Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- Caracut leads Red Cubs; SBC RED CUBS 64, LSGH 61

28 July 2014,
Monday,
8 p.m.,
FilOil-Flying V Arena,
San Juan

The La Salle Greenhills Greenies held national youth under-18 cager Joshua Andrei Caracut to his lowest output this season in the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament.

But, the 18-year old Caracut still scored the baskets that mattered most during Round 1 of the battle of last year’s finalists.

His three free throws as the clock winded down in the last 25 seconds powered the Red Cubs to a 64-61 stopping of the hardluck Greenies, last Monday, July 28, at the FilOil-Flying V Arena.

(photo of Joshua Andrei Caracut taken last year) sourced from Lucius Gunz.

With their fifth win in six games, the Red Cubs moved back to the top of the standings.

They once again share the lead with the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers.

,90

(Evan Furaque(right, no. 11,) watches teammate Mark Framil scrambles for a rebound with Mapua cager Laurenz Victoria, during an encounter last July 4).

I did not see Joshua make those shots as I was still on my way to the Arena while he was making his charities.

But, Anthony Servinio, blogger of servssports.wordpress.com, did and provided me details of how things went, and only in the last two minutes since he arrived late also.

And, it was only a day later that I realized the impact of Caracut’s contributions.

This was while looking over the stat sheets under the bright light of a lamp.

It was the only illumination left as lights were being put out in my apartment while people started retiring for the night in my place of residence.

As I reviewed the stat sheets, it turned out that Caracut not only made 15 points.

His output included two triples and five free throws.

Joshua also hauled down five rebounds and dished out five assists in the 34 minutes that he was on the floor.

– THE GREENIES PUT UP A FIGHT

Listening to coach JB Sison after the game, it turned out the Red Cubs were struggling with their free throw shooting all morning.

It began when Kenneth Alas, who had eight points, began misfiring with his charities in the second quarter,

The Red Cubs were ahead , 16-12, after the first 10 minutes.

Alas missed 10 freebies beginning in the second period, and one thing led to another.

Soon enough, the Red Cubs were held to six points by the Greenies in the last 10 minutes of the first half.

Another national youth mainstay, Michael de la Cruz rose to the occasion.

He banged in seven of his 17-point gamehigh tally to lead the Greenies to a 16-6 uprising.

And the Greenies eventually took charge, 28-22, when the third quarter got under way.

The match still close going into the last 1:25, and LSGH was ahead, 61-59, off de la Cruz’s triple.

But Evan Furaque, who shot a gamehigh 20 points, attacked the basket with a drive in the last 1:08.

This allowed the Red Cubs to tie the count, 61-all for the last time.

– JOSHUA’S HEROIC EFFORTS

In the next play, the Red Cubs forced a turnover, and the 5’11 Caracut got fouled by de la Cruz.

Two charities from Caracut found their marks with 25 ticks to go, and the Red Cubs shattered the game’s final deadlock.

A passing error by Greenies cager John Gob and an interception play by Red Cubs Mark Framil led to two turnovers.

Caracut made his trip to the free throw line as he went for a steal, and got fouled by Rafael Salonga in the last five seconds.

He split his charities, and the Red Cubs were in front by three with time almost over for the Greenies.

– COACH JB SISON TALKS ABOUT THE GAME

“It was our free throw shooting. We missed half of our free throws. That is why we could not move away. Luckily, their two inbound plays at endgame resulted in turnovers. But, they could not make an attempt. But, if ever, those situations were dangerous,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison in taglish.

Sison did not talk much of Caracut’s performance.

His output was his lowest, but those were the most important shots of the game.

Caracut realized this when I caught up with him.

“OK lang. Sa huli ko tinira iyung mga importante. Kahit di marami, karamihan sa dulo na,” said Caracut, who is on his third and last season for the Red Cubs.

– THE BEST OF JOSHUA CARACUT

Caracut’s highest output after six games was when they Red Cubs won over the Mapua Red Robins, 97-89, on July 4.

In that game, he had 24 points, including four triples.

Statistically, he is the third highest scorer this season with a six-game average of 17.67 points.

He is behind scoring leader Raphael Chavez of the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas(19.00 points per game) and no. 2 scorer Dennel Aguirre of the Mapua Red Robins (18.43).

By the time I was through looking into the performance of Red Cubs, I finally get to see Philippine Star scribe and Sportsmaryosep blogger Joey Villar in the NCAA media center. I greeted him, and welcomed him back with a pat on the shoulder.

He is back after going under the knife, an endoscopy, to check on his kidneys, and after resting for some time.

-THE SCORES

San Beda 64- Furaque 20, Caracut 15, Bordeus 10, Alas 8, Abuhijle 4, Diputado 4, Framil 2, Abatayo 1.Geralao 0, Alfaro 0.

LSGH 61- de la Cruz 17, Gob 15, San Juan 15, Salonga 4, Alcala 4, Velasco 3, Madrigal 2, Pagulayan 1, Bunyi 0, Herrera 0.

Quarterscores: 16-12, 22-28, 47-45, 64-61.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- Dennel Aguirre powers Mapua Red Robins to victory; MIT 80, SSC 54

28 July 2014,
8 p.m.,
Monday,
FilOil-Flying V Arena,
San Juan

Standings               W L
San Beda                5 1
JRU                         5 1
Letran                     4 1
Mapua                     5 2
Arellano University   4 2
La Salle Greenhills  2 4
San Sebastian         2 4
UPHSD                    1 4
LPU                         1 5
EAC-ICA                  0 5

Dennel Aguirre is proving his worth with the Mapua Red Robins.

The 17-year old Aguirre emerged as the second highest scoring cager in the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.

This was after he led the Mapua Red Robins to an 80-54 flogging of the San Sebastian Staglets Monday evening at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

(Dennel Aguirre(7) is stopped in midair from scoring by SSC Staglet Jasper Magno (partly hidden), while another Baste defender gets up from a fall).

Averaging 18.43 points, 9.57 rebounds, 1.88 steals and 1.29 blocks, the six-foot Aguirre’s efforts helped lift the Red Robins to their fifth win in seven games.

This moved the Red Robins to third spot.

The Red Robins were nursing a 12-4 lead at the end of the first period when Aguirre found his range in the second, striking thrice with his perimeter shots.

(Mapua’s Noah Lugo (right) tries to shake off Staglet Lorenzo Navarro).

 

As they limited the Staglets to just 10 points in the second canto, the Red Robins’ lead then ballooned to 12.

And this gave the Red Robins a 30-18 advantage at halftime.

Regille Ilagan, the Staglets’ top gunner who averages 16.8 points, was  marked all throughout.

(Mapua’s Neil Russel (in yellow no. 8) in a rebound battle with Baste big man John Paclarin),

He was held to just to four as the half ended.

Ilagan could only make three in the third as the Red Robins widened their lead to 20, 55-35, at the end of the third.

Aside from Ilagan, Mapua made efforts to hold off the prolific Lorenzo Navarro, who could only muster two points in the 12 minutes he saw action.

So far, the 18-year old Aguirre distinguished himself by making the second highest output this season.

Aguirre hit 34 points when the Red Robins lost to the San Beda Red Cubs, 89-97, last July 4.

Noah Lugo backed up Aguirre with nine points and nine rebounds.

“Prepared kami sa game na ito. Buti na lang at nag-respond ang mga bata at na-execute namin ang offense namin,” said Red Robins coach Randy Alcantara.

-THE SCORES:

Mapua 80- Aguirre 18, Victoria 9, Lugo 9, Cabural 8, Concepcion 8, Enriquez 6, Velvez 6, Russel 3, Rivera 3, Calderon 2, Pascua 2, Salenga 2, Yco 2, Bonifacio 2.

San Sebastian 54- Ilagan 11, Cruz 10, Magno 5, Malamug 5, Bonleon 4, Alfaro 4, Sera Josef 3, Miasco 3, Paclarin 2, Navarro 2, Padigdig 2, Bardaje 2, Mercado 1, Causon 0, Ong 0.

Quarterscores: 12-4, 30-18, 55-35, 80-54.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- ARELLANO BRAVES 77, SAN SEBASTIAN STAGLETS 74; JRU LIGHT BOMBERS 98, UPHSD JUNIOR ALTAS 65

23 July 2014

7:45 p.m.

Wednesday,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

Team Standings

W L

Letran Squires          4 1
JRU Light Bombers 4 1
SBC Red Cubs            4 1
MIT Red Robins       3 2
LSGH Greenies          2 2
SSCR Staglets             2 2
AU Braves                   2 2
UPHSD Jr. Altas       1 2
EAC Brigadiers         0 4
LPU Jr. Pirates         0 5

Guilmar de la Torre struck hard this time around.

He made his move at crunch time.

His two free throws off Enrico Ong’s foul came with 1.5 seconds left.

(Guilmar de la Torre(11) in action. He is being chased by Staglet Jasneth Causon. Guilmar’s teammate Mark Enriquez (10), gets ready with a screen).

Because of this, the Arellano University Braves escaped with 77-74 triumph over the San Sebastian Staglets.

After the end of the senior basketball action of the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association competitions, I took time out to watch the Braves play their game.

This was a few before disaster struck the 2014 PLDT Last HOME Stand, and right before Manila West of Terrence Romeo was to win the 2014 FIBA 3×3 Manila crown.

(Staglet Jeremy Cruz (7) is a rebound play with Arellano Braves Mark Enriquez (10)).

On that day also, Philippine Star’s Joey Villar, who has a blog called Sportsmaryosep, went under the knife for a kidney problem at the Manila Doctors Hospital( I wanted to visit him, but he had already left the hospital when I finally got to chat with him on Facebook).

Anway, a game in the junior division before I leave the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan in the evening always keep me from going home early.

– ARELLANO BRAVES 77, SAN SEBASTIAN STAGLETS 74

The 5’8 de la Torre, who is from Mariveles National High School in Bataan, was feverish the last time I met.
On June 30, 2014, he scored a gamehigh 18 points on his first game for the Braves as they blasted the Lyceum Philippines University Junior Pirates, 88-59.

(Arellano Braves cager Karl Cabahug gets confronted by Staglet Lorenzo Navarro (11)).

This time, after the Braves bounced back from two painful losses to the San Beda Red Cubs and the Mapua Red Robins, de la Torre came up with 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and two triples.

But his performance was eclipsed by three other teammates, who had double digit outputs as well.

John Zamora, Maiko Juico and Primo Manoloto also did well with 21, 14 and 10 points to their credit.

But, with de la Torre, his charities before the game ended allowed the Braves to climb to a share of third place.

The Braves have now caught up with the Staglets, and they share the same 2-2 win-loss record with the La Salle Greenhills Greenies.

– DRAMATIC STAND BY THE BRAVES

The Staglets were supposed to win this one.

Coach Franco Atienza had a chance to turn the tables after rallying from 62-73 down in the last 4:33.

Regile Ilagan and Jasper Ilagan, two of the Staglets’ crack outside shooters, were finding their mark with another perimeter marksman Lorenzo Navarro.

Their efforts, capped by Navarro’s two free throws in the last 2:14 on a technical foul called on coach Tylon Darjuan,

Another two off Ilagan’s freebies off Manoloto’s fifth came before that.

The extra charities awarded to Navarro came after Manoloto was cited for resenting the referee’s call on him. And Manoloto had already fouled out, coach Tylon was assessed the technical.

“Sabi ko sa kanya, pag wala kang bantay, kunin mo bola. Mapa-foul ka. Shoot mo na,” said Darjuan on his instructions to de la Torre.

Darjuan is kinda cautious about the officiating during the game.

“Ayoko na magsalita sa officiating. Mabigat eh. Lamang kami ng lima. Tapos, bigla akong na-technical nang ganun,” added de la Torre.

The Braves now have a chance to remain in third, and it will depend on their next game against the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas.

The scores:

First Game

JRU 98—de la Virgen 18, Garcia 14, Estrella 12, Dada 12, Agustin 10, Torre 7, Astrero 6,Deloria 5, Anonuevo 4, , Sta. Maria 4, Estrada 2, Abrigos 2, Ross 2.

UPHSD 65— Sison 15, Umali 12, Chavez 11, Tan 8, Alarcon 7, Neri 6, Villaceran 6, Manaligod 0, Yaco 0, P. Yaco 0.

Quarterscores: 23-13, 42-31, 75-42, 98-65.

Second Game

Arellano 77—Zamora 21, Juico 14, de la Torre 12, Manaloto 10, Enriquez 9, Cabahug 4, de Lara 3, Strait 1, Dulatre 0, Bataller 0.

San Sebastian 74—Ilagan 16,Paclarin 10, Magno 10, Navarro 10, Cruz 8, Sera Jose 6, Mercado 5, Malamug 3, Bardaje 2, Alfaro 1, Causon 0, Miasco 0.

Quarterscores: 28-18, 44-35, 63-64, 77-74.

Varsity Sports Update (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- JRU LIGHT BOMBERS bounce back, MIT RED ROBINS strike

18 July 2014,

Friday,

8 p.m.,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

 

Season 90 NCAA Junior Basketball Tournament Team Standings
(as of July 18, 2014)
W    L
Letran Squires               3    1
SBC Red Cubs                 3    1
JRU Light Bombers     3    1
LSGH Greenies               2    1
MIT Red Robins             3   2
SSCR Staglets                  2    2
AU Braves                        2    2
UPHSD Jr. Altas             1    2
EAC Brigadiers                0  3
LPU Junior Pirates        0 5

It’s crowded up there.

Coach Nathaniel Gregorio felt and saw the situation the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers are in.

This was after Typhoon Glenda came and devastated the rest of the country, when it was over, everyone realized that it’s now a level playing field in the junior basketball scene.

The JRU Light Bombers are now in this situation after they bowed to the Letran Squires, 50-65, last July 14, Monday, in the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

And this was fully realized after they bounced back , last Friday, July 18(two after Typhoon Glenda), with a 64-61 triumph over the Lyceum Philippines University Junior Pirates.

“Naging struggle ang pagkatalo naming sa Letran. Sabi ko sa kanila nung nakaraan, that we can lose our focus in defense. Malaki ang epekto sa kanila,” said Gregorio after the team sang their school anthem.

After getting past the Junior Pirates, a three-way tie for the lead has resulted.

The Light Bombers now share the top spot with the Squires and the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs.

-JRU LIGHT BOMBERS 64, LPU JUNIOR PIRATES 61

Mark de la Virgen, known for his big heart, saved the day for the Light Bombers.

Making 21 points throughout the 30 minutes he played, de la Virgen banged in four free throws in the dying seconds.

(Mark de la Virgen shoots his charities).

His two charities in the last 21.3 seconds, and two more in the final two seconds, came on fouls committed by Generoso Cecilio.

They lifted the Light Bombers to their 64-61 stopping of the Junior Pirates.

Because of this, they earned their third win in four games.

This put them in a share of the lead with the Letran Squires, as both now have the same 3-1 win-loss slates.

The Junior Pirates, who are still winless after five outings, gave JRU a scare when they Makki Santos struck with a putback in the last 25.9 seconds, 58-60.

-SCARY THIRD QUARTER

It was kinda hairy for the Light Bombers in the closing minutes of the third.

Behind, 36-39, Lyceum unleashed an 8-0 blast behind John Menil, Chester Jungco and Miguel Lagman in the final minute of the third.

(LPU Junior Pirates cager Jastin Agdon tries to keep the ball while JRU teammates Joco Estrada (13) and Jamil Garcia (18) hassle him).

The gained a 44-39 lead, and JRU was on its toes afterwards.

JRU was able to grab the lead back, beginning in the final 6:46 behind four treys coming from Patrick Anonuevo and de la Virgen.

(Mark de la Virgen drives to the hoop while being chased down by (4) Miguel Lagman).

The first trey from Anonuevo put JRU in front, 49-48, and it was in reply of Jungco’s two charities.

MAPUA RED ROBINS 71, ARELLANO BRAVES 64

Noah Lugo made 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Mapua Red Robins as they went on to waylay the Arellano University Brave, 71-64, in the first game.

The Red Robins climbed fourth spot with their 3-2 slate.

There are two guys dominating the boards for the Red Robins.

And Lugo got support from Dennel Aguirre, who had 12 points and 15 boards.

-THE SCORES:

Mapua 71—Lugo 19, Velvez 15, Aguirre 12, Bonifacio 9, Victoria 8, Calderon 2, Salenga 2, Cabural 2, Russel 1, Enriquez 1, Pascua 0, Yco 0.

Arellano 64- de la Torre 11, Strait 11, Clemente 10, Zamora 8, Juico 7, de Lara 6, Enriquez 5, Manaloto 4, Cabahug 2, Balbarona 0, Bataller 0.

Quarterscores: 8-18, 31-36, 50-53, 71-64.

JRU 64—de la Virgen 21, Estrella 11, Paniamogan 10, Dada 8, Sta. Maria 6, Astrero 3, Garcia 3, Estrada 1, Torre 1, Ross 0.
LPU 61- Santos 14, Jungco 13, Menil 12, Cecilio 7, Agdon 6, Lagman 4, Wong 3, Glipo 2, Pere 0, J. Agdon 0, Romanes 0, Guadana 0.

Quarterscores: 15-11, 31-30, 39-44, 64-61.

(Photo Ops)- Part 1: Typhoon Glenda leaves destruction in its wake at the Metropoint Mall, and at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex

16 July 2014,

Bo’s Café,

SM Mall of Asia,
Pasay City,

6:30 p.m.

It’s been a hectic 48 hours for me.

I finally got settled down here at a borrowed seat in a crowded section of Bo’s Café at the SM Mall of Asia.

The perks of having a constant supply of Sodexo gift certificates from a loving wife allows me to enjoy a grande cup mocha frappucino and cheesecake brownies for free.

Typhoon Glenda’s passing into Metro Manila allowed me to have a lot of downtime, and get through my backlog in blogging the events of season 90 NCAA basketball wars and the season 77 UAAP collegiate basketball hostilities.

The night before (Tuesday) organizers of both leagues have already announced the cancellation of games.

This big storm passed through the metropolis in the wee hours of the morning, and continued its path north by lunchtime.

At around, that time, it left most of the city without power, and some without clean water(waterless is true for those living in multi-story buildings).

So, while waiting for mobile internet connection, and mobile computing power to finally be available to me, I spend the morning taking photos of streetlife along the corner of EDSA and Taft Ave. in Pasay Rotonda, and at the nearby Metropoint Mall.

(people pass by a blocked off portion of a sidestreet between Metropoint Mall and Kabayan Hotel in EDSA Rotonda)

I even escaped the clutches of two heavily armed security guards of Metropoint who wanted to grab my camera. They saw me taking photos of a destroyed billboard on a streetside, some fallen electrical wirings and a blocked streets.

(A female traffic enforcer watches over the sidestreet).

The MMDA officers gladly allowed me to take photos, and one tipped me about it while I was at a carinderia in my neighborhood.

(a closeup view of a billboard and fallen wires, which traffic enforcer points to me).

The MMDA officer just finished breakfast and told to me to go to a sidestreet near Kabayan Hotel if I wanted to have good photos.

 

(Fallen wire hanging on blocked side street).

The security guards, whom I feel are overequipped and overreacting on the presence of a camera-wielding passers-by, wanted to delete my pictures. But I invoked my rights as mediaman and calmly walked away along EDSA, and into Taft.

(another view of a fallen tangle of wires hanging at the back of Metropoint Mall)

In the back of my mind, the guards do not want the pictures to get published. But I refused to let them stop me.

(Road blocks and tape cordon block the street leading to Kabayan Hotel)

Compared to security people at the Rizal Memoral Sports Complex, the guards were cheerful and cooperative that they allowed me to take photos which Typhoon Glenda wrought around the premises.

(another view of restricted area).

They even allowed themselves to be in the photos I took.

With Philippine Star sportswriter and Byolmins blogger Olmin Leyba joining my little adventure, we get to have an unmolested tour of RMSC, thanks to the cheerful and trusty security personnel of RMSC.

Both of us wound up doing an article on the RMSC before the day ended. Olmin was glad that the security guards at Metropoint were not able to delete my photos, nor get to touch me(to be continued).

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- Squires bounce back, Red Cubs win again

09 July 2014,
Wednesday,
8 p.m.,
FilOil-Flying V Arena,
San Juan

Team Standings             W L
JRU Light Bombers      3 0
Arellano Braves             2 0
San Beda Red Cubs        2 1
Letran Squires                2 1
San Sebastian Staglets 2 1
LSGH Greenies               1 1
MIT Red Robins            1 2
EAC Brigadiers              0 2
UPHSD Jr. Altas           0 2
LPU Jr. Pirates             0 3

-LETRAN SQUIRES 59, MAPUA RED ROBINS 57

The Letran Squires are back on track.

Jerrick Balanza and Enrique Caunan provided the big baskets for Squires as the got past the Mapua Red Robins, 59-57, last Wednesday, July 9.

Their efforts brought the Squires to their second win in three games in the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

(Letran’s Klyve Dungan (4) moves past a screen done by Mapua’s Sherwin Concepcion (18), and as he tries to help teammate Rhayniel David (14) in harassing Mapua ball handler Laurenz Victoria)- photo taken with Panasonic Lumix FZ-200.

But, it was the 6’1 Balanza who scored in the winning basket in a game which became very close in the last two minutes.

Balanza, who led with 14 points and eight rebounds, drove past Jasper Salenga in the last 37 seconds.

Breaking a 57-all deadlock, the Squires kept possession in the ensuing play, and after Red Robin Sherwin Concepcion missed a triple.

(Tommy Gedaria (9) chasing down Mapua’s Noah Lugo).

The 6’4 Caunan, who only six points but controlled the board with 12 rebounds, then hung on to the ball as the clock winding.

His excellent ballhandling ensured that Letran will be able to bounce back from their 60-69 loss to the Lyceum Philippines University Junior Pirates.

The Squires are now in a three-way tie for third place with the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs and the San Sebastian Staglets.

(Mapua’s Michael Enriquez reacts after finding himself in a tight spot as midcourt at Letran TommyGedaria harasses him).

 

It will be tougher for them on Monday, July 14 when they meet the unbeaten Jose Rizal University Light Bombers.

-A TOUGH GAME, TIGHTER DEFENSE

The win was not an easy one for the Squires.

The Red Robins were ahead, 46-36, in the last 2:45 of the third, and this was courtesy of a triple from Michael Enriquez.

It turned out to be one of Enriquez’s few baskets in the game, and as the Squires began tightening their screens on him, Dennel Aguirre and Concepcion.

(Enriquez (9) gets harassed again by Gedaria (9).

The screens on the trio kept them from being very productive in the fourth, and as the Squires slowly but surely clawed their way out of a 10-point deficit.

They eventually overtook the Red Robins off Johann Rubite’s drive off Tommy Gedaria’s assist, and Klyve Dungan layup off Gedaria’s pass with 6:14 to go, 51-48.

The Red Robins later tied the match, 50-all, off Noah Lugo’s triple with 2:01 to go.

-HOW COACH JUNJIE ABLAN SEES IT

Coach Junjie Ablan said it was a job well done for the Squires.

“Kaya nakahabol kami ay dahil sa depensa, at na-limit namin si Aguirre sa second half,” remarked Ablan, who was referring to Dennel Aguirre.

Aguirre, who had 14 points with Concepcion, hit eight points in the second canto.

But as defense got tight on him, he was held to only two points in the second half.

– SBC RED CUBS 94, LPU 69

Joshua Caracut shone bright again for the San Beda Red Cubs, who brought down the Lyceum Philippines University Junior Pirates, 94-69.
He scored in double digits with Niko Abatayo, Alberto Bordeus and Evan Furaque with 20 points and hauled in nine rebounds.

Abatayo tallied 15 points and dominated the paint with 16 boards, while Abatayo and Bordeus made 14 apiece.

Furaque took charge in the first canto with seven points as the Red Cubs led, 24-19.

Bordeus hit 10 in the third as the Red Cubs moved away from a 41-38 halftime lead to 17 at the end of the third, 69-52.

-THE SCORES

First game

San Beda 94- Caracut 20, Abatayo 15, Bordeus 14, Furaque 14, Gelalao 7, Alfaro 7, Velasquez 6, Abuhijle 6, Alas 2, Etrata 2, Decapia 1.

LPU 69- Jungco 18, Santos 16, Menil 14, Cecilio 7, Agdon 6, Pere 4, Wong 2, Guadana 2, Lagman 0, Castaneda 0, Bautista 0, Glipo 0, Romanes 0, Tropicales 0.

Quarterscores: 24-19, 41-38, 69-52, 94-69.

Second Game

Letran 59- Balanza 14, Dungan 10, Gedaria 8, Ramirez 6, Caunan 6, Rubite 6, Gonzales 5, David 4, Magsino 0.

Mapua 57- Aguirre 14, Concepcion 14, Lugo 8, Cabural 8, Enriquez 7, Calderon 4, Salenga 2, Victoria 0, Russel 0, Velvez 0, Yco 0, de la Cruz 0.

Quarterscores: 18-15, 30-34, 43-48, 59-57.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- Are the JRU Light Bombers off to their best season? Arellano Braves win

07 July 2014,
Monday,
8 p.m.,
FilOil-Flying V Arena,
San Juan
When did the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers ever have a good start?

Well, never. Not in recent memory. Not in the last nine seasons did the JRU Light Bombers have a winning run this long. And no existing statistical record will ever show that.

This time around, the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers are proving themselves as a fighting team.

(JRU Light Bomber Darious Estrella(19) tightly guards LSGH cager Ian Herrera(5)- photo taken by me with my Panasonic Lumix FZ-200).

Last Monday, July 7, the Light Bombers showed how well they can defend.

And so it was in their sturdy defense, something that I have not seen in at least 10 years.

Their defensive plays inside and out held out in the last two minutes, and they frustrated the Greenies, who were only able to score their final point at the buzzer.

(LSGH’s Renzo Pagulayan (8) tries to get past a double team by JRU’s (9) Andrei Dada and (19) Darious Estrella.

After holding their rivals almost scoreless down the stretch, the Light Bombers went on to escape with a 63-62 upset of the Greenies.

Their third straight win in season 90 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament allowed the Light Bombers to move ahead of Arellano University Braves (2-0) in the lead.

It was a historic and emotional win for the Light Bombers, who last won over the Greenies, 92-89, in overtime in the first round of season 86.

-JRU LIGHT BOMBERS 63, LSGH Greenies 62

Senior cager Mark de la Virgen led the Light Bombers with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

His fellow senior Andrei Dada chipped in 16 points, including a drive off King Astrero’s pass in the last 1:59.

This proved to be the Light Bombers’ last basket for the evening, and they went on enjoy a 63-59 advantage in the remaining time.

(LSGH’s Mark de la Cruz gets a screen from Mark de la Virgen).

The Greenies, led by national youth under-17 player Michael de la Cruz with 22 points, tried to catch up with JRU in the remaining time.

But Darius Estrella kept the ball in their JRU’s possession after snatching the ball away from Rafael Salonga.

Estrella, who lost the ball on a travelling violations, got away with another steal and kept the ball in JRU hands in the final minute.

JRU’s John Sta. Maria (16) chases down LSGH’s (18) Amando San Juan.

They wasted away the remaining time, and gave up the ball as the time almost expired.

This was when Salonga managed to sneak in a triple before time ran out, and trim down JRU’s lead by one at endgame.

(Luis Velasco in action).

– A CLOSE GAME

There were 10 lead changes and five deadlocks.

Amando San Juan banged in 17 points, with his split charity in the last 44.7 seconds in third tying the game for the last time, 44-all.

They then overtook JRU for the last time, 45-44, at the end of the third.

John Gob made this possible for LSGH when he scored on a split with 14.5 seconds left.

– PULLING AWAY IN THE FOURTH PERIOD

The Light Bombers began moving ahead for the fourth time over LSGH in the last 10 minutes.

De La Virgen’s two free throws and Dada’s one of two treys found their mark in the last eight minutes, and JRU went on to nurse six-point lead, 5145.

Dada’s last triple came after Salonga struck with his own three-pointer.

And, JRU went on to keep their six-point edge, 54-48.

Later, the Greenies took charge for one last time off San Juan’s drive, and Gob’s layup, 59-58.

In the next play, de la Virgen’s trey and Dada’s layup in the remaining 1:56 handed JRU the lead for the last time, 63-59.

– COACH NAT’S TAKE ON THE GAME

Coach Nathaniel Gregorio said the Light Bombers could have pulled away even more in the last minute.

But, lapses in execution kept JRU from pulling further away.

“Hindi ganoon kadiin iyung mga baskets namin sa every possession na nakukuha namin. So kahit paano naging ganoon, Iyung effort nila ay nandun. Hndi sila bumigay sa depensa nung bandang huli,” said Gregorio.

Gregorio said he even told the boys not to let LSGH get a decent shot even if they themselves can’t shoot at endgame.

The JRU Light Bombers will take a weeklong break before they clash with the Letran Squires on Monday.

On that day, they will be seeking their fourth straight win,

And if they do, I can definitely say that JRU Light Bombers are really off to a flying start.

For now, it’s too early to celebrate.

-ARELLANO BRAVES 106, EAC-ICA 86

Meanwhile, the Arellano Braves came away with a 106-86 win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College-ICA Brigadiers.

Guilmar de la Torre once again led the Braves, this time with 27 points.

The shackled the Brigadiers to just 18 points in the second period, and they went to post a 52-42 lead at halftime.

The scores:

First Game

JRU 63—de la Virgen 17, Dada 16, Anonuevo 8, Estrella 7, Garcia 5, Estrada 4, Anore 2, Sta. Maria 2, Ross 2.

LSGH 62—de la Cruz 22, San Juan 17, Gob 9, Salonga 8, Pagulayan 4, Manuel 2.

Quarterscores: 19-10, 30-32, 44-45, 63-62.

Second Game

Arellano Braves 106–de la Torre 27, Juico 15, Manaloto 14, Zamora 12, Clemente 8, Cabahug 8, Bataller 3, de Lara 2, Enriquez 2, Balbarona 2, Peralta 2, Gonzalo 2, Manalac 1.

EAC-ICA 86—Tayomora 18, Castillo 18, Montilla 16, Gentile 9, Cayabo 8, Catusalem 8, Piopongco 6, Cruz 2, Dungca 1.

Quarterscores: 26-24, 52-42, 82-64, 106-86.

Varsity Sports Update (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- LSGH Greenies 86, EAC-ICA 45

2 July 2014,
Monday,
12 nn,
FilOil-Flying V Arena,
San Juan
I wanted to know what the La Salle Greenhills Greenies will be like without four key players, Rashleigh “Prince” Rivero, his brother Rasheed, Alexis Barrera and Kobe Paras.

They are among the Greenies’ top cagers who played significant roles as the team made it to the junior finals of the 89th National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament last year.

Fortunately , I got a glimpse of how the Greenies were without Rivero brothers, Barrera and Paras.

(Note: Prince Rivero, last year’s season MVP, is now with the La Salle Green Archers, while Barrera was unable to get a spot with the College of St. Benilde Blazers, Rasheed went to team B of the CSB Blazers, and Barrera got lined up with Adamson University Falcons. Kobe, on the other hand was supposed to have another year left, got a varsity scholarship Los Angeles Cathedral school in California).

– LSGH GREENIES 86, EAC-ICA 45

On Monday, July 2, Michael de la Cruz, John Gob and Ricci Rivero came up with the big numbers to lead the LSGH Greenies to an 86-45 plastering of Emilio Aguinaldo College-Immaculate Concepcion Academy Brigadiers.

(LSGH cager Ricci Rivero tries to get past a harassing EAC-ICA opponent Edlor Cayabo)- photo taken by me.

This gave them their first win in the 90th NCAA junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena.

De la Cruz, a member of the Philippine national under-17 team, struggled with his shooting in the first half.

 

(Ricci Rivero successfully makes an alley-oop shot).

 

But he got his groove back, and shot 11 of 21 points in the third period, and he saw action for 27 minutes.

Gob, described by coach John Flores, as an unselfish when he gets the ball and attracts defenders from the opposing team.

LSGH player Rodney Manuel(no. 13) attempts a basket past EAC-ICA’s Jose Piopongco (no. 4)

He delivered 15 points and 17 rebounds in the 26 minutes he saw action.

Rivero, the youngest of the three Rivero brothers (also composed of Prince and Rasheed), was in foul trouble, but he still got the job done.

He banged in 16 points and 12 boards after playing for 19 minutes.

With the three contributing big time on wreaking havoc at the Brigadiers’ defense, the Greenies drew eight from de la Cruz in the first quarter.

His efforts helped the Greenies quickly move away, 20-7, after the first 10 minutes.

As de la Cruz got held to just two points in the second canto, the Greenies went on to limit the Brigadiers to just 12 points in the last 10 minutes of the first half.

The Greenies went on to take a 38-19 edge when the second half started.

Flores said he asked the boys to lessen their turnovers in the second half.

And when they did, the Greenies widened their lead to 34, 65-31, when the third quarter was over, with Rivero and Gob protecting the shaded lanes.

“We were up 10 to 15 points the whole first half. At halftimeWe just talked about lessening the turnovers, and being more careful with the ball,” said Flores when it was over.

On Monday, July 6, will a big test for the Greenies as they gun for their second straight win.

They will have a chance to challenge the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers for the lead if they beat them in their 6 p.m. showdown.

Last Wednesday, the JRU Light Bombers posted their second consecutive win with a 75-60 win over the San Sebastian Staglets.

The scores:

LSGH 86—de la Cruz 21, Rivero 16, Gob 15, Pagulayan 8, San Juan 8, Velasco 6, Madrigal 4, Manuel 4, Salonga 2, Alcala 2.

EAC-ICA 45—Piopongco 10, Castillo 9, Cayabo 8, Tayomora 6, Cruz 4, Montilla 4, Beduria 3, Gentile 1.

Quarterscores: 20-7, 38-19, 65-31, 86-45.

Varsity Sports Update(NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- JRU Light Bombers 75, SSC Staglets 60

04 July 2014,
Wednesday,
6:30 p.m.,
FilOil-Flying V Arena,
San Juan

I have never seen this team play this good before.

Playing smart once again, the Jose Rizal University University Light Bombers claimed a second victim in last year’s finalists, the San Sebastian Staglets.

A shift in their defensive play in the third quarter did wonders for the Light Bombers.

(the JRU Light Bombers do a double team on SSC Staglet Lorenzo Navarro).- Photos taken by me, using a Panasonic Lumix FZ200

Going low post with their trapping defense this time around, the Kalentong dribblers went on to shock the Staglets, 75-60.

This gave the Light Bombers their second straight win in the junior division of the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

(SSC Stalget Lorenzo Navarro tries to drive past JRU Light Bombers Joco Estrada and Darius Estrella).

Mark de la Virgen, whom coach Nathaniel Gregorio describes as a small point guard at 5’6 with a big heart, showed the way for the Light Bombers this time around.

He fired 21 points, and 13 rebounds, while Darious Estrella, the hero in their game against the Stagets, shot 14 points and hauled in seven boards.

JRU Light Bomber John Sta. Maria swats an attempt by Navarro.)

De la Virgen took charge in the third period with 13 points, shooting most of it during an 8-0 run which allowed JRU to break away from a 41-all deadlock.

They eventually took a 60-49 advantage at the end of the period.

Defensive plays from JRU’s Christian Anore(no. 8) and Darius Estrella (no. 19) keep 2 Staglets, Jeremy Cruz (7) and John Paclarin (8) at bay during this rebound play.

“We adjusted on our defense. Yung sa trapping namin, na mataas, this time, binabaan namin nang konti. Our purpose was to deny them their offense,” said Gregorio.

Their defense worked so well that JRU finished with a 15-point lead.

This put them ahead in the solo lead, and with four other squads trailing in second.

(Hassle plays on Navarro by Sta. Maria and Estrella).

Holding on to 1-0 cards are the Mapua Red Robins, the La Salle Greenhills Greenies and the Arellano University Braves.

It will be tougher for the Light Bombers in their next two games.

This is because they have last year’s finalists, the Greenies and the Letran Squires as their next opponents.

The scores:

JRU 75—de la Virgen 21, Estrella 14, Dada 13, Garcia 12, Anonuevo 5, Estrada 4, Torre 2, Anore 1.

San Sebastian 60— Ilagan 14, Navarro 13, Magno 11, Mercado 6, Cruz 6, Paclarin 6, Sera Josef 4.

Quarterscores: 14-12, 27-28, 52-43, 75-60.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Junior Basketball)- Guilmer de la Torre’s amazing game; the Braves and the Red Robins win

30 June 2014,

Monday,

6 p.m. ,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

I was amazed at how the Arellano University Braves won their opening game last Monday.

 

Their game comes right after the Mapua Red Robins-University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas encounter.

 

–         ARELLANO BRAVES 88, LPU JUNIOR PIRATES 59

 

What amazed me was rookie Guilmer de la Torre, who was nursing a fever for the last three days.

 

But, he still lived up to his role as a go-to guy of the Arellano University Braves.

(Guillmer de la Torre, jersey no. 11, in action). photo taken by me.

He led repeated attacks from inside and outside the paint, and his efforts paid off for the Braves.

 

Scoring a gamehigh 18 points on his first game, de la Torre showed the way for the Braves as they blasted the Lyceum Philippines University Junior Pirates, 88-59.

 

The Braves went on to post their first win in the 90^th National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

 

This gave them a share of the early with the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, the San Sebastian Staglets and the Mapua Red Robins.

 

As he and teammate John Zamora effectively patrolled the wings, the Brave got eight points from de la Torre in the first period alone.

 

The Braves eventually took a 27-11 edge in the first period.

 

As de la Torre picked up with his outside shooting, and teammates Anaclito Dulatre, Primo Manaloto and Juniel Balbarona took turns in controlling the boards, the Braves managed to limit the Junior Pirates to eight points in the next canto, and before the half ended.

 

The Braves never looked back as they eventually coasted to a 41-19 spread at halftime.

 

The 5’8 de la Torre, who came from Mariveles National High School in Bataan, he gave his best even though was feeling bad over the last three days.

 

“May lagnat ako, three days. Pero ginawa ko pa rin ang dapat kong gawin. Sabi ni coach, konting ingat lang para maulit pa ito,” said de la Torre.

 

Coach Tylon Darjuan said the win serves as a confidence builder for the team.

 

He said the Braves have two light assignments, the second one is against the Emilio Aguinaldo College-ICA Brigadiers on Monday.

 

Then, their big game will be against the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs on Saturday, July 12.

 

He had good words for de la Torre, saying the kid is their go-to guy, and he seems to have lived up to this billing.

 

If he keeps it up, he could wind up as one the hearts and souls of the Braves.

 

The Braves are now share the early lead with the Jose Rizal University

 

The scores:

 

Arellano 88- de la Torre 18, Strait 10, Juico 10, de Lara 9, Clemente 9, Zamora 6,  Cabahug 5, Peralta 5, Balbarona 4, Bataller 3, Gonzales 3, Dulatre 2, Manalac 2, Manaloto 2.

 

LPU 59- Santos 14, Jungco 13, Pere 9, Cecilio 9, Menil 7, Bautista 5, Wong 2.

 

Quarterscores: 27-11, 41-19, 58-37, 88-59.

 

-MAPUA RED ROBINS 104, UPHSD JUNIOR ALTAS 53

 

Four experienced teammates led the Mapua Red Robins as walloped the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 104-53.

 

Noah Lugo led with 20 points, while Dennel Aguirre shot 19, Sherwin Concepcion had 18 and David Velvez contributed 15.

After taking charge, 19-14, in the first 10 minutes, Lugo drilled in 13 in the second period.

(Mapua Red Robins’ Noah Lugo in action)- Photo taken by Lucius Gunz, and posted on Jerome Trio’s Flickr photos.

His huge game came as Aguirre dominate the boards with 11 rebounds.

 

Both their contributions saw the Red Robins taking a commanding 61-29 advantage at halftime.

 

The Junior Altas coaching staff, led by Lester del Rosario was kind of speechless after the game, since they got two big men guarding the inside.

 

And these 6’1 Las Pinas find John Umali, who had 10 boards, and six-footer Batangueno Raphael Chavez, who had 14 points and seven rebounds.

 

It will be tough for the Red Robins the next time around because the Red Cubs will be their next opponent.

 

They hardly have time to Friday because their clash will be on Friday.

 

The scores:

 

Mapua 104- Lugo 20, Aguirre 19, Concepcion 18, Velvez 15, Salenga 7, Calderon 7, Yco 6, Cabural 5, Enriquez 4, Victoria 3.

 

UPHSD 53- Chavez 14, Sison 9, Alarcon 8, Tan 6, Neri 5, Yaco 4, Umali 3, Villaceran 3, P. Yaco 1.

 

Quarterscores: 19-14, 61-29, 83-40, 104-53.