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.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)-The Letran Squires: the rise of the fallen; Johann Rubite, Joshua Gonzales hit hard; Letran 62, LSGH 55

08 October 2014

2 p.m.,

Wednesday,

Filoil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

NCAA Season 90

Junior Basketball Tournament

Team Standings

W   L

San Beda                   15   3

Mapua                       15   3

Letran                        13   5

JRU                           12   6

LSGH                         10   8

SSC                             10   8

Arellano                      6   12

LPU                              4   4

UPHSD                        3   15

EAC-ICA                      2   16

Great rewards start  here for the Letran Squires.

 

They earned it after the Squires won their last two games in the elimination round of the 90^th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament.

 

First, with their 80-75 beating of the Lyceum Philippines University Junior Pirates on Oct. 2.

(Letran’s Johann Rubite).

And then with their nail-biting 62-55 overtime stopping of the La Salle Greenhills Greenies last Wednesday, Oct. 8.

 

Their pair of wins allowed them to bag the third seeding in the Final Four semifinals.

 

It also helped them bounce back after things looked bleak when they absorbed a 42-62 setback from the Mapua Red Robins last Sept. 29.

(Letran’s Joshua Gonzales tries to dribble past LSGH’s Amando San Juan).

• Letran 62, LSGH 55, overtime

 

The Squires were trying to hold on to the lead after Jerrick Balanza popped in a basket in the last 1:14, 48-47.

 

After forcing LSGH to turn the ball over twice, the Greenies took possession in the remaining 22.5 seconds on a 25-second violation.

 

Michael de la Cruz then split his charity shots to tie the match, 48-all and send it into overtime in the last 5.4 seconds.

(Letran’s Jerrick Balanza surrounded by three LSGH defenders, John Gob (12), Ricci Rivero (9) and Mark Alcala).

The Squires could have won it in the last 1.7 second of regulation.

 

But Balanza missed a hurried attempt after receiving an inbound pass from point guard Johann Rubite.

 

LSGH could have also won it in regulation.

(Letran Squires coach Junjie Ablan).

But a late sprint for a basket by Rafael Salonga was not counted as the buzzer has already sounded when he reached the goal post.

And officials and referees needed a few minutes of deliberation to discuss Salonga’s attempt.

 

And so this question now pops in my mind, now that they have gotten over their challenges to reach the Final Four.

 

• Rubite steps up

 

In the overtime period, big man Joshua Gonzales came up with big baskets following two rough plays which saw LSGH guard Michael de la Cruz getting hurt from a fall and scoring ace Ricci Rivero receiving an elbow in the face.

 

Gonzales’ layup off Rubite’s pass and a his triple gave Letran a 53-48 advantage with 3:02 left.

 

After Greenies big guy John Gob drove in, Rubite kept Letran ahead by five in the last 2:06 with his attack to the hoop off Tommy Gedaria’s pass, 55-50.

 

LSGH then answered with de la Cruz canning in two charities, 52-55, and made attempts to close the gap further.

 

Four turnover ensued after Rivero missed a perimeter shot, Amando San Juan split his charities, and Gonzales came away with a couple of steals.

 

Rubite’s drive off Gob proved to be one of the last straws for the Squires, as they went ahead,  57-53, with 46 ticks to go, and LSGH went into foul trouble afterwards.

 

The Squires then sank three of six free throws from the stripe in the remaining time to win the game.

 

For Rubite, their win gave them the big break they need in the Final Four.

 

“Kailangan ipasok namin ang shots namin para lumayo, at mawala na ang pressure sa game,” remarked Rubite, who plans to be an engineer someday, and that is, if he can’t achieve his dream to play in the Philippine Basketball Association.

 

For coach Junjie Ablan, the Squires place in the Final Four is now secure, as they have gained the no. 3 seeding.

“Napagalitan ko nga sila eh. Kailangan matuto silang mánalo. There were chances to win with seconds to go. Pero tinatapon nila. Pero, in this game, defense naming ang nag-work,” stated Ablan.

 

-What’s in it for the rest of the Squires?

 

Much needed rest and a chance to scout Friday’s playoff for the first and second seeding in the Final Four between the multi-titled San Beda Red Cubs and the Mapua Red Robins.

 

Watching the playoff is important because they will be able to know how the losing team will play.

 

This is because the losing team will get the second seeding, and they will be able to prepare well while waiting to meet them in the Final Four.

 

The winning team, on the other hand, will face the fourth seeded Jose Rizal University Light Bombers.

The scores:

CSJL 62- Balanza 18, Rubite 12, Gonzales 10, Gederia 8, Dungan 6, Caunan 4, David 2, Ramirez 2, Magsino 0.

CSB 55- Gob 11, Rivero 11, Dela Cruz 10, Salonga 7, Madrigal 5, San Juan 5, Alcala 3, Pagulayan 2, Bunyi 1, Herrera 0, Manuel 0, Velasco 0, Ollano 0.

Quarterscores: 17-17, 29-29, 38-37, 48-48, 62-55.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- LSGH Greenies stays in contention; LSGH Greenies 79, JRU Light Bombers 71, other results

24 September 2014,
Wednesday,
8 p.m.,
Filoil-Flying V Arena,
San Juan

Team W L
San Beda 13 3
Mapua 11 3
JRU 11 4
Letran 11 4
LSGH 9 6
SSC 8 7
Arellano 5 10
LPU 4 12
UPHSD 3 13
EAC-ICA 2 15

Ricci Rivero and John Gob continue to provide a ray of hope for the La Salle Greenhills Greenies.

Their chances of making it to the Final Four semifinals are not good.

But the La Salle Greenhills Greenies have not given up hope.

(Ricci Rivero (white and green) tries to force his way past JRU’s Joco Estrada).

Last Wednesday, Sept. 14, they fought off the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 79-71.

Coming off a 20-day layoff, the Greenies posted their fourth consecutive win, and their ninth overall in 15 games in the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball wars.

Rivero and Gob came up with the big baskets at endgame, and they helped keep the Greenies in fifth spot.

(JRU’s Andrei Dada barrels his way past Michael de la Cruz).

So far, the Greenies are two games behind of Final Four contenders, the Letran Squires and the Light Bombers.

Their loss to LSGH had the Light Bombers slipping down to from second spot, and into a share of fourth with the Letran Squires.

Both now have the same 11-4 win-loss records.

(LSGH big man John Gob gets harassed by JRU’s Darious Estrella(19) and John Sta. Maria.

“We are still continuing what we are doing. We are holding on,” said LSGH coach John Flores.

The Greenies have three remaining games.

And they can advance to the Final Four if they sweep their matches against University of Perpetual Help, Mapua and Letran.

(Promising LSGH big man Ian Herrera (5) drives past JRU’s Joco Estrada).

-Play-by play

The Light Bombers were enjoying a 71-67 advantage in the last 4:56.

This was after Mark de la Virgen unloaded a three-point shot to put JRU in front for the last time in their very close encounter with LSGH.

But two triples from Rivero and a layup from Gob in the last 2:38 turned things around for the LSGH.

(Mark de la Virgen (7) gets screened by Luis Velasco (14) and Alain Madrigal (6).

They earned a 75-71 advantage afterwards

They forced JRU to four crucial turnovers in the remaing.

From there, two charities each from Amando San Juan and Gob in the last 6.2 seconds allowed LSGH to finish with an eight-point lead.

– A revelation in Ian Herrera

Ricci, the younger brother of Prince and Rasheed, tallied 21 points while Gob came up with another double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds for LSGH.

De la Virgen shot 24 points, including 10 points which allowed JRU to stay on top in the third period, 59-57.

Michael de la Cruz was good for 11 points for LSGH.

But the Light Bombers held him to just three in the fourth.

Coach Flores had something else up his sleeves after Gob got held to just four points at the end of the third.

He brought in rookie big man Ian Herrera, who had only nine points.

But Herrera proved his worth as Gob, who played for 27 minutes, was tiring out in the initial minutes of the fourth.

Herrera struck hardest After Darious Estrella put JRU ahead, 60-57, with his split charity.

A pair of layups from Herrera allowed LSGH to move up, 61-60, in the final 8:49.

With Gob having enough rest, Herrera then checked out of the game quietly.

“In the last nine minutes, Ian Herrera came up big while Gob was resting. He provided us with quality minutes,” added Flores.

From Ian’s performance, Flores found someone he can rely when Gob is 100 percent.

There words of praise on Ian, who was utilized much during crucial moments of earlier games.

“I was surprised. He was aggressive today. I think that mattered a lot. We can’t rely on Gob playing more than 30 minutes per game. He needs to be rested,” noted Flores.

The Scores:

Sept. 26, 2014 Games

Second Game

SSC-R 77 – Cruz 22, Magno 13, Ilagan 10, Navarro 9, Causon 6, Bonleon 5, Mercado 5, Sera Josef 4, Bardaje 3, Alfaro 0, Malamug 0, Miasco 0, Padigdig 0.

LPU 72 – Guadaña 20, Cecilio 18, Santos 16, Castaneda 6, Menil 6, Bautista 3, Lagman 2, Jungco 1, Agdon Jass. 0, Glipo 0, Pere 0, Wong 0.

Quarterscores: 18-17, 40-28, 61-47, 77-72.

Second Game

EAC-ICA 85 – Castillo 18, Cayabo 15, Piopongco 13, Montilla 12, Cruz 12, Tayomora 11, Catusalem 2, Gentile 2, Baliquig 0, Beduria 0, Dungca 0, Justan 0.

UPHSD 82 – Chavez 21, Villaceran 18, Sison 16, Alarcon 11, Umali 7, Tan 4, Manaligod 3, Yaco 2, Neri 0.

Quarterscores: 12-16, 28-37, 57-62, 85-82

Sept. 24, 2014 games

Second game

CSB 79- Rivero 21, Gob 20, Dela Cruz 11, Madrigal 10, Herrera 9, San Juan 6, Velasco 2, Bunyi 0, Salonga 0, Pagulayan 0, Alcala 0.

JRU 71 — Dela Virgen 24, Estrella 14, Garcia 12, Dada 8, Sta Maria 4, Estrada 4, Astrero 3, Anonuevo 2.

Quarterscores: 16-17, 36-38, 57-59, 79-71.

First Game

Letran 85 – Dungan 15, Balanza 15, Rubite 13, Ramirez 12, Gedaria 11, David 6, Caunan 4, Magsino 4, Gonzales 3, Villasis 2, M,arasigan 0, Dava 0.

Arellano 70 – Zamora 22, Cabahug 12, De Lara 11, Strait 10, Juico 7, Balbarona 3, Peralta 3, Bataller 2, Enriquez 0, Manaloto 0.

Quarters: 14-17, 38-33, 64-49,85-70.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- Diputado scores big; SBC Red Cubs 84, SSC Staglets 61

25, August, 2014,

2 p.m.,

Monday,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

NCAA Season 90

Junior Basketball Tournament

Team Standings

W      L

San Beda Red Cubs                 9        2

Letran Squires                         9        2

Mapua Red Robins                  7        3

JRU Light Bombers                 7        3

Sebastian Staglets                             6        5

La Salle Greenhills Greenies    5        5

Arellano Braves                      4        6

Lyceum Junior Pirates             2        7

UPHSD Altalettes                             2        8

EAC–ICA Brigadiers               0        10

 

For Marc Diputado, somebody had to step up.

 

Without team captain Joshua Andrei Caracut, somebody had to take charge.

 

And, he did as the San Beda Red Cubs waylaid the San Sebastian Staglets, 84-61, last Monday, August 25, at the FilOil-Flying V Arena.

(Marc Diputado (18)drives past John Malamug (10)).

The five-foot-nine Diputado, whose elder brother Adven is a former Red Cub and is now with the National University Bulldogs, surprised everyone when he topscored for 31 points.

 

Averaging 11.4 points per game, it was his highest output ever as he led the Red Cubs to their fourth straight win in the 90^th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament.

 

After two elimination rounds, the Red Cubs stayed in the lead with nine wins and two losses after 11 rounds.

(Norrish Decapia in the act of shooting a free throw).

They now share the same 9-2 win-loss records, and they are both ahead in the lead.

 

Diputado became the go-to guy of the Red Cubs after Caracut joined the Batang Gilas Pilipinas under-18 national team  last week.

 

-How did Caracut perform in the FIBA-Asia Championships

(Mark Framil tries get past a screen by Regille Ilagan (19)).

Batang Gilas has so far finished fifth last Aug. 28 when they beat Japan 113-105, in overtime, FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship  classification round in Doha, Qatar.

 

In that game, Caracut had five points, one rebound and three assists.

 

In the eliminations, Caracut had two points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal when they bowed to China, 49-91, to finish third in Group C with a 3-2 win-loss record.

(Evan Furaque (11) screens Mario Bonleon (5) while Samuel Abuhijle (16) attempts a shot).

• How Caracut’s absence inspired Diputado and the other Cubs

 

Diputado poured in 11 points as the Red Cubs went on the offensive right away.

 

This had the Red Cubs moving away, 21-9, in the first 10 minutes of action.

 

“Wala si Andrei. Kaya kailangang may mag-stepup. Kaya, ginawa ko ang dapat kong gawin,” said Diputado, who was around for some 28 minutes.

 

Coach JB Sison said the team’s man-to-man defense kicked in in the opening quarter, and they were able to limit the Staglets to just nine points in the first 10 minutes of play.

 

“Defense pa rin. Iyun, nine points lang sila s first quarter,” said Sison.

 

Diputado added 12 points in the second canto as the Red Cubs took a 48-30 halftime advantage.

 

On the defensive end, his tight watch on Staglet Lorenzo Navarro allowed him to keep Navarro scores for the first 10 minutes.

 

“Grabe pumutok siya. Nakita ko sa mata niya, in the zone siya,” added Sison.

 

Then, Mark Framil took his place in third, making eight of 10 points as the Red Cubs took a 24-points, 68-44 spread.

 

Niko Abatayo and Kenneth Alas took charge on the defensive end, with Abatayo making two points and 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, and Alas drilling in seven points and 10 rebounds.

 

• Significance of the win

 

As of August 25, the Red Cubs and the Letran Squires have gained a two-game advantage in the lead over their closest pursuers, the Mapua Red Robins and the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers.

 

This was after the Letran Squires kept the JRU Light Bombers at bay, 47-39, last Aug. 22.

 

The Light Bombers (7-3) are stuck in a two-way tie in second with Red Robins, who still have unfinished business with the Arellano University Braves.

 

The Staglets, led by Jasper Magno with 13 points and  Navarro with 10, are holding on to third at 6-5.

 

Also last August 25, the Red Robins were ahead, 70-39, in the last 4:34 of the third period when rainwater leaking from the roof halted play for 30 minutes,

 

Organizers were later forced to call off the game to another date.

 

Coach JB hopes that the Red Cubs can hold on to their share of the lead.

 

At the moment, they are worried about their upcoming game with the La Salle Greenhills Greenies at 12 nn this Saturday.

 

The Greenies, with Ricci Rivero back in action, still have a fighting chance to make it to the Final Four.

 

-THE SCORES:

 

San Beda 84- Diputado 31, Decapia 10, Framil 10, Alas 7, Furaque 6, Abuhijle 6, Alfaro 5, Bordeus 4, Gelalao 3, Abatayo 2, Apolto 0, Etrata 0, Zamora 0.

 

San Sebastian 61- Magno 13, Navarro 10, Ilagan 8, Cruz 4, Bonleon 4, Paclarin 4, Malamug 4, Padigdig 4, Alfaro 3, Mercado 3, Sera Josef 2, Causon 1, Miasco 0, Bardaje 0, Ong 0.

 

Quarterscores: 21-9, 48-30, 68-44, 84-61.

 

 

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- SSC Staglets score fourth straight win; SSC Staglets 70, AU Braves 67

20 August 2014,

8 p.m.,

Wednesday,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

NCAA Season 90 Junior

Basketball Tournament

Team Standings

W      L

San Beda Red Cubs                    8        2

Letran Squires                            7        2

JRU Light Bombers                   7        2

Malayan Red Robins                 7        3

San Sebastian Staglets               6        4

La Salle Greenhills Greenies     4        5

Arellano Braves                         4        6

Lyceum Junior Pirates               2        7

UPHSD Altalettes                      2        7

EAC–ICA Brigadiers                 0        9

• SSC Staglets 70, Arellano Braves 67

The San Sebastian Staglets relied on their free throw shooting to repulse the Arellano University Braves, 70-67, last Mondat the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Jasper Magno converted two in the last 13.4 seconds, while Batang Gilas-under 17 standout Lorenzo Navarro banged in one of two in the final 3.2 seconds.

This sealed the fate of the Staglets in the ongoing 90^th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena.

(Jeremy Cruz (left) is in a possession battle with Arellano scoring ace Guilmer de la Torre (11).

It was the Staglets fourth straight win, and they now have a 6-4 win-loss record.

• Play-by-play

The Braves rallied back from 53-58 down in the last period.

Two charities from John Zamora in the last 6:04 capped their run, and tied the game, 60-all.

(Arellano Braves Maiko Juico(14) goes for a screen against Regille Ilagan (11)).

After a 62-all tie ensued off Magno’s layup with 4:13 left, the Braves grabbed the upperhand, off Guilmer de la Torre’s attack.

With the Braves ahead, 64-62, the Staglets went on the offensive.

Navarro canned in a charity, while Jeremy Cruz charged past Jason Strait for basket, and Magno went for a layup.

(Regille Ilagan(7) about to shoot a free throw).

Their plays allowed the Staglets to take a 67-64 lead with 1:23 to go.

De la Torre tried to keep the game close, but he bungled his charity attempts.

In the next possession, Strait knocked in a three-point play to the contest for the last time, 67-all, and with 1:02 to go.

• Significance of the win

(Jasper Magno(9) tries to dribble his way past Braves cager Robert Clemente(6)).

Their latest victory came hours after the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs pulled off a 67-63 stopping of the Mapua Red Robins.

With Marc Diputado showing the way with 15 points, the Red Cubs climbed up to the solo lead with their 8-2 win-loss record.

As a result, the Staglets was dragged down from second place to fourth, while the Braves drifted down to sixth with their 4-6 slate.

(Arellano Braves Jason Strait(13) in a rebound play with Chester Sera Josef(15)).

Coach Franco Atienza is happy with the way things are going for the Staglets.

They are now on a roll, and are experiencing a four-game winning run.

Their run of victories began after they stumbled into  a series of two losses to the Arellano University Braves, 73-77, last July 23, and the Mapua Red Robins, 81-89,on July 28.

In the first round, it began when  they surprised the multi-titled San Beda Red Cubs with a 70-65 upset on Aug. 1.

Then, they followed it up with a 72-66 win over the Lyceum Junior Pirates last Aug. 6.

After that, they came  up with a closely-fought, 81-80 triumph over the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Immaculate Concepcion Academy Brigadiers last Aug. 11.

He believes that season 90 is tight. And having  a four-game winning run is a “luxury” that they enjoy having at the moment.

“In this kind of tournament, you get a four-game winning streak, that’s a luxury. And, we’re very thankful for that,” said Atienza as he and team were heading for the dugout.

But, wait.

Another luxury is coming their way this Friday.

Whoever wins between the fight between the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers will gain a share of first place with the Red Cubs.

The loser, on the other hand, will find the Mapua Red Robins in their company in second spot.

Again, as a result, the Staglets will find themselves drifting upwards, from fourth to third place.

With the free ride towards the top of the standings in store for the Staglets, all they need to do is post another upset over the Red Cubs when they collide anew on Monday.

A much-needed fifth consecutive triumph will allow the Staglets the luxury of continuous upward drift in the standings.

Varsity Sports Updates (NCAA Season 90 Game Day Review)- SSC Staglets in strong finish after 1st rd; SSC Staglets 81, EAC-ICA Brigadiers 80

11 Aug. 2014,

Monday,

8 p.m.,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

NCAA Season 90 Junior

Basketball Tournament

Team Standings

W      L

San Beda Red Cubs                  7        2

Letran Squires                           7        2

JRU Light Bombers                  7        2

Mapua Red Robins                   7        2

San Sebastian Staglets             5        4

La Salle Greenhills Greenies    4        5

Arellano Braves                      4        5

Lyceum Junior Pirates             2        7

UPHSD Altalettes                             2        7

EAC–ICA Brigadiers               0        9

 

 

After stumbling to  a series of two losses to the Arellano University Braves, 73-77, last July 23, and the Mapua Red Robins, 81-89,on July 28, they have managed to pull off three straight wins afterwards.

 

First, they surprised the multi-titled San Beda Red Cubs with a 70-65 upset on Aug. 1.

 

Then, they followed it up with a 72-66 win over the Lyceum Junior Pirates last Aug. 6 before coming up with a closely-fought, 81-80 triumph over the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Immaculate Concepcion Academy Brigadiers last Aug. 11.

 

Their latest triumph meant a lot for the Staglets in the 90^th National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament.

(Regille Ilagan (19) in action).

• SSC Staglets 81, EAC-ICA 80

 

Jasneth Causon scored only seven points,

 

But, it was his split free throw and triple in the last two minutes which made the difference for the Staglets as they went on to post a close 81-80 win over the Brigadiers.

 

They were behind by four going into the last two minutes when Causon forced a turnover with his steal, drew a foul from Evan Montilla, and he knocked in a charity afterwards.

(Jasneth Causon in action).

With 42 seconds left, Causon struck again with a trey, and after receiving a pass from  Regille Ilagan, who led with 29 points and eight rebounds.

 

The Staglets, who missed national under-17 player Lorenzo Navarro,  tried to score another one off Ilagan, but his attempt did not go in with 18 seconds left.

 

In the ensuing turnover, the Brigadiers had a chance to pull off their first win in nine games.

(Jasper Magno going for a drive).

But, Junniel Tayomora, who banged in a gamehigh 19 points, could not find an opening in the last five seconds.

 

• Significance of the win to the Staglets and Brigadiers

Their latest win put the Staglets in second spot  with their 5-4 win-loss record, and at the end of the first round.

However, their place in the standings is quite deceiving.

This is because the Red Cubs finished the second round sharing the same 7-2 win-loss slate with the Mapua Red Robins, the Jose Rizal Light Bombers and the Letran Squires.

In the second round, things could get better for the Staglets, and if they continue winning.

 

Because this will give them a chance to move in contention for a Final Four seat.

-Coach Franco Atienza: “Brigadiers gave us a good fight”

For coach Franco Atienza, the Brigadiers should not be taken for granted even if they are at the bottom of the standings at end of the first round (0-9).

“Iyung standings nila, hindi ito reflection kung anong klaseng team sila. If you see their games, they’re there. Lalo na sa last game nila against Jose Rizal University. JRU is a very good team. But, they’re there. So we prepared for the worst against the Brigadiers,” said Atienza.

He noted that even without Navarro, the Staglets still managed to hold their own against the Brigadiers.

At the time of the game, Navarro was with the national under-17 team which is competing in the FIBA under-17 world championships in Dubai.

-What the stats show

On paper, the San Sebastian Staglets look mean.

And because they are the no. 4 offensive team at the end of the first round.

Their team average of 70.22 points per game makes them look good.

And, statistically, they’re supposed to be Final Four contenders in the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.

The Brigadiers, on the other hand, are doing poorly, offensively, with their average of 65.78 ppgs. Defensively, they are no. 2 with their norm of 80.67 ppgs.

And, their present places in the team standings do not reflect this.

-Top performers of the Staglets

Aside from leading  the Staglets with 29 points and eight boards, his output is the fourth highest after the first round.

Last July 11, Ilagan came up with a season high 38 points when the Staglets lost to the La Salle Greenhills Greenies, 78-79.

Teammate Jasper Magno, who was limited to seven points against the Brigadiers, had the third highest point production after nine games. This after he hit 31 points when the Staglets won over the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 72-46.

Ilagan made the most triples, which is 10 , against the Greenies.

He had five when they upset the San Beda Red Cubs, 70-65.

The scores:

San Sebastian 81—Ilagan 29, Cruz 13, Mercado 7, Paclarin 7, Magno 7, Causon 7, Sera Josef 6, Bonleon 2, Malamug 2, Ong 1, Miasco 0, Bardaje 0.

EAC-ICA 80- Montilla 24, Tayomora 19, Castillo 15, Piopongco 8, Cruz 7, Catusalem 5, Cayabo 2, Gentile 0, Beduria 0, Justan 0.

Quarterscores: 21-all, 48-47, 63-64, 81-80.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This moved the Red Robins to third spot.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-THE SCORES:

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

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

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