NCAA Season 91: The San Beda Red Cubs and their record-setting 7-peat; Evan Nelle proves worth

(Members of the San Beda Red Cubs enjoy a moment as 7-peat champions).

It’s a record.

This is what an undermanned and overachieving San Beda Red Cubs did last Oct. 29, Thursday in Game 3.

(Coach JB Sison gets a victory ride for their 7-peat).

For holding their ground in the third quarter and outplaying the Arellano University Braves, 70-61, they got themselves in the league history books in a big way.

They clinched a record-setting seventh straight junior title in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association  (NCAA) basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

(Germy Mahinay).

“Hindi naman namin goal iyun eh,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison, who said sweeping their 21-game assignment throughout the season was never in their minds.

Instead, he asked the boys to focus on winning the championship.

(Evan Nelle receives his Final MVP trophy from mancom rep Mari Lacson).

Evan Nelle is not even in the mythical five during the elimination round.

But Nelle’s performance in Game 1, and in Game 3 when he tallied a gamehigh 13 points merited him a finals MVP award.

(Eduardo Velasquez in a rebound play with Ira Bataller).

He drained three of five triples in the four minutes to help the Red Cubs move away.

His big game allowed the Red Cubs to pull off their second consecutive triumph in their finals series with the Braves.

“I did not expect it naman eh. I was trying to control the game with my teammates. Pass the ball properly. Suwerte lang,” said Nelle.

(Coach JB Sison with the coach of the year trophy).

The Arellano Braves fought it out right from the start.

On the other hand, the Red Cubs were short on manpower, with two injured wingmen not seeing action.

(Carlo Abadeza(8) in a rebound battle with Sam Abhuijle).

In Game 2, John Lagumen hurt his hamstring, and Alfaro sprained his ankle.

As the game got under way, Resty Fornis hit five points and combined for nine with Nino Tamayo as the Braves took charge, 17-14, in the first period.

(Albert Bordeos).

After Robi Nayve scored on a drive to put San Beda on top, Guilmer de la Torre struck twice with his drives, ending the half with the Braves in the lead, 32-30.

De la Torre shot 15 points, and he drained one of two threes in the last 8:59.

(Evan Nelle)

This allowed the Braves to move ahead by eight, 38-30.

But the Red Cubs went on to turn the tables on the Braves in the next instance.

(Resty Fornis takes possession of the ball).

A change in defense, from man to zone, did the trick.

During the transition, Addie Velasquez drove in and and hit a trey, and Nelle unleashed another triple during an 11-0 blast who allowed them to overtake the Braves, 47-43.

(Guilmer de la Torre in a one-on-one with Robi Nayve).

Prince Etrata, who made eight points, went for a jumper, and Albert Bordeos stole off de la Torre and drove in in the last eight minutes, handing San Beda a 58-51  lead.

De la Torre replied with a triple which kept Arellano in the thick of the fight, 54-58.

(Prince Etrata).

After Mahinay’s jumper with 5:50, allowed San Beda to maintain a 60-55 lead, they forced Arellano to four turnovers in their effort to protect their six-point lead.

Then, Nelle unloaded a trey, and San Beda gain an eight-point spread, 63-55, in the final 4:12.

Nelle’s final triple and Mahinay’s layup with 3:42 left gave the Red Cubs a 65-54 edge in the last period.

(Lars Sunga in one-on-one with Lars Sunga).

“I did not expect it naman. I was trying to control the game with teammates, pass the ball properly, suerte lang,” said Nelle.

Guilmer de la Torre powered the Braves with 15 points while Lars Sunga and Nino Tamayo added 13 and 12 points.

(Nino Tamayo tries to get past Josh Tagala).

Retired coach Edmundo Badolato, before he quit, steered the Red Cubs to their first crown in 2009 before Britt Reroma added three from 2010 to 2012.

The scores:

San Beda 70- Mahinay 15, Nelle 13, Velasquez 12, Etrata 8, Bordeos 8, Abuhijle 6, Tagala 4, Nayve 2, de la Rosa 2, Barbero 0.

Arellano 61—de la Torre 15, Sunga 13, Tamayo 12, Abadeza 9, Fornis 5, Danas 3, Espiritu 2, Bataller 2, Velasco 0, Calapine 0.

Quarterscores: 14-17, 30-32, 52-32, 70-61.

NCAA Season 91: Game 2 Review on the Arellano Braves’ upset of the SBC Red Cubs

(OUCH: Carlo Abadeza (right) seems to have accidentally elbowed Sam Abuhijle (16) during a rebound play).

The Arellano University Braves came away with a strong start.

It paid off.

(Carlo Abadeza).

In the end, Guilmer de la Torre and Carlo Abadeza  led the Arellano University Braves to a 72-68 upset of the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs in Game 2 of the junior division finals.

Abadeza, who also had 11 rebounds,  and de la Torre fired 16 and 15 points.

(Sam Abuhijle barrels his way past Jayson Danas (14)).

Their timely plays in the last three minutes allowed the Braves to tie their finals series at 1-1 in the 91^st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament.

But, its still an uphill climb for the Braves, who need to score three straight wins over the Red Cubs to snatch the crown.

(Guilmer de la Torre (left) gets a screen from Albert Bordeos).

The Red Cubs, who have a thrice-to-beat advantage following an 18-game sweep of the eliminations, saw their unbeaten run end after 19 consecutive victories.

-Play-by-play

The Braves outdid the Red Cubs in the first quarter by coming off with a strong start.

(Evan Nelle).

De la Torre hit five points and combined for 10 with Ira Bataller to lead the Braves to a 25-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second period, big man Sam Abuhijle struck with 12 of his 16 point tally and kept the Red Cubs within range, 27-33.

(Ira Bataller (17) in a one-on-one with Sam Abuhijle).

Arellano went on to finish the half with a 41-35 edge off Nino Tamayo split charity.

In the third period, a three-point and two charities from de la Torre saw the Braves moving away by nine, 48-37.

(Albert Bordeos (left)  looks for an open man after he is stopped by Lars Sunga).

In the fourth period, Evan Nelle hit 12 of 15 points he made in the last 10 minutes as the Red Cubs rallied.

They came on the verge of tying the count after  Nelle stole off Godwill Calapine, and drove in with 3:06 to go.

(Carlo Abadeza(center) in a rebound play with Lars Sunga(left) and Sam Abuhijle (right).

But a triple from de la Torre allowed the Braves to move away, 70-63, with 2:47 left.

Nelle, who had 15 points, tried to keep San Beda close with a trey, 66-70.

(Addie Velasquez(no. 6) in a possession battle with Prince Etrata (9), Germy Mahinay (partially hidden) and Carlo Abadeza).

But de la Torre managed to keep Arellano ahead, 72-66, with his drive off Abuhijle in the final 1:22.

The Red Cubs had a chance to stay close, but Addie Velasquez bungled a trey, and Abadeza forced a turnover after San Beda stole the ball, tried to force a shot underneath.

(Godwill Calapine (10) in a rebound play with Germy Mahinay (right) and Lars Sunga (4)).

“Sa start pa lang,sabi ko sa kanila, kailangan strong. Mahirap kasi talunin ang isang team na ilang taon nang nagcha-champion. Kung magiging matino ka, stick sa defense, may possibility na tatalunin namin,” said Braves coach Tylon Darjuan.

The Braves found an answer to the Red Cubs fullcourt press with their 1-2-2 defense, and they managed to gain a 12-point lead, 65-53 edge in the last 8:07 off Abadeza’s inside game.

(Robi Nayve (7) and Guilmer de la Torre (right).

Personal Notes: There was a debate on whether  Evan Nelle should be the finals MVP of Season 91 or not.

Philippine Star scribe and Sportsmaryosep blogger Joey Villar was for it.

(Nino Tamayo (in gray, left), tells Guilmer de la Torre that they have won).

I was not for it. Why not?

Because knowing how Evan plays, If he’s good in a particular game you saw him play, chances are he won’t be that good and consistent in the next game, and he’d be struggling.

When he saw Nelle play, Evan did well in Game 1.

But, instincts told me Evan won’t hold out in Game 2.

So, we placed a friendly bet in Game 2 of the Season 91 National Collegiate Athletic Association Junior Basketball finals.

I told Joey that if Evan and Addie Velasquez play well towards the end, the Red Cubs will win.

If not, and the pair of Guilmer de la Torre and Carlo Abadeza continue playing their A-game, the Arellano Braves will force Game 3, and live to fight another day.

As Game 3 unfolds on Thursday, I’m not gonna wager anymore friendly bets on Evan Nelle’s game.

He’s gotta learn how to be consistent just like Sam Abuhijle(whom I feel deserves an MVP award).

The scores:

Arellano 72- Abadeza 16, de la Torre 15, Bataller 9, Sunga 7, Calapine 7, Velasco 5, Tamayo 5, Danas 4, Espiritu 2, Fornis 2.

San Beda 68- Abuhijle 16, Nelle 15, Bordeus 13, Velasquez 6, Nayve 4, Mahinay 4, Tagala 3, Lagumen 3, Etrata 2, Alfaro 2, de la Rosa 0.

quarterscores: 25-13, 41-35, 57-49, 72-68.

NCAA Season 91: The San Beda Red Cubs stop Arellano Braves in Game 1; Go 19-0, and a win closer to history

(Evan Nelle gets a handshake from coach JB Sison).

Something  sweet now awaits  the San Beda Red Cubs after they moved closer to a record setting seventh straight crown last Friday Oct. 23.

They are now closer than they think to the crown after the Red Cubs repulsed  the Arellano University Braves, 76-68, in Game 1 of the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)  junior division basketball finals Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

(Evan Nelle dribbling the ball).

In this game, Evan Nelle’s on-and-off game was good again.

He struck with 16 points while Albert Bordeos made 12 for the Mendiola dribblers that afternoon.

(Coach JB Sison).

Their contributions  moved them a win closer to their seventh straight title.

No school team, varsity or in high school, has achieved such  a feat  in league history.

(Addie Velasquez gets possession of the ball).

The Red Cubs now a good headstart in the showdown with the Braves.

If the Braves will bounce back, they wll need to beat San Beda thrice to wrest the crown.

(A loose situation. Carlo Abadeza (blue), Pedro Alfaro (15), and Alberto Bordeos (14) seek possession of the loose ball).

When they  played the Braves in Game 1, the Red Cubs were coming off a three-week layoff.

They quickly took charge with the running game.

(Germy Mahinay gains possession of the ball).

As they dictated the pace, they began establishing an 18-13 lead in the first period.

“Ganun talaga ang style of play namin. We won two whole rounds with it, so bakit naming babaguhin,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison on their fullcourt pressing game.

(Guilmer de la Torre looking for an opening).

Bordeos and Robi Nayve combined for eight points to help the Red Cubs take a five-point edge in the first 10 minutes.

In the second period, a triple from Pedro Alfaro gave them a 32-25 edge.

(John Lagumen gets screened by Guilmer de la Torre).

Nelle’s trey with 5:01 remaining in the third saw San Beda moving away, 49-41.

“Hindi ko inisip iyung offense. Nung first half, puro turnover ako

(Robi Nayve tries to get past the screen of Guilmer de la Torre).

They finally established a 10-point, 64-55 lead in the last 5:30 off Sam Abuhijle’s drive.

“We’re not expecting a sweep. We’ll just take one game at a time,” said Sison. Kaya gusto ko lang bumawi sa defense,” said the 5’9 Evan.

The Red Cubs have a twice-to-beat incentive over the Braves.

This is what they are enjoying  after entering the finals on an 18-sweep of the eliminations.

So, the moment of truth is on the Red Cubs.

The scores:

San Beda 76– Nelle 1, Bordeos 12, Nayve 9, Lagumen 7, Velasquez 6, Mahinay 6, Alfaro 6, Tagala 5, de la Rosa 5, Abuhijle 4, Etrata 0.

Arellano 68– de la Torre 22, Sunga 14, Abadeza 10, Tamayo 7, Espiritu 5, Bataller 5, Velasco 3, Danas 2, Calapine 0, Dularte 0, Fornis 0.

Quarterscores: 18-13, 37-36, 59-52, 76-68.

NCAA Season 91: Arellano Braves upset Michael Enriquez-less Mapua Red Robins, reach finals; Marlon’s big game

I was betting on the Mapua Red Robins that they will make it to the finals of  the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association junior  basketball tournament,

But, all bets were off in the last five minutes and 26 seconds of the fourth quarter in their second stepladder semifinal encounter with the Braves.

(Point guard Mike Enriquez, who should be MVP) looking for an open man to pass the ball).

Michael Enriquez, one of the sparkplugs of the team(and possibly the junior MVP this season), was down on the floor, writhing in agony. A sight that’s unforgettable to me that day. He came up with an MVP performance that afternoon with the way he was leading the team and directing plays on the floor.

He was suffering from cramps in the right leg after playing for 32 minutes.

(MIke Enriquez is down on the floor, grimacing from cramps on his right leg. Teammates attend to him).

When the medics took him away from the floor, I knew and felt that this is the turning point of the game.

Enriquez is one of the candidates(and I’m betting on him to MVP) for MVP with Salenga with his averages of 15.22 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.22 assists and 3 steals per game.

(Marlo Espiritu after the Arellano Braves beat the Mapua Red Robins).

Before he left the court, the Braves were up, 69-66, off Ira Bataller’s drive past Enriquez.

I was counting on Mike. I believed in him. I was rooting for him. He was one of the few lucky ones who had a meet-and-greet, and a clinic with NBA star Stephen Curry when he came to the Philippines two months ago.

(Guilmer de la Torre goes for layup).

His absence in the last five minutes of the game gave the Arellano University Braves an opportunity to take their first ever finals seat in the junior division of the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament.

Without Mike, there was not enough good players who could keep up with point guard Guilmer de la Torre and his back Marlon Espiritu as they sprinted they way across the floor in the remaining time.

(Romuel Junsay(left) in a rebound battle with Carlo Abadeza).

Without him, the Braves were able to  pull off  an upset of the  second seed Mapua Red Robins, 85-79, in the second stepladder semis playoff last Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena

In the closing minutes, it was the 5’7 Espiritu who came up with the biggest baskets of his life.

(Sherwin Concepcion going for a triple).

He came up with big plays right after Lars Sunga put the Braves slightly ahead with his split charity, 77-76, in the last 2:21.

The 16 year old Espiritu made only  seven points in that game.

(Lars Sunga makes an attempt past Romuel Junsay).

But he struck with  crucial triple  and two charities in the last two minutes, and the Braves to move comfortably ahead because of this.

“Sabi ni coach, magtiwala po ako sa sarili ko.Masaya po ako sa tirang yun, Big shot po sa akin iyun,” said Espiritu.

(Coach Tylon Darjuan whoops it up).

This allowed the Braves to nurse a four-point lead as they entered the final minute of action, 80-76.

The Red Robins were able to threaten anew, 79-90, off a three-point from  Romuel Junsay,

(Roy Velasco (right) looks for an open man).

But after Jasper Salenga missed an attempt which would have allowed Mapua to move away, Espiritu lured Salenga into a foul, and knocked in two freebies with 20.4 ticks to go, 82-79.

The Red Robins, lost their chance to come closer when big man Sherwin Concepcion bungled on a three-point attempt.

(Frank Yco (right) in a possession battle with Lars Sunga).

After Sunga completed a three-point play which finalized the count in the final 2.6 seconds, Mapua coach Randy Alcantara was already at the Arellano bench, shaking hands with Braves coach Tylon Darjuan and conceding the match.

“Heto, kahit paano nandito kami sa finals. Blessing ito,” said Braves coach Tylon Darjuan as  Arellano gets ready to tackle early finalist San Beda.

(Carlo Abadeza).

Last Oct. 16, it was  Abadeza and  de la Torre who came up crucial plays at endgame and lifted the Arellano University Braves to a 75-74 triumph over the La Salle Greenhills Junior Blazers in the first semifinal playoffs.

In that game, de la Torre led with 20 points, and he put  the Braves ahead with his two winning charities in the last 41.7 seconds.

(Jasper Salenga in a one-on-one play with Carlo Abadeza).

On Friday, the Braves will make history with their first ever championship stint against the San Beda Red Cubs.

The Red Cubs made it to the finals first via an 18-game sweep of the eliminations.Espiritu

(The Arellano Braves celebrate).

The scores:

Arellano 85- Sunga 23, de la Torre 23, Abadeza 9, Velasco 8, Bataller 8, Espiritu 7, Tamayo 4, Fornis 2, Dularte 1, Calapine 0.

Mapua 79- Concepcion 20, Enriquez 20, Salenga 14, Junsay 13, Yco 6, Bonifacio 4, Garcia 2, Badillo 0, Velvez 0, Samonteza 0, Uson 0.

Quarterscores:19-20, 39-44, 59-65, 85-79.

NCAA Season 91: Game review on Guillmer de la Torre, Carlo Abadeza and the Arellano Braves’ win over the LSGH Greenies

(Guilmer de la Torre reacts in the last six seconds after  teammate Marlon Espiritu turns the ball over, allowing the LSGH a chance to go for a final offensive).

I had a great online chat with Guillmer de Torre.

This was  a few hours after the Arellano University Braves pulled off  a 75-74 triumph over the La Salle Greenhills Junior Blazers in the junior division semifinal playoffs.

(Guilmer smiles after the Arellano Braves escape with a 75-74 win over the LSGH Greenies).

It was one of the few closely fought encounters I longed to see in  the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament, and it took place last Friday, Oct. 16.

It, my chat with Guilmer, may be short.

(Agony of defeat: Luis Velasco (11) is speechless. Ricci Rivero (center) cries his heart out while an assistant coach of opposing team tries to console him over their loss. Miguel Lanot is shown at right).

But, after  an encounter that I will never forget, I learned to appreciate the fighting spirit not just of the La Salle Greenhills Greenies, but of the Arellano University Braves as well.

If Ricci Rivero represents the fighting heart of the Greenies, then De la Torre can be considered as one of the leaders of this band of Braves cagers.

(scene of victory and defeat. (left) Braves Tylon Darjuan and coaching staff give LSGH coach John Flores a hug (in dark shirt). (center) Braves teammates try to give Guilmer de la Torre a victory ride.  (right) LSGH big man Ian Herrera is letting it all sink in).

That’s with his big fighting heart as well.

That afternoon, Guilmer led with 20 points when action ended at the Mall of Asia Arena.

(Marlon Espiritu(13) gets hugs from teammates).

He put the Braves ahead with his two winning charities in the last 41.7 seconds.

“Ah, shempre positive lang po iniisip ko po yung kung ano ginagawa ko sa training yun din yung gagawin ko at focus lang sa game!,” said a confident de la Torre hours after the game has ended.

(Coach Tylon Darjuan (left) whoops it up upon realizing that the Braves have won).

The next plays were harrowing, gut-wrenching, suspenseful and nerve-wracking for the Braves and Guilmer.

After Ricci Rivero missed an attempt for the Junior Blazers, and the Braves had an opportunity to move away in the next instance.

(Carlo Abadez(8) gets harassed by LSGH cager Prince Ollano).

Braves cager Marlon Espiritu, who was hounded by Rivero, turned the ball over during an inbound play in the last 6.4 seconds.

Here, Guillmer and his teammates cringed at Espiritu’s miscue.

(Ian Herrera(5) screens Ira Bataller).

They could have scored.

And this sent members of the team, including Guilmer close to tears.

(Jayson Danas (center) losses the ball after getting blocked by LSGH player Renzo Pagulayan).

At this point, Rivero was showing the way with 31 points for the Junior Blazers.

He led the final offensive.

(Guilmer de la Torre sings the school anthem with another teammate).

He tried to go for a basket underneath.

But he couldn’t find an opening in the crowded shaded lane.

(Guilmer de la Torre).

Unable to find an open shot, he passed the ball to his right and into Luis Velasco’s waiting hands.

Luigi, son of College of St. Benilde Blazers coach Gabby Velasco, then went for a three-pointer.

(Guilmer de la Torre drives past (12) Alain Madrigal).

But big man Carlo Abadeza quickly saw what Luis was about to do and ran in Luis’ direction.

He then got in the way of an attempt from the perimeter by Luis Velasco, who was in the air when Abadeza appeared, leapt, and stretched out his hand right hand in front of Luis’ face in mid air.

(Lars Sunga is driving past Joshua Boo).

The basket, which could have been a three-pointer fell short of the rim as Abadeza succeeded in getting in the way.

“Hindi po kasi nasa isip ko na mananalo kami,” said Guilmer hours after Abadeza succeeded with his defensive move,  the buzzer hadsounded, and the  fans joined the team in an emotional and teary-eyed celebration.

(Marlon Espiritu).

• Play by play

In the first period, the Braves were barely scoring with Guilmer held to just three points.

They took a 10-9 lead.

(Guilmer de la Torre (left) and Ricci Rivero).

But the Greenies overtook them off Luis Velasco’s drive and Ricci’s two freebies, 14-9, with four minutes to go.

They then took a 20-12 edge behind Rivero’s drive and steal of Guilmer, and a jumper from Luis in the last 58 seconds of the initial 10 minutes of the game.

(Ricci Rivero shoots a three).

When the second canto came, Ricci pushed LSGH to a 41-33 spread with his two free throws in the last 1:24.

But, the Braves stayed within range, 40-43, at halftime off drives from Guilmer and Lars Sunga.

(LSGH coach John Flores).

In the third quarter, the Braves overtook LSGH, first behind a split charity from Carlo Abadeza, and then off Resty Fornis’ penetration, 55-54, with 2:54 remaining.

From there, LSGH regained the upperhand, 58-55, of Ricci and off Ian Herrera through their rebound plays with 2:01 left.

Then the match got tied up, first at 58-all, behind a split and putback from Sunga in the final 1:21.

(Fans hold up posters of Ricci Rivero and Alain Madrigal).

Then, the end of the third ended at 61-all, following a shootoff between Rivero and de la Torre.

First, Ricci knocked in three of four freebies, and Arellano’s Guilmer answered with another of his drives and layup, as the game evened at the end of the third.

The match got tied again, 67-all. It happened after de la Torre put Arellano up, 67-63, with a jumper.

(LSGH coach John Flores gives out instructions to the bench).

After that LSGH replied with a pair of free throws from Renzo Pagulayan and a drive from Rivero, in the last 7:11.

From there, it became a seesaw battle for the lead, and after Espiritu’s putback allowed Arellano to take the lead, 69-67, in the last six minutes.

(Paolo Rivero, father of Ricci, watches the game).

When it was all over, the Braves and their supporters erupted in celebration, knowing the battle has been won, and the road to the finals is not over yet.

“Wala lang. Puso lang. Ang tagal naming nag-prepare para dito. Talo kasi kami ng dalawang beses sa eliminations sa kanila,” said Braves coach Tylon Darjuan.

• The setback, to Ricci and the Greenies

To the Greenies, the season is over, and most of them will move to college next year.

Ricci, shocked by the setback and devastated by the setback as he sank under the LSGH goal, crying his heart out, will be best remembered for the big game he had in the final moments of his high school career.

He unloaded 31 points and nine rebounds.

And that’s above his average of 25.41 points, 8.76 rebounds, 2.76 assists, 2.41 steals and 1.88 blocks.

The last time around, he struck with season record of 40 points and 10 rebounds when the Greenies beat the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 88-71, in their playoff for fourth spot last Oct. 13.

• The Significance of the Win

In this game, I saw Guilmer playing one of his best again, with 20 points. This is above his norm of 19.17 points per game.

Because of their historic victory, the Braves advanced to the second stepladder semifinals.

And they will meet the second seeded  Mapua Red Robins on Tuesday.

Coach Tylon said the players and the community just needs to have faith in the team.

“Sabi ko sa kanila, sa Final 4, sa semifinals, mag-iiba na ang lahat. Patibayan ng puso ito,” added coach Tylon.

So far, this is the Braves best performance after the placed seventh last season.

The scores:

Arellano 75- de la Torre 20, Sunga 14, Abadeza 12, Espiritu 7, Danas 7, Bataller 6, Fornis 4, Tamayo 3, Calapine 2.

LSGH 74- Rivero 31, Velasco 10, Pagulayan 9, Manuel 9, Madrigal 8, Herrera 5, Ollano 2, Pedrosa 0, Boo 0.

Quarterscores: 15-20, 40-43, 61-all, 75-74.

NCAA Season 91: Game review on the Mapua Red Robins (part 1)- How the Red Robins breeze past the EAC-ICA and my notes on the best games of Sherwin Concepcion

Assistant coach Lito Aguilar temporarily took over as the coach of the Mapua Red Robins in their last game of the elimination round, last Oct.9, Friday, in the 91^st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament.

It did not matter if coach Randy Alcantara was suspended for a game.

(Sherwin Concepcion in action during a game with the La Salle Greenhills).

The Red Robins, who shaved their heads after they lost to the San Beda Red Cubs,  still went on to trample the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Immaculate Conception Academy, 90-74, last Friday Oct. 9 at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

It was a game which served no big purpose, except to keep the team in tiptop shape.

(Assistant coach Lito Aguilar).

That’s because the Red Robins have have already earned the no. 2 semifinals seeding as early as Game no. 14, which was against the Letrans, and game no. 15 against the Arellano University Braves.

Because their entry into the semis is already a done deal, their game with the Brigadiers served as their workout.

(MIchael Enriquez).

It was their preparation for their coming stepladder playoffs, which was made possible after the San Beda Red Cubs completed an 18-game sweep.

“Lamang sila (EAC-ICA) nung first quarter. Sama ng start. Affected sila sa suspension ni coach Randy,” said coach Lito.

(Romuel Junsay).

What happened to coach Randy?

In their game with the La Salle Greenhills, which the Red Robins won, 64-57, last Oct. 6, Randy was thrown out of the game, in the last 27.7 seconds for continuously complaining on the call of the referee.

(Kenneth Badillo).

He incurred his second technical foul with the match tied at 40-all.

And that merited a one-game suspension, and the sanction fell on their last game of the elimination round against the Brigadiers.

(Jasper Salenga).

• Mapua Red Robins 90, EAC-ICA 74

The Brigadiers got off to a strong, fighting start.

First, Kerby Dulatre poured eight of his 21 gamehigh output in the first 10 minutes.

(Mau Cruz).

Then, Mau Cruz eked out nine of his 14-point tally also in the first 10 minutes of action.

After that, the Red Robins got their bearings back .

They ran and ran in the second quarter. They began asserting themselves under the boards.

By the end of the second period, Sherwin Concepcion and Jasper Salenga combined for 13 points, and handed the Red Robins a 45-41 halftime lead.

“Buti na lang at napakiusapan ko sila na maglaro nang maayos,” said coach Lito.

In the third period, Concepcion took charge with the 12 points, and the Red Robins went on to take a 11-point, 68-57 spread at the end of the quarter.

He would later control the boards with 11 rebounds, while Salenga scored a total of 23, making eight also in the third to help gave Mapua their double digit advantage.

(Kerby Dularte).

When the fourth quarter came, Enriquez and Mario Uson added 10 points as the Red Robins finished with a 16-point lead.

And when it was over, the Cardinals finished overall as the no. 4 team when it comes to offense with 81.71 point average.

• Notable games of Sherwin Concepcion

There are many things to talk about when it comes to Sherwin Concepcion’s performance throughout the season when the game ended.

Here are the things I took note of:

1. He scored 6 triples, it’s the third highest this season when he did it against the Lyceum Junior Pirate when they won, 85-63, last Sept. 11.

2. Sherwin is no. 9 in rebounds (9.0 per game).

3. He’s no. 7 in blocks(1 per game).

4. He averages 14.59 points, 9 rebounds, 1.65 assists. This makes him the no. 2 performer of the Red Robins.

5. Scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds against the Brigadiers is his highest in 4 games.

6. 33 points and 11 rebounds. His highest output this season, when the Red Robins won over Lyceum, 85-63.

The scores:

Mapua 90- Concepcion 26, Salenga 23, Emriquez 12, Junsay 6, Badillo 5, Uson 5, Yco 4, Garcia 4, Bonifacio 4, Samonteza 1, Templonuevo 0, Velvez 0.

EAC-ICA 74- Dularte 21, Cruz 14, Boado 13, Beduria 8, Calara 8, Baliquig 5, Kwong 2, Mostoles 2, Anonuevo 1, Tapales 0, Matilde 0, Tanque 0, Ligot 0.

Quarterscores: 20-23, 45-41, 68-57, 90-74.

NCAA Season 91: The San Beda Red Cubs get past Letran Squires for historic 18-0 sweep; Joshua Tagala finds his game

(Joshua Tagala (left) positions himself for a double team on Jovito Tamayo(15), who is already getting screened by Evan Nelle(10)).

Joshua Tagala rarely plays well.

Sometimes, he’s awesome. Sometimes he’s not.

But, this time around, I saw the best of Josh again.

(Fans bring out the 18-0 sweep sign and sing the San Beda anthem).

With teammates, John Lagumen and Eduardo Velasquez, they came up with their A-game, and led their teammates and the  San Beda Red Cubs  back to the finals.

Because of their sweep, the Red Cubs  will now have a chance to seek their seventh straight crown in the junior division of the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament.

(Fans bring out their selfie cameras, and enjoy a “kodakan” moment with the Red Cubs). Sports scribe James Ty III (right) poses and watches from afar).

The Red Cubs made it possible when they completed an 18-game sweep of their elimination assignment at the expense of the Letran Squires, 76-67, Tuesday night at the Arena in San Juan.

Three reserve players took charge for the Red Cubs, with Joshua Tagala banging in 14 points, John Lagumen hitting 13, and Eduardo Velasquez making 11.

(Eduardo Velasquez Jr.).

The Red Cubs needed time to get their rhythm, and when they did they finally began pulling away in the second quarter, taking a 36-28 halftime lead.

“It was not easy. They were ahead in the first quarter. But we bounced back when our game finally clicked in the second,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

(Keifer Cordero in action).

In reaching the finals, the Red Cubs earn a thrice to beat incentive, and the last they did it was in 2013.

Their finals opponent will be determined following a stepladder semifinals and playoffs involving the Mapua Red Robins, the Arellano University Braves, the La Salle Greenhills Greenies and the Lyceum Junior Pirates.

(Keifer’s mom Ann Cordero, with his Keifer’s brother Ken).

The Mapua Red Robins played without coach Randy Alcantara in the second half after he got ejected, got away with a 64-57 beating of the La Salle Greenhills Greenies, 64-57.

Michael Enriquez banged in 14 points for the Red Robins, who assured themselves of a second semifinals slot with their 15-2 win-loss record.

(Letran’s Jovito Tamayo snatches the ball way from a fallen Germy Mahinay).

Guilmer de la Torre fired 25 points for the Arellano Braves, who smothered EAC-ICA, 92-74, to take the third semis slot at 12-6.

Because of their loss, the Greenies will meet the Lyceum Junior Pirates in a playoff for the fourth semis slot.

(Evan Nelle).

Both share the same 11-7 card, while the Squires have a 5-12 card in seventh.

The Red Cubs leaned on a 13-0 which Velasquez led with his free throw, and Evan Nelle reinforced with a triple, to move ahead a 16-17 deficit, and into a 29-23 edge.

(Robi Nayve is tightly guarded by Letran’s Justin Felomino).

Tagala struck with seven points in third, and spearheaded another 13-0 blast which gave the Red Cubs a comfortable 58-41 spread.

(John Lagumen (19) gets harassed by Letran’s Louis Montes).

The scores:

San Beda 78- Tagala 14, Lagumen 13, Velasquez 11, Nelle 9, Barbero 6, Nayve 4, Alfaro 4, Abuhijle 4, Mahinay 3, Bordeos 3, Sese 2, Bonalos 2, de la Rosa 1, Samaniego 0, Etrata 0.

Letran 67- David 20, Tamayo 10, Cordero 10, Villanueva 8, Felomino 6, E. Villanueva 5, Maneze 5, Sabile 2, Castro 1, Caalaman 0, Diaz 0, Villarete 0, Montes 0.

Quarterscores: 16-17, 36-28, 64-41, 76-67.

                             (Raphael Barbero (4) and Evan Nelle(10)).

(Letran’s Rhayniel David watches Miguel Bonalos runs into screen of teammate Gabrielle Diaz).

NCAA Season 91: The San Beda Red Cubs go 17-0, and Adie Velasquez’s amazing, game-winning triple

Eduardo “Adie” Velasquez was in foul trouble going into the fourth quarter.

That’s why he was playing limited minutes for the San Beda Red Cubs when they got past the Arellano University Braves, 89-76, last Friday, Oct. 1 at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

But, having four fouls in the last 30.4 seconds did not stop Adie from scoring the game winning basket.

(Adie Velasquez gets down on the floor, emotional and speechless after the games.Teammates try to get him on his feet).

He found himself open  after Sam Abuhuijle rebounded the ball off a miss Lars Sunga.

So he ran towards the other side of the court, and popped a quick three from the top of the key.

(a fan unintentionally puts up a 17-0 sign upside down).

The fans, who are mostly their classmates from Taytay roared as his basket went in. (Note: Velasquez scored only 5 points during 19 minutes he played, and has only 3 rebounds).

This broke a 76-all deadlock, and sent the Red Cubs on their way for their 17^th straight victory in the 91^st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.

(fan realizes his mistake. Puts the sign in proper position).

The Braves had a chance to tie the game. But Lars Sunga got into a travelling error while getting hounded by Velasquez in the ensuing play.

Sunga then got into an unsportsmanlike foul as he tried to stop John Lagumen, who split his charity before time expired.

With the win, the fans brought out pictures and signboards celebrating the team’s closesness to an 18-game sweep of the elimination round.

(Fan with 17-0 sign takes a photo up with the Red Cubs).

The last time this happened was in season 89, when the Red Cubs beat the Braves in their final game of the elimination, 96-56.

One more win in their 6 p.m. match with the Letran Squires on Tuesday, Oct. 5 will have the Red Cubs finishing with a sweep, and earning an automatic finals berth.

(a rebound play with Joshua Tagala(5) and Lars Sunga(4) and with Sam Abuhijle in the background).

If the Red Cubs beat the Squires, they will advance outright to the finals.

They will have a thrice-to-beat advantage, and a 1-0 edge over their opponent, and their rival will need to beat them thrice.

(Lars Sunga fights for possession with Joshua Tagala(5) and Sam Abuhijle).

• Adie Velasquez and his winning shot

He was emotional and speechless after he made that shot.

(Sam Abuhijle (16) goes for a layup past Lars Sunga (4)).

After the game, he became overwhelmed and wept in the middle of the court.

But the overflowing pizza inside the dugout lifted up his spirits and his appetite even more.

(Jayson Danas(left) tries to shoot past Evan Nelle(10)).

“Sabi ko, heto na. Kapag mintis ito, wala. Wala rin kasi masyadong sumasabay at open pa ako. Kaya pagbato ko shoot. Sobrang grateful talaga ako,” said Adie before he went to the dugout for a pizza party with teammates, and Abuhijle the birthday celebrant.

Adie is the son of former University of the East Warrior Eddie Velasquez, who is a teammate of Bong Ravena back in college. They saw action together in the UAAP.

• A seasonhigh performance for Sam Abuhijle

(John Lagumen).

Sam Abuhijle celebrated his 18^th birthday with a bang.

He scored a season high 23 points and 13 rebounds.

(Alberto Bordeos(14) tries to drive past Lars Sunga (4)).

The last time he scored his best was against the Lyceum Junior Pirates following a 90-79 triumph.

He had 18 points and 13 rebounds.

(The Arellano University Braves after the game).

• The 18-0 sweep, according to coach JB Sison

For coach JB Sison, their mission is not yet finished.

(Carlo Abadeza (8) in a rebound play).

They still have to deal with the Squires.

“One more. Sayang ang 17-0 kapag hindi nakuha ang sweep,” said Sison.

(Pedro Alfaro(15) tries to get in  the way of Carlo Abadeza(8)).

Sison said the Braves were dominant under the boards all throughout their game.

The Braves, led by Carlo Abadeza with 24 points and 10 rebounds, ruled the boards 47 rebounds.

Abuhijle worked the boards almost all by himself, and in Germy Mahinay’s absence, and the Red Cubs had a total of 39 rebounds.

Mahinay had to serve a one-game suspension. He had an unsportsmanlike foul he incurred during their game with the Mapua Red Robins.

They held on to the lead, 76-74, in the last 1:43, following Abadeza’s three-point play off Pedro Alfaro’s foul.

In the next play, Abuhijle forced a 76-all tie after he forced his way underneath off Alfaro’s pass.

• What the loss means to the Braves

The Braves drew 19 points  and eight rebounds from Sunga while Marlon Espiritu gave 13.

With their 11-6 win-loss record, they are tied in third with La Salle Greenhills.

They are still in contention for a Final Four seat.

Their fate will be known this Wednesday when they meet with the EAC-ICA Brigadiers, and the Greenies clash with the Red Robins.

The scores:

San Beda 80—Abuhijle 23, Bordeos 13, Lagumen 11, Nelle 10, Alfaro 8, Tagala 5, Velasquez 5, de la Rosa 5, Etrata 0, Bonalos 0.

Arellano 76- Abadeza 24, Sunga 19, Espiritu 13, Tamayo 7, Bataller 5, de la Torre 4, Calapine 2, Danas 2, Dularte 0, Fornis 0.

Quarterscores: 22-15, 42-41, 62-65, 80-76.

NCAA Season 91: The San Beda Red Cubs’ not-so-easy 16-0 winning run and Evan Nelle’s big game

I hardly see a guy like Evan Nelle play in any crucial stretch of a game they played this season in the 91^st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.

I had an opportunity to see him play one of his best games last Friday, Sept. 25 at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

(Evan Nelle clenches his fist after going for a crucial drive in the fourth quarter).

Knowing that the game between the San Beda Red Cubs and the Mapua Red Robins will be held very early, I willed myself  to wake up very early as well.

And so, I watched closely(or tried to) as Nelle score one of the  Red Cubs’ crucial basket in their 89-84 stopping of the Mapua Red Robins.

(Jasper Salenga tries to drive past Prince Etrata(9)).

That basket he scored  is one of those moments that  I will never forget that morning(that’s next to the back-to-back triples of Pedro Alfaro, of course).

• San Beda Red Cubs 89, Mapua Red Robins 84

(Jasper Salenga (11) steals the ball away from Evan Nelle(10) while Red Robin Mario Uson provides support).

The Red Cubs rarely played a closely fought game for almost the entire season. Most of their games are easily won by big margins.

But not this one.

The Red Robins gave them one big fight.

(Albert Bordeos).

The mismatches they got into with the Red Cubs allowed the Red Robins to go toe-to-toe with them until the fourth quarter.

They forced Red Cubs to turn the ball over 21 times (their third highest this season).

(Michael Enriquez looks for an opening in the San Beda defense).

On the other hand, one of their big men, Germy Mahinay was thrown out of the game on an unsportsmanlike foul before the first half after unintentionally hitting Warren Bonifacio in the face during a scramble for the loose ball.

The Red Robins, led by Mike Enriquez with 20 points, were ahead at 48-39, at halftime when Mahinay left, and was seen watching the games from the corridor, according to blogger Anthony Servinio(“I knew something was wrong when I saw Mahinay out there,” said Anthony).

(Coach JB Sison).

The Red Robins found a chance to overtake the Red Lions in the second quarter when they scored on every turnover they forced.

Romuel Junsay hit a layup, and it was followed by a triple from Sherwin Concepcion which broke a 29-all tie, and they went to move away, 34-29.

(Germy Mahinay (12) gets cornered by a triple team).

They eventually took a 42-31 edge behind a three-point play from Salenga.

Everything was decided in a suspense-filled fourth quarter.

(Michael Enriquez (9) gets chased down by Pedro Alfaro).

But, first the Red Robins were able to grab the upperhand.

Jasper Salenga, who is playing 100 percent after dealing with sore throat, struck with 18 points.

(Frank Yco (left) double teams Sam Abuhijle (16) with Jasper Salenga(11)).

His back-to-back baskets in the last nine minutes allowed Mapua to tie the match, and move ahead, 65-63.

They then took a five-point edge, 68-63, off a three-point play from Enriquez, who chipped in 20 gamehigh points.

In the next plays, John Lagumen drove and Eduardo Velasquez went for a follow-up, to move San Beda within a point, 67-68.

(A loose ball scramble takes place after Romuel Junsay(partly covered) slips on the floor).

The cat-quick Enriquez kept the Red Robins on top with his attacks, with his drive past Ry de la Rosa with 4:31 left allowing them to regain a six-point edge 76-70.

From there, the Red Cubs leaned on a 12-3 run to move past the Red Robins.

During this fast and furious rally in the last 1:39, Miguel Bonalos connected with a triple, and so did Alfaro with two, the Red Cubs went ahead, 80-79.

(Michael Enriquez(middle) tries to snatch the ball away from Eduardo Velasquez(6). Joshua Tagala(5) is seen providing a screen).

Nelle, who loves to sprint whenever he makes a steal, then makes a crucial snatch.

A double teamed Romuel Junsay was forced to give up the ball, which Nelle snatched.

He then scored as Nelle ran down the court and drove in with 1:39 left. This gave San Beda a decisive 82-79 edge in the next instance.

“That’s credit to my teammates. Na-pressure nila si no. 18, tapos na-bad pass, at naka-score ako,” said Nelle.

(Mrs. Gemma Salenga(right) and her two kids dropped by to watch the game, cheer Jasper Salenga on).

As Enriquez got into foul trouble, two freebies from Etrata pushed them further in front, 85-79, with 55.2 ticks left.

“Nakakapagod itong game na ito. Napapansin ko, papalit-palit kami ng tao sa loob,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

Sison noted that the mismatches that the Red Robins played on the team got into their running game early on, making it difficult for them to pull away by big margin.

• Notes on Evan Nelle’s best games

1. Evan came out with his best game in 7 matches against the Red Robins(21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals.
2. He made 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block against EAC-ICA, 100-83, last Aug. 25.
3. Nelle hit 12 points vs JRU, 95-71, on Sept. 3.
4. Its 11 points for Nelle vs Perpetual Help, 109-53, on Sept. 10.
5. Evan’s 10 points came when the defeated the Junior Pirates, 90-79, last Sept. 17.

The scores:

San Beda 89- Nelle 21, Etrata 13, Abuhijle 11, Velasquez 10, Bordeos 9, Alfaro 9, Mahinay 8, Nayve 4, Lagumen 4, Tagala 0, de la Rosa 0, Bonalos 0.

Mapua 84- Enriquez 20, Salenga 18, Junsay 18, Concepcion 8, Uson 6, Garcia 5, Bonifacio 5, Yco 4, Camillosa 0, Badillo 0.

Quarterscore: 22-25, 39-48, 61-all,  89-84.

NCAA Season 91: (Part 3) the San Beda Red Cubs and their amazing 15-0 winning run; can the Mapua Red Robins stop them?

Hours before senior division players from both the University of Perpetual Help Altas and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals got involved in a fight(physical or verbal), the San Beda Red Cubs were having a blast again.

It also happened hours  before the San Sebastian College Stags struck hard in the last four minutes, upsetting the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, 98-92, last Sept. 22, Tuesday.

(Robi Nayve (7) tries to dribble past Andre Dantis).

At around 1:30 p.m., the Red Cubs romped off to their 15^th straight win in the junior division of the 91^st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournaments.

Some 4 hours before I joined Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph in scouring the San Juan Arena for signs of violence, the Big Boys from Taytay, Rizal have made statement with their 88-57 clobbering of the San Sebastian Staglets.

The game ended peacefully with 3 second unit players, Robi Nayve,  Eduardo Velasquez and John Lagumen, having their shining moments.

(Germy Mahinay (12) is double teamed  by Marcus Arellano (8) and Damie Cuntapay (10)).

Robi is the brother  Raphael Nayve (a former Red Cub before he became part of the College of St. Benilde Blazers)

He scored his highest in five games, making 12 points in the 13 minutes he saw action.

(Eduardo Velasquez).

The last time he had a great game with the Red Cubs was on Aug. 25 when they struck down the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Immaculate Conception Academy Brigadiers.

On the other hand, Velasquez made 10 points after spending 21 minutes on the floor, while Lagumen delivered 10 in his 18 minute stint.

(Dranreb Tamparong (4) gets double teamed).

• San Beda Red Cubs 88, San Sebastian Staglets 57

The Red Cubs went all out from the start with their running game.

A triple teamed Patrick Daabay is forced to give up the ball by Sam Abuhijle (left), Joshua Tagala(5) and Pedro Alfaro (15)).

Their bruising pace quickly put them to an 18-6 advantage off Germy Mahinay and Pedro Alfaro, who strung 11 points, and this gave them a 12-points edge in the initial minutes of the first period.

They then took  a 29-6 advantage in the last 6:17 of the second period, and off Nayve’s drive.

(Coach JB Sison talks to his players during a break).

The 6-foot-two Abuhijle hit a triple in the last 2:26 sending the Red Cubs to a 19-point edge, 36-17.

They went on to enjoy a 30-point, 57-27 edge in the last 4:40 of the third off three free throws from Joshua Tagala.

((15) Jose Pelias is forced to give up the ball by Prince Etrata(9) and (19) John Lagumen).

Coach JB Sison said giving quality minutes to the team’s second unit players gives them confidence, and helps deepen the bench when the time comes that they will meet tougher opponents in the future.

• Significance of the win

(King Pacis (5) goes for a jumper past Albert Bordeus(14) and Sam Abuhijle (16)).

With their 15^th straight victory, the Red Cubs are three games closer to an outright finals berth.

Their next opponents are the Mapua Red Robins, the Arellano Braves and the Letran Squires.

(The referee blows the whistle on Germy Mahinay (12) after players drop to the floor during a scramble).

But coach JB  said a sweep is still far from his mind, and he tells the boys that.

“We’re looking forward to our next game against Mapua on Friday. Yun ang crucial,” said Sison.

(John Lagumen (19) confronting Michael Jabagat).

• What the stats show

Statswise,  I discovered the following when I reviewed the numbers on the Red Cubs:

(Patrick Daabay makes a charity attempt while teammate Nikko Sisa(7) claps.

1. None of the Red Cubs have an outstanding scoring leader who is in the top 10.
2. Sam Abuhijle dominates the paint with nine rebounds per game. After 15 matches, he is no. 8 overall
3. Evan Nelle is no. 4 in assists(3.67) and no. 7 in steals (2.13).
4. The Red Cubs are the no. 1 offensive team (90.7 ppg) and no. 8 defensive (67.47).

The scores:

San Beda 88—Nayve 12, Velasquez 10, Lagumen 10, Tagala 9, Mahinay 9, Alfaro 9, Alfaro 9, Abuhijle 9, Barbero 5, Bordeus 4, Nelle 3, Sese 3, Bonalos 3, de la Rosa 2, Samaniego 0, Etrata 0.

San Sebastian 57—Daabay 22, Tamparong 11, Cuntapay 8, Pacis 5, Pelias 4, Sisa 3, Saliddin 2, Jabagat 2, Arellano 0, Isidro 0, Canoy 0.

Quarterscores: 18-6, 39-17, 61-40, 88-57.