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
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Showing posts with label B - ADMU Basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label B - ADMU Basketball. Show all posts
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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.
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.
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."
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.
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: 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.
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