NCAA Season 93 Junior basketball : Evan Nelle steps up, San Beda Red Cubs win

09 July 2017,

Sunday,

Letran College gym

3:45 p.m.

On the San Beda Red Cubs’ first game of the season, point guard Evan Nelle felt frustrated in the third quarter.

 

His shots were not going in.

 

And this was keeping the team from taking a big lead in the start of the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament at the almost dimly lit Letran College gymnasium in Intramuros.

(Evan Nelle dribbling his way towards the San Beda side of the court.)

But when he found  people who were open and unguarded  in the last period, the Red Cubs went on to pull off an 86-75 triumph over a dangerous San Sebastian Staglets.

“My shots weren’t going in. So what I planned to do was pass the ball to my teammates who are on defense,” said Nelle.

It was in the last five minutes when Nelle found many opportunities.

(Sam Abu Hijle under tight guarding from Staglet Damie Cuntapay).

Scoring only six points, and dishing out an above-average 14 assists for the Red Cubs, he scored on a drive, and then assisted Peter Alfaro during a fastbreak.

These two crucial plays fuelled the Red Cubs’ decisive scoring run.

This time around, the San Beda Red Cubs did not have an easy time with the San Sebastian Staglets.

(Eduardo Velasquez jr. guarding his man underneath the basket).

But, with veteran guard Evan Nelle taking charge and finding the open man in the last period, the Red Cubs pulled off an 86-75 triumph over the Staglets yesterday at the Letran College gymnasium in Intramuros.

At that time,  the Stags were threatening, 69-72.

With Nelle and Alfaro joining up for the two plays, the Red Cubs then moved away on a 12-0 blast.

(Big man Germy Mahinay tries to escape a double team).

Nelle scored only six points, and did an above-average 14 assists for the Red Cubs in the start of the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.

He scored on a drive, and then assisted Peter Alfaro during a fastbreak, and this two crucial plays fuelled the Red Cubs’ decisive scoring run in the last five minutes.

With the Stags threatening, 69-72, the Red Cubs then moved away on a 12-0 blast.

(Peter Alfaro going for a three-point shot).

Alfaro showed the way with 17 points for the Red Cubs, Addie Velasquez added Sam Abu Hijle added 16.

“Expected namin ito. I’m preparing the boys because  every game, hindi na madali,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

The Red Cubs, who lost the crown to the Mapua Red Robins last year, held their ground as the Staglets rallied repeatedly.

The Staglets, the reigning Fr. Martin Cup Summer cagefest champions, were led by Damie Cuntapay with 25 points and 10 rebounds, and stayed close for the last time, 69-72.

That was after Lewis Pasamante stole off Nelle and assisted Cuntapay for an undergoal stab.

The loss spoiled the debut of new Staglets coach Mel Banua, who took over Franco Atienza after season 92 ended last year.

 

The Rise of the Mapua Red Robins as champions and the last dance of the San Beda Red Cubs (part 3)

(Season 92 flashback: injured point guard Mike Enriquez drops his crutches to join the Mapua Red Robins in celebrating their title conquest in the junior division. Coach Randy Alcantara and another senior school official joins him).

(With Season 93 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament is about to start again. Here’s looking back to how the season ended in season 92).

Oct, 14. 2016

SM Mall of Asia Arena

4 p.m.

Friday

(The Mapua Red Robins in the thick of celebration last season).

The Red Robins made do with the absence of point guard Mike Enriquez, who suffered a recurring foot injury in Game 2 when the Red Cubs won 81-78.

The series ended  at 2-1 after the Red Robins took Game 3 with an 83-64 win.

But Mike was around, and watch from behind the bench, in crutches as his teammates stepped up in his absence, and carried on.

(San Beda Red Cubs veteran Evan Nelle is caught in a double team by Bryan Samudio(13) and Brian Lacap (8)).

Their team effort, and with Mike’s inspiring presence allowed the Red Robins to push for the win their final game of the season.

This happened on Oct. 14, 2016, Friday when the Mapua/Malayan High School of Science (MHSS) Red Robins won their first title in 16 years.

This gave them a big reason to celebrate at the end of in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association Junior Basketball finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

(Juaquin Garcia (17) seeks an open man after Red Cubs cager Prince Etrata covers him).

The Mapua (Malayan High School of Science) Red Robins fought with pride till the end.

Because their title conquest, the Mapua Red Robins are considered this early as the favorite to win a back-to-back title the next NCAA season.

Juaquin Garcia shot 12 points, with his jumper in the fourth helping the Red Robins stay up by 15.

(Germy Mahinay(12) tries to dribble his way past Clint Escamis (10)).

The performance of the Red Robins in their last game of the season seemed to have overwhelmed the Red Cubs.

“Na-pressure ang mga bata. We were flat the whole game. I was expecting a closer game because this is a deciding game. Pero, the whole game, we were trying to catch up.  May run kami. May sagot sila,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

Carlo Obenza led the Red Cubs with 14 points while Addie Velasquez also had 14, and Mahinay added 11.

 

(Sam Abu Hijleh gets in front of a driving Bryan Samudio).

The Rise of the Mapua Red Robins as champions and the last dance of the San Beda Red Cubs (part 2)

The San Beda Red Cubs were champions from 2009 to 2015.

In Game 3 of the 92^nd National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball finals, the team was  put in an unfamiliar situation.

They hardly experienced the situation of being left behind by a big margin in the first period.

(Brian Lacap (8) in a rebound play with San Beda’s Sam Abu Hijle, with Bryan Samudio(13) ready to provide assistance)

Coach JB Sison admitted that the players  felt pressured and frustrated at having to play catch in the first three quarters.

What the Red Robins did to them in the first period was something they will never forget.

“I was expecting a closer game because this is a deciding game. Pero, the whole game, we were trying to catch up,” said Sison after the game.

(Clint Escamis (10) waits for a pass from teammate following a loose ball situation inside the paint).

Carlo Obenza led the Red Cubs with 14 points while Addie Velasquez also had 14, and Mahinay added 11.

The Red Cubs tried to be in control in the opening minutes of the game.

Sam Abu Hijle scored off a defensive rebound by Evan Nelle in the last 9:12 to tie the match for the first time, 2-all.

(Bryan Samudio (13) goes for a drive past Sam Abu Hijle (16)).

He struck again following a turnover by Jasper Salenga, and the Red Cubs took the lead, 4-2,

The Red Robins turned the ball over again, but misses by Peter Alfaro and Abu Hijle allowed the Red Robins to force a 4-all tie off Clint Escamis’ attack.

After Rob Nayve turned the ball over for third time for San Beda, the Red Robins began making their moves to move away.

(Juaqui Garcia (17) is harassed by San Beda’s Robi Nayve (7)).

Their first chance came when Brian Lacap hit a three, 7-4, off Clint Escamis’ assist, with 7:23 to go

The Red Cubs still managed to stay within range, 6-7, off Nayve’s basket, with 6:50.

But, Escamis had an answer, and Mapua stayed up by three, 9-6.

(Josh Tagala (5) of San Beda takes possession of the ball while Mapua teammates Jasper Salenga (middle) and Warren Bonifacio (15) prepare to intercept).

They had a chance to forced a deadlock, but Peter Alfaro missed a triple, and Garcia scored off Bonifacio’s rebound in the next play, 11-6.

Then, Obenza came in for Alfaro and turned the ball over.

Garcia turned this into a golden opportunity for the Red Robins, his drive with 5:37 left moving the Red Robins further ahead, 13-6.

(rebound play from (16) Sam Abu Hijle and Clint Escamis (10) and with Mapua player Warren Bonifacio (15)).

Mahinay tried to keep it close with his inside play that yield a basket and a charity, 13-9, of Escamis’ foul.

Then, three-point play by Salenga off Obenza foul with 4:45 to go kept MHSS up, 16-9.

Samudio then forced Prince Etrata to a dribbing error, and scored off it in the final 3:52, 18-9.

(San Beda’s Carlo Obenza goes for a drive past two Mapua defenders).

They later took an 11-point lead. 22-11, off Escamis’ two freebies after he stole off Prince Etrata and got fouled by Obenza in the last 1:31.

Etrata turned the ball over again, and Lacap made his mark in the last 1:05, and Mapua’s edge went up by 13, 24-11, and moments before the first period ended.

(Eduardo Velasquez).

(To be continued).

 

NCAA Season 92 Junior Basketball: Peter Alfaro’s freebie ties finals series for San Beda Red Cubs

Pedro Alfaro III was getting tired.

Also known as Peter among his friends, he’s been playing for 18 minutes in Game 2 of the junior finals.

That afternoon, his efforts was among those that proved to be among the turning points in  the 92^nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball wars.

(Peter Alfaro tries to drive past Mapua defender Brian Samudio).

And that was on Oct. 11, Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

His time on the floor was  beyond his average of 14.7 minutes in the 18 games that he has seen action throughout the season.

But, things turned around when top Mapua Red Robins scorer Romuel Junsay fouled him with 6.5 seconds to go.

(The Red Lions celebrate their Game 2 victory).

The 5’11 shooting guard from Zamboanga has a 51.39 percent clip from his field goals.

His 18 of 29 free throw shooting is 62.1 percent overall for this season.

He first made the sign of the cross, and shot one of two charity attempts in the next instant.

(Members of the Mapua Red Robins are in an emotional moment after the game).

This lifted the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs to an 81-78 triumph over the Mapua Red Robins.

This put them in a deciding Game Three in their best-of-three series this Friday at 2 p.m.

“Medyo may fatigue na ako. Pero, kaya pa,” said the 17-year old Alfaro minutes after the game.

(Carlo Obenza of SanBeda (3) guards Mapua’s Romuel Junsay, while Evan Nelle(10) watches).

In that game, rookie Carlo Obenza hit a gamehigh 19 points for the Red Cubs.

“Sobrang muntikan na. Buti na lang, naka-recover kami sa seven-point deficit,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

The Red Cubs, who rallied from seven points down in the last five minutes, forced a 77-all deadlock in the last 1:46.

(Robi Nayve (7) of San Beda guards a dribbling Jeonel Ramos of the Mapua Red Robins), while Evan Nelle (10) runs behind).

This was after Germy Mahinay drove past Jasper Salenga, and off Josh Tagala’s pass.

But the Red Robins still managed to stay in front for the last time.

They took a one-point lead, 78-77, off Salenga’s freebie after Mahinay fouled him in the last 1:12.

(Germy Mahinay in a rebound play with Mapua’s Will Gozum).

Obenza then pushed the Red Cubs ahead.

His  drive off his steal from Brian Lacap put them up, 79-78.

And as the Red Robins fell into foul trouble, Tagala and Alfaro sank their gift shots in the remaining 8.4 and 6.5 seconds.

(Evan Nelle reacts after he pass the ball past his defender, Brian Samudio).

Romuel Junsay shot a gamehigh 23 points, and tried to help Will Gozum make a winning shot in thend.

But Gozum’s triple did not go in when the buzzer sounded.

Junsay banged in eight points in the second period.

(Josh Tagala (5) barrels his way past Mapua’s Jasper Salenga).

This helped the Red Robins widened an 18-16 lead with a 10-0 run that it sparked.

The 5’11 Junsay capped that run with a triple in the last 2:22.

This handed the Red Robins an 11-point spread, 39-28.

Sam Abu Hijle (16) and Addie Velasquez(6) gets in front of Mapua ballhandler Brian Samudio) while teammate Brian Lacap (behind)prepares for anything

The Robins, who took the series opener, 83-64, Thursday.

They appeared headed at grabbing the title when the Red Robins led 41-33 at the half.

NCAA Season 92 Junior Basketball: The on-and-off games of Evan Nelle and the 10-game winning streak of the San Beda Red Cubs

All season long, Evan Nelle struggled with his shooting range.

But his range remained the same.

It was always off. And he knows it.

(Evan Nelle in a defensive play).

But, still, Evan made the most out of what he can do for the team, even if he is in his worst performance in two years.

On Aug. 29, this did not matter to the 18-year old Nelle, who left La Salle-Zobel five years ago because he was too thin and too frail-looking to be accepted by the varsity team.

He  managed to shoot important baskets when the San Beda Red Cubs got past the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 93-81 at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.

(Germy Mahinay (right) sings the school anthem after the game with teammates Robi Nayve (7), Ry de la Rosa, Luke Sese and Sam Abu Hijle (16)).

This sent the Red Cubs to their 12^th win in 13 games, and they remained tied for the lead with the Arellano University Braves.

The victory was counted as win no. 5 of a 10-game winning streak that the Red Cubs were pulling off in the second round.

On that day, Guilmer de la Torre fired 30 points for the Arellano Braves in their 107-77 win over the Letran Squires.

(Josh Tagala).

Troy Mallinlin shot 17 points as the La Salle Greenhills Greenies won over San Sebastian, 61-51, and hiked their record to 10-3 in third.

Benedict Buno made 12 points as Jose Rizal University prevailed over EAC-ICA, 88-65.

(Ongoing Scenario 1: Last Oct. 4, the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs took control early, and held their ground in the fourth, and put away the Arellano University Braves, 102-93, in their junior division rubber match. Point guards Robi Nayve and Mark Lagumen shot 17 and 16 points for the Red Cubs, who advanced to the finals for an eighth straight season, and they will meet the Mapua Red Robins in a best-of-three affair. Lagumen unloaded nine points in the first period to lead to 25-4 spread in the last 1:26).

(Jielo Razon (left) chases down Sam Abu Hijle).

(Ongoing Scenario 2:  Last Oct. 6: the Mapua Red Robins turned to the big plays of shooting guard Clint Escamis in the second half to outplay the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs, 83-64,  in Game 1 of the junior division finals.The 5’8 Escamis, playing in the absence of ailing teammate Mike Enriquez, tallied 12 points as he helped the Red Cubs move closer to their first title in 16 years. It was his triple off Bryan Samudio’s pass in the last 25 seconds which allowed the Red Cubs to move away, 59-53, near the end of their third period.

• San Beda Red Cubs 93, Perpetual Help Junior Altas 81

Things were going great for the Red Cubs in the last 6:17 of the game.

They were enjoying an 82-71 advantage.

(Eduardo Velasquez Jr.).

Germy Mahinay scored off an assist from Addie Velasquez to make this happen.

That was when the Junior Altas made their final push to stay in the fight.

Jielo Razon, who led the Junior Altas with 24 points and seven rebounds, started a  10-4 run with his split charities off Velasquez foul.

(San Beda Coach JB Sison and members of the coaching staff).

When the rally ended, Razon converted four charities off Carlo Obenza’s fouls in the last 2:53.

And, the Junior Altas moved dangerously within reach of the Red Cubs, 81-86.

This is when coach JB Sison made defensive adjustments.

(Rob Mendoza).

This involved Nelle, Prince Etrata and Joshua, who were doing some trapping and harassing on the ball handler in the closing minutes of the game.

First, the three forced Jasper Cuevas to turn the ball over on a passing error.

Then Germy Mahinay sank a putback off Obenza’s pass, 88-81.

(Justine Disquitado(12) tries to dribble his way past Prince Etrata(9) while Errol Bongay prepares to assist).

When Razon missed a forced shot, Nelle was there to assist Tagala for a basket, and the Red Cubs moved further ahead, 90-81.

A turnover followed after Junior Altas cager Iverson Aquiatan bungled a trey.

Nelle’s trey with 35 ticks left gave then Red Cubs a 12-point lead, and this was the final count of the game.

The Junior Altas tried to come closer. But Razon missed a three-pointer, and Nelle kept the ball in the Red Cubs’ possession with his rebound play.

• Nelle speaks up

When it was over, Nelle ended up scoring 10 points,  five rebounds, five assists and two steals in the 25 minutes that he saw action.

It was Germy Mahinay who led with 12 points, while Josh Tagala and Ry de la Rosa added 11.

Nelle performed above his season 92, 13-game  average of  8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals.

“Masama ang laro. Seven turnovers.  Pero, sa last 3 minutes, yung defense namin, naka-stop naman. Na-rattle ang kalaban. Yun ang gusto ni coach. Bawi lang. Babawi ako,” said Nelle as he emerged from the dugout.

Coach JB Sison noted that team had 21 turnovers that almost took the fight out of the Red Cubs in this game.

He also noted that the Junior Altas have improved in their game, and that the trio of Nelle, Etrata and Tagala proved to be the team’s saving grace in terms of defense in the end.

“Nakaagaw kami sa rotation nila,” said Sison.

• Notes:

1. Nelle had a better average in Season 91 of 8.89 points, 2.39 rebounds, 3.67 assists, and a 40% field percentage.
2. Nelle’s overall 2016 average after 13 games is down from last year, with his 35.1 field goal percentage.
3. This season, he normed 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.
4. Team player ranking in terms of shooting percentage: (1) Sam Abu Hijle 55.6; (2) Germy Mahinay 53.2; (3) Lian Barbero 50; (4) Josh Tagala 47.7; (5) Peter Alfaro 47.6; (6) Robi Nayve 42.4.
5. Win no. 5 for the Red Cubs, comes right before they were to play against the Mapua Red Robins, their eventual championship opponent.

NCAA Season 92 Junior Basketball: Sam Abu Hijle’s monster games, his birthday and the San Beda Red Cubs’ journey to greatness

For Fil-Jordanian big man Samuel Abu Hijle, Season 92 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Junior Basketball wars could end up to be another great, and even better  year.

 

It turns out that he’s playing slightly better than how he played last season, as he led the Red Cubs back into the Final Four, and possibly another finals stint(something that veteran scribes Theodore Jurado and Joey Villar would be happy to take note of).

 

He will have a fitting birthday gift on the eve of his 19^th birthday on Oct. 1, if the Red Cubs hurdle the Arellano University Braves on Friday, Sept. 30, in the start of their Final Four campaign.

(Sam Abu Hijle).

The 6-foot-3 Sam Abu Hijle finished the elimination round with an 18-game average of 13.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists, who was slightly better than in Season 91 (note: his average last season was  11.94 points and 9.28 rebounds).

 

This was after he tallied a double-double performance of 10 points and 10 rebounds in the Red Cubs’ 92-74 triumph over the Braves in their final game in the elimination round last  Sept. 19 at the FilOil-Flying V Center in San Juan.

 

“Nagpa-pa condition ako before every game. I have extra work sa practice, kaya magi-improve ako every game,”said  Abu Hijle when I caught up with him early in the season.

(Peter Alfaro)

He talked about his game on July 25, the day he played his season’s best of 30 points and and 14 rebounds.

 

Sam’s knees got bruised up in a physically challenging encounter with the San Sebastian Staglets and the Red Cubs prevailed, 74-66, for win no. 6.

 

After that, Abu Hijle’s game went down, as coach JB Sison made him lay low, for around six games.

(Mark Lagumen (19)).

He emerged with what could probably be his second best output on Game 12 of the Red Cubs, who defeated the Lyceum Philippines University Junior Pirates, 80-66, on Aug. 22.

 

He had 27 points and 13 rebounds in this game, which proved to be among the turning points of the season.

 

This is because the Junior Pirates were on the verge of getting knocked out of contention, and La Salle Greenhills was then getting sure of their status in the Final Four.

(Josh Tagala(5)).

• San Beda 74, LPU 66

 

 

The Junior Pirates stayed close with the Red Cubs until the last two minutes of the third, when they managed to come back from a 46-56 deficit.

 

A 6-0 comeback from charities Chester Jungco, Junjun Cecilio and Francis Ruiz saw the Junior Pirates threatening by four, 52-56, in the last 1:22.

 

They stayed close on another 6-0 spurt from Erlan Umpad and Jungco, 60-64, with 6:54 to go in the fourth.

(Addies Velasquez).

Then Abu Hijle took control of the boards, with his two big baskets in the last 3 minutes helping send the Red Cubs back ahead with a 14-2 run that gave them a 16-point spread with 57 ticks to go.

 

His layup did the trick as San Beda went on to nurse an 80-64 spread in the remaining time.

 

• The Final Four and the Red Cubs

 

Now that the season is almost over, Abuhijle is  emerging as one of the most important players of the dominant  Red Cubs.

(Germy Mahinay (left)).

With Abuhijle submitting team high numbers again in terms of points and rebounds, the reigning seven-peat champion San Beda clinched the first Final Four berth with a 17-1 win-loss record.

 

This is Abuhijle’s second year playing for the Red Cubs since 2015.

 

He spent time in Team B in the previous years.

 

Just like last year, He even showed how ready the Red Cubs were to defend the crown when San Beda-Taytay made it to the finals  of the Palarong Pambansa secondary boys basketball action while representing the Calabarzon region.

 

They eventually won the gold.

 

(Note: on Sam’s exploits in 2015, here’s a link to a feature story I did on him in  season 91. http://thestandard.com.ph/sports/189762/fil-jordanian-gives-red-cubs-added-bite.html).

 

• Getting to know Sam

 

Abuhijle has come a long way from where he started six years ago.

 

He joined organized sports as a 10-year-old playing football while in school at 7 Pillars Catholic School in Sta. Rosa Laguna.

 

Friends took notice of his height and introduced him to the game of basketball. He started playing pick-up games and immediately got hooked.

 

“Mga barkada ko sa school ang nagyaya, Laru-laro lang. Larong kalye. Doon nagsimula,” he said.

 

He joined the tryouts, became part of the grade school team and found himself playing for the elementary boys team of Calabarzon in the Palarong Pambansa.

 

• Current scenario

 

The La Salle Greenhills Greenies turned to the free throw line in the last 21.1 seconds to put away the Arellano University Braves, 79-76, in their playoff last Sept. 27.

 

Troy Mallinlin and Joel Cagulangan sank split free throws on fouls by Carlo Abadeza and Guilmer de la Torre in the remaining 21.1 seconds and 3.6 seconds respectively.

 

This sent the Greenies into a Final Four showdown with the Mapua Red Robins on Friday.

 

Sixteen year old Unique Naboa fired a gamehigh 21 points for the Greenies.

 

The Greenies made it past the playoffs for the  second time in four years.

 

The Lyceum Junior Pirates and McLaude Guadaña’s time to shine

The San Beda Red Cubs are the traditional favorites in the junior basketball wars of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

This year is no exception, even with the Arellano University Braves emerging as a new threat last season.

On the other hand, new squads are becoming competitive, and are also  becoming forces to reckon with.

(McLaude Guadaña (16) and teammate Generoso Cecilio jr. (17) plays defense against Karl Belgica (15)).

Unlike last year, the Braves are not alone in their quest for greatness, and a share of glory with the Red Cubs this season.

In the race for the Final Four, one of the new threats are the Lyceum Junior Pirate.

 

—  The emergence of the Junior Pirates as possible Final Four contenders this season

The  Junior Pirates needed players who can be heroes at crucial moments during a game.

(Chester Jungco (13) grabs possession in a rebound battle with  LSGH player Benedict Cruz (16)).

Most of the time, it’s Generoso Cecilio Jr. who usually bails them out of trouble.

But, on July 21, Thursday, it was 15 year old McLaude Guadaña’s turn to shine.

Guadaña, a ninth grader, topscored for 16 points with Chester Jungco when the Junior Pirates prevailed over the La Salle Greenhills Greenies, 82-77.

(Vincent Cunanan in a screen with LSGH player Haribon Espinosa).

This allowed the Junior Pirates to post their third win in six games in the 92^nd  NCAA Junior Basketball Tournament at the FilOil-Flying Sports Center in San Juan.

 

–Guadaña’s play in the last period

He is playing his third year with the Junior Pirates since McLaude was accepted into the team while still in Grade 7.

In the fourth period, the Greenies were catching up with the Junior Pirates after trailing by eight off Lee Ian Salazar’s three, 73-65, with 7:33 left.

(Team captain Teodoro Cecilio Jr. (17) leads his teammates in singing the school anthem. Also in photo are Jeff Figueroa (11), Lee Ian Salazar (14), Carly Ortiz(7),  Guadaña and Jeric Dumon (8)).

A pair of free throws from Troy Mallilin, followed by Haribon Espinosa’s three-point play in the final 4:59, allowed LSGH to move to within three, 70-73.

Guadaña’s trey in the final 4:42 was able to send LPU ahead ahead, 76-70.

But LSGH kept coming back.

(Makki Santos (10) prepares to assist teammate Lee Ian Salazar(14)  in his defense agains Joel Cagulangan).

Back-to-back hits from Haribon Espinosa and Benedict Cruz in the last 4:18 kept them within range, 74-76.

In the next instance, Guadaña was there again.

(Coach LA Mumar with members of the LPU Junior Pirates coaching staff, and players Francis Ruiz (9) and Makki Santos (10)).

His four charities in the last 23 seconds provided the Junior Pirates the right answers to LSGH shooter Joel Cagulangan’s attacks.

A charity and a drive in the last 38 seconds from Cagulangan saw the Greenies threatening, 77-78.

His last two freebies gave LPU some space, 80-77.

On the other hand, Cecilio’s gift shots at the buzzers finalized matters in the Junior Pirates’ favor.

Coach LA Mumar said this is a win that they were looking forward to.

“We really wanted this win. We wanted to get to the top 4. That’s the goal,” expressed Mumar.

— Standings ans scenarios

Because of third triumph in six games, the Junior Pirates moved up to fourth place, joining the Letran Squires and the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas with the same win-loss record.

This put the Junior Pirates in contention for a Final Four seat (when was last time).

The Arellano University Braves are in the solo lead after posting their sixth straight win last July 18 at the expense of the Mapua/Malayan Red Robins, 83-74.

Guilmer de la Torre led with 15 points and 13 rebounds in that game.

The defending San Beda Red Cubs, with Sam Abu Hijle firing 18 points, have a 5-0 slate at no. 2 following their 97-72 smashing of the Greenies.

The Red Robins are at no. 3 with their 5-1 card.

In their game with Junior Pirates, Mallinlin emerged as their best player with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Joel Cagulangan and Haribon Espinosa played supporting roles with 13 points each.

“Maganda naman ang laro namin. Pero kailangan pang mas maging maayos,” said the 15-year old Guadaña, who lives in Tagaytay City, and loves to jog there because of the cool air from the nearby Taal Lake area.

Junior Pirates coach LA Mumar said the team is playing its best so far.

This is the first that they are playing as a complete, after some players like suffered injuries during practice.

“We really need this win para makahabol sa top 4,” remarked Mumar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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: 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: 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).