NCAA Season 93 Junior Basketball- The Arellano Braves’ ugly win and the rise of Rey Domingo

 

It was an ugly win for the Arellano University Braves.

 

They were struggling to catch up with the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers.

 

But, in the end, a prayer, a miracle, and a free throw shot from reserve player Rey Domingo made it all happen.

(Fred Segura).

Last July 18, the Braves pulled off a nearly impossible 80-79 victory over the Light Bombers at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

 

This gave them their second win in three games in season 93 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.

 

On that same day, the Letran Squires drew 21 points from Kiefer Cordero and beat the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers, 85-81.

(Aaron Fermin (11) with Malayan Red Robins’ Carl Lacap).

Joel Cagulangan struck with 21 points for La Salle Greenhills and upset the San Beda Red Cubs, 82-78.

 

This put the LSGH Greenies in the lead with win no. 3, and ahead of the Mapua Red Robins (2-0).

 

• Arellano Braves 80, JRU Light Bombers 79

(Kobe Camacho).

The Light Bombers were leading 54-61, when the Braves got their acts together and rallied.

 

The Braves’ big charge came after JRU posted their biggest lead, 73-61, behind John  Amores in the last 6:57.

 

A 13-0 blast led Nino Tamayo and big man Aaron Fermin cut down JRU’s lead.

(Marlon Espiritu).

A three-point play from Marlon Espiritu would tie match, 73-all, with 43 seconds left.

 

There would be three turnovers in the next instance, with Nino Tamayo scoring two, with the last on a three-point play, 78-73.

 

Their lead would go down to two following a putback and charity from JRU’s Javine Serrano, 76-78.

 

Fermin then kept Arellano ahead with his freebie in the last 2:58, 79-76.

 

But, a stuborn JRU side kept their ball on their side until Serrano sinks a three-point play in last 44 seconds, to keep the game tied, 79-all

 

As Arellano regained possession, Domingo cans one of two gift shots in the last 26 seconds off Carlos Sumabat’s foul.

 

“Kinabahan ako kasi first game ko ngayon. May sakit ako nung first two games, trangkaso,” said the 17-year old Domingo.

 

But, it was a scary moment for Arellano afterwards when  Fermin  got the rebound.

 

That’s because Fermin  turned  it over on a fumble in the last 24 seconds.

 

Serrano then took possession for JRU, but they turned the ball over in the last eight seconds after he missed and committed a miscue during an offensive rebound.

 

Even after Espiritu fumbled on his freebies in the last three seconds, the Braves still won the game after JRU ran out of time, and could not get a clear shot in the remaining time.

 

“Siguro, ang nagpanalo sa amin ay faith. Siguro depensa, na rin,” said Braves coach Tylon Darjuan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NCAA Season 93 Junior Basketball: The Lyceum Junior Pirates and the best games of McLaude Guadaña (part 1)

11 July 2017

12 nn

Tuesday,

FilOil-Flying Arena Sports Center

San Juan City

The exposure that Mclaude  Guadaña   had this year with Batang Gilas seems to be rubbing off on his game.

Coach LA Mumar took note of this after Guadaña found his range at endgame and carried the Lyceum Junior Pirates to a 94-87 stopping of the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers last July 11.

“Batang really helped. We feel that this is his year to really step up,” said Mumar.

Lyceum”s Mclaude Guadaña dribbles his way past a JRU defender).

Guadaña, who started playing for the Junior Pirates at age 13, gave the Junior Pirates some distance during those crucial moments.

This gave the Junior Pirates  a chance to pull off their first win in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.

The 5’11 Guadana’s heroics in the last 2 minutes were the ones that made the difference.

(Vincent Cunanan in action).

Totalling 19 points throughout the game, Guadaña made heads turn with the  11 points he made in the last period.

His baskets came right when the Light Bombers slightly ahead.

First, Guadaña  scored from inside a crowded shaded lane at the right side.

(John  Barba(10) watches as Lyceum teammate Mclaude Guadaña plays defense).

This  allowed the Junior Pirates to regain the lead, 85-84, in the last 3:06.

His two treys found their mark right after Vincent Cunanan drove in with 1:47 left, and after the Light Bombers bungled two easy shots.

From there, the Junior Pirates were safely ahead, 93-87, with 25 ticks to go.

(Lyceum’s Chester Jungco is a rebound battle with JRU players).

“Buti naman nakabawi ako. Nung first to third quarter struggle ako sa laro ko,” said Guadana, who was limited to four points in the third.

Junior Pirates LA Mumar said opening day jitters allow the Light Bombers to challenge their slim lead and stay close with repeated rallies.

“We play well. Then, we falter. Its been happening in all quarters. Hopefully, we’ll work on this in future games,” said Mumar.

 

(Guadaña and teammate Neil Ruiz double teams a  JRU player).

Kobe Caballero led the Light Bombers with 19 points while John Sicat had 18.

-Mapua 91 Letran Squires 75

Clint Escamis, one of the defending champion Mapua University Red Robins, was on fire early in the game.

 

He shot 10 of his game high 18 points in the first period as he tried his best to help the Red Robins post a 91-75 swamping of the Letran Squires last night at the Arena in San Juan.

 

But as he and teammate Jeff Sapinit fell into foul trouble early, other teammates stepped up  to help bring the Red Robins to their second straight win in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.

 

Mike Enriquez, back from injury that recurred during the finals last year, scored all of his  six points in the second period.

 

But that was enough for him, as he and teammates Will Gozum, Erick Jabel and Joaqui Garcia combined for 12 points during the last 10 minutes of the first half.

 

Their efforts allowed the Red Robins to overcome a 14-17 deficit, and move away 43-30, at the end of the first half.

 

Their zone defense in the second half picked up.

 

With Gozum making 5 of 17 points, and hauling down 10 rebounds, the Red Robins went on to post 62-50 spread when the third period ended.

 

“Maganda iyung dinipensa. Pero sa huli. Hindi kami puedeng magpabaya kasi muntik na kaming habulin,” said Red Robins coach Randy Alcantara.

 

The Squires played with new coach Raymund Valenzona calling the shots.

 

Valenzona once led the San Sebastian Staglets to the crown back in the days of Ryan Buenafe.

 

The Squires, who fell behind by as much as 22 points, got 15 points from Neil Tolentino, while Enoch Valdez and Russelle Aniban 13.

 

 

 

–LSGH 64, Perpetual Help 60

 

Inand Fornillo banged in 22 points for the La Salle Greenhills Greenies as they repulsed the Perpetual Help Junior Altas.

 

Albert Bordeos, a transferee from San Beda, contributed 14 points, including two game-winning free throws.

 

The Junior Altas kept matters tight in the closing second, and forced a 60-all tie of John Umali’s basket.

 

Then, their chance to break the tie came off Joel Cagulangan’s charities.

 

Esvin Inliwan topscored with 15 points for the Junior Altas, while Jielo Razon had 11.

 

 

 

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.

 

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 LSGH Junior Blazers, Unique Naboa and their awesome winning streak

There’s something different about how Unique Naboa moves on the court.

His movements are flashy and shifty. That’s what makes it stand out.

This is what ABS-CBN Sports online scribe Norman Lee Benjamin Riego observed in Unique’s game.

(Unique Naboa (right) in a rebound battle with Perpetual Help’s Jielo Razon).

Normie  has been in the sports beat for two years.

Another LSGH player, Joel Cagulangan, moves much simpler, more efficiently (?) than Naboa, according to Normie.

So, one afternoon, I saw him play for the first time last month.

(The LSGH Junior Blazers performing the school anthem after the game).

This was  when I dropped by to  watch a game of the 92^nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball wars at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center at the Arena in San Juan.

That was on Aug. 15, Monday, when Naboa joined Troy Mallinlin in scoring in double digits to contribute big time to the Greenies’ cause.

One of his big games came  when they trounced the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 95-80.

(Joel Cagulangan tries to shoot a basket past Perpetual Help’s Jielo Razon (18) and Errol Bongay (right). Troy Mallinlin (14) screens Jasper Cuevas (12) and Nick Rocero (10)).

On that day, the 16-year old Naboa tallied 23 points, and backed up Mallinlin, who led with 24 points, 15 rebounds.

The Greenies, also known as the Junior Blazers,  posted win no. 4 in their famed nine-game winning streak.

Actually, this was the second time that the 5’11 Naboa showed up to play for the Junior Blazers.

(Joshua Marcos (with ball) is sandwiched by UPHSD’s Justine Disquitado and Nick Rocero(10), while LSGH’s Troy Mallinlin prepares to assist).

The first time he appeared was when the Junior Blazers turned back the Arellano University Braves on Aug. 8 with a 98-69 win.

Naboa came up with 20 points and seven boards back then.

“He did not play for a long time. So, he’s catching up,” said LSGH coach Marvin Bienvenida.

(Jacob Lao (11) dribbles away from Perpetual Help’s Rob Mendoza (4)).

Before the day ended, the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs, the Arellano University Braves and the Mapua Red Robins came off with expected triumphs to stay on track for Final Four slots.

Second stringer Luke Sese got his turn to shine with 19 points and lead three other mainstays in leading the Red Cubs in whipping the San Sebastian Staglets, 111-55.

Guilmer de la Torre, Aaron Fermin and Lars Sunga took turns in scoring big baskets, and powered the Braves to a 90-64 quashing of the Emilio Aguinaldo College-ICA Brigadiers.

(Joel Cagulangan (12) of LSGH drives past Perpetual Help’s Jielo Razon(18)).

The Red Cubs and the Braves pulled off their ninth triumph in 10 games, and this allowed them to stay in contention for the top two seats in the semis.

The Red Robins survived a close call with the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 81-79, and they went on to claim their eight win in 10 games.

McLaude Guadana had 19 points for the Lyceum Junior Pirates in their 105-91 smashing of the Letran Squires. The Junior Pirates improved in fifth at 5-5.

( Jacob Lao shoots a charity while Perpetual Help’s Esvin Inliwan looks on on).

• Play by play

Naboa missed four games in the first round because he had to catch up with   made his studies and his grades.

He made his presence felt while LSGH was racing to overtake the Junior Altas in the start of the first period.

Catching attention with the way he weaving and pivots his way past defenders, Naboa’s drive witth 9:14 left tied match, 2-all.

After Joshua Marcos put the Greenies ahead, 6-4, Naboa’s  putback and three-point play in the last 6:02 pushed LSGH ahead, 11-4.

His three-point shot in the final 4:11 then handed a LSGH an 11-6 advantage.

It was actually a string of two triples, and the second one found its mark in the last 3:18.

This allowed LSGH to dominated by 15, 24-9, and it’s still early in the game

“Ginawa ko ang dapat gawin. Kailangang maging aggressive sa kanila, really aggressive. We have to keep up,” said Unique at the dugouts.

In the third period, it was Troy Mallinlin’s show.

His two triple sent LSGH to a 63-42 edge in the last 6:14.

When the game the game was over Naboa emerged as the second most productive player of the LSGH roster with his averages15.8 points.

Mallinlin is their top gunner with 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.

Joel Cagulangan and Vincent Joshua David is also listed in the top 5.

(Notes: The Mapua Red Robins, also known as the Malayan Science High School Red Robins, turned to transferee Brian Lacap in pulling off  a 75-59 swamping of La Salle Greenhills last Monday, Sept 19, at the Arena in San Juan.Lacap, who moved from University of Santo Tomas, stepped up in the absence of injured big man Sherwin Concepcion, sizzled with his triples in the third period to carry the  Red Robins to their 14th win in 17 games.This moved the Red Robins a win closer to formally securing the second Final Four slot, the no. 2 seeding and the second twice-to-beat incentive. The Junior Blazers, with  Troy Mallillin making 16 points and nine rebounds, share the same 13-5, slate with the Arellano Braves in third. They took charge early, and after unleashing a 13-2 run which Joel Cagulangan capped with his drive in the last five minutes of the first period).

 

NCAA Season 92 Junior Basketball: The Mapua Red Robins and the best games of Warren Bonifacio

09 Aug. 2016,

Tuesday,

2 p.m.

FilOil-Flying V Sports Center,

San Juan

 

Warren Bonifacio is one of the veteran players of the Mapua Red Robins.

His game started picking up in the start of the second round.

A hamstring injury on his left limb had him struggling for five games.

(Red Robin cager Warren Bonifacio is double-teamed by Letran’s Patrick Boffa (10) and Keifer Cordero(7)).

His case is not like that of guard Mike Enriquez, who missed most of the first round after suffering from an injury on the heel of his left foot from a pre-season tuneup game.

“Ngayon lang ako bumabawi. Na-injure kasi left hamstring ko. Hindi ako masyado nakalaro. Ngayon lang bumabalik ang kundisyon ko,” said the 18-year old Bonifacio.

Warren, the team’s 6’4 center, talked about his recover way back in Aug. 9 when the Red Robins stormed past the Letran Squires, 74-55.

(Romuel Junsay is hounded by a Letran opponent).

At that time, it was the start of the second round of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.

Their game came after the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs won over the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 79-69, to move up the standings for a share of no. 1 with the Arellano University Braves.

Here, Robi Nayve led the Red Cubs with 19 points while Sam Abu Hijle had 13, and Pedro Alfaro added 12.

(Sherwin Concepcion tries to get past Letran guards).

Because of this, the Red Robins moved into second spot in the team standings.

“Sabi sa akin ni coach. Kumpiyansa lang. Pag libre, tira na,” added Bonifacio, now the team’s designated team captain following the temporary absence of Enriquez.

Bonifacio, who is from San Simon, Pampanga, averages 5.2 points 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks after nine games in the first round.

(Clint Escamis dribbles his way past 2 Letran Squires).

This ranks him ninth among his teammates in playing averages, with Romuel Junsay leading with 18.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals.

But against the Squires, Bonifacio delivered 12 points and seven rebounds.

During the game, Junsay topscored for 25 points while Sherwin Concepcion had 12, along with Clint Escamis, Jasper Salenga and Bonifacio.

(Jasper Salenga (11) goes for an attack while Letran’s Kobe Monje (11) and Keifer Cordero (7) prepares to stop him).

In their game that day, Bonifacio’s defensive rebound, with the Red Robins trailing, 13-14, set them up for two scoring opportunities at the end of the first period.

A layup from Bryan Samudio, followed by a three from Bryan Lacap handed the Red Robin the upperhand, 18-14, at the end of the period.

Bonifacio scored seven points in the last 4:51 of the second period, and during a 18-4 blast which gave the Red Robins a big 36-18 spread afterwards.

(Joaquin Garcia (17) keeps an eye Letran’s Jovito Tamayo).

For coach Randy Alcantara, he feels thankful for the win, and he feels that their position is secure, and they have to keep it that way for the rest of the second round.

“Sabi ko sa kanila, at least naramdaman nyo ang situation na tina-trap, para may experience kami sa ganun. Buti naman, nalusutan namin sila,” said Alcantara.

Coach Randy said he does not expect Warren to give much on points, but more on his defensive skills, in terms of rebounds and shot blocks.

(Mike Enriquez (9) looking for an open man, while caught in a double team).

 

“Hindi siya masyado sa points. Bonus na lang iyun,” added Alcantara.

(as of this writing, the Mapua Red Robins turned to the gamelong brilliance of point guard Mike Enriquez to upset last year’s finalist, the  Arellano University Braves, 84-71, in their Sept. 16 game. Enriquez has shown complete recovery from a foot injury that sidelined him in the first round. He struck with his season’s best of 28 points to lead the Red Robins to their 13th win in 16 games. The reversal put them in contention for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four semifinals. This dropped the Braves to a share of third place with the La Salle Greenhills Junior Blazers at 13-4).

 

NCAA Season 92 Junior Basketball: The La Salle Greenhills Greenies, Vincent Joshua David and their relentless Final 4 drive

The La Salle Greenhills Greenies are ahead of three other teams which are to making a bid to make it to the Final Four semifinals of the 92^nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball wars.

Coach Marvin Bienvenida is aware of this when the  Greenies swamped the Emilio Aguinaldo College-ICA Brigadiers, 87-74, last Aug. 4 at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.

“We are aware of this. That’s why we need to finish the first round strong,” said Bienvenida after the Greenies posted their fifth win in eighth games in their second to last game of the first round.

(Vincent Joshua David of LSGH tries to shoot past EAC’s Kerby Dulatre)

That same day, the Mapua Red Robins repulsed the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 100-76, to improve their record in third place, and finish the first round at 7-2.

(Note: since that victory, the Greenies have won five straight games, and are solidly in fourth, and are making sure that they’re in the Final Four).

The teams that are chasing them at that time were the Letran Squires, the Lyceum Junior Pirates and the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas.

(Troy Mallinlin (left) is guarded by EAC’s Angelo Beduria, while assistant coach Allen Ricardo looks on).

In this game, 16-year old Vincent Joshua David managed to share the spotlight with the team’s top player Troy Mallinlin.

He came into the picture right after the Brigadiers tied the match, 40-all.

This was after CJ Boado drove in with 7:34 to go in the third period.

(Haribon Espinosa looks for an open man),

Big man Ladis Lepalam’s penetration started a 13-2 run, and Mallinlin gave it momentum with his drive and three-point play.

Then, after David struck twice with his drives, to put the Greenies on top, 53-42, in the last 2:44.

They were never in trouble after the Greenies assumed a 60-48 cushion at the end of the third.

(Joel Cagulangan(12) makes an attempt past EAC’s Maui Cruz).

The six-foot David said he is adjusting, since this is his first year in Team A, and after spending three years in Team B.

“Nakakapanibago. Mahalaga iyung experience para makasabay ako sa laro,” said David, whose family is from Angeles City, Pampanga.

David is considered as among the key players of the Greenies, considering he is fourth most productive player of the team.

(Joshua Marcos (7) is double teamed by EAC’s Maui Cruz and Roland Baliquig (7)).

He averages 8.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.1 steals.

After this game, Mallinlin now has a norm of 21.5 points and nine rebounds, while Unique Naboa is no. 2 at 14.8 points and 5.5 rebounds, and Joel Cagulangan is in third (9.5 points, 5.9 rebounds).

Coach Marvin said it is their short term goal to finish in fourth place.

(Benedict Cruz (in possession of ball) fights to stay in control while EAC’s Roland Baliquig harasses him. Teammate Troy Mallinlin (14) and EAC’s Kerby Dulatre (10) watches).

“We need to compete. We’ll fight it,” said Bienvenida.

The Greenies have the Arellano University Braves as their next opponent after their Aug. 4 encounter.

 

NCAA Season 92 Junior Basketball: Generoso Cecilio Jr. and the Lyceum Junior Pirates; on surviving the Final Four race

Generoso Cecilio Jr. is on his final year with the Lyceum Junior Pirates.

He has been playing for the Junior Pirates for the last three years.

The 5’11 guard is considered as one of the leaders of the team.

(Junjun Cecilio tries to get past Jielo Razon and Esvin Inliwan).

On Aug. 1, he  led his team to a resounding 117-93 victory over the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas.

This will be his last chance, if ever, to be in the Final Four.

This will happen if  the Junior Pirates get very far in the 92^nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball wars at the FilOil-Flying V Center in San Juan.

(McLaude Guadana in a defensive with Cecilio on Junior Altas player Iverson Aquiatan).

Cecilio struck with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the Junior Pirates, while teammates McLaude Guadana was good for 15 points.

As for the Junior Altas, Jielo Razon tallied a gamehigh 22 points.

Things were kinda tight for the two teams until the start of the third quarter.

(Donyel Udal (6) in a loose ball play with Makki Santos(10)).

The Junior Altas finished the half slightly ahead, 57-55, off Esvin Inliwan’s two charities off Francis Ruiz’s foul at the buzzer.

But everything turned around in the second half.

Charities made Cecilio off Razon’s foul tied the match, 57-all for the last time, with 9:46 left.

(Jielo Razon)

It sparked a 12-3 blast, which Cecilio capped with a putback that handed Lyceum a 67-60 advantage in the last 5:08.

“Sinabihan ko ang mga teammates ko na mag-push pa. Kasi lamang pa sila ng dalawa after the first half,” said Cecilio, who is from Gen. Trias in Cavite.

A turnover by Inliwan allowed Cecilio to score and put the Junior Pirates ahead by 9, 71-62, with 4:29 left.

(Errol Bongay).

Another scoring run came in the last three minutes of the period, and Cecilio made seven during a 9-2 spurt.

The Junior Pirates then found themselves on top by 14, 79-65, off Lee Ian Salazar’s triple.

In the fourth, the Junior Pirates continued pulling away.

(Coach LA Mumar).

Their edge went up by 17 after Carly Ortiz scored on Chester Jungco’s rebound, 88-71, in the last 8:58.

 

After the game, coach LA Mumar said the Final Four is possibility that they are considering.

 

However, the race to the top is quite tight, considering where the team is in the standings right now.

-Notes:

1. The Junior Pirates’current record as of this writing is 6-8 in 5^th
2. They are four wins behind the La Salle Greenhills Greenies (10-3).
3. Mathematically, this is impossible, while the Greenies will have to lose their 5 remaining games, and the Junior Pirates needs to win their last 4 matches to force a deadlock for the 4^th
4. The Junior Pirates finished at 11-7 in 5^th place last season.
5. They bowed to the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers last Sept. 1.
6. With their present record, they could still finish fifth, but a notch behind their showing in 2015, if they don’t lose more games.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NCAA Season 92 Basketball: The Best Games of Kobe Monje and the Letran Squires

Kobe Monje’s games with the Letran Squires as they struggle to have a better place in the team standings is something to see.

Because of his outside shooting, and the Squires efforts to march on despite great odds, they are  not expected to fade in the season 92 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Junior Basketball wars without a fight.

Letran’s victory last July 28 was a 74-63 smashing of the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers showed how Kobe can shoot the lights out of the opposition.

(Kobe Monje (no. 16) defending against a Lyceum player-file photo).

I hardly know Kobe, but he was noticeable after making 12 points in that game(behind Miguel Villanueva’s gamehigh 16 points and 13 rebounds).

For a team which is not known for excellent shooters who could be good day in and day out, they were quality points.

Kobe’s efforts contributed to Letran’s win no. 4, which came on their eighth game of the season.

(Miguel Villanueva(no. 11), in a rebound play)- file photo.

That same day, the San Beda Red Cubs fought off the Mapua Red Robins, 86-84, with Mark Lagumen topscoring for 21 points to power his team to a share of the lead with the Arellano University Braves.

They have won seven straight games each.

—Letran 74, JRU 63

On that day, Miguel Villanueva led the Squires with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while teammate Rhayniel David chipped in 11.

(Rhayniel David).

Their victory came right before the San Beda Red Cubs would beat the Mapua Red Robins, 86-84, with Mark Lagumen leading with 21 points.

The Squires, who have no outstanding shooters, got off to a great start, taking a 10-0 lead in the last 7:06 of the first period, with Monje unloading two triples and then scoring on his defensive rebound.

After that, his other teammates took over.

(Russell Dolendo).

They went on to take a 16-4 lead off Miguel Villanueva’s two charities, 16-4, with four minutes left.

Another rebound play, and jumper from Russell Dollendo saw the Squires moving up by 11, 23-12, with 3:07 to go.

In the second quarter, a triple from Keifer Cordero, with an assist from Kurt Reyson at the 7:41 mark handed the Squires a 32-16 advantage.

(Keifer Cordero).

This is where the Squires struck hardest when they scored 10 points with their inside plays.

Villanueva’s attacks in the last 1:46 of the third then led to a 17-point spread for the Squires, 56-39.

It went up to 20 off Villanueva’s split charity in the remaining 5:45 of the fourth and final period, 65-45.

(Kurt Reyson).

And so, the Squires went on to finish the day with their fourth win in eight games.

—Notes on the Squires

1. They have 5-7 win-loss record in fifth spot as of this writing.
2. They finished with a 6-12 card last season.
3. None of their top shooters like Rhayniel David is in the top 10 list of shooters this season.
4. Rhayniel David averages 11 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1 block.
5. Kobe Monje is no. 2 Rhayniel (9.5 ppg, 5.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal).
6. Keifer Cordero lies in third (8.6 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assist, 1.1 steals).

(Coach Raymund Tiongco makes hand signals (left) while lady referee Agniezska Drabik is at foreground, observing a play).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NCAA Season 92 Junior Basketball: The Rise of the Perpetual Help Junior Altas (Part 2)

14 July 2016,

Thursday,

2 p.m.,

FilOil-Flying V Sports Center,

San Juan

Members of the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas are going beyond everyone’s expectations these days.

After posting their third win in six games, coach Barry Tobias feels upbeat.

He expressed it as soon as the Junior Altas were done disposing of the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Immaculate Conception Academy Brigadiers, 87-70,   last July 18, Monday at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.

 

(Jielo Razon (18) is about to get challenged by EAC’s Roland Baliquig(7)).

“At least we surpassed last year’s one win. I guess we overachieved already,” said Tobias after one of the day’s featured games in the 92^nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament.

He  may be a lawyer by profession, but his big heart for the game of basketball is something else.

Because of this, the Junior Altas stayed solidly in fifth position, sharing the same record with the Letran Squires in the standings.

 (Errol Bongay (16) tries to get a shot past EAC’s Edgar Tapales (4) and Sean Oriondo (8)).

Four key players of the team once again showed leadership on the floor for the Junior Altas.

There’s Jielo Razon, a 5’10 guard from Las Pinas.

Coming out of Team B last season, he came up with his best scoring output this season with 20 points, and made seven rebounds, to help lead the Junior Altas to their best start in any given season.

He matched the output of Errol Bongay, who had another double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

(Justine Disquitado (8) dribbles his way past EAC players C-Jay Boado(5) and Sean Oriondo (8)).

That afternoon, Justine Disquitado, Lance de Leon and Esvin Inliwan, also had their shining moments for the team.

Disquitado also came with a double-double, just like Bongay, dishing out 11 points and 10 rebounds, while de Leon and Inliwan drilled in 10 points.

In this game, the Junior Altas finally stirred to life with their energy, and began picking up steam in the third period.

(Lance de Leon (15) gets a pass from teammate Jasper Cuevas(12), while EAC players Edgar Tapales (4) and Maui Cruz (6) moves to intercept).

Bongay, a transferee from Augustinian Abbey School in Alabang,  and Razon then became their 1-2 punch.

The 6’0 Bongay’s back to back baskets in the last 9:47 touched off a deciding 17-0 blast, and was the Junior Altas’ man under the boards in this game.

Razon chipped in a freebie and a triple during that run, and the Junior Altas went on to grab  a 52-40 spread with 6:56 remaining.

(Esvin Inliwan).

“Wala naman maka-matchup sa kanya. So, we made a conscious effort to go to Bongay down low,” added Tobias.

There were times that the Brigadiers were able to come back.

First, off Maui Cruz, whose back-to-back hits saw EAC-ICA closing by 10, 46-56, with 1:17 left in the third.

(Perpetual Help cagers Jasper Cuevas (12), Justine Disquitado (8) and Errol Bongay (16) runs in the middle of defensive play by EAC players (Kerby Dulatre (10), C-Jay Boado (5), Maui Cruz (6) and Edgar Tapales (4)).

The second came from a  series of attacks from Sean Oriondo which moved the Brigadiers to within seven, 65-69.

It stopped there when Bongay and Razon combined for an 11-0 blast with attacks from inside and out.

Their lead was never challenged again after they took an 80-65 spread in the final 2:14 of the game.

(The Perpetual Help Junior Altas singing their anthem).

On that day, the Arellano University Braves took charge in the solo lead after they won over the Mapua/Malayan School Red Robins, 83-74.

Guilmer de la Torre made 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Braves, who posted their sixth straight win.

The defending champion San Beda Red Cubs, behind Sam Abu Hijle and Germy Mahinay with 18 and 12 points, turned back La Salle Greenhills, 97-72, to stay behind the Braves with their 5-0 win-loss slate.

The Red Robins, who drew 27 points and 11 rebounds from Jasper Salenga, have a 5-1 record in third.

The Squires, starring Kobe Monje with 22 points, downed the San Sebastian Staglets, 80-73, while the Lyceum Junior Pirates drew 25 points from Lee Ian Salazar in their 92-74 subduing of Jose Rizal University.