his collegiate career in style, scoring 16 points as he made up for his two point showing in Game 1.
The celebrated Ateneo guard shot 4-of-7 from the field while hitting a perfect 7-of-7 from the stripe as he finally won his first-andonly crown since he began joining the Loyola-based school five years ago.
What Tiu started with 13 points in the first half, Nonoy Baclao, bruised knee and all, finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
His work underneath the basket earned Baclao the Most Valuable Player award in the Finals.
It marked the third time in four title meetings that the Eagles bested the Archers. They also beat the Archers in 1988 and 2001.
The Eagles also completed a sweep of the Archers in four games this season, also a first in their storied collegiate rivalry.
Ateneo coach Norman Black fought off tears after winning his first collegiate title. He took over the reins from Sandy Arespacochaga in 2005.
"It feels good," said Black. "I’ve been coaching Ateneo for four years now and finally I was able to give them the championship and it’s a good feeling."
La Salle was hurt by the ejection of La Salle’s Rico Maierhofer who was slapped his second technical foul with 1:31 left in the third quarter for waving a "dirty finger."
La Salle coach Franz Pumaren vehemently protested the call.
"If you noticed, I don’t complain too much but this is the worst officiating I have ever seen," Pumaren said.
La Salle was slapped a total of 29 fouls compared to Ateneo’s 13.
The halftime ended at 41-26 in Ateneo’s favor as the Eagles poured seven straight points.
Ateneo shot a blistering 65 percent from the field compared to La Salle’s 35 percent clip in the first 20 minutes of play.
But JV Casio rallied the Archers in the third period, scoring 12 points as the Ateneo lead shrank to just three, 50-47.
However, Casio was assessed with his fourth foul with 38.5 seconds left in the third quarter, prompting Pumaren to pull him out of the court.
From there, the Blue Eagles took over down the stretch as Baclao tipped in a miss shot before Jai Reyes scored an uncontested runner for a 10-point spread with 1:21 left.
Casio, playing his last game in the UAAP, led La Salle with 18 points on 6of-14 shooting from the field while adding five rebounds and two assists as he sat most off the second half after suffering his fourth personal foul with 38.5 left in the third.
With Casio out, the rest of the team failed to take over with PJ Walsham as the nearest player to score a double-digit with eight points.
Maierfhofer made eight points and 11 rebounds before he was thrown out.
Black cited their defense in the second half.
"It really held up for us because our offense in the second half really didn’t click but the defense stayed firm," said Black.
Baclao, who was a prized recruit from West Negros College, averaged 6.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 blocks in the two games title series.
"And we’re very fortunate we went to Bacolod and recruited Noy because he was the cornerstone of our defense," said Black.
"Parang di ko maexplain yung nararamdaman ko kasi La Salle pa kalaban ko tapos nung third quarter nung sumakit yung knee ko akala ko hindi na ako makakabalik," said the 21-year old Baclao.
It was a disappointing loss for the Green Archers who were swept in the finals for just the fifth time in a best-of-three series.
DLSU was swept by UST in 1994 and 1996 and by FEU in 1997 and 2005.
A total of 22,955 fans watched the last game of the season. Security was as tight as ever as several media people were forced to cover the games in the press room due to the heavy attendance. Only photographers were only allowed to sit on the baseline floor.
Over at the South Gate, officials, VIP’s and media personnel spent about an hour or two before entering the coliseum premises.
Rabeh Al-Hussaini, adjudged as the league’s Most Valuable Player, scored just seven points, all in the second half, while grabbing five rebounds after committing two quick fouls in the opening period.
The scores:
Ateneo (62) - Tiu 16, Nkemakolam 8, Baclao 8, Al-Hussaini 7, Baldos 6, Buenafe 5, Reyes 5, Salamat 3, Austria 2, Escueta 2
La Salle (51) - Casio 18, Walsham 8, Maierfhofer 7, Revilla 5, Bagatsing 3, Atkins 3, Mangahas 3, Malabes 2, Ferdinand 2, Villanueva 0, Barua 0
Ateneo de Manila ended its six-year title drought in grand fashion, sweeping rival De La Salle, 62-51, to bag the UAAP basketball championship yesterday before an overflow crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.
Team captain Chris Tiu ended his collegiate career in style, scoring 16 points as he made up for his two point showing in Game 1.
The celebrated Ateneo guard shot 4-of-7 from the field while hitting a perfect 7-of-7 from the stripe as he finally won his first-andonly crown since he began joining the Loyola-based school five years ago.
What Tiu started with 13 points in the first half, Nonoy Baclao, bruised knee and all, finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
His work underneath the basket earned Baclao the Most Valuable Player award in the Finals.
It marked the third time in four title meetings that the Eagles bested the Archers. They also beat the Archers in 1988 and 2001.
The Eagles also completed a sweep of the Archers in four games this season, also a first in their storied collegiate rivalry.
Ateneo coach Norman Black fought off tears after winning his first collegiate title. He took over the reins from Sandy Arespacochaga in 2005.
"It feels good," said Black. "I’ve been coaching Ateneo for four years now and finally I was able to give them the championship and it’s a good feeling."
La Salle was hurt by the ejection of La Salle’s Rico Maierhofer who was slapped his second technical foul with 1:31 left in the third quarter for waving a "dirty finger."
La Salle coach Franz Pumaren vehemently protested the call.
"If you noticed, I don’t complain too much but this is the worst officiating I have ever seen," Pumaren said.
La Salle was slapped a total of 29 fouls compared to Ateneo’s 13.
The halftime ended at 41-26 in Ateneo’s favor as the Eagles poured seven straight points.
Ateneo shot a blistering 65 percent from the field compared to La Salle’s 35 percent clip in the first 20 minutes of play.
But JV Casio rallied the Archers in the third period, scoring 12 points as the Ateneo lead shrank to just three, 50-47.
However, Casio was assessed with his fourth foul with 38.5 seconds left in the third quarter, prompting Pumaren to pull him out of the court.
From there, the Blue Eagles took over down the stretch as Baclao tipped in a miss shot before Jai Reyes scored an uncontested runner for a 10-point spread with 1:21 left.
Casio, playing his last game in the UAAP, led La Salle with 18 points on 6of-14 shooting from the field while adding five rebounds and two assists as he sat most off the second half after suffering his fourth personal foul with 38.5 left in the third.
With Casio out, the rest of the team failed to take over with PJ Walsham as the nearest player to score a double-digit with eight points.
Maierfhofer made eight points and 11 rebounds before he was thrown out.
Black cited their defense in the second half.
"It really held up for us because our offense in the second half really didn’t click but the defense stayed firm," said Black.
Baclao, who was a prized recruit from West Negros College, averaged 6.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 blocks in the two games title series.
"And we’re very fortunate we went to Bacolod and recruited Noy because he was the cornerstone of our defense," said Black.
"Parang di ko maexplain yung nararamdaman ko kasi La Salle pa kalaban ko tapos nung third quarter nung sumakit yung knee ko akala ko hindi na ako makakabalik," said the 21-year old Baclao.
It was a disappointing loss for the Green Archers who were swept in the finals for just the fifth time in a best-of-three series.
DLSU was swept by UST in 1994 and 1996 and by FEU in 1997 and 2005.
A total of 22,955 fans watched the last game of the season. Security was as tight as ever as several media people were forced to cover the games in the press room due to the heavy attendance. Only photographers were only allowed to sit on the baseline floor.
Over at the South Gate, officials, VIP’s and media personnel spent about an hour or two before entering the coliseum premises.
Rabeh Al-Hussaini, adjudged as the league’s Most Valuable Player, scored just seven points, all in the second half, while grabbing five rebounds after committing two quick fouls in the opening period.
The scores:
Ateneo (62) - Tiu 16, Nkemakolam 8, Baclao 8, Al-Hussaini 7, Baldos 6, Buenafe 5, Reyes 5, Salamat 3, Austria 2, Escueta 2
La Salle (51) - Casio 18, Walsham 8, Maierfhofer 7, Revilla 5, Bagatsing 3, Atkins 3, Mangahas 3, Malabes 2, Ferdinand 2, Villanueva 0, Barua 0
UAAP 71: Men's Basketball Awards
UAAP Men's Basketball Awards
Most Valuable Player - Rabeh Al-Hussaini, ADMU
Finals MVP - Severino Baclao, ADMU
Mythical Five:
C - Rabeh Al-Hussaini, ADMU
F - Jervy Cruz, UST
F - Rico Maierhofer, DLSU
G - Chris Tiu, ADMU
G - JV Casio, DLSU
Rookie of the Year - Ryan Buenafe (ADMU)
Special Awards
PSBank Maaasahan Player - Chris Tiu, ADMU
KFC Court Colonel - Eric Salamat, ADMU
Smart Defensive Player of the Year - Severino Baclao, ADMU
Jollibee Champ of the Season - Rabeh Al-Hussaini, ADMU
Appeton Most Improved Player - Rabeh Al-Hussaini, ADMU
Head & Shoulder Crucial Stop of the Season - DLSU against FEU (Sept. 14)
Tokyo Tokyo Rookie Team:
C - Nicolas Salva, ADMU
F - Ryan Buenafe, ADMU
F - Joshua Webb, DLSU
G - Clark Bautista, UST
G - Luis Alfonso Revilla, DLSU
Most Valuable Player - Rabeh Al-Hussaini, ADMU
Finals MVP - Severino Baclao, ADMU
Mythical Five:
C - Rabeh Al-Hussaini, ADMU
F - Jervy Cruz, UST
F - Rico Maierhofer, DLSU
G - Chris Tiu, ADMU
G - JV Casio, DLSU
Rookie of the Year - Ryan Buenafe (ADMU)
Special Awards
PSBank Maaasahan Player - Chris Tiu, ADMU
KFC Court Colonel - Eric Salamat, ADMU
Smart Defensive Player of the Year - Severino Baclao, ADMU
Jollibee Champ of the Season - Rabeh Al-Hussaini, ADMU
Appeton Most Improved Player - Rabeh Al-Hussaini, ADMU
Head & Shoulder Crucial Stop of the Season - DLSU against FEU (Sept. 14)
Tokyo Tokyo Rookie Team:
C - Nicolas Salva, ADMU
F - Ryan Buenafe, ADMU
F - Joshua Webb, DLSU
G - Clark Bautista, UST
G - Luis Alfonso Revilla, DLSU
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Casio ready for ‘mother of all battles’
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 25, 2008
La Salle guard JV Casio was disappointed after they lost Game 1, but he knows the war is far from over.
Out to finish his collegiate career in a blaze of glory, Casio vowed to give it all when they meet the Ateneo Eagles in today’s crucial Game 2 which he considered as the "mother of all battles".
"Well, kailangan nila ng dalawang panalo di ba, so it’s not yet over. All we need now is to forget this game and look forward for the next game," said Casio after Game 1 where the Ateneo Eagles romped to a masterful 69-61 win.
Actually, Casio’s poor shooting early the game gave the Eagles enough opportunities to break the game wide open, and this is what the Archers are trying to work on.
"We have to be extra sharp," said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.
"It’s do or die for us so we need to do a super-duper-extra effort," added Casio.
Despite finishing with 20 points, Casio’s shooting percentage was awful as he converted only 8 of 24 from the field.
Just like the way he started his career for La Salle, Casio wants to end it on a high note.
He won the Rookie of the Year plum in 2003 and was named as co-Finals MVP in last season’s title conquest of University of the East.
This season, Casio averaged 17 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 45 percent shooting.
Curiously, he was not as productive when they are playing against their bitter rivals as averaged 14.7 points in three times they met this season. He scored only five points in their second round encounter.
La Salle guard JV Casio was disappointed after they lost Game 1, but he knows the war is far from over.
Out to finish his collegiate career in a blaze of glory, Casio vowed to give it all when they meet the Ateneo Eagles in today’s crucial Game 2 which he considered as the "mother of all battles".
"Well, kailangan nila ng dalawang panalo di ba, so it’s not yet over. All we need now is to forget this game and look forward for the next game," said Casio after Game 1 where the Ateneo Eagles romped to a masterful 69-61 win.
Actually, Casio’s poor shooting early the game gave the Eagles enough opportunities to break the game wide open, and this is what the Archers are trying to work on.
"We have to be extra sharp," said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.
"It’s do or die for us so we need to do a super-duper-extra effort," added Casio.
Despite finishing with 20 points, Casio’s shooting percentage was awful as he converted only 8 of 24 from the field.
Just like the way he started his career for La Salle, Casio wants to end it on a high note.
He won the Rookie of the Year plum in 2003 and was named as co-Finals MVP in last season’s title conquest of University of the East.
This season, Casio averaged 17 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 45 percent shooting.
Curiously, he was not as productive when they are playing against their bitter rivals as averaged 14.7 points in three times they met this season. He scored only five points in their second round encounter.
No tomorrow for La Salle; win at all cost for Ateneo
By Andy Jao - Manila Bulletin - September 25, 2008
“We got to live to fight another day.” This must be the battle cry that the coaches of La Salle are telling their players as they go into Game 2 of the championship series today.
The question is can they extend the series? They have lost three games to the Blue Eagles this year and though the games have been close they have not found a way to break through with a win.
Make no mistake about it, the Archers fought valiantly in Game 2. Coach Franz Pumaren and his staff have done a good job at scouting, preparing, and motivating their players. In Game 1 of the championship series, the Archers were very aggressive with their press, always attacking the man with the ball in the backcourt, forcing them close to the sidelines, and making the Eagles give up a lot of turnovers.
Obviously, they felt that they did not want to play Ateneo on a half court game with the frontline of Rabeh Al Hussaini and Nonoy Baclao being so dominant against all the teams in the UAAP. But in the end it still proved fruitless as Ateneo came up with a 69-61 victory.
What more can La Salle do to extend the series. Will they play more zone? Will they double team or be more aggressive in coming at Ateneo’s prize center --Al Husssaini? Will the Archers play more physical so as to frustrate Ateneo’s smaller backcourt? Only the Archers can answer what game plan they have for Game No. 2.
Suffice it to say they will not be lacking in adrenalin and determination to delay or even snatch what the Eagles are hoping for and that is the coveted championship which every Ateneo diehard fan is hoping for.
On the Eagle’s side, all those wins in the elimination round as well as the playoffs would go to naught if they do not clinch the crown whether it be on Thursday or on Sunday. They have proven to be the dominant team as well as being the most balanced team in the league. Riding the crest of Al Hussaini’s explosive performance this season, the Eagles have shown that they can defend very well led by the defensive player of the year (if there is such an award)-- Nonoy Baclao.
Coach Norman Black knows that he has to win this year. The School and its supporters have undergone a tremendous recruiting program that netted them prize rookie Ryan Buenafe and he has lived up to expectations. Black would like to erase the memories of the 2006 season where he had a championship in his grasp until it was taken away the UST Tigers.
What makes Ateneo click? A lot of people say a deep bench, great scoring from anywhere on the court. I say amen to this observation but I have to add that I have watched them all season and we must give credit to the way they defend. They know how to make adjustments against any team they have played. They play the pick and roll defensively well, they can zone, and they defend the 3-second area as if their lives depended on it.
Franz Pumaren a known winner on this stage against Norman Black, a coach who would like to stamp his mark on Philippine basketball as having won both on the pro and the collegiate level.
They say that a basketball game is still just a game whether it be an elimination round game or a championship game. But no game between La Salle and Ateneo is ever just a game. It is a matter of pride. That is why we all come and watch it. The people involved just leave everything on the floor.
We can expect another spectacular battle fought hard but also with a lot of sportsmanship. That‘s the way these two schools compete and that is why we love them.
“We got to live to fight another day.” This must be the battle cry that the coaches of La Salle are telling their players as they go into Game 2 of the championship series today.
The question is can they extend the series? They have lost three games to the Blue Eagles this year and though the games have been close they have not found a way to break through with a win.
Make no mistake about it, the Archers fought valiantly in Game 2. Coach Franz Pumaren and his staff have done a good job at scouting, preparing, and motivating their players. In Game 1 of the championship series, the Archers were very aggressive with their press, always attacking the man with the ball in the backcourt, forcing them close to the sidelines, and making the Eagles give up a lot of turnovers.
Obviously, they felt that they did not want to play Ateneo on a half court game with the frontline of Rabeh Al Hussaini and Nonoy Baclao being so dominant against all the teams in the UAAP. But in the end it still proved fruitless as Ateneo came up with a 69-61 victory.
What more can La Salle do to extend the series. Will they play more zone? Will they double team or be more aggressive in coming at Ateneo’s prize center --Al Husssaini? Will the Archers play more physical so as to frustrate Ateneo’s smaller backcourt? Only the Archers can answer what game plan they have for Game No. 2.
Suffice it to say they will not be lacking in adrenalin and determination to delay or even snatch what the Eagles are hoping for and that is the coveted championship which every Ateneo diehard fan is hoping for.
On the Eagle’s side, all those wins in the elimination round as well as the playoffs would go to naught if they do not clinch the crown whether it be on Thursday or on Sunday. They have proven to be the dominant team as well as being the most balanced team in the league. Riding the crest of Al Hussaini’s explosive performance this season, the Eagles have shown that they can defend very well led by the defensive player of the year (if there is such an award)-- Nonoy Baclao.
Coach Norman Black knows that he has to win this year. The School and its supporters have undergone a tremendous recruiting program that netted them prize rookie Ryan Buenafe and he has lived up to expectations. Black would like to erase the memories of the 2006 season where he had a championship in his grasp until it was taken away the UST Tigers.
What makes Ateneo click? A lot of people say a deep bench, great scoring from anywhere on the court. I say amen to this observation but I have to add that I have watched them all season and we must give credit to the way they defend. They know how to make adjustments against any team they have played. They play the pick and roll defensively well, they can zone, and they defend the 3-second area as if their lives depended on it.
Franz Pumaren a known winner on this stage against Norman Black, a coach who would like to stamp his mark on Philippine basketball as having won both on the pro and the collegiate level.
They say that a basketball game is still just a game whether it be an elimination round game or a championship game. But no game between La Salle and Ateneo is ever just a game. It is a matter of pride. That is why we all come and watch it. The people involved just leave everything on the floor.
We can expect another spectacular battle fought hard but also with a lot of sportsmanship. That‘s the way these two schools compete and that is why we love them.
Ateneo guns for UAAP title today
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 25, 2008
In what stands as their last chance, the embattled De La Salle Green Archers get one final shot at ruffling the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ feathers.
So far, the Blue Eagles have proved impervious to the shafts of the Green Archers, having beaten their arch-rivals in all three of their previous meetings this year.
Now La Salle is down to its last arrow, and the target, circling imperiously above, is looking to swoop down for the kill.
Ateneo goes for the jugular today even as La Salle looks to keep its season alive in Game 2 of the 71st UAAP basketball finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
After a coasting 69-61 win in the opener Sunday, the Blue Eagles seek to continue their dominance with Most Valuable Player Rabeh Al-Hussaini leading the way.
Al-Hussaini, who will receive his MVP award before the game, wound up with 31 points on 14-of-26 shooting, while adding nine rebounds as he terrorized the DLSU frontline during the 40-minute affair.
Also producing for Ateneo is rookie of the year Ryan Buenafe, who scored 12 points, all in the first half, while adding 11 rebounds and five assists as he took over the chores left unfulfilled by Chris Tiu, who sat out the game due to foul trouble.
Despite having the edge over their fiercest foes, especially with Ateneo’s 3-0 record against them, Blue Eagles coach Norman Black remains cautious.
"They are definitely capable of beating us but that’s not our focus," Black said. "Our focus is to win the championship which means we have to beat them one more time."
A victory by the Loyola-based squad would give them their fourth title since joining the league in 1979. ADMU won back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988, beating University of the East and La Salle, respectively.
After 14 years, the Blue Eagles dumped the Green Archers anew in three full games in 2002 to grab its last UAAP title.
While Al-Hussaini and Buenafe are constant factors, Ateneo is hoping that team captain Tiu and reserve guard Eric Salamat will return to form.
Tiu sat out the bench early with two quick fouls and finished with only two points, the same output as Salamat last Sunday.
Expected to again rise to the occasion is point guard Jai Reyes, who scored 12 points, including a three-pointer seconds before halftime that pushed the Eagles’ lead to 36-29. Another key figure, Nonoy Baclao, is seeking to repeat his seven block effort in Game 1.
Down but not out, DLSU head coach Franz Pumaren is still confident of forcing a winner-take-all match on Sunday.
"It takes two to win a championship," Pumaren said. "I don’t think they can count us out because we can come back."
In Game 1, JV Casio had 20 points despite an 8-of-24 shooting while Rico Maierhofer contributed 17 points and 16 rebounds. None of their teammates contributed much, however, as James Mangahas was limited to five points from four quick fouls with Peejay Barua, Bader Malabes and Maui Villanueva combining for a mere 14 points.
La Salle has a history of winning Game 2 of a championship series after losing the opener. The two most recent were in 1999 against University of Santo Tomas and in 2002 against Ateneo.
For La Salle to win, they have to recover from a dismal 29 percent shooting, while hoping their three-point shooting clip would fare better than 16 of 19.
In three games this season, Ateneo has dominated La Salle in almost all categories.
Ateneo shot 44 percent compared to La Salle’s 34 percent clip. They had the advantage in rebounds (44.3 to 39.3) and in second chance points (10.7 to 4.3).
Baclao’s fly-swatting exploits has also helped the Loyola-based squad to have a huge advantage in blocks, 7.0-3.7.
Before the game, Al-Hussaini and Ryan Buenafe will be officially named as the league’s MVP and Rookie of the Year, respectively.
Al-Hussaini edged out UST’s Jervy Cruz for the coveted award while Buenafe was the overwhelming choice for best rookie of the season.
The Mythical Five, Most Improved Player and the Defensive Player of the Year honors will also be conferred to the winners.
Adamson juniors standout Mark Juruena and UST cagebelle Marichu Bacaro will also receive their MVP trophies.
In what stands as their last chance, the embattled De La Salle Green Archers get one final shot at ruffling the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ feathers.
So far, the Blue Eagles have proved impervious to the shafts of the Green Archers, having beaten their arch-rivals in all three of their previous meetings this year.
Now La Salle is down to its last arrow, and the target, circling imperiously above, is looking to swoop down for the kill.
Ateneo goes for the jugular today even as La Salle looks to keep its season alive in Game 2 of the 71st UAAP basketball finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
After a coasting 69-61 win in the opener Sunday, the Blue Eagles seek to continue their dominance with Most Valuable Player Rabeh Al-Hussaini leading the way.
Al-Hussaini, who will receive his MVP award before the game, wound up with 31 points on 14-of-26 shooting, while adding nine rebounds as he terrorized the DLSU frontline during the 40-minute affair.
Also producing for Ateneo is rookie of the year Ryan Buenafe, who scored 12 points, all in the first half, while adding 11 rebounds and five assists as he took over the chores left unfulfilled by Chris Tiu, who sat out the game due to foul trouble.
Despite having the edge over their fiercest foes, especially with Ateneo’s 3-0 record against them, Blue Eagles coach Norman Black remains cautious.
"They are definitely capable of beating us but that’s not our focus," Black said. "Our focus is to win the championship which means we have to beat them one more time."
A victory by the Loyola-based squad would give them their fourth title since joining the league in 1979. ADMU won back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988, beating University of the East and La Salle, respectively.
After 14 years, the Blue Eagles dumped the Green Archers anew in three full games in 2002 to grab its last UAAP title.
While Al-Hussaini and Buenafe are constant factors, Ateneo is hoping that team captain Tiu and reserve guard Eric Salamat will return to form.
Tiu sat out the bench early with two quick fouls and finished with only two points, the same output as Salamat last Sunday.
Expected to again rise to the occasion is point guard Jai Reyes, who scored 12 points, including a three-pointer seconds before halftime that pushed the Eagles’ lead to 36-29. Another key figure, Nonoy Baclao, is seeking to repeat his seven block effort in Game 1.
Down but not out, DLSU head coach Franz Pumaren is still confident of forcing a winner-take-all match on Sunday.
"It takes two to win a championship," Pumaren said. "I don’t think they can count us out because we can come back."
In Game 1, JV Casio had 20 points despite an 8-of-24 shooting while Rico Maierhofer contributed 17 points and 16 rebounds. None of their teammates contributed much, however, as James Mangahas was limited to five points from four quick fouls with Peejay Barua, Bader Malabes and Maui Villanueva combining for a mere 14 points.
La Salle has a history of winning Game 2 of a championship series after losing the opener. The two most recent were in 1999 against University of Santo Tomas and in 2002 against Ateneo.
For La Salle to win, they have to recover from a dismal 29 percent shooting, while hoping their three-point shooting clip would fare better than 16 of 19.
In three games this season, Ateneo has dominated La Salle in almost all categories.
Ateneo shot 44 percent compared to La Salle’s 34 percent clip. They had the advantage in rebounds (44.3 to 39.3) and in second chance points (10.7 to 4.3).
Baclao’s fly-swatting exploits has also helped the Loyola-based squad to have a huge advantage in blocks, 7.0-3.7.
Before the game, Al-Hussaini and Ryan Buenafe will be officially named as the league’s MVP and Rookie of the Year, respectively.
Al-Hussaini edged out UST’s Jervy Cruz for the coveted award while Buenafe was the overwhelming choice for best rookie of the season.
The Mythical Five, Most Improved Player and the Defensive Player of the Year honors will also be conferred to the winners.
Adamson juniors standout Mark Juruena and UST cagebelle Marichu Bacaro will also receive their MVP trophies.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ateneo’s Al-Hussaini named MVP
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 24, 2008
Blue Eagle Ryan Buenafe is Rookie of the Year
As if winning the first game of their title series were not enough, the Ateneo Blue Eagles got an added boost yesterday when its mercurial center Rabeh Al-Hussaini was named the UAAP basketball tournament’s Most Valuable Player and his teammate, forward Ryan Buenafe, the Rookie of the Year.
The double whammy for Ateneo came two days before the Eagles play the La Salle Green Archers Thursday where they need just one more win to complete a two-game sweep of the best-of-three championship series.
Hussaini was a popular choice though the 6-6 center of half-Kuwaiti blood had to overcome the tournament-long brilliance of University of Santo Tomas’ Jervy Cruz who probably missed out on a second straight MVP after the Growling Tigers failed to make it to the Final Four.
The personal award will mean nothing for the 20-year-old Hussaini, however, if he fails to lead the Blue Eagles to the Everest of college basketball.
As of now, the Eagles’ title quest largely depends on his all-around ability and he showed ample evidence of that quality when he led Ateneo to a 69-61 victory in the first game last Sunday during which he scored 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
But the MVP is a reward for season-long consistency where Hussaini made several 30-point plus performances giving him averages of 18 points and 9.6 rebounds in the two-round robin eliminations which Ateneo fittingly topped.
Figures from the UAAP showed that he finished only second to Cruz in the statistical points but made up for the deficit in other departments.
Aside from statistics which is equivalent to 50 percent of the total tally, the media (20 percent), players and coaches (15) and game officials (15) are the other basis for selecting the MVP.
Al-Hussaini said earlier that winning the MVP plum is only a bonus since he’s more after the team championship.
Al-Hussaini is the third player from Ateneo to win the MVP in recent years. The others were Rich Alvarez (2001) and Enrico Villanueva (2002).
He highlighted his breakout year by scoring 33 points in a 66-72 defeat to Far Eastern Univerity in the first round. Al-Hussaini raised his game several notches in the second round that saw the Eagles finish the eliminations on top with a 13-1 record.
Buenafe made it a double celebration for Ateneo with the rookie of the year award.
It was a hands down choice for the 18-year-old former San Sebastian high school standout who also won MVP honors in his final year in the NCAA last year.
Buenafe had a rousing game last Sunday where he scored 12 points, snared 11 rebounds and handed five assists to validate his selection.
The 6-1 Buenafe became the anchor of the team’s offense and it resulted in several easy baskets for Al-Hussaini.
He also received a well-deserved compliment from his coach Norman Black.
"Well he’s a rookie but doesn’t play like a rookie," Black said. "He shows a lot of maturity, that is why he’s on the court a lot; he’s a high percentage player."
After winning the rookie of the year award, Buenafe, a cousin of current Coca-Cola Tiger Ronjay Buenafe, said the award would mean nothing unless his team wins the real prize.
"Bonus na lang sa akin yan kasi di naman namin iniisip yun. Ang target talaga naming ay mag-champion," he said.
Blue Eagle Ryan Buenafe is Rookie of the Year
As if winning the first game of their title series were not enough, the Ateneo Blue Eagles got an added boost yesterday when its mercurial center Rabeh Al-Hussaini was named the UAAP basketball tournament’s Most Valuable Player and his teammate, forward Ryan Buenafe, the Rookie of the Year.
The double whammy for Ateneo came two days before the Eagles play the La Salle Green Archers Thursday where they need just one more win to complete a two-game sweep of the best-of-three championship series.
Hussaini was a popular choice though the 6-6 center of half-Kuwaiti blood had to overcome the tournament-long brilliance of University of Santo Tomas’ Jervy Cruz who probably missed out on a second straight MVP after the Growling Tigers failed to make it to the Final Four.
The personal award will mean nothing for the 20-year-old Hussaini, however, if he fails to lead the Blue Eagles to the Everest of college basketball.
As of now, the Eagles’ title quest largely depends on his all-around ability and he showed ample evidence of that quality when he led Ateneo to a 69-61 victory in the first game last Sunday during which he scored 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
But the MVP is a reward for season-long consistency where Hussaini made several 30-point plus performances giving him averages of 18 points and 9.6 rebounds in the two-round robin eliminations which Ateneo fittingly topped.
Figures from the UAAP showed that he finished only second to Cruz in the statistical points but made up for the deficit in other departments.
Aside from statistics which is equivalent to 50 percent of the total tally, the media (20 percent), players and coaches (15) and game officials (15) are the other basis for selecting the MVP.
Al-Hussaini said earlier that winning the MVP plum is only a bonus since he’s more after the team championship.
Al-Hussaini is the third player from Ateneo to win the MVP in recent years. The others were Rich Alvarez (2001) and Enrico Villanueva (2002).
He highlighted his breakout year by scoring 33 points in a 66-72 defeat to Far Eastern Univerity in the first round. Al-Hussaini raised his game several notches in the second round that saw the Eagles finish the eliminations on top with a 13-1 record.
Buenafe made it a double celebration for Ateneo with the rookie of the year award.
It was a hands down choice for the 18-year-old former San Sebastian high school standout who also won MVP honors in his final year in the NCAA last year.
Buenafe had a rousing game last Sunday where he scored 12 points, snared 11 rebounds and handed five assists to validate his selection.
The 6-1 Buenafe became the anchor of the team’s offense and it resulted in several easy baskets for Al-Hussaini.
He also received a well-deserved compliment from his coach Norman Black.
"Well he’s a rookie but doesn’t play like a rookie," Black said. "He shows a lot of maturity, that is why he’s on the court a lot; he’s a high percentage player."
After winning the rookie of the year award, Buenafe, a cousin of current Coca-Cola Tiger Ronjay Buenafe, said the award would mean nothing unless his team wins the real prize.
"Bonus na lang sa akin yan kasi di naman namin iniisip yun. Ang target talaga naming ay mag-champion," he said.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Al-Hussaini’s game draws collective raves
By Waylon Galvez - Manila Bulletin - September 23, 2008
The performance of Ateneo center Rabeh Al-Hussaini in Game 1 of the UAAP Finals against arch nemesis and defending champion De La Salle University has brought comparisons to the former great centers of college basketball.
The 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini is now being mentioned in the same breath with UP stalwart Benjie Paras, ex-University of the East player Jerry Codiñera, UST’s Dennis Espino and Far Eastern University’s Vic Pablo.
It’s hard not to compare Al-Hussaini with these former great college players due to his MVP-type numbers in the series opener where the Blue Eagles scored a resounding 69-61 win Sunday night at the packed Araneta Coliseum.
Al-Hussaini fired 31 points on 14-of-26 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line. He also pulled down nine rebounds.
"His performance speaks for itself," Ateneo coach Norman Black said when asked on the comparisons of his prized center Al-Hussaini, who played high school ball with the Philippine Christian University (PCU) Baby Dolphins in the NCAA.
"I’m happy that he stepped up, he got a lot more touches because of the foul troubles on Chris (Tiu) and Eric (Salamat), our two primary shooters. It also helped that he didn’t get the double team and the defense just sagged on him. But La Salle will make its adjustment."
Al-Hussaini’s scoring production was two points shy from his career-high 33 markers he had against the FEU Tamaraws in a 66-72 setback where he grabbed 20 rebounds.
A strong bet for this season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, Al-Hussaini, 20, averaged 18 points and 9.6 rebounds during the two-round elimination phase.
"He improved his attitude particularly in practice. He’s a more disciplined player now compared to last season," Black said.
La Salle mentor Franz Pumaren conceded that Al-Hussaini had "a hell of a game" as he terrorized the shaded lane with his putback shots, jumpers and strong moves to the basket.
"He scored a lot," Pumaren said. "It’s one of those games that he really made his shots from almost every spot."
"Definitely, we’ll do something on him to limit his touches, his scoring. We’ll see on Game 2," Pumaren added.
The Eagles can clinch the UAAP title, their first since winning it six years ago, also against the Green Archers, with another win on Thursday at the Big Dome.
He was only a high school sophomore at PCU when Ateneo downed La Salle in the 2002 Finals.
The performance of Ateneo center Rabeh Al-Hussaini in Game 1 of the UAAP Finals against arch nemesis and defending champion De La Salle University has brought comparisons to the former great centers of college basketball.
The 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini is now being mentioned in the same breath with UP stalwart Benjie Paras, ex-University of the East player Jerry Codiñera, UST’s Dennis Espino and Far Eastern University’s Vic Pablo.
It’s hard not to compare Al-Hussaini with these former great college players due to his MVP-type numbers in the series opener where the Blue Eagles scored a resounding 69-61 win Sunday night at the packed Araneta Coliseum.
Al-Hussaini fired 31 points on 14-of-26 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line. He also pulled down nine rebounds.
"His performance speaks for itself," Ateneo coach Norman Black said when asked on the comparisons of his prized center Al-Hussaini, who played high school ball with the Philippine Christian University (PCU) Baby Dolphins in the NCAA.
"I’m happy that he stepped up, he got a lot more touches because of the foul troubles on Chris (Tiu) and Eric (Salamat), our two primary shooters. It also helped that he didn’t get the double team and the defense just sagged on him. But La Salle will make its adjustment."
Al-Hussaini’s scoring production was two points shy from his career-high 33 markers he had against the FEU Tamaraws in a 66-72 setback where he grabbed 20 rebounds.
A strong bet for this season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, Al-Hussaini, 20, averaged 18 points and 9.6 rebounds during the two-round elimination phase.
"He improved his attitude particularly in practice. He’s a more disciplined player now compared to last season," Black said.
La Salle mentor Franz Pumaren conceded that Al-Hussaini had "a hell of a game" as he terrorized the shaded lane with his putback shots, jumpers and strong moves to the basket.
"He scored a lot," Pumaren said. "It’s one of those games that he really made his shots from almost every spot."
"Definitely, we’ll do something on him to limit his touches, his scoring. We’ll see on Game 2," Pumaren added.
The Eagles can clinch the UAAP title, their first since winning it six years ago, also against the Green Archers, with another win on Thursday at the Big Dome.
He was only a high school sophomore at PCU when Ateneo downed La Salle in the 2002 Finals.
UST, FEU netters rule first round
Manila Bulletin - September 23, 2008
University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University dominated their separate events in the first round of 71st UAAP table tennis team tournament over the weekend at the Ateneo Blue Eagles gym.
Defending men’s champion UST of coach Henberd Ortalla swept its six-game assignment held Saturday and Sunday while the FEU Lady Tamaraws of coach Noel Gonzales also did the same in women’s action.
Gunning for a grand slam, the UST high school squad also completed a six-game sweep in the event organized by the newly-managed Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP).
UST, winner of 21 titles in the men’s division, blanked University of the East, 3-0 before defeating La Salle (3-1), Ateneo (3-0), FEU (3-0), UP (3-1) and National University (3-0).
The Lady Tamaraws crushed NU (3-0), Ateneo (3-0), La Salle (3-0), FEU (3-1) and UST (3-2) to stay undefeated in the women’s event.
The junior’s squad of UST also proved too much for Ateneo (3-0), Adamson (3-1), La Salle-Zobel (3-0), UE (3-2), NU (3-0) and UP (3-0) to top the division.
Adamson did not participate in the men’s and women’s events for second consecutive year except in junior level while UE did not join the women’s event.
If the men’s and junior teams of UST and FEU sweep their respective events in the second round, they will be declared champions right away.
University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University dominated their separate events in the first round of 71st UAAP table tennis team tournament over the weekend at the Ateneo Blue Eagles gym.
Defending men’s champion UST of coach Henberd Ortalla swept its six-game assignment held Saturday and Sunday while the FEU Lady Tamaraws of coach Noel Gonzales also did the same in women’s action.
Gunning for a grand slam, the UST high school squad also completed a six-game sweep in the event organized by the newly-managed Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP).
UST, winner of 21 titles in the men’s division, blanked University of the East, 3-0 before defeating La Salle (3-1), Ateneo (3-0), FEU (3-0), UP (3-1) and National University (3-0).
The Lady Tamaraws crushed NU (3-0), Ateneo (3-0), La Salle (3-0), FEU (3-1) and UST (3-2) to stay undefeated in the women’s event.
The junior’s squad of UST also proved too much for Ateneo (3-0), Adamson (3-1), La Salle-Zobel (3-0), UE (3-2), NU (3-0) and UP (3-0) to top the division.
Adamson did not participate in the men’s and women’s events for second consecutive year except in junior level while UE did not join the women’s event.
If the men’s and junior teams of UST and FEU sweep their respective events in the second round, they will be declared champions right away.
Monday, September 22, 2008
We’re down but not out - Franz
By Tito Talao - Manila Bulletin - September 22, 2008
Franz Pumaren, the De La Salle coach, conferred quietly with his assistants, Jack Santiago, Tonichi Yturri and Tyrone Bautista, at the free throw line in front of the Green Archers goal after Game One of the UAAP Finals yesterday, oblivious to the sea of blue singing the Ateneo hymn to the victorious Blue Eagles team.
When the Ateneo faithful was through, Pumaren raised a clenched fist and joined the tens of thousands of La Salle supporters, defying with their school anthem what could be an inevitable fate at the hands of a powerful opponent.
"We’re down but not out," said Pumaren, firmness still in his voice after absorbing a 69-61 loss to Ateneo counterpart Norman Black. "It takes two games to win the championship."
With his quest for a sixth UAAP championship in jeopardy, La Salle having lost all three meetings so far to Ateneo this season, Pumaren nonetheless remained confident the Green Archers could get the job done.
"We were also 3-0 against them in 2005," Pumaren bared.
Mental mistakes in the crucial stretch late in the first half contributed largely to their fall, he said.
"And we also failed to convert key turnovers by Ateneo."
With Chris Tiu’s early foul trouble canceling out JV Casio’s 3 of 10 shooting for La Salle in the first half, the Green Archers were within striking distance before allowing the Blue Eagles to finish with a flurry, leaving for the break with a 36-29 lead.
With Casio groping for form, which he didn’t find until it was too late, and Rico Maierhofer drifting in and out of his usual game, La Salle was unable to mount a decent comeback as Ateneo center Rabeth Al-Hussaini annihilated the Green Archers at the low post in the second half, burying their arch-rivals with 31 points.
"We didn’t play our A-game," said Pumaren. "And we lacked toughness down the stretch. But I’m still confident we can even the series."
La Salle, which used a shifty zone press to force Ateneo into 15 turnovers in the first half alone, will need more than toughness to level the best-of-three championship series on Thursday.
"We’ll need more scoring from our bench," Pumaren acknowledged. "We can’t just rely on our main scorers."
Casio threw more bricks than baskets in leading La Salle with 20 points on 8 of 24 shooting, while Maierhofer added 17 points with 16 rebounds.
La Salle’s next three starters combined for only 11 points, however, and Alvin Villanueva, who played 26 minutes behind Casio (34) and Maierhofer (28), was a mere 1 of 5 from the floor.
And how does he plan to stop Al-Hussaini, who showed no ill effects of the sprain he was to have suffered in practice last Friday?
"We’ll find a way," Pumaren vowed, stepping into the quiet La Salle locker room and closing the door behind him.
The Green Archers’ title-retention bid hangs precariously in the balance, tilting dangerously on the edge. Franz Pumaren will have to dig deep to put down a swooping, shrieking threat to their throne.
Franz Pumaren, the De La Salle coach, conferred quietly with his assistants, Jack Santiago, Tonichi Yturri and Tyrone Bautista, at the free throw line in front of the Green Archers goal after Game One of the UAAP Finals yesterday, oblivious to the sea of blue singing the Ateneo hymn to the victorious Blue Eagles team.
When the Ateneo faithful was through, Pumaren raised a clenched fist and joined the tens of thousands of La Salle supporters, defying with their school anthem what could be an inevitable fate at the hands of a powerful opponent.
"We’re down but not out," said Pumaren, firmness still in his voice after absorbing a 69-61 loss to Ateneo counterpart Norman Black. "It takes two games to win the championship."
With his quest for a sixth UAAP championship in jeopardy, La Salle having lost all three meetings so far to Ateneo this season, Pumaren nonetheless remained confident the Green Archers could get the job done.
"We were also 3-0 against them in 2005," Pumaren bared.
Mental mistakes in the crucial stretch late in the first half contributed largely to their fall, he said.
"And we also failed to convert key turnovers by Ateneo."
With Chris Tiu’s early foul trouble canceling out JV Casio’s 3 of 10 shooting for La Salle in the first half, the Green Archers were within striking distance before allowing the Blue Eagles to finish with a flurry, leaving for the break with a 36-29 lead.
With Casio groping for form, which he didn’t find until it was too late, and Rico Maierhofer drifting in and out of his usual game, La Salle was unable to mount a decent comeback as Ateneo center Rabeth Al-Hussaini annihilated the Green Archers at the low post in the second half, burying their arch-rivals with 31 points.
"We didn’t play our A-game," said Pumaren. "And we lacked toughness down the stretch. But I’m still confident we can even the series."
La Salle, which used a shifty zone press to force Ateneo into 15 turnovers in the first half alone, will need more than toughness to level the best-of-three championship series on Thursday.
"We’ll need more scoring from our bench," Pumaren acknowledged. "We can’t just rely on our main scorers."
Casio threw more bricks than baskets in leading La Salle with 20 points on 8 of 24 shooting, while Maierhofer added 17 points with 16 rebounds.
La Salle’s next three starters combined for only 11 points, however, and Alvin Villanueva, who played 26 minutes behind Casio (34) and Maierhofer (28), was a mere 1 of 5 from the floor.
And how does he plan to stop Al-Hussaini, who showed no ill effects of the sprain he was to have suffered in practice last Friday?
"We’ll find a way," Pumaren vowed, stepping into the quiet La Salle locker room and closing the door behind him.
The Green Archers’ title-retention bid hangs precariously in the balance, tilting dangerously on the edge. Franz Pumaren will have to dig deep to put down a swooping, shrieking threat to their throne.
Game Result: ADMU 69 - DLSU 61
ADMU Blue Eagles
69 Points
41 Rebounds
16 Assists
_2 Steals
_7 Blocks
25/59 (42.37%) FG
_3/12 (25.00%) 3P FG
16/22 (72.73%) FT
DLSU Green Archers
61 Points
38 Rebounds
_8 Assists
_8 Steals
_5 Blocks
20/70 (28.57%) FG
_3/19 (15.79%) 3P FG
18/21 (85.71%) FT
Quarters: 15-12, 36-29, 55-45, 69-61
69 Points
41 Rebounds
16 Assists
_2 Steals
_7 Blocks
25/59 (42.37%) FG
_3/12 (25.00%) 3P FG
16/22 (72.73%) FT
DLSU Green Archers
61 Points
38 Rebounds
_8 Assists
_8 Steals
_5 Blocks
20/70 (28.57%) FG
_3/19 (15.79%) 3P FG
18/21 (85.71%) FT
Quarters: 15-12, 36-29, 55-45, 69-61
Ateneo beats arch rival La Salle in Game 1 of best-of-3 UAAP finals
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 22, 2008
Rabeh Al-Hussaini made a strong case for the coveted Most Valuable Player award, pouring 31 points to lead Ateneo de Manila to a comfortable 69-61 victory over defending champion La Salle last night at the start of the UAAP Finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Nearly 23,000 watched the third meeting between the college basketball’s storied rivals and like the previous two matches, the Eagles came out on top.
Al-Hussaini, who is in a tight race with UST’s Jervy Cruz for the MVP plum, went on a tear by scoring 20 points in the second half while adding nine rebounds.
The 6-7 Al-Hussaini got plenty of help from prized rookie Ryan Buenafe who had 12 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Al-Hussaini and Buenafe made up for skipper Chris Tiu’s forgettable twopoint performance.
The Blue Eagles can wrap their fourth UAAP championship with a victory on Thursday.
The third match if necessary is set on Sunday.
Black heaped praises on his starting center.
"He was exceptional, there isn’t any question for the award because I think he answered it today," said Black who obviously lost a significant amount of voice since practice last Saturday. "I just cautioned him and his teammates that our business is unfinished, it is only one game and it needs two games to win and it would mean for Rabeh to win the championship."
Al-Hussaini said the MVP title is the least of his concern.
"Wala akong pakialam kung manalo ako ng award pero importante yung singsing," said Al-Hussaini, who shot 14-of-26 from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line in 36 minutes.
Buenafe, a former star player from the San Sebastian and a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, scored all of his points in the first half as Tiu rode the bench due to foul trouble.
"Foul trouble yung mga veterans so kailangan magstep-up," Buenafe said. "Sabi nga sa akin ni coach kahapon kailangan parang high school din sa akin parang ako yung veteran."
JV Casio led La Salle with 20 points despite an 8-of24 shooting.
The Archers shot only 29 percent from the field as against the Archers’ 42 percent clip.
Reserve forward Rico Maierhofer added 17 points and 16 rebounds but spent most of the game on the bench because of foul trouble.
Foul trouble kept some of La Salle’s key players on the bench. James Mangahas committed two quick fouls early in the first quarter to finish with just five points.
Ateneo entered the court wearing a black t-shirt that contains an A-24 word in reference to Black’s jersey number.
Black, making his fourth stint as Ateneo coach, is still looking for his first UAAP title to add to his rich collection of PBA crowns.
The Eagles led in the early goings before the Archers went on a 13-5 run in the second quarter capped by Casio’s three-point play off Yuri Escueta for a 29-26 lead with 2:58 left in the period.
But the Blue Eagles countered with 10 straight points to take a 36-29 advantage at the half as Jai Reyes, who finished with 12 points, uncorked a three-pointer before time expired.
Nonoy Baclao, the coleader in blocks this season, tied a season high by swatting seven shots.
La Salle’s biggest opportunity of a late comeback came with 8:19 to go in the game as Bader Malabes scored on a layup for a 5549 deficit.
But Al-Hussaini converted six straight points as the Blue Eagles pulled away, 65-52, with 3:25 on the clock.
Ateneo recorded a seasonhigh 17 second chance points compared to only two for the Archers.
Rabeh Al-Hussaini made a strong case for the coveted Most Valuable Player award, pouring 31 points to lead Ateneo de Manila to a comfortable 69-61 victory over defending champion La Salle last night at the start of the UAAP Finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Nearly 23,000 watched the third meeting between the college basketball’s storied rivals and like the previous two matches, the Eagles came out on top.
Al-Hussaini, who is in a tight race with UST’s Jervy Cruz for the MVP plum, went on a tear by scoring 20 points in the second half while adding nine rebounds.
The 6-7 Al-Hussaini got plenty of help from prized rookie Ryan Buenafe who had 12 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Al-Hussaini and Buenafe made up for skipper Chris Tiu’s forgettable twopoint performance.
The Blue Eagles can wrap their fourth UAAP championship with a victory on Thursday.
The third match if necessary is set on Sunday.
Black heaped praises on his starting center.
"He was exceptional, there isn’t any question for the award because I think he answered it today," said Black who obviously lost a significant amount of voice since practice last Saturday. "I just cautioned him and his teammates that our business is unfinished, it is only one game and it needs two games to win and it would mean for Rabeh to win the championship."
Al-Hussaini said the MVP title is the least of his concern.
"Wala akong pakialam kung manalo ako ng award pero importante yung singsing," said Al-Hussaini, who shot 14-of-26 from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line in 36 minutes.
Buenafe, a former star player from the San Sebastian and a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, scored all of his points in the first half as Tiu rode the bench due to foul trouble.
"Foul trouble yung mga veterans so kailangan magstep-up," Buenafe said. "Sabi nga sa akin ni coach kahapon kailangan parang high school din sa akin parang ako yung veteran."
JV Casio led La Salle with 20 points despite an 8-of24 shooting.
The Archers shot only 29 percent from the field as against the Archers’ 42 percent clip.
Reserve forward Rico Maierhofer added 17 points and 16 rebounds but spent most of the game on the bench because of foul trouble.
Foul trouble kept some of La Salle’s key players on the bench. James Mangahas committed two quick fouls early in the first quarter to finish with just five points.
Ateneo entered the court wearing a black t-shirt that contains an A-24 word in reference to Black’s jersey number.
Black, making his fourth stint as Ateneo coach, is still looking for his first UAAP title to add to his rich collection of PBA crowns.
The Eagles led in the early goings before the Archers went on a 13-5 run in the second quarter capped by Casio’s three-point play off Yuri Escueta for a 29-26 lead with 2:58 left in the period.
But the Blue Eagles countered with 10 straight points to take a 36-29 advantage at the half as Jai Reyes, who finished with 12 points, uncorked a three-pointer before time expired.
Nonoy Baclao, the coleader in blocks this season, tied a season high by swatting seven shots.
La Salle’s biggest opportunity of a late comeback came with 8:19 to go in the game as Bader Malabes scored on a layup for a 5549 deficit.
But Al-Hussaini converted six straight points as the Blue Eagles pulled away, 65-52, with 3:25 on the clock.
Ateneo recorded a seasonhigh 17 second chance points compared to only two for the Archers.
UAAP fan bids P50,300 for a ticket
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 22, 2008
Is an Ateneo-La Salle basketball game ticket really worth this much?
An unnamed basketball fan posted a bid of P50,300 for a patron ticket for yesterday’s game on eBay in what could be a record for a game ticket, or for any ticket for that matter.
The ticket owner posted a starting bid of P25,000. Two posted their bids, one for P50,000, the other for P50,300.
It could not be determined if the transaction was completed. But it just goes to show that some people will pay any price to watch an Ateneo-La Salle game.
A patron ticket gives the bearer a courtside seat, perhaps making him feel like actor Jack Nicholson when he takes his assigned spot at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during LA Lakers home games.
Other tickets were posted for sale at various prices, ranging from a low of P300 for bleachers whose original price is P55 to as much as P16,000 for upper box tickets whose price range is P75-P220.
But if you do the buying early and need not fret about seating, one can watch the game for P55 as what two students – one from La Salle, the other from Ateneo – did.
The Atenean was at the Araneta Coliseum box office window as early as Monday morning when the tickets for bleachers seats went on sale.
"Mahaba talaga yung pila noon at saka ang bilis maubos yung mga ticket sa ibaba," said student who did not give his name. "Yung ibang kakilala ko bumili sa scalper ang halaga mga P4,000."
On the other hand, a female student from La Salle got hers from a friend, who purchased it in school through the Office of Sports Development. There, people also lined up to purchase tickets.
"Binigay lang niya sa akin yung ticket pero sobra din yung pila sa school nung binili niya yung ticket," she said.
During yesterday’s games were stranded outside looking for tickets.
Unofficially, the gate was pegged at around 23,000.
The crowd started to gather early as six in the morning although the Big Dome gates were opened at around noon.
The South Gate, the entrance for players, coaches, officials, media and VIP, also had a huge line to deal as each person’s credential was scrutinized thoroughly.
Security was tight in and around the venue with K9 units used for added precaution.
Some scalpers were noted selling tickets before the big game, doing it as discreetly as possible.
Is an Ateneo-La Salle basketball game ticket really worth this much?
An unnamed basketball fan posted a bid of P50,300 for a patron ticket for yesterday’s game on eBay in what could be a record for a game ticket, or for any ticket for that matter.
The ticket owner posted a starting bid of P25,000. Two posted their bids, one for P50,000, the other for P50,300.
It could not be determined if the transaction was completed. But it just goes to show that some people will pay any price to watch an Ateneo-La Salle game.
A patron ticket gives the bearer a courtside seat, perhaps making him feel like actor Jack Nicholson when he takes his assigned spot at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during LA Lakers home games.
Other tickets were posted for sale at various prices, ranging from a low of P300 for bleachers whose original price is P55 to as much as P16,000 for upper box tickets whose price range is P75-P220.
But if you do the buying early and need not fret about seating, one can watch the game for P55 as what two students – one from La Salle, the other from Ateneo – did.
The Atenean was at the Araneta Coliseum box office window as early as Monday morning when the tickets for bleachers seats went on sale.
"Mahaba talaga yung pila noon at saka ang bilis maubos yung mga ticket sa ibaba," said student who did not give his name. "Yung ibang kakilala ko bumili sa scalper ang halaga mga P4,000."
On the other hand, a female student from La Salle got hers from a friend, who purchased it in school through the Office of Sports Development. There, people also lined up to purchase tickets.
"Binigay lang niya sa akin yung ticket pero sobra din yung pila sa school nung binili niya yung ticket," she said.
During yesterday’s games were stranded outside looking for tickets.
Unofficially, the gate was pegged at around 23,000.
The crowd started to gather early as six in the morning although the Big Dome gates were opened at around noon.
The South Gate, the entrance for players, coaches, officials, media and VIP, also had a huge line to deal as each person’s credential was scrutinized thoroughly.
Security was tight in and around the venue with K9 units used for added precaution.
Some scalpers were noted selling tickets before the big game, doing it as discreetly as possible.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Ateneo-La Salle war on
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 22, 2008
After a weeklong rest, arch-rivals Ateneo and De La Salle finally collide when the UAAP basketball finals unfold today before an expected mammoth crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.
In a duel that hasn’t been seen since 2002, both teams are eager to go back into the court after days of preparation and hype that surrounded their highly-anticipated matchup.
Although the series is expected to go the full distance, it seems the Blue Eagles have the distinct advantage over the Green Archers, especially after winning their two matches during the elimination round.
Ateneo captured their first victory of the season at La Salle’s expense last July 6, 79-73, in a see-saw game that saw a controversial technical foul called on La Salle coach Franz Pumaren even before tipoff for failing to wear an ID.
They continued their convincing display over the Taft-based cagers, 65-57, as Ateneo stormed to a 14-2 start and eventually stopped a fourth-quarter run by La Salle.
The Loyola-based squad appears to hold a decisive advantage in the series by owning the deepest lineup in the league this season.
Aside from Most Valuable Player candidate Rabeh Al-Hussaini and team captain Chris Tiu, the Blue Eagles also have role players such as Rookie of the Year hopeful Ryan Buenafe, guard Eric Salamat and big man Nonoy Baclao.
Blue Eagles mentor Norman Black will also tap the services of point guard Jai Reyes, who has been making decent role-playing duties this season.
Reyes, who is on his fourth season with the team, was a key guy who held La Salle’s JV Casio to just five points on 2-of-16 shooting during their second meeting.
"Jai is basically the guy who’s running the team," said Black. "He is the quarterback on the court, he has improved a lot over the course of the league and he’s done a pretty good job for us. He’s been shooting a lot better lately."
For Pumaren, aside from Casio and Rico Maierhofer, who has been used primarily in a reserve role for much of the season, DLSU is keen on its other role players – James Mangahas, Peejay Barua and point guard Simon Atkins.
"These guys can’t really be classified as great one-on-one players who can really dictate the tempo of the game," Pumaren said.
"But one thing natural about them is they know their specific roles and that goes to our advantage. Because if you look at our team, we thrive on working as one unit because we don’t have the depth and we don’t have the size. So for us to at least compete with the other teams, especially now with Ateneo, we really have to help each other," he added.
But the limelight could go down on Tiu and Casio, the two primary faces of the two teams. Both players, who have been with the team since 2003, are hoping to end their college careers with a bang by winning a championship.
"I think the two guys are probably the faces of the team," Black said. "When you look at the telecast and it’s Ateneo and La Salle, the first faces you see are Chris Tiu and JV Casio so they are probably the two best players of each team."
"The two names will come up every time you mention the two teams," said Pumaren. "They are the leaders of both teams and this is their last season."
With the previous two games graced by an average crowd of 22,000 fans, security is expected to be beefed up at the Big Dome while authorities will have a close monitoring of scalpers who will try to sell tickets at skyrocket prices.
After a weeklong rest, arch-rivals Ateneo and De La Salle finally collide when the UAAP basketball finals unfold today before an expected mammoth crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.
In a duel that hasn’t been seen since 2002, both teams are eager to go back into the court after days of preparation and hype that surrounded their highly-anticipated matchup.
Although the series is expected to go the full distance, it seems the Blue Eagles have the distinct advantage over the Green Archers, especially after winning their two matches during the elimination round.
Ateneo captured their first victory of the season at La Salle’s expense last July 6, 79-73, in a see-saw game that saw a controversial technical foul called on La Salle coach Franz Pumaren even before tipoff for failing to wear an ID.
They continued their convincing display over the Taft-based cagers, 65-57, as Ateneo stormed to a 14-2 start and eventually stopped a fourth-quarter run by La Salle.
The Loyola-based squad appears to hold a decisive advantage in the series by owning the deepest lineup in the league this season.
Aside from Most Valuable Player candidate Rabeh Al-Hussaini and team captain Chris Tiu, the Blue Eagles also have role players such as Rookie of the Year hopeful Ryan Buenafe, guard Eric Salamat and big man Nonoy Baclao.
Blue Eagles mentor Norman Black will also tap the services of point guard Jai Reyes, who has been making decent role-playing duties this season.
Reyes, who is on his fourth season with the team, was a key guy who held La Salle’s JV Casio to just five points on 2-of-16 shooting during their second meeting.
"Jai is basically the guy who’s running the team," said Black. "He is the quarterback on the court, he has improved a lot over the course of the league and he’s done a pretty good job for us. He’s been shooting a lot better lately."
For Pumaren, aside from Casio and Rico Maierhofer, who has been used primarily in a reserve role for much of the season, DLSU is keen on its other role players – James Mangahas, Peejay Barua and point guard Simon Atkins.
"These guys can’t really be classified as great one-on-one players who can really dictate the tempo of the game," Pumaren said.
"But one thing natural about them is they know their specific roles and that goes to our advantage. Because if you look at our team, we thrive on working as one unit because we don’t have the depth and we don’t have the size. So for us to at least compete with the other teams, especially now with Ateneo, we really have to help each other," he added.
But the limelight could go down on Tiu and Casio, the two primary faces of the two teams. Both players, who have been with the team since 2003, are hoping to end their college careers with a bang by winning a championship.
"I think the two guys are probably the faces of the team," Black said. "When you look at the telecast and it’s Ateneo and La Salle, the first faces you see are Chris Tiu and JV Casio so they are probably the two best players of each team."
"The two names will come up every time you mention the two teams," said Pumaren. "They are the leaders of both teams and this is their last season."
With the previous two games graced by an average crowd of 22,000 fans, security is expected to be beefed up at the Big Dome while authorities will have a close monitoring of scalpers who will try to sell tickets at skyrocket prices.
Eaglets, Lady Tams near title
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 21, 2008
Ateneo hammered out a convincing 72-62 victory over FEU-Nicanor Reyes Educational Foundation yesterday to take Game 1 of the 71st UAAP basketball tournament junior division finals at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Eaglets’ win came after the FEU Lady Tamaraws downed the University of the Philippines Lady Fighting Maroons, 54-52, in their separate women’s best-of-three finals.
The Eaglets, after a sluggish first quarter, came through with a sustained offensive in the next three periods to outbalance the Baby Tamaraws and move to within a win of claiming their sixth title since Jamike Jarin took over as head coach 11 seasons ago.
Ian Enriquez led Ateneo with 18 points and 17 rebounds while Juami Tiongson and Ael Banal, son of multi-titled coach Joel Banal, added 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Kiefer Ravena, son of former PBA player Bong Ravena, scored 11 points and five assists for the Loyola-based cagers.
The Baby Tamaraws raced to a 21-16 lead at the start before Ateneo exploded a 20-6 bomb to race to a 36-27 bubble at the turn.
The Eaglets stretched the lead to 16 points, 64-48, and used this as a cushion against the rallying Baby Tamaraws, who could only come to within 60-66, 1:49 remaining.
The Eaglets sealed the win as Ravena completed a three-point play off Armin Albano, 69-60, with jus 68 ticks left.
"There was a chance there that we could have gotten a big lead but knowing coach Horacio (Lim) and his team, they never gave up until the end," Jarin said.
In the first game, the Lady Tamaraws led, 52-43, with only two minutes and 23 seconds left but the Lady Fighting Maroons made a last gasp for glory, exploiting FEU’s misses from the stripes to threaten, 52-54, 19.9 seconds to go.
In that final two minutes stretch, the Lady Tamaraws sank only two of their 12 free throws.
This proved just enough as UP botched a potential game-winning three-point attempt by Jedil Robelo with a second to go.
First Game (Womens)
FEU 54 — Mercado 13, Miag-ao 8, Borja M. 6, Rivera 6, Borja C. 6, Positos 5, Reyes 4, Palmera 4, Sernal 2, Supnet 0, Leviste 0
UP 52 — Sadorra 17, Tolentino 16, Tomelden 7, Bautista D. 4, Cainglet 3, Casino 2, Paz 2, Stevens 1, Robelo 0, Bautista M. 0, del Rosario 0.
Quarters: 13-13; 26-15; 41-34; 54-52.
Second Game (Juniors)
ATENEO 72 — Enriquez 18, Tiongson 15, Banal 13, Ravena 11, Dumrique J. 6, Romero 4, Pessumal 2, Dumrique C. 1, Bugarin 1, Gamboa 1, Pe 0, Capacio 0, Reyes 0.
FEU-FERN 62 — Tolomia 18, Albano 11, Santiago 10, Almario 9, Escoto 7, Pardo 7, Infante 0, Managuelod 0, Bautista 0
Quarters: 16-21, 36-27, 51-41, 72-62.
Ateneo hammered out a convincing 72-62 victory over FEU-Nicanor Reyes Educational Foundation yesterday to take Game 1 of the 71st UAAP basketball tournament junior division finals at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Eaglets’ win came after the FEU Lady Tamaraws downed the University of the Philippines Lady Fighting Maroons, 54-52, in their separate women’s best-of-three finals.
The Eaglets, after a sluggish first quarter, came through with a sustained offensive in the next three periods to outbalance the Baby Tamaraws and move to within a win of claiming their sixth title since Jamike Jarin took over as head coach 11 seasons ago.
Ian Enriquez led Ateneo with 18 points and 17 rebounds while Juami Tiongson and Ael Banal, son of multi-titled coach Joel Banal, added 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Kiefer Ravena, son of former PBA player Bong Ravena, scored 11 points and five assists for the Loyola-based cagers.
The Baby Tamaraws raced to a 21-16 lead at the start before Ateneo exploded a 20-6 bomb to race to a 36-27 bubble at the turn.
The Eaglets stretched the lead to 16 points, 64-48, and used this as a cushion against the rallying Baby Tamaraws, who could only come to within 60-66, 1:49 remaining.
The Eaglets sealed the win as Ravena completed a three-point play off Armin Albano, 69-60, with jus 68 ticks left.
"There was a chance there that we could have gotten a big lead but knowing coach Horacio (Lim) and his team, they never gave up until the end," Jarin said.
In the first game, the Lady Tamaraws led, 52-43, with only two minutes and 23 seconds left but the Lady Fighting Maroons made a last gasp for glory, exploiting FEU’s misses from the stripes to threaten, 52-54, 19.9 seconds to go.
In that final two minutes stretch, the Lady Tamaraws sank only two of their 12 free throws.
This proved just enough as UP botched a potential game-winning three-point attempt by Jedil Robelo with a second to go.
First Game (Womens)
FEU 54 — Mercado 13, Miag-ao 8, Borja M. 6, Rivera 6, Borja C. 6, Positos 5, Reyes 4, Palmera 4, Sernal 2, Supnet 0, Leviste 0
UP 52 — Sadorra 17, Tolentino 16, Tomelden 7, Bautista D. 4, Cainglet 3, Casino 2, Paz 2, Stevens 1, Robelo 0, Bautista M. 0, del Rosario 0.
Quarters: 13-13; 26-15; 41-34; 54-52.
Second Game (Juniors)
ATENEO 72 — Enriquez 18, Tiongson 15, Banal 13, Ravena 11, Dumrique J. 6, Romero 4, Pessumal 2, Dumrique C. 1, Bugarin 1, Gamboa 1, Pe 0, Capacio 0, Reyes 0.
FEU-FERN 62 — Tolomia 18, Albano 11, Santiago 10, Almario 9, Escoto 7, Pardo 7, Infante 0, Managuelod 0, Bautista 0
Quarters: 16-21, 36-27, 51-41, 72-62.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Ateneo vs La Salle a game like no other - Black
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 20, 2008
Norman Black has been to many championship matches, but is still awed every time Ateneo and La Salle meet on the court.
"The atmosphere is just electric," Black mentioned. "I mean in an Ateneo-La Salle game you look up, coaches are not supposed to do this but every now and then I just looked around and say ‘this is unbelievable’ half the arena is green, half the arena is blue and everybody’s standing up at the same time and standing up almost the entire game."
Black compares the college rivalry to the legendary Crispa-Toyota tussle in the early days of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) that saw the likes of Robert Jaworski, Mon Fernandez and Francis Arnaiz battling it out against Philip Cezar, Abet Guidaben and Atoy Co.
"I think it’s comparable because back in the days, the personalities involved were very popular," said Black. "It was really intense. When I played for San Miguel, Tefilin and Great Taste back then, for us to beat those teams it was really a big deal."
Black, a multi-titled PBA coach, is hoping to win his first UAAP crown for Ateneo.
The long-time Philippine resident graced the weekly SCOOP sa Kamayan forum yesterday along with La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.
Pumaren said the rivalry goes beyond the pre-war era of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
"I’m really amazed about the publicity that has been generating," said Pumaren. "It’s a battle of not only in sports but it’s always a subject of debate as to who is the better school."
"From what I heard, the food stores around Araneta, just one Ateneo-La Salle game is more than you know at least half of maybe a season for a PBA game," Pumaren added.
The Eagles and the Archers are battling for the UAAP title for the fourth time since 1988. That was when the Eagles defeated the Archers, 75-66, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Thirteen years later, the two teams met again in the finals with La Salle winning in three hard-fought games.
That year, Renren Ritualo, Mike Cortez and seldom-used Carlos Sharma beating Enrico Villanueva and the Eagles, 93-88, in the rubber match.
The following year, the Eagles avenged that defeat by edging the Archers, 77-70, in sudden death. Villanueva and Wesley Gonzales led the way while holding Cortez to just 2-of-13 shooting for 13 points.
The two rivals also fought thrice in the finals in the NCAA with the Archers holding a 2-1 edge with their first meeting going as far back as 1939 when the Archers defeated the Eagles.
Going back to their showdown, both coaches believe that it will go down to the key players of both teams aside from the anticipated battle between skippers Chris Tiu and JV Casio.
"The matchup between JV Casio and Chris Tiu is just a side attraction, the main attraction here is the match between Ateneo and La Salle," Pumaren said. "As you know the series will not depend on one or two, it will depend on the performance of the team."
"I think the two are probably the faces of both teams but for us its not going to be Chris and JV," Black said. "We have a lot more concerns other than JV, he is our number one concern but we have to worry about their other players such as Rico Maierhofer and their perimeter shooting."
Norman Black has been to many championship matches, but is still awed every time Ateneo and La Salle meet on the court.
"The atmosphere is just electric," Black mentioned. "I mean in an Ateneo-La Salle game you look up, coaches are not supposed to do this but every now and then I just looked around and say ‘this is unbelievable’ half the arena is green, half the arena is blue and everybody’s standing up at the same time and standing up almost the entire game."
Black compares the college rivalry to the legendary Crispa-Toyota tussle in the early days of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) that saw the likes of Robert Jaworski, Mon Fernandez and Francis Arnaiz battling it out against Philip Cezar, Abet Guidaben and Atoy Co.
"I think it’s comparable because back in the days, the personalities involved were very popular," said Black. "It was really intense. When I played for San Miguel, Tefilin and Great Taste back then, for us to beat those teams it was really a big deal."
Black, a multi-titled PBA coach, is hoping to win his first UAAP crown for Ateneo.
The long-time Philippine resident graced the weekly SCOOP sa Kamayan forum yesterday along with La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.
Pumaren said the rivalry goes beyond the pre-war era of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
"I’m really amazed about the publicity that has been generating," said Pumaren. "It’s a battle of not only in sports but it’s always a subject of debate as to who is the better school."
"From what I heard, the food stores around Araneta, just one Ateneo-La Salle game is more than you know at least half of maybe a season for a PBA game," Pumaren added.
The Eagles and the Archers are battling for the UAAP title for the fourth time since 1988. That was when the Eagles defeated the Archers, 75-66, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Thirteen years later, the two teams met again in the finals with La Salle winning in three hard-fought games.
That year, Renren Ritualo, Mike Cortez and seldom-used Carlos Sharma beating Enrico Villanueva and the Eagles, 93-88, in the rubber match.
The following year, the Eagles avenged that defeat by edging the Archers, 77-70, in sudden death. Villanueva and Wesley Gonzales led the way while holding Cortez to just 2-of-13 shooting for 13 points.
The two rivals also fought thrice in the finals in the NCAA with the Archers holding a 2-1 edge with their first meeting going as far back as 1939 when the Archers defeated the Eagles.
Going back to their showdown, both coaches believe that it will go down to the key players of both teams aside from the anticipated battle between skippers Chris Tiu and JV Casio.
"The matchup between JV Casio and Chris Tiu is just a side attraction, the main attraction here is the match between Ateneo and La Salle," Pumaren said. "As you know the series will not depend on one or two, it will depend on the performance of the team."
"I think the two are probably the faces of both teams but for us its not going to be Chris and JV," Black said. "We have a lot more concerns other than JV, he is our number one concern but we have to worry about their other players such as Rico Maierhofer and their perimeter shooting."
Scalpers get away using eBay, texting
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 20, 2008
La Salle coach Franz Pumaren said yesterday police authorities are practically helpless in arresting scalpers since these people have successfully used advances technology and communication to ply their trade.
Scalpers are expected to make a killing as demand for tickets in tomorrow’s start of the La Salle-Ateneo at the Araneta Coiseum have gone through the roof.
Despite efforts to curb the trade, police reportedly are having a difficult time implementing an anti-scalping law as scalpers turn to the Internet, eBay or texting to sell the tickets.
Though prices of tickets have jumped by leaps and bounds, there are still buyers willing to pay the stiff price as watching an Ateneo-La Salle game is a must for followers of the two schools whose rivalry, which some consider as insane and irrational, dates back decades and seem to grow even stronger.
Proof of this is that on eBay one bidder has offered P25,000 for a patron ticket for Sunday’s game. This ticket has a price tag of P300 but is normally is allotted by the league and the Araneta Coliseum to VIPs.
Upper box tickets costing between P70-170 are selling for as much as P4,000 while general admission tickets, the cheapest at P55, is going from P300-P500.
"Text messaging and the use of the Internet have made scalping easy," said Pumaren, who also serves as councilor of Quezon City and chief sponsor of the anti-scalping law passed by the QC council in 1997.
He said scalpers no longer linger around playing venues where they will be easy to spot and apprehend.
"The scalpers or the syndicates or the financiers, know their way around and they don’t stay around Quezon City," Pumaren said at SCOOP sa Kamayan forum yesterday. "You’ll be surprised, these scalpers hang around in schools to make their trade and with today’s technology, it is easy to do it."
But some scalpers still hang around venues. In fact, during the second Ateneo-La Salle game in the eliminations, several scalpers were arrested outside the Big Dome.
League officials are also faced with the problem of having to deal with counterfeit tickets. Already, some 100 fake tickets have been confiscated this season but no one has been arrested for this.
To prevent or minimize scalping, Pumaren said member schools must monitor the allocation of tickets. He recalled that during his days as a PBA player, tickets distributed to players are stamped with their names on it.
"They should try to monitor the ticket numbers if they allocate it to certain schools," he said. This way, authorities will know from whom the scalpers got their tickets.
La Salle coach Franz Pumaren said yesterday police authorities are practically helpless in arresting scalpers since these people have successfully used advances technology and communication to ply their trade.
Scalpers are expected to make a killing as demand for tickets in tomorrow’s start of the La Salle-Ateneo at the Araneta Coiseum have gone through the roof.
Despite efforts to curb the trade, police reportedly are having a difficult time implementing an anti-scalping law as scalpers turn to the Internet, eBay or texting to sell the tickets.
Though prices of tickets have jumped by leaps and bounds, there are still buyers willing to pay the stiff price as watching an Ateneo-La Salle game is a must for followers of the two schools whose rivalry, which some consider as insane and irrational, dates back decades and seem to grow even stronger.
Proof of this is that on eBay one bidder has offered P25,000 for a patron ticket for Sunday’s game. This ticket has a price tag of P300 but is normally is allotted by the league and the Araneta Coliseum to VIPs.
Upper box tickets costing between P70-170 are selling for as much as P4,000 while general admission tickets, the cheapest at P55, is going from P300-P500.
"Text messaging and the use of the Internet have made scalping easy," said Pumaren, who also serves as councilor of Quezon City and chief sponsor of the anti-scalping law passed by the QC council in 1997.
He said scalpers no longer linger around playing venues where they will be easy to spot and apprehend.
"The scalpers or the syndicates or the financiers, know their way around and they don’t stay around Quezon City," Pumaren said at SCOOP sa Kamayan forum yesterday. "You’ll be surprised, these scalpers hang around in schools to make their trade and with today’s technology, it is easy to do it."
But some scalpers still hang around venues. In fact, during the second Ateneo-La Salle game in the eliminations, several scalpers were arrested outside the Big Dome.
League officials are also faced with the problem of having to deal with counterfeit tickets. Already, some 100 fake tickets have been confiscated this season but no one has been arrested for this.
To prevent or minimize scalping, Pumaren said member schools must monitor the allocation of tickets. He recalled that during his days as a PBA player, tickets distributed to players are stamped with their names on it.
"They should try to monitor the ticket numbers if they allocate it to certain schools," he said. This way, authorities will know from whom the scalpers got their tickets.
Ateneo, FEU jrs start title series
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 20, 2008
Ateneo and FEU-Nicanor Reyes Educational Foundation open their best-of-three showdown for the juniors title of the 71st UAAP basketball tournament today at The Arena in San Juan.
The two teams, coming off contrasting fortunes to make it to the finals, tangle at 3 p.m.
The Eaglets trounced Adamson University while the Baby Tamaraws stunned defending champion De La Salle-Zobel by winning twice.
In the women’s division, Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines clash in their own best-of-three affair at 1 p.m.
Ateneo, which sported a 12-2 win-loss record, will again be led by Juami Tiongson, Kiefer Ravena and Jayvee Dumrique as Jamike Jarin is eyeing a sixth title in his 11th season as head coach.
The series will also feature a friendly duel between Jarin and his counterpart head coach Horacio Lim, who took over as head mentor of the Baby Tamaraws this season.
"They have a legendary coach in Horacio Lim who brought a lot of winning tradition to FEU," said Jarin. "We’re very close, minsan magkakasama kami we exchanged a lot of views, we go back a long time."
"I would say we’ll give him a good fight inside the court but outside he’s a good friend of mine," Lim said.
In FEU-FERN’s win over Zobel, the team was led by Chino Almario, Arwin Albano and Chris Tolomia, who scored 13 points in the winner-take-all match last Wednesday.
Big man Russel Escoto will also be tapped by Lim in order to neutralize the Ateneo frontline.
Meanwhile, Lady Tams head coach Mike Oliver will bank on Chovi Borja, Lynne Reyes and Bernadette Mercado in his quest for a first-ever title since 1999.
But the Lady Maroons, led by coach Eric Castro, aim to bounce back this time around after they were swept by Ateneo in the finals last season.
The duo of center Fatimo Tolentino and forward Sai Sadorra will lead UP in its bid to end a 25-year title drought.
Ateneo and FEU-Nicanor Reyes Educational Foundation open their best-of-three showdown for the juniors title of the 71st UAAP basketball tournament today at The Arena in San Juan.
The two teams, coming off contrasting fortunes to make it to the finals, tangle at 3 p.m.
The Eaglets trounced Adamson University while the Baby Tamaraws stunned defending champion De La Salle-Zobel by winning twice.
In the women’s division, Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines clash in their own best-of-three affair at 1 p.m.
Ateneo, which sported a 12-2 win-loss record, will again be led by Juami Tiongson, Kiefer Ravena and Jayvee Dumrique as Jamike Jarin is eyeing a sixth title in his 11th season as head coach.
The series will also feature a friendly duel between Jarin and his counterpart head coach Horacio Lim, who took over as head mentor of the Baby Tamaraws this season.
"They have a legendary coach in Horacio Lim who brought a lot of winning tradition to FEU," said Jarin. "We’re very close, minsan magkakasama kami we exchanged a lot of views, we go back a long time."
"I would say we’ll give him a good fight inside the court but outside he’s a good friend of mine," Lim said.
In FEU-FERN’s win over Zobel, the team was led by Chino Almario, Arwin Albano and Chris Tolomia, who scored 13 points in the winner-take-all match last Wednesday.
Big man Russel Escoto will also be tapped by Lim in order to neutralize the Ateneo frontline.
Meanwhile, Lady Tams head coach Mike Oliver will bank on Chovi Borja, Lynne Reyes and Bernadette Mercado in his quest for a first-ever title since 1999.
But the Lady Maroons, led by coach Eric Castro, aim to bounce back this time around after they were swept by Ateneo in the finals last season.
The duo of center Fatimo Tolentino and forward Sai Sadorra will lead UP in its bid to end a 25-year title drought.
Friday, September 19, 2008
UST jins bag sixth UAAP title
By Ma. Kristina Maralit - Manila Bulletin - September 19, 2008
University of Santo Tomas achieved a rare feat after posting a "six-peat" in the women’s division and reclaiming the men’s championship in the UAAP taekwondo tournament late Wednesday at the Far Eastern University Gym.
The Tigresses romped to their sixth straight title with a five-game sweep, capped by a 4-3 victory over University of the Philippines.
Flyweight Caryn Pilongo was adjudged women’s Most Valuable Player while teammate Jade Zafra was named Rookie of the Year.
It was also an easy victory for UST in the men’s division as the Growling Tigers cruised past La Salle, 6-1, and toughest rival FEU, 5-2, to regain the championship it lost to the Tamaraws last season.
MVP and ROY honors respectively went to flyweight Jurrie Bernardino and featherweight Dane de Roda.
"Even though we lost key players in the men’s and women’s teams, we came to the tournament well prepared," UST coach Dindo Simpao said. "Every year we’ve been faced with tough competition but we always managed to deliver."
The Lady Tamaraws came in second with a 4-1 slate, while the Lady Maroons settled for third spot at 5-2. Ateneo, meanwhile, took runner-up honors in the men’s side with a 4-1 record, while FEU came in third at 3-2.
In the juniors division, University of the East prevented a UST sweep of all the titles with the Pages ending UST’s six-year reign with a 5-0 record, beating the Baby Tamaraws (4-1) and the Tiger Cubs (3-2) to bag their first ever UAAP crown.
Anthony Sarnia was named juniors MVP, while John Resaba is ROY.
Taking second place is UST who finished with a 4-1 slate, while the Eaglets took third spot at 3-2 in the tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Taekwondo Association.
Pilongo along with teammates Nicole Amarillo (finweight) Camille Manalo (middle/heavyweight), and lead the gold medal winners in the distaff side followed by UP’s Geneve Castillo (featherweight), Wynde Legarda (lightweight), and Sheena Perlas (welterweight), and Eunice Alora (bantamweight) of La Salle.
In the men’s division, aside from Bernardino, UST’s other individual gold medals came from Christian dela Cruz (featherweight) and Samuel Morrison (welterweight). The other winners are Gyle Genoso (finweight) and Mark Dizon (flyweight) of Ateneo, FEU’s Rommel Roa (bantamweight) and Jacob Barroga (middle/heavyweight), and David Rivera (lightweight) of La Salle.
University of Santo Tomas achieved a rare feat after posting a "six-peat" in the women’s division and reclaiming the men’s championship in the UAAP taekwondo tournament late Wednesday at the Far Eastern University Gym.
The Tigresses romped to their sixth straight title with a five-game sweep, capped by a 4-3 victory over University of the Philippines.
Flyweight Caryn Pilongo was adjudged women’s Most Valuable Player while teammate Jade Zafra was named Rookie of the Year.
It was also an easy victory for UST in the men’s division as the Growling Tigers cruised past La Salle, 6-1, and toughest rival FEU, 5-2, to regain the championship it lost to the Tamaraws last season.
MVP and ROY honors respectively went to flyweight Jurrie Bernardino and featherweight Dane de Roda.
"Even though we lost key players in the men’s and women’s teams, we came to the tournament well prepared," UST coach Dindo Simpao said. "Every year we’ve been faced with tough competition but we always managed to deliver."
The Lady Tamaraws came in second with a 4-1 slate, while the Lady Maroons settled for third spot at 5-2. Ateneo, meanwhile, took runner-up honors in the men’s side with a 4-1 record, while FEU came in third at 3-2.
In the juniors division, University of the East prevented a UST sweep of all the titles with the Pages ending UST’s six-year reign with a 5-0 record, beating the Baby Tamaraws (4-1) and the Tiger Cubs (3-2) to bag their first ever UAAP crown.
Anthony Sarnia was named juniors MVP, while John Resaba is ROY.
Taking second place is UST who finished with a 4-1 slate, while the Eaglets took third spot at 3-2 in the tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Taekwondo Association.
Pilongo along with teammates Nicole Amarillo (finweight) Camille Manalo (middle/heavyweight), and lead the gold medal winners in the distaff side followed by UP’s Geneve Castillo (featherweight), Wynde Legarda (lightweight), and Sheena Perlas (welterweight), and Eunice Alora (bantamweight) of La Salle.
In the men’s division, aside from Bernardino, UST’s other individual gold medals came from Christian dela Cruz (featherweight) and Samuel Morrison (welterweight). The other winners are Gyle Genoso (finweight) and Mark Dizon (flyweight) of Ateneo, FEU’s Rommel Roa (bantamweight) and Jacob Barroga (middle/heavyweight), and David Rivera (lightweight) of La Salle.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tiu and Casio want to leave with a bang
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 18, 2008
Chris Tiu of Ateneo de Manila and JV Casio of De la Salle are hoping to leave a mark in their final season in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Tiu and Casio are expected to play starring roles when the Eagles and the Archers begin their best-of-three title series on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Both players are having their best season since they started suiting up in 2003.
Casio, a prized recruit from the San Beda Red Cubs of coach Ato Badolato, began his rookie season with a solid role for the Green Archers. He averaged 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists to capture rookie of the year honors.
But he would be remembered a year later when he sank a game-winning triple late that gave the Archers the 2004 championship.
Although the Archers were stripped of that title following an eligibility scandal, Casio continued to improve over the next two seasons. He was named as the co-Finals MVP with Cholo Villanueva last year when La Salle swept University of the East to capture the crown.
This season, Casio had career-highs of 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He scored a season-high 29 points against Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas.
During their playoff with the Tamaraws for the twice-to-beat incentive, Casio poured 10 of his 16 points in the second half to lead the Archers to victory. The performance came after a poor showing against Ateneo the previous game.
"That’s a very good sign of a good player after playing a horrible game and at the end of the day, we completely trust JV," said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.
On the other hand, Tiu started as a benchwarmer with Ateneo in his first two seasons before spending one year as an exchange student abroad.
In 2006 however, Tiu came back to the team and made a significant role for the team that placed second to University of Santo Tomas in the finals, averaging 11.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Last season, he gradually improved to 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
The Eagles, however, were ambushed by the Archers in the Final Four.
Tiu’s averages of 14.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists were impressive considering Ateneo’s deep and balanced roster composed of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, rookie Ryan Buenafe, Eric Salamat, and Nonoy Baclao among others.
For Ateneo mentor Norman Black, Tiu’s value goes beyond statistics.
"No question he’s our leader whether he’s scoring the basketball or orchestrating our plays or playing defensively," Black said. "He’s our captain, his value is not really determined on how much he scores but more so of his leadership on the court."
Chris Tiu of Ateneo de Manila and JV Casio of De la Salle are hoping to leave a mark in their final season in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Tiu and Casio are expected to play starring roles when the Eagles and the Archers begin their best-of-three title series on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Both players are having their best season since they started suiting up in 2003.
Casio, a prized recruit from the San Beda Red Cubs of coach Ato Badolato, began his rookie season with a solid role for the Green Archers. He averaged 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists to capture rookie of the year honors.
But he would be remembered a year later when he sank a game-winning triple late that gave the Archers the 2004 championship.
Although the Archers were stripped of that title following an eligibility scandal, Casio continued to improve over the next two seasons. He was named as the co-Finals MVP with Cholo Villanueva last year when La Salle swept University of the East to capture the crown.
This season, Casio had career-highs of 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He scored a season-high 29 points against Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas.
During their playoff with the Tamaraws for the twice-to-beat incentive, Casio poured 10 of his 16 points in the second half to lead the Archers to victory. The performance came after a poor showing against Ateneo the previous game.
"That’s a very good sign of a good player after playing a horrible game and at the end of the day, we completely trust JV," said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.
On the other hand, Tiu started as a benchwarmer with Ateneo in his first two seasons before spending one year as an exchange student abroad.
In 2006 however, Tiu came back to the team and made a significant role for the team that placed second to University of Santo Tomas in the finals, averaging 11.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Last season, he gradually improved to 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
The Eagles, however, were ambushed by the Archers in the Final Four.
Tiu’s averages of 14.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists were impressive considering Ateneo’s deep and balanced roster composed of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, rookie Ryan Buenafe, Eric Salamat, and Nonoy Baclao among others.
For Ateneo mentor Norman Black, Tiu’s value goes beyond statistics.
"No question he’s our leader whether he’s scoring the basketball or orchestrating our plays or playing defensively," Black said. "He’s our captain, his value is not really determined on how much he scores but more so of his leadership on the court."
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Ateneo vs La Salle
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 17, 2008
Friendship takes a backseat.
In the past, Norman Black and Franz Pumaren will be setting aside mementos of friendship and tokens of gratitude starting Sunday when the forces of fate call on them to take up arms and go to war against each other.
Black will carry the flag for the Ateneo Blue Eagles and Pumaren will wave the banner for the De La Salle Green Archers, and their battlefield will be the 2008 UAAP Finals, a best-of-three showdown that could bring forth the best and the worst from college basketball’s most celebrated arch enemies.
But for one brief encounter yesterday, before tradition-fed animosity and hostility take over sworn allegiance and happy memories, Black and Pumaren shared a table, a few laughs and a general feeling of camaraderie as guests in the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Pizza on U.N. Avenue.
And a few days before anticipation, second-guessing and planning ahead become the demands of the event, looking back and reminiscing had both coaches locked in embrace with their glorious past.
"Franz played for me and I played with him for 12 years," Black recalled.
"We know each other pretty well, we have a long history but as you know there’s a big difference between green and blue in this country."
The two started out with San Miguel Beer in the PBA during the late-1980s as Black steered the Beermen to nine championships with Pumaren as his backup point guard to Hector Calma.
Pumaren also became the frequent recipient of Black’s outlet passes when the many-time Best Import suited up as the Beermen’s reinforcement on a number of conferences.
The pair cemented their partnership in 1989 when San Miguel completed the PBA’s third Grand Slam.
After the two left SMB in 1996, they spent time with Mobiline when Black took over as coach while Pumaren played for one season before retiring after the 1997 season to coach La Salle.
Later on, Black hired Pumaren as his assistant with Sta Lucia Realty where they eventually won the Governors Cup in 2001, ironically against their former club.
"One advantage of working with him for the last many years is that I know a lot of secrets," Pumaren said, laughing and hastening to add, "don’t get me wrong, secrets in basketball."
Pumaren clarified: "Being a player, a teammate and as an assistant coach, I learned a lot from him. There’s no substitute for being around somebody with so much experience and knowledge."
Although favored to win the title after coasting to a 13-1 record in the elimination round and then drubbing University of the East in the Final Four, Black said La Salle is anything but a pushover.
"UE was favored last season when they were swept by La Salle, and they are the defending champions. They know how to play, they are well-coached and we have to be ready," Black said.
Pumaren said the Green Archers are the underdogs, but not by choice.
"If you look at the teams that I handled, I don’t think we have a dominant team it’s just that during this stretch," said Pumaren. "We always try to set a notch higher and the more games that we play, the more experience we gain. I think that’s our advantage at this stage."
Black brushes off the tag, as well.
"When you talk about underdogs, actually that’s you guys who put label on us," Black told sportswriters. "I think both Franz and I we respect each other’s teams. We know the game is going to be won on the basketball court and not by labels or titles before the series even starts.
"No matter if you are favored or the underdog you have to show up on Sunday and play. We’ll let you guys label us and all but we have to prove it once the series starts."
After the departure of TY Tang and Cholo Villanueva, Pumaren was relieved to reach the finals with a roster that revolved around JV Casio and Rico Maierhofer.
"Before the season, I don’t think we were really rated highly because of the graduation of some players, but we were able to survive so I think we were fortunate to play in the finals despite the loss of key players," he said.
Black, who led the Loyola-based squad to the finals in 2006, said that this year’s team has put more emphasis on defensive compared to the more offense-oriented squad of two seasons ago led by JC Intal and Macky Escalona.
"The team in 2006 was a better offensive team but defensively we’re probably an average team. I think we are much better defensively this time," Black said when he compared the two teams.
Friendship takes a backseat.
In the past, Norman Black and Franz Pumaren will be setting aside mementos of friendship and tokens of gratitude starting Sunday when the forces of fate call on them to take up arms and go to war against each other.
Black will carry the flag for the Ateneo Blue Eagles and Pumaren will wave the banner for the De La Salle Green Archers, and their battlefield will be the 2008 UAAP Finals, a best-of-three showdown that could bring forth the best and the worst from college basketball’s most celebrated arch enemies.
But for one brief encounter yesterday, before tradition-fed animosity and hostility take over sworn allegiance and happy memories, Black and Pumaren shared a table, a few laughs and a general feeling of camaraderie as guests in the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Pizza on U.N. Avenue.
And a few days before anticipation, second-guessing and planning ahead become the demands of the event, looking back and reminiscing had both coaches locked in embrace with their glorious past.
"Franz played for me and I played with him for 12 years," Black recalled.
"We know each other pretty well, we have a long history but as you know there’s a big difference between green and blue in this country."
The two started out with San Miguel Beer in the PBA during the late-1980s as Black steered the Beermen to nine championships with Pumaren as his backup point guard to Hector Calma.
Pumaren also became the frequent recipient of Black’s outlet passes when the many-time Best Import suited up as the Beermen’s reinforcement on a number of conferences.
The pair cemented their partnership in 1989 when San Miguel completed the PBA’s third Grand Slam.
After the two left SMB in 1996, they spent time with Mobiline when Black took over as coach while Pumaren played for one season before retiring after the 1997 season to coach La Salle.
Later on, Black hired Pumaren as his assistant with Sta Lucia Realty where they eventually won the Governors Cup in 2001, ironically against their former club.
"One advantage of working with him for the last many years is that I know a lot of secrets," Pumaren said, laughing and hastening to add, "don’t get me wrong, secrets in basketball."
Pumaren clarified: "Being a player, a teammate and as an assistant coach, I learned a lot from him. There’s no substitute for being around somebody with so much experience and knowledge."
Although favored to win the title after coasting to a 13-1 record in the elimination round and then drubbing University of the East in the Final Four, Black said La Salle is anything but a pushover.
"UE was favored last season when they were swept by La Salle, and they are the defending champions. They know how to play, they are well-coached and we have to be ready," Black said.
Pumaren said the Green Archers are the underdogs, but not by choice.
"If you look at the teams that I handled, I don’t think we have a dominant team it’s just that during this stretch," said Pumaren. "We always try to set a notch higher and the more games that we play, the more experience we gain. I think that’s our advantage at this stage."
Black brushes off the tag, as well.
"When you talk about underdogs, actually that’s you guys who put label on us," Black told sportswriters. "I think both Franz and I we respect each other’s teams. We know the game is going to be won on the basketball court and not by labels or titles before the series even starts.
"No matter if you are favored or the underdog you have to show up on Sunday and play. We’ll let you guys label us and all but we have to prove it once the series starts."
After the departure of TY Tang and Cholo Villanueva, Pumaren was relieved to reach the finals with a roster that revolved around JV Casio and Rico Maierhofer.
"Before the season, I don’t think we were really rated highly because of the graduation of some players, but we were able to survive so I think we were fortunate to play in the finals despite the loss of key players," he said.
Black, who led the Loyola-based squad to the finals in 2006, said that this year’s team has put more emphasis on defensive compared to the more offense-oriented squad of two seasons ago led by JC Intal and Macky Escalona.
"The team in 2006 was a better offensive team but defensively we’re probably an average team. I think we are much better defensively this time," Black said when he compared the two teams.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Game Result: DLSU 62 - FEU 59
DLSU Green Archers
67 Points
35 Rebounds
14 Assists
_8 Steals
_1 Blocks
27/67 (42.19%) FG
_4/17 (23.53%) 3P FG
_9/15 (60.00%) FT
FEU Tamaraws
62 Points
37 Rebounds
14 Assists
_3 Steals
_6 Blocks
18/51 (35.29%) FG
_4/19 (21.05%) 3P FG
22/31 (70.97%) FT
Quarters: 16-20, 34-38, 48-52, 67-62
67 Points
35 Rebounds
14 Assists
_8 Steals
_1 Blocks
27/67 (42.19%) FG
_4/17 (23.53%) 3P FG
_9/15 (60.00%) FT
FEU Tamaraws
62 Points
37 Rebounds
14 Assists
_3 Steals
_6 Blocks
18/51 (35.29%) FG
_4/19 (21.05%) 3P FG
22/31 (70.97%) FT
Quarters: 16-20, 34-38, 48-52, 67-62
Game Result: ADMU 70 - UE 50
Game Result: ADMU 70 - UE 50
70 Points
36 Rebounds
19 Assists
_8 Steals
_3 Blocks
28/61 (45.90%) FG
_6/14 (42.86%) 3P FG
_8/9_ (88.89%) FT
UE Red Warriors
50 Points
29 Rebounds
_9 Assists
_8 Steals
_4 Blocks
15/50 (30.00%) FG
_5/19 (26.325%) 3P FG
15/20 (75.00%) FT
Quarters: 17-11, 32-21, 49-28, 70-50
70 Points
36 Rebounds
19 Assists
_8 Steals
_3 Blocks
28/61 (45.90%) FG
_6/14 (42.86%) 3P FG
_8/9_ (88.89%) FT
UE Red Warriors
50 Points
29 Rebounds
_9 Assists
_8 Steals
_4 Blocks
15/50 (30.00%) FG
_5/19 (26.325%) 3P FG
15/20 (75.00%) FT
Quarters: 17-11, 32-21, 49-28, 70-50
Archers, Eagles collide in finals
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 15, 2008
Defending champion De La Salle and Ateneo arranged a dream title showdown by sending home separate opponents yesterday in the 71st UAAP Final Four at the Araneta Coliseum.
The top-seeded Blue Eagles, who finished the season with a 13-1 record, routed University of the East, 70-50, while the Archers outlasted Far Eastern University, 67-62.
La Salle and Ateneo, which will meet in the finals for the fourth time in UAAP history, start their best-of-three titular showdown on Sunday.
"There will be no secrets between us I guess, we know each other pretty well," said Ateneo coach Norman Black who steered his team to its seventh finals appearance since the school joined the league in 1979 while aiming for a fourth title in history.
"I think not only we’ll it be good for college basketball but also it will be good for Philippine basketball," said La Salle mentor Franz Pumaren.
Jai Reyes led Ateneo with 13 points 5-of-8 shooting, Nonoy Baclao made 12 points and nine rebounds and Eric Salamat added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Ateneo pulled away in the second quarter behind Reyes and Salamat who combined for 19 points in the first half.
The Eagles took a commanding 56-28 fourth quarter lead with 8:09 remaining.
"Actually we didn’t expect it to turn out that way," Black added. "Just getting closer to the end, I think our concentration in this game and the next two will be focused on defense and try to limit the other teams as much as possible."
The Archers leaned on the heroics of James Mangahas to grab the first berth in the finals.
Mangahas scored his team’s last eight points, including the go-ahead three-point basket with 35.2 remaining as the Green Archers eliminated feisty Far Eastern University, 67-62.
The Archers, who entered the finals for 13th time in the last 15 seasons, are gunning for their seventh crown since joining the league in 1986.
"We really showed our championship poise down the stretch and I think our experience in playing the final four really helped us," said La Salle head coach Franz Pumaren. "The players just don’t want to lose, they don’t want to play another game."
With DLSU trailing 62-61, FEU’s Benedict Fernandez missed a turnaround shot off JV Casio. Rico Maierhofer, who grabbed the rebound, threw a pass to an open Mangahas who scored off Fernandez for the go-ahead basket.
After converting his bonus shot, FEU bungled on two foul shots of Mac Baracael and then Paul Sanga missed a long game-tying three-point attempt with less than six seconds to go that sealed the Archers’ victory.
In a tight contest that saw five deadlocks and three lead changes in the second half, the 21-year old former Philippine Christian University Baby Dolphin led DLSU with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting together with eight rebounds in 30 minutes.
"JV (Casio) is usually covered, people will surround him but they forgot about James Mangahas," said Pumaren. "He has been playing terrible, we have talked to him and I’m happy he assumed the hero’s role in this ballgame."
JV Casio added 11 points, four rebounds and six assists while Rico Maierhofer fell two points shy of a double-double with eight points and 10 boards.
JR Cawaling scored 13 of his 18 points in the first half while Aldrech Ramos made 12 points, eight rebounds and six blocks as FEU, who made its first final four since winning the championship in 2005, ended its season on a sad note.
"I think we played a great series against FEU," said Pumaren. "Kudos to (FEU head coach) Glenn Capacio, they made it a difficult series for us if he could be given more free hand to coach maybe they can be a better team."
Defending champion De La Salle and Ateneo arranged a dream title showdown by sending home separate opponents yesterday in the 71st UAAP Final Four at the Araneta Coliseum.
The top-seeded Blue Eagles, who finished the season with a 13-1 record, routed University of the East, 70-50, while the Archers outlasted Far Eastern University, 67-62.
La Salle and Ateneo, which will meet in the finals for the fourth time in UAAP history, start their best-of-three titular showdown on Sunday.
"There will be no secrets between us I guess, we know each other pretty well," said Ateneo coach Norman Black who steered his team to its seventh finals appearance since the school joined the league in 1979 while aiming for a fourth title in history.
"I think not only we’ll it be good for college basketball but also it will be good for Philippine basketball," said La Salle mentor Franz Pumaren.
Jai Reyes led Ateneo with 13 points 5-of-8 shooting, Nonoy Baclao made 12 points and nine rebounds and Eric Salamat added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Ateneo pulled away in the second quarter behind Reyes and Salamat who combined for 19 points in the first half.
The Eagles took a commanding 56-28 fourth quarter lead with 8:09 remaining.
"Actually we didn’t expect it to turn out that way," Black added. "Just getting closer to the end, I think our concentration in this game and the next two will be focused on defense and try to limit the other teams as much as possible."
The Archers leaned on the heroics of James Mangahas to grab the first berth in the finals.
Mangahas scored his team’s last eight points, including the go-ahead three-point basket with 35.2 remaining as the Green Archers eliminated feisty Far Eastern University, 67-62.
The Archers, who entered the finals for 13th time in the last 15 seasons, are gunning for their seventh crown since joining the league in 1986.
"We really showed our championship poise down the stretch and I think our experience in playing the final four really helped us," said La Salle head coach Franz Pumaren. "The players just don’t want to lose, they don’t want to play another game."
With DLSU trailing 62-61, FEU’s Benedict Fernandez missed a turnaround shot off JV Casio. Rico Maierhofer, who grabbed the rebound, threw a pass to an open Mangahas who scored off Fernandez for the go-ahead basket.
After converting his bonus shot, FEU bungled on two foul shots of Mac Baracael and then Paul Sanga missed a long game-tying three-point attempt with less than six seconds to go that sealed the Archers’ victory.
In a tight contest that saw five deadlocks and three lead changes in the second half, the 21-year old former Philippine Christian University Baby Dolphin led DLSU with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting together with eight rebounds in 30 minutes.
"JV (Casio) is usually covered, people will surround him but they forgot about James Mangahas," said Pumaren. "He has been playing terrible, we have talked to him and I’m happy he assumed the hero’s role in this ballgame."
JV Casio added 11 points, four rebounds and six assists while Rico Maierhofer fell two points shy of a double-double with eight points and 10 boards.
JR Cawaling scored 13 of his 18 points in the first half while Aldrech Ramos made 12 points, eight rebounds and six blocks as FEU, who made its first final four since winning the championship in 2005, ended its season on a sad note.
"I think we played a great series against FEU," said Pumaren. "Kudos to (FEU head coach) Glenn Capacio, they made it a difficult series for us if he could be given more free hand to coach maybe they can be a better team."
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Eagles, Archers eye UAAP duel
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 14, 2008
Will it be an Ateneo-De La Salle duel in the UAAP basketball tournament finals?
This will be the quest of both the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers today when they face separate rivals in the Final 4 at the Araneta Coliseum.
The defending champions Archers meet Far Eastern University at 2 p.m. while the Eagles, who finished the double-round eliminations on top with a near-perfect 13-1 record, face University of the East iat 4 o’clock.
But while this possible scenario could happen for the first time since Ateneo defeated La Salle in 2002, UE and FEU hope to spoil it by forcing a rubber match and eventually beat their more-favored opponents.
"Hopefully maganda pa rin laro namin pero kumpiyansa ako na maganda itatakbo ng team," said UE coach Dindo Pumaren, whose team will look to become the first team in history to beat a top-seeded team since the Final Four format was institutionalized in 1997.
As for FEU mentor Glenn Capacio, a revenge of their 59-62 loss to the same Archers for the second twice-to-beat incentive is on his sight.
"Our backs are against the wall," said Capacio. "Siguro susubukan ng mga bata na pakita nila yung puso nila tulad nung mga games sa eliminations pero dapat gawin naming yung part namin sa laro para magkaroon pa ng isang game."
Despite having the advantage, both Ateneo and La Salle are not taking their opponents lightly.
"All our games against UE have been very close, not just this year but last season so we played them pretty well," Black said. "It’s never a game that has been lopsided so I think it’s going to be a tough game."
"They really picked up their intensity (UE) you can see it with the way they are playing," Black said. "They are pressuring the ball quite well these days and I think they have changed a little bit by going to their big men on the post, they are playing great basketball."
For his part, Pumaren said of the Tamaraws: "I think they are a very good team that can compete against us and I don’t think they will give the game to us,"
Hoping to make win for the third time after winning 64-58 last July 13 and 61-57 in overtime last August 21, Ateneo will rely on big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini, team captain Chris Tiu, rookie Ryan Buenafe and its other reliable players on the bench such as Noy Baclao and Eric Salamat.
But UE, which almost pulled off an upset over the Eagles in their second meeting, will counter with veteran Marcy Arellano, who has regained his consistent play, along with rookie Paul Zamar, Raffy Reyes, James Martinez and big men Pari Llagas, Elmer Espiritu and Hans Thiele.
As for Pumaren and his Archers, a better endgame execution is one of the main keys in their game against the Morayta-based squad.
"FEU really played hard last game, I guess we really need to have more effort, down the stretch things would have been over but we didn’t execute well," Pumaren said of his team’s playoff match with the Tamaraws.
In last Thursday’s match, JV Casio erupted for 16 points while Rico Maierhofer added 14 and 10 rebounds while Simon Atkins, Peejay Barua and Bader Malabes also contributed in the win.
Will it be an Ateneo-De La Salle duel in the UAAP basketball tournament finals?
This will be the quest of both the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers today when they face separate rivals in the Final 4 at the Araneta Coliseum.
The defending champions Archers meet Far Eastern University at 2 p.m. while the Eagles, who finished the double-round eliminations on top with a near-perfect 13-1 record, face University of the East iat 4 o’clock.
But while this possible scenario could happen for the first time since Ateneo defeated La Salle in 2002, UE and FEU hope to spoil it by forcing a rubber match and eventually beat their more-favored opponents.
"Hopefully maganda pa rin laro namin pero kumpiyansa ako na maganda itatakbo ng team," said UE coach Dindo Pumaren, whose team will look to become the first team in history to beat a top-seeded team since the Final Four format was institutionalized in 1997.
As for FEU mentor Glenn Capacio, a revenge of their 59-62 loss to the same Archers for the second twice-to-beat incentive is on his sight.
"Our backs are against the wall," said Capacio. "Siguro susubukan ng mga bata na pakita nila yung puso nila tulad nung mga games sa eliminations pero dapat gawin naming yung part namin sa laro para magkaroon pa ng isang game."
Despite having the advantage, both Ateneo and La Salle are not taking their opponents lightly.
"All our games against UE have been very close, not just this year but last season so we played them pretty well," Black said. "It’s never a game that has been lopsided so I think it’s going to be a tough game."
"They really picked up their intensity (UE) you can see it with the way they are playing," Black said. "They are pressuring the ball quite well these days and I think they have changed a little bit by going to their big men on the post, they are playing great basketball."
For his part, Pumaren said of the Tamaraws: "I think they are a very good team that can compete against us and I don’t think they will give the game to us,"
Hoping to make win for the third time after winning 64-58 last July 13 and 61-57 in overtime last August 21, Ateneo will rely on big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini, team captain Chris Tiu, rookie Ryan Buenafe and its other reliable players on the bench such as Noy Baclao and Eric Salamat.
But UE, which almost pulled off an upset over the Eagles in their second meeting, will counter with veteran Marcy Arellano, who has regained his consistent play, along with rookie Paul Zamar, Raffy Reyes, James Martinez and big men Pari Llagas, Elmer Espiritu and Hans Thiele.
As for Pumaren and his Archers, a better endgame execution is one of the main keys in their game against the Morayta-based squad.
"FEU really played hard last game, I guess we really need to have more effort, down the stretch things would have been over but we didn’t execute well," Pumaren said of his team’s playoff match with the Tamaraws.
In last Thursday’s match, JV Casio erupted for 16 points while Rico Maierhofer added 14 and 10 rebounds while Simon Atkins, Peejay Barua and Bader Malabes also contributed in the win.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Final 4 coaches pick Ateneo
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 13, 2008
Coaches from three of the four teams in the Final Four of the 71st UAAP basketball tournament are in agreement: Ateneo is the team to beat this year.
And for Bong Ravena, an assistant coach at University of the East, which goes to Sunday’s semifinals against the Blue Eagles surrendering a twice-to-beat edge, having to beat Ateneo twice is a task almost Herculean in nature.
"They have the twice-to-beat advantage. That is the task we will try to overcome," Ravena said.
"And of course, they play smart basketball on every possession so kailangan talaga naming I-value pag nasa amin ang bola."
Far Eastern coach Glenn Capacio, De La Salle assistant Tonichi Yturri, and Ravena graced yesterday’s SCOOP sa Kamayan-Padre Faura and pointed to the imposing presence of center Raveh Al-Hussaini as Ateneo’s biggest asset.
"Siyempre yung advantage nila yung sa big man, lalo na si Rabeh," said Capacio. "Kasi kailangan mong siya i-double siya pero kailangan mo din bantayan ang mga shooters nila so may advantage talaga sila."
"Like what coach Glenn said, Rabeh has become a player that you have to think of," Yturri said. "I think they are playing the best basketball among the top four teams."
The object of the coaches’ high regard, Norman Black, their Ateneo counterpart, offered no contrasting view.
Black, who also attended the weekly forum, credited his team’s size for its 13-1 record during the elimination.
"I think the thing that we have been utilizing most over the course of the year has been our size and our ability to get the ball inside," Black said.
"Rabeh has improved a lot this season. In the beginning, I don’t think anybody took him seriously. But I think in the second round, teams started double-teaming him more, giving our shooters more good looks."
Regardless of their sparkling record and playoff advantage, Black said he isn’t looking beyond their semifinal encounter with UE.
"There’s always pressure, it’s part of the game,"said Black. "At this point of the season, we already played 14 games and we have a big game on Sunday so we’ll just concentrate on the game and not be too worried about the pressure because it’s always there."
Pressure is neither a factor for the defending champion Green Archers when they go up against the FEU Tamaraws, said Yturri.
"I think that from the start of this season, big things are expected from La Salle," he said. "I think there should not be any pressure on us. What we are more concerned of is our seeming inability to close out games resoundingly. It’s more mental than physical."
FEU’s 62-59 loss to La Salle, which blew a 15-point lead before regrouping, in the playoff Thursday was a huge disappointment for Capacio.
"Our backs are against the wall," Capacio said. "Siyempre mababa ang morale ng team pero para ma-extend namin ng isa pang game dapat magawa namin yung aming part."
Ravena, on the other hand, relishes their underdog label against Ateneo.
"Since the Nike Summer League championship, hindi pa namin tinatalo ang Ateneo," said Ravena. "But we will play hard and do whatever it takes to win."
Coaches from three of the four teams in the Final Four of the 71st UAAP basketball tournament are in agreement: Ateneo is the team to beat this year.
And for Bong Ravena, an assistant coach at University of the East, which goes to Sunday’s semifinals against the Blue Eagles surrendering a twice-to-beat edge, having to beat Ateneo twice is a task almost Herculean in nature.
"They have the twice-to-beat advantage. That is the task we will try to overcome," Ravena said.
"And of course, they play smart basketball on every possession so kailangan talaga naming I-value pag nasa amin ang bola."
Far Eastern coach Glenn Capacio, De La Salle assistant Tonichi Yturri, and Ravena graced yesterday’s SCOOP sa Kamayan-Padre Faura and pointed to the imposing presence of center Raveh Al-Hussaini as Ateneo’s biggest asset.
"Siyempre yung advantage nila yung sa big man, lalo na si Rabeh," said Capacio. "Kasi kailangan mong siya i-double siya pero kailangan mo din bantayan ang mga shooters nila so may advantage talaga sila."
"Like what coach Glenn said, Rabeh has become a player that you have to think of," Yturri said. "I think they are playing the best basketball among the top four teams."
The object of the coaches’ high regard, Norman Black, their Ateneo counterpart, offered no contrasting view.
Black, who also attended the weekly forum, credited his team’s size for its 13-1 record during the elimination.
"I think the thing that we have been utilizing most over the course of the year has been our size and our ability to get the ball inside," Black said.
"Rabeh has improved a lot this season. In the beginning, I don’t think anybody took him seriously. But I think in the second round, teams started double-teaming him more, giving our shooters more good looks."
Regardless of their sparkling record and playoff advantage, Black said he isn’t looking beyond their semifinal encounter with UE.
"There’s always pressure, it’s part of the game,"said Black. "At this point of the season, we already played 14 games and we have a big game on Sunday so we’ll just concentrate on the game and not be too worried about the pressure because it’s always there."
Pressure is neither a factor for the defending champion Green Archers when they go up against the FEU Tamaraws, said Yturri.
"I think that from the start of this season, big things are expected from La Salle," he said. "I think there should not be any pressure on us. What we are more concerned of is our seeming inability to close out games resoundingly. It’s more mental than physical."
FEU’s 62-59 loss to La Salle, which blew a 15-point lead before regrouping, in the playoff Thursday was a huge disappointment for Capacio.
"Our backs are against the wall," Capacio said. "Siyempre mababa ang morale ng team pero para ma-extend namin ng isa pang game dapat magawa namin yung aming part."
Ravena, on the other hand, relishes their underdog label against Ateneo.
"Since the Nike Summer League championship, hindi pa namin tinatalo ang Ateneo," said Ravena. "But we will play hard and do whatever it takes to win."
Juniors, women’s semis on today
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 13, 2008
Defending champion De La Salle-Zobel and Ateneo try to forge a remake of last year’s finals showdown in the UAAP basketball tournament juniors division today when they face separate rivals at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Bengals tangle with FEU-Nicanor Reyes Education Foundation (FEU-FERN) dribblers at 1 p.m. while the Eaglets meet the Adamson junior Falcons at 3 o’clock with both teams bidding to finish the Final 4 early.
The Eaglets, swept La Salle in last year’s finale, and the Bengals finished the double-round eliminations tied for first with identical 12-2 records for the two twice-to-beat incentives.
The Eaglets, however, nailed the top spot due to a superior quotient following a 69-64 win over DLSZ last Saturday at the Blue Eagle gym.
Expected to lead the Eaglets are guards Juami Tiongson, who finished with a 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 steals a contest, and Kiefer Ravena, son of former PBA cager Bong Ravena, who tallied 12.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists in his second-year with the team.
The Junior Falcons, on the other hand, will be bannered by top MVP candidate Mark Juruena, who is leading the statistical points race with 87.1429 after posting 20.3 points and 13.6 rebounds per game as he led the team to a 9-5 record.
Despite being relegated to second after holding the lead for most of the tournament, the Bengals still loom as the heavy favorites against the Baby Tamaraws.
Meanwhile, the Final Four in the women’s division starts at 9 a.m. when University of Santo Tomas meets third seed University of the Philippines while top-seed Far Eastern University meets number four Adamson.
The Lady Tamaraws dominated the double-round elims with a near-perfect 13-1 record with a deep lineup composed of Chovi Borja, who led the team at 10.9 points, Lynne Reyes, who made 11.1 boards a game, Raiza Palmera, Mary Ann Biag-Ao and Bernadette Mercado.
Defending champion De La Salle-Zobel and Ateneo try to forge a remake of last year’s finals showdown in the UAAP basketball tournament juniors division today when they face separate rivals at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Bengals tangle with FEU-Nicanor Reyes Education Foundation (FEU-FERN) dribblers at 1 p.m. while the Eaglets meet the Adamson junior Falcons at 3 o’clock with both teams bidding to finish the Final 4 early.
The Eaglets, swept La Salle in last year’s finale, and the Bengals finished the double-round eliminations tied for first with identical 12-2 records for the two twice-to-beat incentives.
The Eaglets, however, nailed the top spot due to a superior quotient following a 69-64 win over DLSZ last Saturday at the Blue Eagle gym.
Expected to lead the Eaglets are guards Juami Tiongson, who finished with a 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 steals a contest, and Kiefer Ravena, son of former PBA cager Bong Ravena, who tallied 12.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists in his second-year with the team.
The Junior Falcons, on the other hand, will be bannered by top MVP candidate Mark Juruena, who is leading the statistical points race with 87.1429 after posting 20.3 points and 13.6 rebounds per game as he led the team to a 9-5 record.
Despite being relegated to second after holding the lead for most of the tournament, the Bengals still loom as the heavy favorites against the Baby Tamaraws.
Meanwhile, the Final Four in the women’s division starts at 9 a.m. when University of Santo Tomas meets third seed University of the Philippines while top-seed Far Eastern University meets number four Adamson.
The Lady Tamaraws dominated the double-round elims with a near-perfect 13-1 record with a deep lineup composed of Chovi Borja, who led the team at 10.9 points, Lynne Reyes, who made 11.1 boards a game, Raiza Palmera, Mary Ann Biag-Ao and Bernadette Mercado.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Game Result: DLSU 62 - FEU 59
DLSU Green Archers
62 Points
43 Rebounds
_7 Assists
_3 Steals
_5 Blocks
22/72 (30.56%) FG
_2/20 (10.00%) 3P FG
16/25 (64.00%) FT
FEU Tamaraws
59 Points
47 Rebounds
10 Assists
_5 Steals
_6 Blocks
19/56 (33.93%) FG
_6/24 (25.00%) 3P FG
15/25 (60.00%) FT
Quarters: 8-10, 23-25, 47-39, 62-59
62 Points
43 Rebounds
_7 Assists
_3 Steals
_5 Blocks
22/72 (30.56%) FG
_2/20 (10.00%) 3P FG
16/25 (64.00%) FT
FEU Tamaraws
59 Points
47 Rebounds
10 Assists
_5 Steals
_6 Blocks
19/56 (33.93%) FG
_6/24 (25.00%) 3P FG
15/25 (60.00%) FT
Quarters: 8-10, 23-25, 47-39, 62-59
Archers 1 win from final
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 12, 2008
JV Casio poured 10 of his 16 points in the second half to lead defending champion De La Salle University to a pulsating 62-59 win over Far Eastern University yesterday in the UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
Held to just five points on 2-of-16 shooting from the field by Ateneo last Saturday, Casio played the fireman's role for the Archers who survived a blistering FEU comeback.
The win enabled the Archers to seize the second twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four starting Sunday.
"His performance is a very good sign of a great player by bouncing back from a horrible shooting. At the end of the day we completely trust JV," La Salle coach Franz Pumaren said, referring to Casio.
Rico Maierhofer added 14 points and 10 rebounds, Peejay Barua made 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting while Bader Malabes scored all of his nine points in the third quarter as La Salle overcame an eight-point second quarter deficit.
The Archers held a commanding 15-point lead, 56-41, with 7:51 left and then held off the Tamaraws in the closing seconds with JR Cawaling missing a game-tying three-point attempt before the final buzzer.
After a slow second half, the Archers worked their way up behind Malabes, Casio, Maierhofer and Barua, who combined for 12 points to give the Archers the upperhand, 47-39, going into the final 10 minutes.
After the game, Pumaren dedicated the game to Sofronio Santiago, father of Green Archers assistant coach Jack Santiago, who passed away at 6:15 p.m. at the Manila Doctors Hospital, almost a few minutes after the game, due to complications from numerous illnesses.
According to Pumaren, this was the reason why he had to leave the RP Youth Team who was campaigning in Tehran, Iran last week. He claimed that the younger Santiago, who handled the Green Archers in his absence, had to spend more time with his ailing father.
Pumaren was recently questioned by critics after leaving Iran in the midst of the RP campaign in the FIBA Asia Youth Championships, leaving his brother Derrick to take over the coaching chores in the Nationals’ remaining games.
"I went home because I want him (Santiago) to spend more time with his father," a tearful Pumaren said. "I am close to his family, it’s just right to give him more time to see his dad in his last remaining days, and then I’m going to get that crap, I don’t think I deserve that."
"Well this is a victory that we can remember, we’re happy we won. It’s just unfortunate that it happened, maybe that’s why Cawaling’s shot missed because Jack’s dad interfered," he added.
JV Casio poured 10 of his 16 points in the second half to lead defending champion De La Salle University to a pulsating 62-59 win over Far Eastern University yesterday in the UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
Held to just five points on 2-of-16 shooting from the field by Ateneo last Saturday, Casio played the fireman's role for the Archers who survived a blistering FEU comeback.
The win enabled the Archers to seize the second twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four starting Sunday.
"His performance is a very good sign of a great player by bouncing back from a horrible shooting. At the end of the day we completely trust JV," La Salle coach Franz Pumaren said, referring to Casio.
Rico Maierhofer added 14 points and 10 rebounds, Peejay Barua made 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting while Bader Malabes scored all of his nine points in the third quarter as La Salle overcame an eight-point second quarter deficit.
The Archers held a commanding 15-point lead, 56-41, with 7:51 left and then held off the Tamaraws in the closing seconds with JR Cawaling missing a game-tying three-point attempt before the final buzzer.
After a slow second half, the Archers worked their way up behind Malabes, Casio, Maierhofer and Barua, who combined for 12 points to give the Archers the upperhand, 47-39, going into the final 10 minutes.
After the game, Pumaren dedicated the game to Sofronio Santiago, father of Green Archers assistant coach Jack Santiago, who passed away at 6:15 p.m. at the Manila Doctors Hospital, almost a few minutes after the game, due to complications from numerous illnesses.
According to Pumaren, this was the reason why he had to leave the RP Youth Team who was campaigning in Tehran, Iran last week. He claimed that the younger Santiago, who handled the Green Archers in his absence, had to spend more time with his ailing father.
Pumaren was recently questioned by critics after leaving Iran in the midst of the RP campaign in the FIBA Asia Youth Championships, leaving his brother Derrick to take over the coaching chores in the Nationals’ remaining games.
"I went home because I want him (Santiago) to spend more time with his father," a tearful Pumaren said. "I am close to his family, it’s just right to give him more time to see his dad in his last remaining days, and then I’m going to get that crap, I don’t think I deserve that."
"Well this is a victory that we can remember, we’re happy we won. It’s just unfortunate that it happened, maybe that’s why Cawaling’s shot missed because Jack’s dad interfered," he added.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
DLSU, FEU start series
By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 11, 2008
Defending champion De La Salle University and Far Eastern University start what virtually is a "best-of-three" showdown when they clash at 4 p.m. today in a playoff for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the 71st UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
Both teams, tied at 10-4 after the double-round eliminations, are coming off from losses last week and a win today will move either the Archers or the Tamaraws to just a win away from the Finals.
The winner today needs to win just once more in the semifinals to gain a finals berth while the loser must win twice in the semis.
In the two-round eliminations, the two split their assignments with the Archers winning the first, 73-62, last July 12 behind JV Casio’s 29 points. The Tamaraws exacted revenge on Aug. 23 with, 83-75, as sophomore standout Mark Barroca erupted for 26 points.
The Archers’s coach, Franz Pumaren, said his team can make a return trip to the finals and defend the crown.
"I’m still confident with my team and I think we will still be in the finals," Pumaren said.
To make it there, however, La Salle’s ace Casio has to recover from his 2-of-16 shooting against Ateneo last Saturday where he finished with five points.
"Things like that happen, bad game and everything, but we were still there during that game," Pumaren said.
Also, Rico Maierhofer, who averaged 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds during the season, has to regain his consistency while role players James Mangahas, Peejay Barua, Simon Atkins and rookies Maui Villanueva and LA Revilla should contribute.
Playing inconsistent during its last three games, FEU got some help from outside forces such as UE mentor Dindo Pumaren, who mentioned that FEU was scared during their game last week.
"Yung mga bata na-challenge doon sa sinabi ni coach Dindo," said Capacio. "Dahil doon sa sinabi niya, naging positive ang team."
Although Capacio admits that La Salle has the advantage, he is hoping that his players would give their all.
"Given na na may advantage sila dahil sa championship experience nila pero sana mapakita ng mga bata na may will to win sila tulad noong mga games nitong season na ito," Capacio added.
Hampered most of the season by the loss of Mac Baracael due to a shooting incident in late-July for seven games and the departure of bench player Robert Kave, the Tamaraws still remained as one of the top teams in the league led by Barroca, Benedict Fernandez and Marlon Adolfo while big men Reil Cervantes and Aldrech Ramos have produced significant numbers in only their second season with the team.
Barroca has shown remarkable improvement from last season, averaging 11.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists that ranked him ninth in the statistical points’ race with an average of 49.86.
Defending champion De La Salle University and Far Eastern University start what virtually is a "best-of-three" showdown when they clash at 4 p.m. today in a playoff for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the 71st UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
Both teams, tied at 10-4 after the double-round eliminations, are coming off from losses last week and a win today will move either the Archers or the Tamaraws to just a win away from the Finals.
The winner today needs to win just once more in the semifinals to gain a finals berth while the loser must win twice in the semis.
In the two-round eliminations, the two split their assignments with the Archers winning the first, 73-62, last July 12 behind JV Casio’s 29 points. The Tamaraws exacted revenge on Aug. 23 with, 83-75, as sophomore standout Mark Barroca erupted for 26 points.
The Archers’s coach, Franz Pumaren, said his team can make a return trip to the finals and defend the crown.
"I’m still confident with my team and I think we will still be in the finals," Pumaren said.
To make it there, however, La Salle’s ace Casio has to recover from his 2-of-16 shooting against Ateneo last Saturday where he finished with five points.
"Things like that happen, bad game and everything, but we were still there during that game," Pumaren said.
Also, Rico Maierhofer, who averaged 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds during the season, has to regain his consistency while role players James Mangahas, Peejay Barua, Simon Atkins and rookies Maui Villanueva and LA Revilla should contribute.
Playing inconsistent during its last three games, FEU got some help from outside forces such as UE mentor Dindo Pumaren, who mentioned that FEU was scared during their game last week.
"Yung mga bata na-challenge doon sa sinabi ni coach Dindo," said Capacio. "Dahil doon sa sinabi niya, naging positive ang team."
Although Capacio admits that La Salle has the advantage, he is hoping that his players would give their all.
"Given na na may advantage sila dahil sa championship experience nila pero sana mapakita ng mga bata na may will to win sila tulad noong mga games nitong season na ito," Capacio added.
Hampered most of the season by the loss of Mac Baracael due to a shooting incident in late-July for seven games and the departure of bench player Robert Kave, the Tamaraws still remained as one of the top teams in the league led by Barroca, Benedict Fernandez and Marlon Adolfo while big men Reil Cervantes and Aldrech Ramos have produced significant numbers in only their second season with the team.
Barroca has shown remarkable improvement from last season, averaging 11.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists that ranked him ninth in the statistical points’ race with an average of 49.86.
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