Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Volleyball results)- EAC Generals, SSC Lady Stags take charge

Nov. 26, 2013

Tuesday

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

3 p.m.

The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals and the San Sebastian Lady Stags got another big lift from their aces.

Howard Mojica and Gretchell Soltones took charge for their respective teams as the Generals and the Lady Stags came up with respectable showings  in the men’s and women’s divisions last Nov. 26, Tuesday.

EAC Generals in action- GMA network photo

Their efforts helped the Generals and the Lady Stags stay at the forefront of the standings  in the 89th National Collegiate Athletic Association Volleyball Tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

Mojica led with 17 points for the Generals, who turned back the Letran Knights, 25-19, 25-21, 26-26, in their 67 minutelong contest.

This allowed the Generals to post their third straight win, and earn a share of the lead with the University of Perpetual Help Altas.

They are now ahead of the San Beda Red Spikers (2-0).

The College of St. Benilde Blazers are behind at 2-1.

Soltones struck with 10 points for the Lady Stags, who outplayed the Mapua Lady Cardinals, 25-15, 25-18, 25-11.

Their third consecutive triumph allowed the Lady Stags to gain a share of the top spot with the CSB Lady Blazers.

The Blazers dropped to third after they took a 23-25, 22-25, 20-25 loss to the Altas the other day in the men’s contest.

The Knights fell behind with their 1-2 win-loss record.

EAC-ICA is getting big games from Ishmael Rivera.

They  turned back Letran, 25-11, 25-16, 25-21, in the junior side.

This allowed them to join San Sebastian in the lead with their second straight win.

In the women’s side, EAC picked up its second consecutive triumph at the expense of Letran, 25-13, 25-15, 25-7,

Charlotte Lorenzo dished out 11 points for the EAC Lady Generals, who moved to a share of third at 2-1.

They have the same slate with University of Perpetual Help and Arellano.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Volleyball results)- CSB Lady Blazers pull off upset

Nov. 25, 2013

Monday

Fil-Oil Flying V Arena

San Juan

3 p.m.

Veteran spiker Janine Navarro took charge for the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers as they pulled of a 25-21, 29-27, 22-25, 25-19 upset over the defending champion University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas  on Monday  at the Arena in San Juan.

Navarro scored 22 points, and made 19 of it on spikes, and her efforts helped propel the Lady Altas to their third straight win in the 89th National Collegiate Athletic Association  women’s volleyball tournament.

(Photo shows the CSB Lady Blazers locked in battle with the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas)-  photo sourced from perpetualdalta.edu.ph

She scored on  a drop shot to shatter the 27-27 deadlock in the second set.

Reigning MVP Norie Diaz’s placement shot then went wide as St. Benilde barely took a 2-0 set advantage.

The Lady Altas earned a chance to stretch the game to a fifth seat when they took the third frame.

But the Lady Blazers held steadier in the fourth as Therese Veronas converted the match’s last two points.

The reversal dropped the Lady Altas out of the lead, and in second spot with their 2-1 win-loss record.

Perpetual Help fell in a tie in fourth place with Arellano University, a 25-5, 25-18, 25-16 winner over Jose Rizal University in the other game.

Menchie Tubiera paced the Lady Chiefs (2-1) with 15 hits and 10 digs, while Cristine Joy Rosario added 14 points, including two blocks.

The Lady Bombers, who drew a combined 12 markers from Margarita Tabunda and Maria Shola Alvarez, stumbled to their third consecutive defeat.

The Lady Chiefs (2-1) picked up their second straight triumph.

They earlier rebounded from their  season-opening loss to San Beda with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-23 decision over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The Lady Blazers, who had earlier posted wins over Lyceum and Mapua, moved into the solo lead.

They needed 90 minutes to get past the Lady Altas, who tried to bounce back after taking the third, 25-22.

Honey Royce Tubino led the Lady Altas with 28 points.

She earlier made 13 hits when the Lady Altas won over JRU, 25-10, 25-16, 25-13.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Volleyball results)- Game Day review- Lady Altas win

Nov. 24, 2013

10:44 p.m.

Sunday

Playing on an almost daily basis, action starts with the 89th National Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball tournament on Tuesday last week at The Arena in San Juan.

Here is the schedule of games of the rest of the season 89th NCAA Volleyball Schedule as of Nov.9 (1).

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Lady Spikers opened their bid for a third straight women’s title in convincing fashion as it downed Mapua, 25-14, 25-11, 25-13, yesterday at the start of the NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Veterans Norie Diaz, Honey Royse Tubino and setter Shaira Cabriana delivered the goods for the Lady Altas, now handled by coach Sammy Acaylar.

University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas after their game- photo sourced from NCAA.org.ph).

Diaz,  who is the reigning MVP, tallied 14 points and seven digs, Tubino chipped in 11 hits, while Cabriana fired six service aces for a 10-point outing and had 21 excellent sets.

“Sa three months since nag-take over ako, well-trained naman sila. I think we can maintain the championship with the materials that I have,” said Acaylar, who only lost April Sartin and Sandra delos Santos to graduation.

Perpetual Help actually scored a twinkill as its four-peat seeking men’s squad hacked out an easy 25-18, 25-13, 25-17 victory over Mapua.

Edmar Sanchez had 12 pts while Jay Dela Cruz had 10 hits, including three service aces, and four digs for the Altas, who have now won 34 straight matches dating back from 2010-11.

Perpetual Help hopes to fend off stiff challenge from many-time champion San Sebastian College and last season’s semifinalist Arellano University in the tournament, which opened the league’s second semester action.

Later, Emilio Aguinaldo College also had a winning start by turning back Jose Rizal University, 25-12, 25-19, 25-15.

Jamela Suyat was also superb for Perpetual Help as the sophomore hitter also contributed 10 hits, including four service aces, while Lady Altas libero Vhima Condada had 17 digs.

Charmille Belleza tossed in 14 points while Maricar Aguares had 11 hits and 11 digs for the Lady Generals, who made it to the Final Four last season.

Margarita Tabunda led the Lady Bombers with 12 points, including two blocks.

Angelica Guardian finished with 7 points, including two blocks for the Lady Cardinals.

Sportswriter’s Notebook- A Great Coach Passes Away: The Last Games of Darwin Campana and his final title conquest with the DLSU-Dasma Lady Patriots (Part 3)

Nov. 23, 2013

Saturday,

10:30 p.m.

Pasay City

Coach Darwin Campana, who passed away because of cancer last month left behind something for the De La Salle University-Dasmarinas community to remember him by.

The following are excerpts of an article written about games which coach Darwin was involved in.

Oct. 01, 2013

DASMARINAS, Cavite– The debuting  National College of Business and Arts Wildcats shared the top honors with the La Salle-Dasmarinas Lady Patriots last Tuesday as they clinched the men’s and women’s crowns of the 12th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association volleyball tournament here.

(In photo: The last batch of the La Salle-Dasmarinas Lady Patriots pose with coach Darwin Campana following their championship win in the 12th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association volleyball tournament). Photo sourced from Ms. Giselle Bembo.

The Wildcats bucked the absence of injured mainstay Joshua Vicente in the finals set and pulled off a 26-24, 22-25, 19-25, 25-20, 16-14, win over the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals series at the Ugnayang La Salle gymnasium.

This is their first title after joining the league only this year, and they needed two hours and two minutes to get past the Blue Thunder and earn men’s honors after sweeping their best-of-three finals series at 2-0.

The Lady Patriots banked on the defensive plays of Jessamine Fernandez to put away the NCBA Lady Wildcats, 25-19, 28-26, 28-26, to retain the women’s honors.

Vicente still earned the Most Valuable Player honors even if he was no longer around in the fifth set, and after leaving the fourth because of a sprained ankle. On the other hand, Lady Patriots spiker Mariel Desengano took the women’s MVP plum.

 

Heads-up plays by frontliners PJ Domingo and RJ Oclima allowed the Wildcats to keep up with the Blue Thunder for a 14-all tie.

Two big points off Jeffrey Constantino’s serves allowed NCBA to clinch the victory.

 

“Nakaka-proud ang ginawa ng mga players. Kahit dehado, they were able to hold on and win it,” said Wildcats coach Jun Balubar.

 

On the other hand, the Lady Wildcats were able to hang on and force a 26-all tie off Danikka Canilang’ s service error.

 

But, Fernandez rose to the occasion twice to help the Lady Patriots win the crown with her last two spike points.

 

She and Mariel Desengano pulled the Lady Patriots out of the tie with their block off Marie Lim.

 

Fernandez  then scored a drop ball to the backside in the next play to hand the Lay Patriots the crown.

 

“The girls kept their composure. I gave most of the rookies a chance to play in this game. They showed that they have the talent and win this one,” said Lady Patriots coach Darwin Campana.

Sept. 11, 2013

The defending champion La Salle Dasmarinas Lady Patriots and the Rizal Technological University outplayed separate foes yesterday in the 12th Universities and Colleges Athletics Association women’s volleyball tournament at the RTU gymnasium in Mandaluyong.

The rookie-laden Lady Patriots got big plays from Mariel Desengano in the last three sets to turn back the Trinity University of Asia lady spikers, 12-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18.

 

This allowed the Lady Patriots to sweep their four-game elimination round assignment and claim the first semifinals slot.

 

The RTU Lady Thunder prevailed over the Philippine School of Business Administration Lady Jaguars, 25-16, 25-18, 28-26, in this spikefest which is supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

 

The Lady Patriots remained unbeaten after three games, while the Lady Thunder trail with their 2-1 win-loss record.

 

Mara Galicia’s serves early in the second set allowed the Lady Patriots to take charge, 7-4, before hits by Desengano towards then allowed them to hang on to a four-point advantage.

 

“Our outside hits and aces from Desengano worked well for us in the third set,” said Lady Patriots coach Darwin Campana.

 

With Jessa Mae Fernandez and Giselle Bembo reinforced their offensive in the third, the Lady Patriots were able to pull away by 11, 24-11, on six aces by Desengano.

 

They were down at 7-8 in the final set when Desengano joined hands with rookies Christine Alejos and Dax Canillang to help keep the Lady Patriots up by four, 15-11.

 

The Lady Thunder took a 72 minutes to get past the Lady Jaguars.

 

Varsity Sports Updates(NCAA Men’s Basketball results): Long and memorable season ends: SBC Red Lions get fourpeat

Nov. 16, 2013

10:37 p.m.

Saturday

SM Mall of Asia Arena,

Pasay City

The long season of the 89th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament has ended.

In my opinion, it has set a new record in league history after it was held for around five months.

And, It will be remembered by scribes like Cedelf Tupas (Inquirer), Joey Villar (Phil. Star),  the rookie Christian Jacinto (Manila Bulletin, Karlo Sacamos (Spin.ph), Marivic Awitan (Balita), Theodore Jurado (Journal), Jonathan Perez (Business Mirror) and me for the length time it took to finish the season.(and also the NCAA.orp.ph people like Mia Domingo).

The numerous natural disasters which took the place along the way, including the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Bohol and the supertyphoon Yolanda, the tragedies and all, made it memorable.

Fatherhood, or parenthood, made it meaningful to Joey Villar, now a doting father to Iago Sebastian.

As for the  San Beda Red Lions, they finished their successful campaign with  a simple celebration tonight at the San Beda College campus in Mendiola, Manila with members of the community.

But, it is not like previous festivities.

There is no street party, nor are bands playing, and not as flashy like in previous years.

A very simple party with the rest of the community is being planned this Friday.

Because of the destructive effects of supertyphoon Yolanda on the population on parts of the Eastern Visayas region, supporters of the school just held mass and a dinner.

This is in sympathy to the victims, the dead and the living alike, the homeless and those who are now in refugee camps in Cebu City and Pasay City.

(The Red Lions celebrate. photo sourced from Jan Dizon, NCAA.org.ph on Facebook).

SAN BEDA 60, LETRAN 56: HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The defending champion San Beda Red Lions turned to the free throw line at endgame.

Charities from coming from John Ludovice and Adeogun in the last 30 seconds  allowed the Red Lions to snare the men’s crown for a fourth straight year in the 89th National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament  at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Ludovice split charities in the last 29.8 seconds, while  Adeogun sank  both his attempts with 1.7 ticks left.

This  lifted the Red Lions to a 60-56 beating of the Knights.

With their latest title conquest, the Red Lions claimed their 18th overall crown in the men’s division.

Since last year, they have already surpassed the Knights as the winningest collegiate squad in the league.

The Knights have 16 crowns after finishing runners-up twice over the last two years.

Historically, this is the first time that the Red Lions have won a four-peat as well.

They surpassed the three-peats which they achieved from 2006 to 2009, and from 1934 to 1936.

The other three-peats were achieved by Letran (1982 to 1984), Ateneo (1931-1933) and University of the Philippnes-Manila (1924-to 26).

No varsity squad has yet matched the five-peat of the San Sebastian Stags (1993-1997).

-PLAY-BY-PLAY

Coach Boyet Fernandez, who now knows of the feeling of how it is to coach a champion team on his first try,  gave credit to Adeogun for rallying his teammates on with 17 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks.

One of Adeogun’s block off Kevin Racal came in the last 8.6 seconds, and this forced a crucial turnover.

“He came out like a lion. He swatted every shot, he got every rebound, and that’s Ola Adeogun. And I told him, if he will just play the way you’re playing, we’ll not win the game. But if you step up your game, we’ll win this fourpeat,”said Fernandez.

“True to my words, he came out in the second half, and gave this championship to us,” added Fernandez.

Arthur de la Cruz, who was adjudged as the Finals MVP, showed the way with 20 points and 16 rebounds.

(A double teamed Arthur de la Cruz going for a jumper). Photo sourced from Jan Dizon, NCAA.org.ph Facebook page.

He rose to the occasion after Adeogun got shackled to five points in the first half.

The Red Lions finished their best-of-three title series at 2-1, and after they won Game 1 with an 80-68 repulsing of the Knights.

The Knights bounced in Game 2, 79-74, to equalize the series at 1-all.

They were enjoying a 52-51 edge in the last 3:50 off foul-troubled Raymund Almazan’s perimeter shot in the final 3:50.

After that Adeogun  and de la Cruz struck in succession, 55-52, in the last three minutes.

Kevin Racal, who had seven points, sank two charities off Arthur de la Cruz’s foul in the final 1:48, allowing the Knights to threaten, 54-55.

De la Cruz then kept the Red Lions ahead with 1:03 with a perimeter shot from the left, 57-54.

The Knights still hung on, and threatened, 56-57, some 12 seconds later when Almazan hit a jumper off Mark Cruz’s pass.

Ludovice’s split found its mark with 29.8 seconds remaning, giving the Red Lions a 58-56 lead, and the expense of Cruz’s second foul.

Cruz was never the same again as he went down with cramps on his left foot right after.

With Cruz, the Knights’ top point guard, in pain, regain ball possession in the ensuing play after Adeogun came away with a clean block off Racal as he was in mid-air, making an attempt.

They lost Racal to five, and after he was penalizing while hounding de la Cruz and Adeogun.

Adeogun scored both his charities in the last 1.7 seconds at the expense of Racal.

“Credit to all my players. It’s Ola and all the rest, Rome, Baser, Kyle, and Art. Art is like a libero. Parang sa libero ng volleyball, pasok-pasok lang. Kailangan ko talaga siya. He is my secret weapon. If he plays bad, we’re dead,” said Fernandez.

–         HOW THEY FARED IN OTHER QUARTERS

The Knights turned the ball over thrice in succession in the last 1:23 of the third.

This was after Nambatac bungled two triples and Belorio missed one.

The Red Lions took advantage of this,  grabbing the upperhand anew off a trio of drives from Baser Amer, 45-42.

Drawing seven points from de la Cruz at the half, the Red Lions took charge in the first period, 14-7.

But the Knights managed to overtake them in the second period behind Almazan, Mark Cruz and Ford Ruaya.

Francis Abarcar and Kyle Pascual  gave San Beda its biggest lead in the second canto, a 18-7 advantage in the 8:37 off Abarcar’s two gift shots, and Pascual’s jumper.

Almazan then led an counterattack with his driving shot and putback, and Kevin Racal eventually forced a 20-all tie off his three freebies.

They then took a 26-20 lead behind McJour Luib, Ruaya and Cruz with 2:31 to go.

Cruz’s two charities in the remaining 1:16 allowed Letran to take an eight point edge, 30-22, at halftime.

-THE BOXSCORES:

San Beda 60- Dela Cruz 20, Adeogun 17, Amer 6, Dela Rosa 6, Pascual 4, Abarcar 2, A. Semerad 2, Ludovice 2, Sara 1, D. Semerad 0.

Letran 56- Almazan 14, Cruz 10, Nambatac 10, Ruaya 9, Racal 7, Belorio 4, Luib 2, Castro 0, Po 0, Tambeling 0, Buenaflor 0, Gabawan 0.

Quarterscores: 14-7, 24-30, 45-43, 60-56.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Men’s Basketball results)- Game 2 review, Letran Knights gets a fighting chance for the crown

Nov. 14, 2013

Thursday,

5 p.m.

SM Mall of Asia Arena,

Pasay City

How Nigerian big man Olaide Adeogun will perform will be among the factors which will decide the fate of the San Beda Red Lions in Game 3.

This is how Letran Knight coach Caloy Garcia sees it after they frustrated the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, 79-74, in Game 2 last Thursday, Nov. 14,  in the 89th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“Ang laking factor ni Ola talaga. He is the key. So, if he plays well, mahihirapan talaga kami,” said Garcia.

(Ola Adeogun, left, tries to block Mark Cruz’s shot). Photo from Jan Dizon, NCAA.org.ph

Adeogun was limited to just 10 points when the Knights equalized their best-of-three title series at 1-all.

He only made four points in the fourth quarter when the Knights drew strength from three unlikely in their bid to keep the Red Lions at bay.

Bench players Jamil Gabawan, McJour Luib and Ford Ruaya scored timely baskets during that period.

They came into the picture in the  last five minutes.

Their baskets allowed the Knights to gain a solid foothold of the lead.

It started with Gabawan’s two charities in the last 5:05.

(Letran’s Rey Nambatac struggle for the loose ball with Jaypee Mendoza of San Beda). photo from Jan Dizon, NCAA.org.ph

The freebies  shattered a 64-all deadlock, allowing the Intramuros dribblers to grab the upperhand with a decisive 8-0 spurt.

Luib’s offensive played followed before Kevin Racal, and then Ruaya scored, and this handed the Knights a 72-64 lead in the ensuing play.

Their big moves found their mark while big man and season MVP Raymund Almazan began faltering from cramps.

On the other hand,  Mark Cruz, took charge with 16 points.

(Mark Cruz (left) of Letran tries to get past Roldan Sara). photo from Jan Dizon, NCAA.org.ph

JohnTambeling’s triple in the last 5:24 of the third period allowed the Knights to finally taste the lead, 44-39.

Ruaya shot 12 points, while Racal had 12, and Almazan struck with 12 for the Knights, while Arthur de la Cruz showed the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Red Lions.

Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez said that, now that the Knights have forced Game 3, the boys will now allow them to take the championship.

“They still have to beat us. But, my boys will not allow that,” said Fernandez.

The Red Lions were able to threaten, 71-74, off Francis Abarcar, but Cruz’s charities kept them the Knights out of reach, 76-71.

The Knights were outrebounded, 33-50, by the Red Lions.

But the Red Lions had more turnovers than the Knights, 21-14.

–         THE SCORES:

Letran 79 – Cruz 16, Ruaya 12, Racal 12, Almazan 12, Tambeling 8, Luib 6, Nambatac 6, Gabawan 5, Belorio 2, Buenaflor 0.

San Beda 74- Dela Cruz 23, Adeogun 10, Dela Rosa 10, Amer 8, D. Semerad 8, A. Semerad 6, Abarcar 4, Sara 3, Ludovice 2, Mendoza 0, Pascual 0.

Quarterscores: 12-17, 32-37, 54-51, 79-74.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Junior Basketball results)- 20-0, History for the SBC Red Cubs

Nov. 14, 2013

4 p.m.

Thursday

SM MOA Arena,

Pasay City

It’s a perfect season for the San Beda Red Cubs.

And, history has been achieved because of this.

The defending champion San Beda Red Cubs outworked the La Salle Greenhills Greenies in the final quarter.

 

(courtesy of UAAP-NCAA memes twitpics).

Arvin Tolentino, one of 10 graduating players, stood out again.

But he was not as prolific as he was in Game 1, as  rival Rashleigh “Prince” Rivero outdid him once again.

Nevertheless, he had made it a memorable season, not only for himself, but his teammates as well.

Joshua Caracut and Adven Diputado, who are also graduating at the end of the schoolyear, stepped when the 6’5 Tolentino could not at endgame.

–         SBC RED CUBS 65, LSGH Greenies 59

Together,  the three’s  efforts  lifted the  Red Cubs to an  historical 65-59 victory over the La Salle Greenies in Game 2 of the 89^th National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball finals.

They scored crucial baskets in the last 41.4 seconds, and handed the Red Cubs their fifth straight crown when action was over at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

This allowed the Red Cubs to end their season with a record-setting 20-game sweep.

(Red Cubs celebrate. Photo sourced from UBL).

This is their fifth straight crown, and the last time  a junior squad achieved this was 41 years ago.

The  Mapua Red Robins won it from 1968 to 1972.

In the finals series, the Red Cubs  enjoyed a thrice-to-beat incentive after having swept their 18-game elimination round assignment. , became the second team since 2008 to sweep the junior cagefest.

The San Sebastian Staglets did the last time around five years ago.

The team spearheaded by Ryan Buenafe, Jamil Ortuoste, Almond Vosotros,  Raffy Gusi, Yutien Andrada and Arvie Bringas, swept their way to the crown after winning all their 14 games.

This including two finals encounters with the Letran Squires, and for a total of 16 matches.

They have also surpassed the feat of the Staglets, who had a four-peat from 2005 to 2008.

In the beginning, the Red Cubs took a  24-8 advantage in the first period.

But they had  a scary in the next three quarters, when the Greenies ate their big lead away.

Rivero brought the Greenies close, 56-60, with a drive past Javee Mocon in the last 1:33.

They moved out of range in the last 28. 5 seconds after Tolentino scored two charities, 62-56.

Caracut replied with two charities of his own after the Greenies continued to threaten the Red Cubs of two freebies from Michael de la Cruz.

This allowed the Red Cubs to keep their distance, 64-58.

Diputado’s split with 6.4 seconds finalized the count, and it came after de la Cruz and Rivero bungled their triples.

“Naayos naming iyung execution sa huli kaya naka-score ulit kami sa fourth. Nagkagulo kasi sa screens. Nung practices pa lang, pakiramdam ko magcha-champion na kami. The second unit is as competitive as the first unit,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

Sison took over from Britt Reroma, who quit last summer.

Reroma was around when the Red Cubs ended up with an 18-0 sweep of the elimination, and was between once in their championship game with the Greenies.

-STATS

Tongco showed the way with 17 points, while Caracut made 14 points, and Tolentino chipped in 12.

Alex Barrera fired 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Greenies.

Rivero had 15 points and 18 boards, and Kobe Paras hit 11 points and 13 rebounds.

-PLAY BY PLAY

The Greenies fought it out in the third period.

Behind, 33-46, they charged to within five points behind  Barrera, with his putback and a drive off Tolentino touching off an 11-0 run.

Paras capped it with a triple, and the Greenies went on to come within five, 41-46, in the last 3:11.

In the fourth period, LSGH came close when Rivero faked to the left of Javee Mocon for a drive which allowed them to scare the Red Cubs, 56-60, with 1:33 left.

–         WHATS IN STORE FOR THE RED CUBS

The 18-year old Arvin is on his final year with the Red Cubs, and so are nine other teammates

He said he is happy with the way the season turned out for him and his teammates.

“Sobrang saya, lahat ng hard work at sakripisyo namin ay nasuklian,” remarked Arvin.

As of now, he remains undecided where he will move on and find another school.

Deciding to accept an offer in Duke University in San Francisco has been left to his family because doing  so may be an expensive proposition for him.

The other graduating Red Cubs are Adven Diputado, Javee Mocon, Lancelot Abude, Norrish Decapia, and John Gumtang among others.

Making it to the team A of the San Beda Red Lions is not an option at the moment.

Two team A players are graduating, and they are  forwards Rome de la Rosa and Kyle Pascual.

Two guys could make it to Team A if they decide to stay put next season.

Tolentino could earn that slot with Mocon if both choose to stay with San Beda at the end of the school year.

When the schoolyear ends, many school teams will be seek out members of the Red Cubs, and among those who are aggressively seeking them out are the Ateneo Blue Eagles and La Salle Green Archers.

-THE SCORES :

San Beda 65 – Tongco 17, Caracut 14, Tolentino 12, Diputado 10, Mocon 4, Abude 3, Decapia 2, Gumtang 2, Abuda 1, Abatayo 0.

LSGH 59 – Barrera 17, Rivero 15, Paras 11, Dela Cruz 6, Abadeza 5, Ramilo 3, Lanot 2, San Juan 0.

Quarterscores: 24-8, 39-28, 51-46, 65-59.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Men’s Basketball results)- Game 1 review: Cheers amidst gloom, Letran Knights had the numbers to win it

Nov. 11, 2013

Monday

SM Mall of Asia Arena,

Pasay City

4 p.m.

Game 2  of the best of three finals series of the 89^th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament will be like Game 1.

(Ola Adeogun in a rebound battle with Raymund Almazan, photo sourced Paul Ryan Tan, AksyonTV website).

It will be held amidst a gloomy atmosphere, which is prevalent in places  outside of the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

( a bruised and battered boy stares at the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda, photo sourced from the Guardian).

Down south in the Visayas, in many places in the Eastern Visayas region, people are trying to recover from the devastation caused by super typhoon Yolanda last Nov. 8, Friday.

(Volunteers carry a dead body off the streets of Tacloban, photo sourced from Slate.com).

Many are dead, many more survived.

A lot of people are missing, and search and rescues operations are under way.

Looting is prevalent in places like Tacloban, but the presence of the police and the military will slow but surely minimize, if not stop such incidents in the coming day.

Relief operations are now going on, with help foreign sources, like the United Nations, and the United States through the US Marines.

For me, I’ve had my first experience in assisting  individuals find missing relative on the online people finder,  which has been put up by concerned people  for such a  task.

My attempts to use  People Finder, which I did beside the individual seeking help,  gave me the shivers.

Out of seven searches, I am only able to find one relative. The status of this remain unknown.

So, to ease the gloom which could engulf the festive feelings of a championship series like a tsunami,  organizers of the NCAA  have done something noble.

(A chopper landing with relief goods, photo sourced from The Guardian).

They are donating P100,000 to the relief efforts of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

The donation will go to the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. of TV5.

ON TO GAME 2

And so, as Game 2 approaches, the Letran Knights will have their chance to bounce back.

Just like last year.

Coach Caloy Garcia believes that the Letran Knights will be able  make a big come back  in  Game 2.

(Coach Caloy Garcia giving instructions to Kevin Racal, photo sourced from Paul Ryan Tan, Aksyon TV website).

Statistically, the Knights have the numbers to force a decisive Game 3 on Saturday, and showed it in Game 2.

“Hopefully, there will be Game 3, and we will win the title,” said Garcia, after the San Beda Red Lions repulsed the Letran Knights, 80-68.

The Knights, according to Garcia managed to stay close until the fourth quarter.

(Mark Cruz, #9, in action, photo sourced from Paul Ryan Tan, Aksyon TV website).

After that, Red Lions pulled away behind the outside shooting of two second stringers, Anthony Semerad and John Ludovice.

Semerad and Ludovice, filling in for foul-troubled Olaide Adeogun, scored two of three triples in the last 2:54, baskets, allowing the Red Lions to gain ground in the final quarter.

Garcia said their second stringers will have to do better this time around.

“I told my second stringers that we can’t rely too much on the first stringers, They have to also follow the game plan.

The Red Lions came up with  a total field goal percentage of  40 percent during the game, with the Knights close behind, at 39.

But they made a big difference with their three-point shooting, connecting eight of 21 attempts, while the Knights hit only out two of eight tries.

Offensively, the Red Lions were able to  outrebounded them, 18 to 8, with Adeogun dominating the boards with 11, and Baser Amer backing him up not only with 11 points, but with 8 boards as well. Arthur de la Cruz was also there with eight points and 11 boards.

Season MVP Raymund Almazan came up with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

To win Game 2, Garcia said:”We just have to be disciplined (in terms of adjustments), especially against Ola. Because has been stealing the whole time., trying to get some fouls.”

Last year, the Mendiola dribblers won the crown after they went the distance with the Knights. They took Game 1, 62-50, before the Knights prevailed in Game 2, 55-64.

The Red Lions later topped Game 3, 67-39.

–         PLAY-BY-PLAY

They Red Lions started pulling away right after Kevin Racal unloaded a trey.

This touched off a deciding 10-2 blast in the last 2:08.

The Knights were in the thick of the fight, 62-60, when the Red Lions charged ahead.

The Mendiola dribblers later took a 75-62 spread with 2:08 remaining.

Baser Amer  had 11 points with Ludovice, who hit the last of his three three-pointers during the run.

Adeogun then drove past  Almazan to cap San Beda’s pivotal run.

From there, San Beda  grabbed a 75-62 lead.

“It’s not over yet. We still have one game. And, we will be ready against Letran,” said Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez.

Adeogun led with 16 points and 11 boards.

He  barely saw action in the second half after he ran into foul trouble in the first half with three.

This  compelled Fernandez to utilize David Semerad on his behalf.

His layup off Amer’s pass in the 5:38 allowed San Beda to overtake the Knights for the eighth and last time.

Mark Cruz showed the way for the Knights with 22 points, while  Racal shot 12 points.

The scores:

San Beda 80 — Adeogun 16, Amer 11, Ludovice 11, A. Semerad 9, Dela Cruz 8, Dela Rosa 8, Abarcar 6, D. Semerad 6, Pascual 5, Sara 0.

Letran 68 — Cruz 22, Almazan 16, Racal 12, Ruaya 4, Tambeling 4, Belorio 4, Gabawan 4, Nambatac 2, Castro 0, Luib 0, Buenaflor 0.

Quarterscores: 12-12, 26-24, 47-53, 80-68.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Junior Basketball results): Game 1 review- Arvin Tolentino faces off with Prince Rivero, SBC Red Cubs beat LSGH Greenies

Nov. 11, 2013

Monday

SM Mall of Asia Arena,

Pasay City

The defending champion San Beda Red Cubs tried to stop MVP Rashleigh “Prince” Rivero from playing one his best games of the season.

But, they couldn’t.

Nevertheless, the Red Cubs still managed to prevail with a 79-68 stopping of the Greenies.

(The San Beda Red Lions in a previous showdown with the LSGH Greenies, from LSGH basketball Facebook account. Here, Adven Diputado, #9, fights for the rebound with Prince Rivero and Kobe Paras).

(Arvin Tolentino, no. 15 and Adven Diputado, no. 9), courtesy of Pula,  Arvin’s and Adven’s  Facebook’s photos.

This allowed the Red Cubs to take Game 1 of their finals series with Greenies in the 89^th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament on Nov. 11, Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

They made a huge effort to limit him in the fourth period.

But, Rivero still came up with one of the season’s best performances.

The 17-year old, season 89 most valuable player still  led the La Salle Greenhills Greenies with 34 points and a seasonhigh-tying 24 rebounds.

It was a performance which was nearly overshadowed by Arvin Tolentino, who dished out 21 points for the five-peat seeking San Beda Red Cub.

-HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

The Red Cubs, who have a thrice-to-beat incentive for finishing the eliminations with an 18-game sweep, a now a win  away from their crown with their 19^th straight victory.

They now have a chance to duplicate the feat of the Mapua Red Robins 41 years ago if they end up with a perfect season, and a 20-game sweep of all their assignments.

The Red Cubs never had a perfect season, and the last time they almost did was in season 87.

That year (2011), the Red Cubs swept their 18-game assignment.

Then, they won two of their three games in their finals encounter with the Greenies.  

–         ARVIN’S GAME

The 6-foot-fiveTolentino, who is a member of the national 3×3 team and is considering a scholarship in the San Francisco, California if given the chance, scored 11 points in the last canto.

He came up with the big plays in the last six minutes which repulsed the Greenies’ repeated rallied behind season MVP Rashleigh “Prince” Rivero, who led with 34 points and 24 rebounds.

    “May puso sila kaya pumasok sa finals. Kaya lang, in the end, we just made the big plays. We tried to stop Prince(Rivero). But we couldn’t. So we just had to limit him,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

The 6-foot-3 Rivero made 21 points and  11 rebounds last Saturday when the  Greenies prevailed, 76-72 over the San Sebastian Staglets in their second stepladder semifinal playoff, to barge into the finals against the Red Cubs.

          The 6’5 Tolentino scored a triple with 3:03 left to help keep the Red Robins ahead, 71-63.

–         OTHER RED CUBS STEP UP       

Adven Diputado  tallied 19 points, while Ranbill Tongo had 12.

Diputado scored on a layup with 1:15 remaining, pushing the Red Cubs ahead, 73-66.

Tongco’s drive some 11 seconds later allowed the Red Cubs moved out of reach by nine, 75-66.

          Later, Tolentino’s steal off Victor Ramilo and drive then saw the Red Cubs grabbing a 11-points spread, 77-66, and with 50.5 ticks to go.

          “It was more of  team defense. Hindi ko kasi puedeng solohin ang  laro ko dito,” remarked Tolentino, who is from Angono, Rizal.

–         PRINCE RIVERO SHINES AGAIN IN SCORING

The six-foot-three Rivero came up with another double-double output with 21 points and 24 rebounds.

The Red Cubs managed to limit him to six in the last period.

But, this is still one of his best games.

His tally of 21 points is now considered as the fourth highest score of the season.

He holds the season’s highest of 39 points, which made when the Greenies demolished the University of Perpetual Help Altas in the first round.

Rivero had 32 points when the Greenies won over Lyceum, 79-38, also in the first round.

He matched Diputado’s output of  31 points when the Red Cubs won over the San Sebastian Staglets, 77-72, in the second round.

–         PRINCE, A MONSTER AGAIN IN REBOUNDS

Rivero’s rebounds of 24 matched a previous high, also 24, when the they won over the Altalettes, 80-66, in the first round.

His other highs are 23, which he did when LSGH won over Mapua, 59-56, in the stepladder semis.

He had 21 boards when they repulsed the Letran Squires, 65-39m, towards the end of the eliminations.

Prince hauled down 20 when the Greenies bowed to the Red Cubs, 71-86, in the second round.

–         THE SCORES:

San Beda 79 – Tolentino 21, Diputado 19, Caracut 16, Tongco 12, Abuda 4, Decapia 2, Abatayo 2, Mocon 2, Abude 1, Framil 0, De Villeres 0, Gumtang 0.

LSGH 68 – Rivero 34, Dela Cruz 12, Paras 11, Barrera 4, Lanot 3, San Juan 2, Ramilo 1, Gob 1, Salonga 0, RP Rivero 0, Abadeza 0.

Quarterscores: 23-12, 42-32, 62-51, 79-68.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Junior Basketball results)- The LSGH Greenies are back, SBC Red Cubs are in for a fight in the finals

Nov. 9, 2013

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

3 p.m.

Rashleigh “Prince” Rivero created situations and  shared the ball during  crucial moments with his teammates in the final quarter.

He led with 21 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, including one during a key play in the final minute.

His efforts helped carry the La Salle Greenhills Greenies 76-72 beating of the San Sebastian Staglets in their second stepladder semifinal playoff on Saturday, Nov. 9.

This handed the Greenies a return trip to the finals of the 89^th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

(Photo from left: LSGH Greenies whoop it up, right: Alex Barrera (green uniform#5) in action). photo sourced from LSGH Greenies Facebook page.

The Greenies thus earned the right meet the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs in the finals for the second time in three years.

Rivero’s assist to Alexis Barrera in the last 39.7 seconds made all the difference for the Greenies.

The Greenies caught big man Michael Calisaan flatfooted with Rivero’s quick and sudden pass.

The Staglets were anticipating Rivero to drive hard for a basket.

But the six-foot-two Prince’s assist to Barrera, who was behind Calisaan, allowed the Greenies to grab a six-point  lead, 74-68, off Barrera’s unmolested layup.

“I expected that because when I penetrate, alam ko magko-collapse silang lahat sa akin, just what they did in the first half and the second half,” remarked the 18-year old Rivero.

The Staglets, who beat the Greenies, 55-58, in their Final Four showdown last year, made an effort to stay in the thick of the fight.

But Calisaan converted only two of four charity attempts in the finals 26.8 seconds, and managed to stay close by four, 70-74.

“That’s when we took over the game. And the most important part was when Prince created situations for his teammates in the last one and a half minute. Of course, Alex Barrera was there to convert,” said Greenies coach John Flores.

-PLAY-BY-PLAY

LSGH trailed by as many as 10 points, 16-26, in the first half, with Lorenzo Navarro showing the way with 11 of his 17-point tally for the Stags.

But, they charged back behind the combined efforts of Rivero, Barrera, Dela Cruz and Kobe Paras, the son of former PBA MVP Benjie who is this year’s Most Improved Player.

The Greenies took over the lead in the third, with Barrera hitting 11 of 19 points.

A triple from Paras in the final 3:12 of third allowed LSGH to grab a seven-point edge, 48-41.

Calisaan shot 10 of his 14-point total in the third as the Stags stayed close, 52-53.

Paras scored 17 points for the Greenies.

The Staglets tied the count, 58-all,  off Navarro’s drive , and after steal from Barrera in the remaining 6:12.

The Greenies broke the tie of de la Cruz’s triple and Barrera’s layup with 4:32, handing LSGH a five-point lead, 63-58.

–         SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WIN

With the victory, the third-seeded Greenies, which ousted Mapua, 59-56, in overtime  in the first stepladder semis playoffs last Thursday, will battle the five-peat seeking and ‘thrice-to-beat’ San Beda College Red Cubs in the championship round.

They will meet starting Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena at 12:30 p.m.

The Final Four format was replaced this season with the ‘step-ladder’ after the Red Cubs clinched an outright championship slot with their 18-0 sweep of the double-round elimination.

Still, the Red Cubs, who have a thrice-to-beat incentive, must beat LSGH twice in the finals.

Two years ago, the Greenies had a similar situation with the Red Cubs in the NCAA junior’s finale.

LSGH actually won the first game of the championship but lost in the next two as the SBC red Cubs bagged the coveted title.

The Greenies have only a day to prepare the Red Cubs in  the finals.

But, he remains optimistic.

“It’s difficult. We only have one day to practice. They are tough team and older. We lost 11 players last year. And no one expected us to be here. So, we will make the most out of it,” said Flores.

-THE SCORES:

LSGH 76 – Ra. Rivero 21, Barrera 19, Dela Cruz 18, Paras 17, Ri. Rivero 1, Salonga 0, Ramilo 0, Gob 0, Abadeza 0, Lanot 0, San Juan 0.

SSC 72 – Navarro 17, Calisaan 14, Yong 13, Magno 8, Costelo 7, Loor 4, Ilagan 4, Cruz 3, Gatdula 2, Santos 0, Causon 0

Quarterscores: 13-20, 29-33, 53-52, 76-72.