NCAA Season 91: The Lyceum Junior Pirates; enjoying their best season ever

Having a winning streak is a new experience.

This is what the  Lyceum Junior Pirates are enjoying these days.

(Coach LA Mumar calls out a play).

They are on a five-game winning streak (it stretched to six last Sept. 4 when they won over the Letran Squires, 91-83).

And, what a way to bounce back after they took a 64-76 beating from the Mapua Red Robins last month, July 31.

(Scoring ace Generoso Cecilio(17)).

Last Sept. 1, the Junior Pirates stayed on a roll after hurdling the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 88-74, at the Arena in San Juan.

Generoso Cecilio, the team’s scoring leader, came up with another great performance.

(Lee Ian Salazar(14) with the ball).

He led with 35 points to help carry the Junior Pirates to their eighth triumph in 11 outings.

Coach LA Mumar is happy about the latest outcome of their games in the start of the  second round.

(Big man Chester Jungco(13)).

And this included a 78-49 swamping of the San Sebastian Staglets last Friday, Aug. 28.

“I think the confidence of the kids are high,” said LA after that game.

(Vincent Cunanan (18)).

When the Junior Pirates got past the Staglets, it was Leeian Salazar who shined with 27 points, with Vincent Cunanan contributing 11.

“We wanted to start the second round with a bang, and the boys responded,” added Mumar.

(Mclaude Guadana (16)).

-LPU Junior Pirates 88, UPHSD 74

Going back to their game against the Junior Altas, Generoso once again played a consistent game.

(Perpetual HelpJunior Altas cager Sami Espeleta).

He fired nine points in the first period to lead the Junior Pirates to 22-16 lead in the initial 10 minutes.

Then, it was Salazar who took over in the second period, hitting 10 of his 21-point output to help the Junior Pirates remain within range in a close contest with the Junior Altas, 37-40.

(Junior Altas cager John Umali (7) with Kirk Gelogo(18)

Cecilio once again took charge in the third with 11, and the Junior Pirates went on to stay within striking distance, 59-62.

He came up big once again in the final period, shooting 13 points as the Junior Pirates finally overtook the Junior Altas, and finished with a 14-point advantage.

• Statistical significance

Last year, the Junior Pirates finished season 90 with four wins and 14 losses.

Having gone this far halfway in the season is already a big achievement for the Junior Pirates

“So, I think the boys are starting to believe. Our history (in the league) is not that decorated,” added Mumar.

The scores:

LPU 88—Cecilio 35, Salazar 21, Jungco 14, Cunanan 13, Guadana 5, Camana 0, Castaneda 0, Laureno 0, Glipo 0, Wong 0, Umpad 0.

Perpetual Help 74—Umali 27, Espeleta 13, Gelogo 12, Bautista 10, Sape 8, Coloma 3, Rocero 1, Guinto 0.

Quarterscores: 22-16, 37-40, 59-62, 88-74.

NCAA Season 91: Arellano Braves, Carlo Abadeza and his teammates prevail over over SSC Staglets

24 July 2015,

Friday,

8 p.m.

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

Carlo Abadeza was having a bad day last Friday, July 24.

The 6’4 forward of the Arellano University Braves was struggling with his rebounds

And so was Lars Sunga, another rebounder of the Braves.

(Carlo Abadeza harasses  dribbling Staglet Kobe Canoy(in pink Nike shoes)).

But their situation did not keep the Braves from putting away the San Sebastian Staglets, 82-64, in their evening encounter at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“Nahirapan ako sa mga big ng Baste. Mabibigat,” said Abadeza after the Braves posted their fourth win in five outings in the 91^st National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament.

• Arellano Braves 82, San Sebastian Staglets 64

Normally, Abadeza would average 14.2 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 1.2 blocks.

(Arellano ace Guilmer de la Torre tries to get past Staglet Niko Sisa).

“Struggle ako sa rebounds. Pero nila ko pa rin ang game ko. Hindi ko na lang pinabayaan ma-frustrate ako,” said the 18-year transferee from La Salle Greenhills.

Abadeza finished the 30 minutes that he was on the floor with 12 points and nine rebounds.

He provided big support to top scorer Guilmer de la Torre, who led with 15 points and five rebounds.

(Ira Bataller shoots a free throw while Staglet Niko Sisa watches).

Overall, four key members of the Braves, including de la Torre, Lars Sunga and Ira Bataller were struggling with their game that day.

But, determination, team effort and support from other teammates allowed the Braves to hang on to second place, sharing the same 4-1 win-loss record with the Mapua Red Robins.

The Staglets stayed close in the second period, 14-18, off baskets from Nikko Sisa and JoeVance Agbong when things turned around.

(Jovito Tamayo (left) gets screened by Staglet Patrick Daabay).

Jovito Tamayo hit one of two triples during the last five minutes of the second half, and this provided enough to build up a 37-22 halftime lead.

De la Torre hit one of his two treys in the last 8:55 of the third period, allowing the Braves to grab a 14-point spread, 40-26.

Bataller added another one in the 3:13 of the third, and the Braves got a 17-point, 53-36 spread from that.

(Point guard Nino Tamayo signals a play to teammates, while Staglet Marcus Arellano moves into a defensive position).

The scores:

First game

Mapua 88–  Concepcion 26, Salenga 15, Enriquez 13, Garcia 10, Velvez 7, Yco 7, Bonifacio 6,  Badillo 2, Uson 2, Templonuevo 0, Camillosa 0.

EAC-ICA 80– Castillo 22, Beduria 19, Cruz 14, Dularte 12, Calara 4, Anonuevo 4, Baliquig 3, Boado 1, Kwong 1, Mostoles 0.

Quarterscores: 22-19, 45-48, 67-59, 88-80.

Second game

Lyceum 81—Jungco 21, Cecilio 18, Guadana 14, Cunanan 11, Udal 7, Santos 6, Laureno 2, Wong 2, Camacho 0, Salazar 0.

JRU 73—Torre 29, Tierra 15, Baliad 11, Sta. Maria 8, Agustin 5, Carreon 3, Sicat 2, Macompas 0, Tan 0.

Quarterscores: 18-14, 35-32, 63-53, 81-73.

Third game

Arellano 82—de la Torre 15, Abadeza 12, Bataller 11, Tamayo 9, Espiritu 9, Danas 9, Velasco 6, Calapine 4, Sunga 3, Canete 3, Fornis 1, Torrejos 0, Bontao 0, de Leon 0, Dularte 0.

San Sebastian 64—Daabay 14, Agbong 13, Canoy 9, Tamparong 7, Pacis 5, Saliddin 5, Cuntapay 4, Sisa 3, Pelias 3, Arellano 2, Jabagat 0, Adams 0, Dantis 0, Zulueta 0.

Quarterscores: 16-12, 37-22, 59-44, 82-64.

NCAA Season 91: Shareef Saliddin wins it for the San Sebastian Staglets

21 July 2015,

Tuesday,

2 p.m.,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan,

When Shareef Saliddin scored three crucial charities at endgame, he became an unexpected her for the San Sebastian Staglets that afternoon.

His freebies allowed the San Sebastian Staglets to turn the tables on the Letran Squires, 75-71, in their game last Tuesday, July 21, at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

And with Kobe Canoy making 15 points,  the  Staglets,  improved their win-loss card in the junior division of the 91^st National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament.

(Shareef Saliddin is shown here shooting his free throws).

This put the Staglets in second spot with their 3-1 win-loss record.

Shareef’s heroics came hours after the San Beda Red Cubs drew 17 points apiece from Eduardo Velasquez and Pedro Alfaro.

“Nung first half po, kagulo kami kasi kabado kami. Yung kabilang team, tough team sila,” said the 17-year old Shareef as recalled his experience after the game.

(Kobe Canoy (14)looks for an open man while players from the Letran Squires prepare to defend).

Not much is expected for Shareef in this game since most of the point production of the team goes to Kobe Canoy and Dranreb Tamparong.

Just like in this game.

But this time, Shareef made a difference.

(Patrick Daabay (left) barrels his way past Letran’s Jovito Tamayo).

That’s because, the Squires were leading for the first three quarters.

They were in charge until a triple from Tamparong and a layup from Patrick Daabay in the last seven put the Staglets in front, 63-60.

The Squires were able to move back in front, 65-64, of Jayric Villanueva’s two charities, and that was the last time Letran took the lead.

(Dranreb Tamparong (left) tries to defend while Letran’s Jayric Villanueva goes for a jumper).

A triple from Canoy and Daabay’s split put the Staglets back in front, 68-65.

As the Squires tied the match, 68-all, off Canoy’s layup and Elton Villanueva’s charity, foul trouble caught up them.

Tamparong scored on a jumper off Canoy’s feed to break the deadlock.

(Joevance Agbong grabs the loose ballwhile Letran’s Louis Montes and and SSC’s Jerico Isidro gets into position).

They managed to stay in front after Letran’s Jayric scored one of two freebies, 69-70, with a minute to go.

In the remaining 45.4 seconds, it was Saluddin’s show as he got repeatedly fouled by Marcus Arellano and Gabrielle Diaz. and he sank five of seven charities in the remaining time.

The last three came in the final 16.7 seconds.

(Letran’s Louis Montes).

They proved to be the most important points for the Staglets.

That’s because the free throws found their mark, right after Chedric Zulueta put the Recoletos boys within range, 71-72, off his two freebies.

“Buti na lang, nabawi namin ang errors namin,” said Shareef.

Coach Franco Atienza said the Staglets are lucky to escape with the win, considering the number of turnovers the team gave up, which is 42.

“No teams wins with 42 turnovers. Not with these many turnovers. We are just lucky,” said Atienza.

On the other hand, those points from Velasquez and Alfaro helped the Red Cubs swamp the the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 91-81.

This gave the Red Cubs their fourth straight triumph.

As for the Staglets, they are behind the unbeaten Red Cubs in the standings.

And so are the Mapua Red Robins and the Arellano University Braves, who are in a three-way tie with the Staglets(As of July 21,2015).

The scores:

First game

San Beda 91—Velasquez 17, Alfaro 17, Abuhijle 10, Tagala 9, Sese 9, Bordeus 8, Lagumen 8, Mahinay 6, Etrata 5, de la Rosa 2, Nelle 0.

Lyceum 81 — Jungco 16, Camacho 15, Santos 12, Guadana 11, Cecilio 11, Cunanan 10, Salazar 6, Castaneda 0, Udal 0, Wong 0, Umpad 0.

Quarterscores: 24-15, 44-41, 72-58, 91-81.

Second game

San Sebastian 75 – Canoy 15, Tamparong 14, Saliddin 13, Daabay 10, Zulueta 6, Pacis 4, Agbong 4, Isidro 4, Sisa 2, Adams 2, Cuntapay 1, Arellano 0, Jabagat 0, Pelias 0.

Letran 71- E. Villanueva 14, J. Villanueva 12, Cordero 12, Villarete 6, Sabile , Felomino 5, David 5, Tamayo 4, Caalaman 2, Maneze 2, Montes 2, Diaz 1, Castro 0.

Quarterscores: 11-22, 35-39, 52-55, 75-71.

NCAA Season 91: Arellano Braves and Guilmer’s exciting games

14 July 2015,

Tuesday,

12 nn,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

Guilmer de la Torre is excited these days.

His three pointers are finding their mark.

There are two games, which are helping build not only confidence, but the fighting spirit of his teammates as well.

(Guilmer de la Torre defends the ball from harassing Pirate Chester Jungco).

Just like when he topscored for 21 points last July 3, Friday.

And, also when he hit 33 points last July 14 for the Braves when they turned back the Emilio Agunaldo College-ICA Brigadiers, 104-98.

-Arellano Braves 97, Lyceum 88

His big baskets included a crucial triple at endgame to power the Arellano Braves to 97-88 triumph over the Lyceum Pirates, in the junior division of the 91^st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament.

(Carlo Abadeza (8) tries to make his way past two Pirate defenders. One of them is Maki Santos (10)).

This helped hand the Braves their second straight win.

At that time, they have joined the San Beda Red Cubs in the lead.

“Iyung tres, sa dulo na pumasok. Ganun talaga. Wala tayo magawa,” said the five-foot-nine de la Torre.

(Lars Sunga goes for a jumper past Resty Fornis).

The Junior Pirates were close in the fourth quarter, and after Vincent Cunanan penetrated and tied the match, 84-all.

That was when Jayson Danas and de la Torre came into the picture, and strung up a pair of treys with 5:02 left, 90-84.

After de la Torres drove in with 2:13 left, the Braves were able to move safely ahead, 92-84.

(The Braves singing their anthem).

“Para sa team ito. Pinupulikat na rin ako. Nahirapan na ako, nanlalambot na ako,” said de la Torre of his condition at that time.

Teammates Lars Sunga and Carlo Abadeza added 21 and 13 for the Braves.

• Arellano Braves 104, EAC-ICA 98

In this game, Guilmer de la Torre came up with another great showing, shooting 33 points to lead the Arellano Braves to a 104-98  beating of the EAC-ICA Brigadiers.

De la Torre fired 13 points in the last period.

This  included three treys, which helped the Braves get away with their third straight win.

Because of this, the Braves have move ahead of two unbeaten squads, the San Beda Red Cubs and the Letran Squires.

The scores:

July 03 game

Arellano 97– de la Torre 24, Sunga 21, Abadeza 13, Velasco 9, Dularte 9, Danas 6, Fornis 6, Tamayo 5, Espiritu 2, Bataller 1, Calapine 0, Bontao 0.

LPU 88—Generoso 22, Guadana 16, Camacho 14, Jungco 11, Salazar 8, Umpad 7, Cunanan 5, Santos 3, Laureno 2, Udal 0, Wong 0.

Quarterscores: 26-20, 51-40, 73-65, 97-88.

July 14 game

Arellano 104—de la Torre 33, Abadeza 18, Sunga 13, Fornis 12, Dulatre 11, Danas 5, Calapine 4, de Leon 4, Velasco 2, Espiritu 2, Tamayo 0, Bontao 0, Canete 0.

EAC-ICA 98—Cruz 29, Castillo 21, Beduria 14, Dularte 13, Boado 8, Anonuevo 6, Calara 5, Mostoles 2, Baliquig 0, Kwong 0, Tanque 0.

Quarterscores: 26-all, 53-42, 76-69, 104-98.

NCAA Season 91: Alain Madrigal’s time to shine for the LSGH Greenies

07 July 2015,

Tuesday,

10 a.m.,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

This happened some two days before the management committee of season 91 National Collegiate Athletic Association began postponing its scheduled basketball games Thursday and Friday due to inclement weather.

The La Salle Greenhills Greenies found out what its like to play without one of its top playmakers Ricci Rivero.

Veteran Alain Madrigal stepped up in the absence of the suspended  Rivero, drilling in 29 points for La Salle Greenhills when they prevailed over the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Immaculate Conception Academy Brigadiers, 72-61.

(Alain Madrigal watches the ball during a rebound play).

It turned out to be his best game of the season, so far.

This is because this is Madrigal’s highest output in three games.

He averages 17 points, 7.33 rebounds and 1.33 blocks, and this makes him the second best performer in the LSGH roster.

(John Mallillin going for a jumper).

Madrigal, who also hauled in 12 rebounds,  was tasked to take care of Rivero’s position after Ricci got sanctioned for one-game.

When I see him play, I am reminded of what Michael de la Cruz used to do for the team when he was still around. Well, de la Cruz is no longer around. He is hoping to find his spot with the Enderun College Titans, if any not with any UAAP-member school.

Anyway, Rivero incurred a one-game suspension following disqualifying foul in their encounter with the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas on July 4.

(Ricci Rivero going for a free throw shot).

Madrigal poured in 12 points in the first canto to help the Greenies establish an 18-8 spread.

He made eight points in the second period, and this included 2 triples, which alloewed the LSGH to move away by 23 points at halftime.

Ian Herrera went on to help Madrigal control the boards with eight points and 13 rebounds.

(Rodney Manuel evading a defender from the opposing team).

And with both of them coming up with an intimidating presence under the boards, LSGH went on to post a 41-18 halftime advantage.

LSGH is now tied for third with the Mapua Red Robins with two wins and a loss.

Before their game with the Brigadiers, coach John Flores told members of the team that they should affected the physicality and emotion of the game.

(EAC-ICA Brigadiers scoring ace Mark Castillo).

This is what led the Rivero’s suspension following their game with the Junior Altas.

Ricci is supposed to return to action this Friday when the Greenies meet the Lyceum Junior Pirates.

But, because of heavy rains expected in the next two days, the Greenies will now have to be ready when the meet the Lyceum Junior Pirates on Thursday.

The scores:

LSGH 72– Madrigal 28, Herrera 8, Mallillin 8, Lanot 8, Manuel 6, Pedrosa 6, Pagulayan 5, Joven 2, Ollano 0, Lepalam 0,Velasco 0, Boo 0,Magpantay 0.

EAC-ICA 61– Castillo 34, Beduria 10, Ligot 6, Boado 5,  Kwong 4, Calara 4, Cruz 2, Baliquig 2, Tanque 0, Matilde 0, Tapales 0, Mostoles 0, Anonuevo 0.

Quartercores: 18-8, 41-18, 64-36, 72-61.

NCAA Season 91: Bad weather calls off Thursday games

And so, the NCAA has postponed its scheduled games Thursday, July 9,  due to inclement weather.

According to an announcement released at around 7:22 p.m.Wednesday, July 8, NCAA Management Committee chair Melchor Divina of Mapua explained the reasons for the postponement were because of Storm Signal No. 2, red rainfall warning and the cancellation of classes by San Juan where the games are being held.

Postponed games will be held in the latter part of the first round.

Affected are the following games:

10 a.m. EAC-ICA vs LPU (jrs)

12 nn San Beda vs San Sebastian (jrs)

2 p.m. EAC vs LPU (srs)

4 p.m. San Beda vs San Sebastian (srs)

NCAA Season 91: Keifer Cordero rises for the Letran Squires

03 July 2015,

Friday,

8 p.m.,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

The Letran Squires introduced Keifer Van Avery Cordero when they smashed the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 92-54.

Cordero is among a group of newcomers playing for the first time in season 91 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament.

He and 11 other teammates  spent two years in Team B.

(Keifer Cordero about to shoot a free throw. In background is teammate Gabrielle Diaz (8) and JRU’s Kyle Tierra).

On his second game with the Squires,  Keifer made a gamehigh 23 points to lead his team to their second straight win when action ended on Friday, July 2, at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“This is our first official win. Iyung forfeited, we don’t count as official win of the team, Nanalo kami sa ballgame this time. We practiced hard on our offense. We adjusted a lot. Gusto naming maging aggressive ang team sa defense,” said Squires coach Raymund Tiongco.

The Squires earlier absorbed a 49-88 loss to La Salle Greenhills in their opening game, and that was last June 30, Monday.

(Rhayniel David (14) in a possession battle with JRU’s John Sta. Maria).

In that game, which was placed under protest, Cordero made nine points during the 30 minutes he saw action.

But, a day after that win,  the NCAA Management Committee chaired by Melchor Divina of Mapua upheld the recommendation of commissioner Arturo “Bai” Cristobal to the La Salle-Greenhills victory.

Letran officials noted during the game that there was violation after LSGH players showed up with uniforms which violated a league rule limiting players to Nos. 4 to 19.

(Diaz with ball tries to get past JRU defender Luis Carreon).

LSGH’s Jesmar Pedrosa, Alain Madrigal and Ladis Lepalam wore nos. 20, 28 and 27, respectively.

With the forfeiture, the Squires were awarded the win.

Going back to Kiefer, Tiongco describes him as “a good kid. He’s a listener. He’s a follower and hard working.”

(Ryan Felomino about to make an attempt).

The 17-year old Cordero has 2 years developing his skills while with Team B Squires.

In the first quarter, Jovito Tamayo shot 7 of 19 points as the Squires to a 19-11 lead.

They took an eight point advantage in the last 2:36 behind two free throws from Ryan Castro, 18-10.

(Jovito Tamayo(15) tries to get past defender Toby Agustin (11)).

In the third period, a triple from Gabrielle Diaz propelled the Squires to a 54-33 spread midway in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

In the last period, Cordero came alive with 10 points, and his two charities in the last 6:36 helped Letran achieve a 73-43 spread.

More surprises from the Squires and big plays from Cordero are expected in their next game, which is on Friday against the Mapua Red Robins.

(Members of the Letran Squires singing their school anthem).

The scores:

Letran 92—Cordero 23, Tamayo 19, Diaz 10, David 10, Felomino 6, Castro 6, Olis 4, Villanueva 4, Maneze 4, Caalaman 2, Villarete 2, Villanueva 2, Sabile 0, Montes 0, Petalio 0.

JRU 54—Sicat 13, Tierre 12, Sta. Maria 10, Agustin 7, Tierra 5, Baliad 4, Carreon 2, Macompas 1, Tan 0, Relente 0, Nazareno 0.

Quarterscores: 19-11, 45-25, 60-40, 92-54.