Collegiate Champions League 2007 [Archive] - Page 2

amdgc82

11-13-2007, 12:42 PM

Mustangs open CCL campaign
BEEFED-UP WNC FACES JRU
BY CEDELF TUPAS
The Visayan Daily Star
Tuesday, November 13, 2007

His rotation bolstered by the addition of three players, coach Dennis Tumayan of West Negros College expressed optimism for a fiery showing by the Mustangs, who open their Collegiate Champions League bid against Jose Rizal University today.

“This time, we have a deeper bench,” said Tumayan, whose backcourt and frontline was shored up by Bernard Suante, playmaker Jeff Jacinto and forward Winrich Posoc.

The Mustangs, seeded 11th in the loser-goes-home 16-team tournament, go into the noontime showdown with the 7th ranked Bombers, third placers last year, as the underdog at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila .

The underdog tag is fine with Tumayan, who hopes that the Mustangs' string of impressive victories will continue against the NCAA squad.

Tumayan said their ninth straight NOPSSCEA title and third place finish in the University Games helped in boosting the Mustangs' confidence.

After surviving a tough group that included Lyceum, Angeles University Foundation and University of Mindanao unscathed, the Mustangs nipped St. Francis of Assisi and pushed Far Eastern University to the limit, before yielding an 87-92 decision in the Unigames semifinals.

Alfie Villariza and Vengie Vergara played big against FEU, combining for 55 points and Tumayan hopes that the duo can surpass that performance against the Bombers.

“If they continue to play well, I think we have a big chance of beating JRU,” said Tumayan, whose team are billeted at the ULTRA

Also expected to play pivotal roles are big men Jason Melarin and Virgilio Dapar, Rundy Baydo, Briton Javelona, Jetric Sumido and Raul Suyod.

The winner of the WNC-JRU clash will meet the victor of the Nov. 14 duel between Ateneo De Manila University and STI in the round of eight starting Nov. 19.

The winner of the tournament will receive funding support amounting to P500,000 for the benefit of the school's sports program. The runner-up, third placer and fourth placer will receive P200,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.*CPT

bchoter

11-13-2007, 01:57 PM

james_ty

11-13-2007, 02:36 PM

It's nice to see that UST is showing a different attitude compared to last year, they seem to mean business this season. From the get go of the game against Mapua until scrapping to the win they could be this year's dark horse. Mapua did a good job too in regaining the lead in the 4th, kudos to both teams for a great game!

Just shows that some teams do give it all no matter what league the are playing in... di lang umiikot ang basketball world sa UAAP and NCAA...

Regarding the gap between NCAA and UAAP, I agree that there is little to no gap at all... Both teams finished 4th in their leagues and the game was decided by a single point in the final seconds.

Question: Is Jervey Cruz playing in the next game against San Beda?

Jervy Cruz is with the RP team in Singapore now, so I don't think he can make it to the San Beda game.

By the way, Jose Rizal University upended West Negros College, 83-61, in today's game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

I also talked to Rey Gamboa, the tournament chairman, and he told me that both La Salle and UE have indeed withdrawn from the PCCL.

This means that University of Mindanao and STI, who were to face the Archers and Warriors, both get to advance to the next round by default.

kats613

11-13-2007, 02:46 PM

I hope that in the future the CCL will be able to come up with a logical and scientific way of determining the rankings. This way the schools can better accept the league's rankings. Truth to be told, just like UE even San Beda can take the CCL to task for getting a lower ranking than DLSU considering that they are not only B2B NCAA Champs but that they lost only 1 game during the entire season. For that matter, even the Lions' #2 ranking last year was suspect considering that they were not only the champions of their league and that they lost only 2 games in the NCAA but that the team that got last year's No. 1 seed, Ateneo, did even win the championship in its league.

LION

11-13-2007, 03:40 PM

^ I can give the organizers of the CCL the benefit of the doubt with regard to our ranking for the following reasons:

1. Whilst we lost only once in Season 83, we lost to DLSU in the off-season, i.e., Fil-oil Invitational League. Things could have been different if we beat them in the finals. Whilst we can argue that the circumstances are different now, it is something that we still have to prove and the CCL would have been the right venue but DLSU unfortunately opted not to participate.

2. Admittedly, UAAP is the tougher league because all the teams except UP and Adamson are really tough to beat and very competitive. The NCAA on the other hand only has SBC, Letran and JRU who can compete with the best teams of the UAAP. Mapua has proven that it can also compete but the Cardinals showed it only yesterday. Tough luck because yesterday's game is their last in the CCL.

Question is, since DLSU declined to participate, will they be given the same ranking assuming that they again win the UAAP crown next season (and assuming that SBC scores a 3peat)?

amdgc82

11-13-2007, 04:03 PM

Bombers reach Round 8 of Fil-Oil/Flying-V collegiate league
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 03:16pm (Mla time) 11/13/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The Jose Rizal Bombers coasted to the Round of 8 by hammering out an 83-61 decision over the West Negros College Mustangs in the Fil-Oil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

James Sena collected 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Bombers, the sixth team to advance to the quarterfinals following the San Beda Red Lions, the Santo Tomas Tigers, the Far Eastern Tamaraws, the STI Olympians, and the University of Mindanao Wildcats.

The Olympians and the Wildcats earned outright berths after top-seeded La Salle Green Archers and fourth-ranked University of the East Warriors pulled out of the tournament, which aimed to pit the top 16 collegiate teams in the country.

La Salle said it needed a break from competition and never committed to join the tournament, while UE protested its surprisingly low seeding.

Jayson Nocum chipped in 17 markers, while Mark Pradas sparked the sixth-ranked Bombers' opening charge by firing nine of his 13 points in the first quarter.

The scores:
JRU 83--Sena 23, Nocom 17, Pradas 13, Cagoco 10, Hayes 8, Se 6, Bulangis 4, Ramos 2, Montemayor 0, Lituania 0, Kabigting 0, Cruz 0.
WEST NEGROS 61--Villariza 23, Vergara 12, Dapar 12, Lauron 7, Melarin 7, Sumido 0, Baydo 0, Jaca 0, Javelona 0.

Quarters: 28-8, 41-26, 64-39, 83-61

Ranger

11-13-2007, 04:17 PM

lekiboy

11-13-2007, 04:23 PM

Tito LION,
Pls don't bother to get the rationale.... pagod lang.
Kung lalaro, lalaro - e kung ayaw - di huwag.. :):):)

Maglaro sila o hindi, this will be a good chance for our 2nd stringers and new players to show their value....

st_ang3r

11-13-2007, 06:22 PM

waaaa...laki lamang ng sbc vs shc...sana ung margin nagin 20 plus nalang...its not the same line up i saw here in tacloban when i visited few months ago...from what i know half of its team are playing in the mvba and two are recruited by manila based school...

Schortsanitis

11-13-2007, 07:03 PM

Teams will always bit_h about the rankings, because everybody wants to be no. 1.

I wonder if we can do away w/ the rankings altogether, & just do the pairings via draws.

amdgc82

11-13-2007, 07:54 PM

Media press releases keep claiming that Lyceum was the third place team in the recently staged Unigames.. This is not true. West Negros College beat Angeles University Foundation for third place. How did Lyceum qualify for this tournament?

* * *WHAT is more puzzling is the fact that the Lyceum Pirates are not a member of any legitimate college sports organization and this has held true for the last two school years or so.* They only compete in developmental leagues like the Father Martin tournaments and in obscure commercial leagues in Metro Manila.

To add, Lyceum did not even advance to the quarterfinals in the recent Unigames. They just won 2 games out of 5 in their Bracket.

tigerman

11-13-2007, 09:30 PM

But I know of some Thomasian friends who insist that UST did not take that game seriously. Tell that to Jervy and Chester... sobrang seryoso na thrown out :D

Slight correction Manong. Aside from Jervy, Gile and Dizon were also ejected from the game. Chester was not included therein.

I can't remember Daryl Basa winning the uaap mvp during his tigercub days. Can somebody correct me on this? The 2006 mvp was Bacon Austria.
Anyway, nice game from Daryl. I hope he will be included again in the 15-man lineup for season 71 and prove to everyone that he's deserving to play.

USTE LO MEJOR!
VIVA SANTO TOMAS!

Schortsanitis

11-13-2007, 11:48 PM

Despite the absence of some teams, based on the feedback I've seen from various forums, this early I think that the CCL is a modest success.* A lot of people are watching it, talking about the games, waiting for the latest results.* There are a lot of interest out there about the games & the league.

At the same time, this year's CCL also highlighted the serious weakness of the organization that could seriously threaten its success.* Being an "invitational" league, it needs the utmost cooperation of the different schools or teams.* Without that cooperation, the teams can simply refuse to join the tournament.

This highlights the difficulty of coming up w/ a UNIFIED collegiate championship in the country.*

One possible way of strengthening the league, & possibly* will require the cooperation not only of the teams, but of the different leagues themselves.* What the leagues like the UAAP, NCAA & other leagues could do, is mandate on their by-laws that their champions be REQUIRED to participate in a unified collegiate championship like the CCL at the end of their respective tournaments.*

Now, when you have a requirement, you would also need SANCTIONS to be put in place to force the teams to follow the rule.* The best sanction would be to strip the teams of their championships or placings for the year if they refuse to participate in a unified tournament.*

That may be a bit harse to some, but I feel it is the only way to ensure that a single, unified champion can be declared every season.* Even then, I wouldn't be surprised if some teams end up forfeiting their placements for one reason or another in some seasons.

How to convince the leagues to change their by-laws?* Well, maybe the SBP can use it's power to sanction leagues to force the leagues to do so if asking them won't do it.*

The thing is, unless this is done, unified tournaments like the CCL will end up always at the mercy of a school's whim every season.* This season it's "we're too tired", or, "your seeding stinks", or "our Astrologer advised against it".*

Next season, some teams might not participate just to spite the teams that did not this season.* In the end, that will just spell doom for the CCL.* I can almost guarantee, that w/out a mandate from the leagues, teams WILL eventually lose interest in the CCL in the next coming years, seeing that anyone can just refuse to participate in it if they don't want to.

genom222

11-13-2007, 11:54 PM

San Beda 105 , SHC 48... scarry

I beg to differ geno_cide. There may be factors that contributed to UST's lackadaisical performance last season but effort is not among them. Yes they had too many invites to attend to and less time to prepare and their concentration may not be up to UAAP level but I am more inclined to believe that JRU's determiniation and style of play copuled with UST's inability to adjust to that style of play contributed to their early elimination.

But I know of some Thomasian friends who insist that UST did not take that game seriously. Tell that to Jervy and Chester... sobrang seryoso na thrown out :D

Oh yes I agree that their lost last year was a result of JRU's determination and their lack of adjustment to the rules but whether they lost that game or not they were really not that interested in it... Coach Pido was even laughing during and after the game. I think they were criticized a little for that thus they are showing this year that they came here to play and to win. Either way, they have something to prove this year.

amdgc82

11-14-2007, 05:12 AM

Bombers storm into Final Eight
By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star
Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Jose Rizal became the second NCAA squad to make the quarterfinals and West Negros College the next provincial team to be booted out in the opening round of the 2007 Fil-Oil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League.

The Heavy Bombers played well even in the absence of three key players, bundling out the WNC Mustangs, 83-61, in a lone game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium yesterday.

The Bombers bucked the absence of injured players John Wilson, John Eric Agas and Rene Cunanan as they surged past the Mustangs to earn a quarterfinal spot either against the Ateneo Eagles or the San Sebastian Stags.

The Eagles and the Stags clash at 4 p.m. today at Loyola Gym, preceding the 2 p.m. showdown between the University of the East Warriors and the NAASCU champion team STI.*

Other quarterfinalists are NCAA champion San Beda and UAAP teams Santo Tomas and Far Eastern U. JRU easily joined NCAA Final Four conqueror San Beda in the Final Eight, detonating big bombs against West Negros right in the first half.

Big men James Sena and Jason Nocom led the searing JRU assault as they combined for 40 points and 19 rebounds.

JRU hardly missed the services of Wilson, Agas and Cunanan as Mark Pradas, Mark Cagoco and Marvis Hayes stepped up for the team.

Pradas had 13 points with six rebounds, Mark Cagoco added 10, five rebounds and five assists, and Marvis Hayes collected eight and 14 rebounds.

Vanguardia bared he got valuable tips from Emilio Aguinaldo College coach Nomar Isla how to beat the Bacolod-based WNC team. The EAC Generals played the WNC Mustangs in the recent University Games.

amdgc82

11-14-2007, 05:32 AM

JRU in quarters after beating West Negros
By waylon galvez
Manila Bulletin
Wednesday, November 14, 2007

JOSE RIZAL University bucked the absence of three key players to score an 83-61 win over West Negros in the Fil-Oil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL) yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Heavy Bombers got big games from James Sena, who finished with double-double 23 points and 14 rebounds, and Jason Nocom who contributed 17 markers and five boards.

The win pushed JRU, a semifinalist in the last NCAA basketball tournament, to the quarterfinal round against either Ateneo or San Sebastian College.

The Blue Eagles and the Stags meet today at the Loyola Gym.

"We really prepared hard for this tournament because we want to improve from our last year’s finish," said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia, whose team finished third in the previous CCL.

The Mandaluyong-based team played without injured players John Wilson (sprained ankle), John Eric Agas (sprained ankle) and Rene Cunanan (groin). But JRU hardly felt their absence as other players also stepped up.

Mark Pradas had 13 points and six rebounds, Mark Cagoco added 10 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Marvis Hayes collected eight markers and 14 rebounds.

"West Negros is a very tough team to play. Good thing we shot the ball well. Also, I have to thank coach Nomar Isla (Emilio Aguinaldo College), he gave me tips how to beat West Negros," added Vanguardia.

The EAC Generals played the WNC Mustangs in the recent University Games in Bacolod City.

The Bombers took an early 28-8 advantage and were never threatened from there.

The Negros champions Mustangs were led by Alfie Villariza’s 23 points and 12 each from Virgilio Dapar and Vengie Vergara.

JRU shot 32 of 90 or 36 percent from the field while WNC made 22 of 80 or 28 percent.

Vanguardia’s wards also controlled the boards (68-48).

Aside from JRU, also in the quarterfinals are Far Eastern University (FEU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), and back-to-back NCAA champion San Beda College.

The Tamaraws downed the Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions (91-80), the Tigers beat the Mapua Cardinals (91-90) and the Red Lions thumped the Sacred Heart University Stallions (105-48).

San Beda and UST will meet in the Round of 8, while FEU will face the winner between University of the East and NAASCU titlist STI College today.

The winner of the annual event, now on its fifth year, will receive P500,000 in the form of sports scholarships. The next three finishers will get P200,000, P100,000 and P50,000 in that order. Smart has also put up special prizes for the Most Valuable Player (M.V. Pangilinan Cup awardee), members of two Mythical teams, best defensive team, coach of the series and the best performing referee.

eightyfiver

11-14-2007, 06:03 AM

Ranger

11-14-2007, 10:00 AM

Media press releases keep claiming that Lyceum was the third place team in the recently staged Unigames.. This is not true. West Negros College beat Angeles University Foundation for third place. How did Lyceum qualify for this tournament?

WHAT is more puzzling is the fact that the Lyceum Pirates are not a member of any legitimate college sports organization and this has held true for the last two school years or so. They only compete in developmental leagues like the Father Martin tournaments and in obscure commercial leagues in Metro Manila.

To add, Lyceum did not even advance to the quarterfinals in the recent Unigames. They just won 2 games out of 5 in their Bracket.

On the otherhand, St. Francis, champions of the UCAA, was not allowed by the UCAA board to play in the CCL, because the CCL denied the request of the UCAA board to have two of their schools to compete in the tourney.

diego_panadero

11-14-2007, 12:46 PM

i think one way of making this tournament more serious and prestigious is to come up with a unified league, composed and run by the member leagues such as uaap,ncaa and other established leagues..just like what they have in golf-the world championship series, participated in by the top golfers from us pga, european tour, asian tour and japan tour...this unified league will run the affairs of the tournament from rules to venue and format..as against now, that a private entity is doing it and the participating schools are half-hearted in playing...i am sure the income it will generate from gate receipts, tv coverage, etc. can be shared among the member leagues...and basketball appetite of the filipino nation will be satisfied as the first sem of the school year will be for the individual leagues and the second sem for the unified league...

amdgc82

11-14-2007, 12:52 PM

COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Mustangs bow to hefty Bombers
BY CEDELF TUPAS
The Visayan Daily Star
Wednesday, November 14, 2007

MANILA --- Failing to get the best from its bench, West Negros College suffered another early exit in the Collegiate Champions League yesterday.

The Mustangs bowed to the Jose Rizal University Bombers, who utilized their size advantage to the hilt for an 83-61 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium here.

The Bombers dominated every statistical department but it was the Mustangs' awful shooting and the inability of skipper Vengie Vergara and their bench to step up for a big game that did them in. No one scored among Tumayan's six substitutes.

But if there was anything to build upon for coach Dennis Tumayan's wards, it was Alfie Villariza's sterling performance that helped cushion the impact of the Bombers attack.

Villariza, the standout point guard from Sum-ag National High School , came through with 23 points, nine rebounds and five steals in an energetic 34-minute stint.

“I think Villariza is starting to mature. He is showing he is ready of taking command of the team,” Tumayan said of his second-year guard, who has caught the eye of scouts here.

Villariza's output, though, couldn't lift the Mustangs, who got hammered in the rebounding battle, 48-68.

In some frenetic sequences, the Bombers got five offensive rebounds on their possession.

The Bombers never looked back after trailing 0-2, storming to a 28-8 advantage at the end of the opening period with Mark Pradas leading the charge, scoring 9 of his 13 points.

“We could not adjust to the calls and the physical play in the first quarter,” Tumayan said.

With Villariza finding his range and the WNC defense holding up well against JRU's big men, the Mustangs closed in at 24-34 midway in the second period.

But that proved to be the closest they could get to the Bombers, who established the biggest lead of the game at 70-43 late in the third period.

It was James Sena who did most of the damage for the Bombers, picking up 17 of his 23 markers in the second half. Jayson Nocom and Pradas added 17 and 13, respectively.

The Mustangs shot an atrocious 28 percent from the field with Vergara, in his last game as a Mustang, characterizing the struggle, going 5-for-25, including 2-for-19 from beyond the arc.

“We really prepared for Villariza and Vergara,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia, who assigned Marvin Hayes to force Vergara into some bad shots.

“It's different playing here. The game is more physical,” said Vergara, who also rued the lack of production from the WNC bench.

Vergara finished with 12 points. The Mustangs' frontline duo of Virgilio Dapar and Jason Melarin, bravely challenging the taller and heftier JRU counterparts, chipped in 12 and 7 markers, respectively.

Tumayan did not tap Jeff Jacinto, Winrich Posoc and Bernard Suante since tournament rules stated that only players who saw action in the local school-based league are eligible.

“This tournament is part of the exposure for our younger players next year,” Tumayan, who guided the Mustangs to back-to-back third place finishes in the University Games, said.

The Bombers face the winner between the Siverino Baclao-led Ateneo Blue Eagles and STI Olympians in the final eight next week. Ateneo plays STI at 4 p.m. today at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.*CPT

The Scores

JRU – 83- Sena 23, Nocom 17, Pradas 13, Cagoco 10, Hayes 8, Se 6, Bulangis 4, Ramos 2, Montemayor 0, Lituania 0, Kabigting 0, Cruz 0.

WNC – 61- Villariza 23, Vergara 12, Dapar 12, Lauron 7, Melarin 0, Sumido 0, Baydo 0, Jaca 0, Javelona 0.

Quarterscores 28-8, 41-26, 64-39, 83-61

james_ty

11-14-2007, 01:24 PM

Ateneo vs. San Sebastian today at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Just one game today at 4 pm.

UE will lose by default against STI because of the Warriors' withdrawal.

BigBlue

11-14-2007, 02:52 PM

too bad. and i was looking forward to see Mhel's STI All-Stars in action!

amdgc82

11-15-2007, 02:50 AM

Eagles soar over Stags, book seat in quarterfinals
By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star
Thursday, November 15, 2007

Third seed Ateneo pummeled San Sebastian in the first three quarters and coasted to a 78-51 victory and a seat in the Fil-Oil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League Final Eight yesterday at the Loyola Gym.

NAASCU champion STI also advanced to the quarterfinals as it won by default over defending champion University of the East.

University of Mindanao will also go through the formality of nailing a berth in the next round when it reports for the 12 noon game today against La Salle which has earlier withdrawn from the tournament.

“I didn’t really know what to expect going into this game. The boys played well although we’ve just resumed our practices over the weekend,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

The Eagles, third placers in the recent UAAP, outclassed the Stags minus top gun Chris Tiu who’s with the national team in Singapore.

Rabeh Al-Hissaini, Ken Barracoso, Eric Salamat and Mike Baldos delivered huge numbers in the absence of Tiu as the Eagles outscored the Stags by 18 in the first quarter, by two in the second and by seven in the third.

Al-Hussaini produced 18 points and seven rebounds with Barracoso adding 13 points, Salamat 12 and Baldos 10 for Ateneo which advanced to the quarters against Jose Rizal University.

The Eagles and the Heavy Bombers dispute a seat in the semifinals Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan. “It’s going to be a lot tougher. They’re a very good team. That’s going to be very difficult but we’ll try our best,” said Black of their quarterfinals match-up with the Heavy Bombers.

Though also without Zion Latere and Jobe Nkemakolam, the Eagles led by as many as 30 points, 70-40, against the hapless Stags.

Ateneo converted 45 percent of its 74 field-goal shots while San Sebastian went 19-of-60 from the field for a measly 32-percent clip.

Veterans Jim Viray and Jimbo Aquino led the losing team with nine points each.

gfy

11-15-2007, 07:19 AM

@ Schortsanitis

I agree that you have to put the word invitational in quotes. The league is not truly an invitational league since only champions and semifinalist can be invited. Just like in football, not all the teams included in the UEFA champions league are champions in their own league.

But I don't agree to impose sanctions on teams refusing to join. They have just forfeited their chance to greatness. In fairness to the organizers, the league is the one closest to crowning a national champion.

RE Seedings: I think irregardless of the seeding, there would be no doubts as to the crowning of the eventual champion. But for the runner-up, third place, etc., the seeding plays a lot of factor. Thus there's a possibility of the championship being anti-climactic.* So since there's no such thing as perfect seeding, they just have to draw lots. This would foster credibility and erase some the doubts of manipulation.

RE excuse of being tired: If this is so, how come their players are playing in the PBL? These are young men who can never get tired of playing. And besides, this is a very short tourney. They just don't want to join. And we have to respect that.

Filoil was smart in taking the sponsorship of this league. Last year, their Homegrown league was a flop.* *

I agree. I remember in the US NCAA March Madness a team was ranked lower but they said that they'd prove them wrong. That should have been the attitude. Re DLSU, besides the 5 who are playing in the PBL (and the organizers said they would have rescheduled games of DLSU when Harbor and Toyota aren't playing) most of the other players like Co, Atkins, Lee shouldn't have problems with academics. Ateneo is playing without Jobe who reportedly needs to improve his grades and according to Black they just resumed practice last week. It would have been great if UE and DLSU participated and I was looking forward to matches among UST (hopefully with Jervy Cruz), SBC, UE, DLSU, JRU and Ateneo.

Schortsanitis

11-15-2007, 08:11 AM

SSC got drubbed by 17 points by ADMU? What happened?

amdgc82

11-15-2007, 09:14 AM

Ateneo downs SSC, gains quarters
By waylon galvez
The Manila Bulletin
Thursday, November 15, 2007

Ateneo secured its place in the quarterfinal round by downing San Sebastian College, 78-51, yesterday in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL) at the Ateneo Gym.

Bigman Rabeh Al-Hussaini scored 18 points to lead a balanced attack by the third-seeded Blue Eagles who played without three key players including ace gunner Cris Tiu.

Forward Ken Barracoso came off the bench to add 13 points, while playmaker Eric Salamat and Mike Baldos contributed 12 and 10, respectively.

Ateneo coach Norman Black admitted that the team resumed practice only over the weekend and was relieved with the result.

The Eagles gun for the Final Four against NCAA semifinalist Jose Rizal University on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers, hoping to improve on their third place finish last year. routed West Negros College, 83-61, two days ago.

"It’s going to be a lot tougher. They’re a very good team. That’s going to be very difficult but we’ll try our best," added Black.

The Eagles are missing the services of Tiu who is now in Singapore as a member of the national team as well as Zion Latere and Jobe Nkemakolam.

The Eagles had little trouble against the Stags, leading by as many as 30 points (70-40) on a basket by Baldos with seven minutes left.

They shot 33 of 74 or 45 percent from the field against the Stags’ 19 of 60 or 32 percent.

Veterans Jim Viray and Jimbo Aquino led the Stags with nine points each.

Also advancing to the quarterfinal stage was STI College which won by default over 2006 champion University of the East in the first game.

The STI Olympians earned a quarterfinal showdown with the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws who won against CUSA titlist Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) Stallions, 91-80, last Saturday.

FEU and STI will face off also on Wednesday.

"It’s a big bonus for us with UE not playing," said STI mentor Vic Ycasiano. "However, it’s going to be a tough assignment for us facing FEU. We have to find ways to match up well against them."

Ycasiano, who guided STI to the NAASCU title recently, will rely on his veterans, former Letran Knight Mark Balneg, one-time Mapua Cardinal Raymond Tingco and ex-NU Bulldog Howard Flor.

Also meeting in the quarterfinal stage are back-to-back NCAA champion San Beda College and University of Santo Tomas (UST).

The scores:

Ateneo 78 – Al-Hussaini 18, Barracoso 13, Salamat 12, Baldos 10, Arao 8, Escueta 7, Long 6, Baclao 4, Austria 0, Reyes 0, Monfort 0, Sumalinog 0.
San Sebastian 51 – Viray 9, Aquino 9, Bulawan 7, Ballesteros 6, Juan 6, Delgado 5, De Leon 5, Raymundo 2, Saquillo 2, Najorda 0, Del Rio 0, Zulueta 0.

Quarters: 26-8; 44-24; 62-35; 78-51.

amdgc82

11-15-2007, 09:15 AM

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Eagles whip Stags
By Cedelf P. Tupas
Inquirer
Last updated 03:34am (Mla time) 11/15/2007

GAME SATURDAY (The Arena)
12 nn -- University of Visayas vs Lyceum

MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo de Manila University pummeled San Sebastian College, 78-51, Wednesday to book a last eight slot in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

The Blue Eagles turned up the pressure just when the Stags were slowing down in the late stages, capping the first three frames with bristling runs to forge a quarterfinal showdown with the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Nov. 21.

Also clinching a quarterfinal berth Wednesday were NAASCU champions STI Olympians, who won by default over UAAP runners-up University of the East Warriors, who pulled out of the tournament.

Ateneo coach Norman Black, whose Eagles placed third in the UAAP and second in the University Games, doesn’t see the tournament as a place for redemption for his team.

“We didn’t expect to be here at the beginning of the year,” said Black, who is missing center Jobe Nkemakolam, Zion Laterre and National pool member Chris Tiu. “I’m just preparing the guys for next season.”

Hefty center Rabeh Al-Hussaini threw his weight around for 18 points but it was the trio of Ken Barracoso, Eric Salamat and Yuri Escueta who stood at the forefront of the closing 16-0 blast in the first quarter that snuffed the life out of the Stags.

Barracoso and Salamat combined for four triples and registered 13 and 12 markers, respectively.

Salamat also had five steals and Nonoy Baclao blocked three shots and grabbed nine rebounds as the Eagles forced the Stags to 21 turnovers, which they translated to 33 points.

University of the Visayas, whose line-up is beefed up by 6-foot-11 Fil-American Greg Slaughter, will debut against ninth seed Lyceum of the Philippines University at noon Saturday at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Scores
ATENEO 78 -- Al-Hussaini 18, Barracoso 13, Salamat 12, Baldos 10, Arao 8, Escueta 7, Long 6, Baclao 4, Austria 0, Reyes 0, Monfort 0, Sumalinog 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 51 -- Viray 9, Aquino 9, Bulawan 7, Ballesteros 6, Juan 6, Delgado 5, De Leon 5, Raymundo 2, Saquillo 2, Najorda 0, Del Rio 0, Zulueta 0.
Quarters: 26-8, 42-24, 62-38, 78-51.

amdgc82

11-15-2007, 09:21 AM

http://www.inboundpass.com/2007/11/14/ateneo-to-quarterfinals-routs-ssc/

CCL 2007: Ateneo to the quarterfinals, routs SSC
by Josef Ramos
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

Without fellow schools La Salle and University of the East, Ateneo De Manila promised to dominate the current Flying V National Collegiate Champions Cup.

The Blue Eagles, winner of the 2002 UAAP title, scored a lopsided 78-51 victory over San Sebastian College - Recoletos to win their opening game at their own gym.

“Everybody wanted to win in the first place,” said Ateneo mentor Norman Black, retaining his post as head coach despite several rumors of his ouster. “This is a knockout game so we have to play tough every game.”

Asked if there’s something special about this win, he said: “We need to prove ourselves that we belong to a highly competitive league. Aside from that, La Salle and UE are not competing so we should show more pride for our league.”

Ateneo Kenneth Barracoso made 13 points, sizzled for the Blue Eagles early as he fired three straight baskets to give them an insurmountable 20-4 lead. Ateneo closed the first quarter ahead, 26-8.

“We are in good condition and I think our opponent is not,” said Barracoso, who also had two triples. “I’m hoping I can do better than this when we meet JRU.”

The Blue Eagles will take on the Heavy Bombers next fresh from their victory over West Negros College.

Ateneo, with a huge first quarter advantage, pounded San Sebastian in the shaded lane led by Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s 6 points and help the Blue Eagles outscore the Golden Stags in the second quarter, 18-16, for a big 44-24 halftime lead.

The 6-foot-8 Al-Hussaini, paced Ateneo with 18 points and 7 rebounds, out-muscled the Golden Stags’ big men especially 6-foot-7 Jason Ballesteros and Francis De Leon.

Ateneo had its biggest lead when Eric Salamat, a former High School player from San Sebastian, piled up 12 points, 5 assists and 5 steals and scored on a three-point play for a 56-29 count with 3:14 minutes left in the third quarter.

San Sebastian, had no players scoring in double-figures and could not find a way to trim the gap.

Mike Baldos contributed 10 points and Clifford Arao had 8. Nonoy Baclao hauled down 9 rebounds also for Ateneo.

The Blue Eagles benefited from the 21 turnovers of the Golden Stags and had 33 turnover points. SSC-R only got 5 points from Ateneo’s 13 turnovers.

Ateneo shot 33-out-of-74 (45%) against SSC-R’s 19-out-of-60 (32%) total field goal percentage.

Philippine Basketball League campaigners Jim Viray and Jimbo Aquino combined for only 18 points for the Golden Stags.

Ateneo played good defense althroughout, out-rebounding (47-41) and out-hustling (steals 10-3) SSC-R.

The Blue Eagles also had more assists than the Golden Stags, 21-5.

Individual Scores:

Ateneo 78: Al-Hussaini 18, Barracoso 13, Salamat 12, Baldos 10, Arao 8, Escueta 7, Long 6, Baclao 4, Austria 0, Reyes 0.

SSC-R 51: Viray 9, Aquino 9, Bulawan 7, Ballesteros 6, Juan 6, Delgado 5, De Leon 5, Raymundo 2, Saquillo 2, Najorda 0.

Quarter scores: 26-8, 44-24, 62-35, 78-51

AnthonyServinio

11-15-2007, 10:28 AM

* * *IT may be trivial but it could be viewed as a message or sign that some of the teams are not respecting or taking the tournament seriously -- they play using their PRACTICE UNIFORMS!

michaelangelo_kid

11-15-2007, 11:26 AM

Agree.

And a built-in excuse kung matalo. Practice lang naman eh. ;D

Kung ganito rin lang i-scrap na natin ang tournament.

oca

11-15-2007, 01:12 PM

Teams withdrawing. Teams not accepting the invitation to join. Teams making demands before joining. Teams wearing practice uniforms in actual games.

These should not deter the organizers from persevering in making this event a success over the long term.

Walang pinasimulan na di umani ng puna o pintas o malamig na pagtanggap. Kung bibitaw agad dahil may di magandang pangyayari, walang pagtatagumpayan.

Some may ask, bakit "sold na sold" ako dito sa CCL.

In it's intial staging, I saw on TV that lengthy interview on Joe Lipa. He explained the idea behind the event. At sa isang basketball hardcore-- not just an avid fan of a school team or league --- ito ang hanap ko - "Sino ang kasalukuyang numero uno ng bansa?"

--The National Inter-Collegiate (NIC) could have provided the answer. But even that event has flaws. Held in February every year, the line-ups are very different from what we see in the first semester. The CCL sets a condition that recent line-ups are the ones suppose to compete, hence it is held in close proximity to the 1st sem.

--The NIC conducts separate regional qualifying events to determine who advances to the nationals. The CCL extends automatic invitation to the top finisher(s) of the various school leagues. The school leagues itself serves as the qualifiers. Why waste precious resources in holding a separate qualifier? (Alam niyo ba, pinag-kakakitaan ng dating BAP ang mga qualifiers na ito?).

I challenge anyone to downgrade the significane of these points -- (1) line-up of the first sem at their home leagues, (2) proximity to the first sem, and (3) automatic invitation.

Imo, if the SBP will assert its influence and synchronize the schedules of the various commercial leagues so as to allow the varsity players to suit for their schools at the duration of the CCL, that will be like manna from heaven. Labing-apat na araw lang ang kailangan. Hindi ba pwedeng paunlakan?

Lint3k, if the ancient Greeks can suspend or hold off wars so soldiers and citizens can participate in the Olympics, bakit hindi natin magawa ang tulad niyan sa isang event na kung ituring nating mga Pilipino ay tila religion?

Sabagay, di hamak na mas dakila at matino ang mga Griyego nuong mga pahanahong iyon.

5FootCarrot

11-15-2007, 01:25 PM

IT may be trivial but it could be viewed as a message or sign that some of the teams are not respecting or taking the tournament seriously -- they play using their PRACTICE UNIFORMS!

I didn't see the game, whether live or on TV, so I don't know whether or not Ateneo wore their practice uniforms yesterday. However, they did it last year; this was reportedly because the "for game" uniforms had the UAAP logo on them, and it would not have been proper to wear them while competing in a CCL game.

At any rate, IMO, this is a trivial thing and there's no need to make a big deal out of it. This is a tournament, not a fashion show - what matters is that, no matter what you wear, the teams come to play. That's the best way to show respect for the league and show the public that the team is taking the tournament seriously.

eightyfiver

11-15-2007, 01:31 PM

Agree ako kay sir Oca. Tuloy lang ang laro. Papunta na tayo doon. Maganda ang adhikain ng liga. Alisin natin ang malisya sa isip natin.

Re pratice uniform: Sapul ang Uste, hehehe. Hindi yata nila alam kung light o dark ang dadalhin kaya reversible na lang. Biro lang siyempre. Mas maganda nga sana kung bagong uniform or UAAP uniform. Pero kita naman sa nilaro ng mga bata na bigay todo talaga.

amdgc82

11-15-2007, 02:08 PM

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2007/11/fight-for-future.html

Fight for the Future
Ateneo 78 vs. San Sebastian 51
by rick olivares

Champions League Match 6
November 14, 2007
Blue Eagle Gym, Ateneo De Manila University

Home front

Ford Arao sat quietly by the upper box section (close to the short cut to the athletics office) of the Blue Eagle Gym. For the most part in his five years in Ateneo, the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center was like home. It was their practice center and their refuge for convalescing. The only time the Blue Eagles played at the old barn was during pre and post-UAAP season tournaments.

Arao came straight from his PBL team practice. He was tired and looked every bit of it but he was glad to be home. “One more time, Ford,” I cheerily greeted him on my way out with Lady Eagles Coach John Flores. The big man stood and slapped hands with us.

“Hindi pa tapos,” he smiled referring to his customary post-game comment during the Blue Eagles’ hard climb to the final four of the just-concluded Season 70.

The team was suffering from a manpower shortage. With skipper Chris Tiu with the Philippine team in Singapore (as part of their preparation for the SEA Games), Jobe Nkemakolam concentrating on his studies, and Zion Laterre gone back to Australia, the Ateneo brain trust huddled outside the gym to discuss whether they should elevate some of the Team B players for the Collegiate National Championships. Tonino Gonzaga and Alec Rivera were in the gym on standby, but with their line-up already submitted and Arao available for duty, coach Norman Black thought they had enough firepower for the game.

Ateneo by virtue of its 3rd Place finish in the UAAP and runner-up status in the 12th University Games was seeded No. 3 in the 16-team field. And for the first round of the National Championships they had home court advantage.

And they were going to host the San Sebastian Stags at Blue Eagle Gym.

Eric Salamat arrived around 2:30pm and immediately chatted with his former schoolmates in front of the gym. “It’s no problem facing them,” he said when asked about playing them. “It’s all business.”

Demolition Derby

Ateneo started out with Rabeh Al-Husseini at the slot, Nonoy Baclao and Bacon Austria manning the forward position, and Eric Salamat and Kirk Long in the backcourt.

Former FEU Tamaraw Jorge Gallent (who also calls the shots for the PBL’s Harbour Centre) in his first year as coach of the San Sebastian Stags fielded the tandem of John Raymundo and sniper Jim Viray at the one and two spots with Gilbert Bulawan and Anthony Del Rio on the wings. The tough Jason Ballesteros was tapped to plug the gap at center.

The Stags immediately threw a physical man-zone at the Blue Eagles with their guards bumping Long and Salamat to force them into turnovers and hurried shots.

Little did they know that the Ateneo coaching staff in all their post-UAAP scrimmages had the referees calling the same ticky-tacky calls they were being whistled for. And the officials for the game were PBL referees who are whistle happy at the slightest contact.

So the team played a more frenetic passing game and began pounding the rock inside. “Can’t foul your man if he doesn’t have the ball,” said Salamat later on referring to the team’s quick passing game. Relishing his starting job and the opportunity to play against his former school, Salamat and his buddy Long were pests on defense and forced the Stags’ guards to let their forwards handle the ball. And this is where things got interesting.

With Al-Husseini playing a more physical game and Baclao altering the shot trajectories of the Stags’ big men, Salamat (five steals) and Long played the passing lanes. And the duo, along with the second unit, proceeded to run their former NCAA foes out of the gym.

From an 8-all score at the 5:40 mark of the first quarter, the quicksilver line-up of Arao, Ken Barracoso, Yuri Escueta, Salamat and Long wound up the first 10 minutes of action with a mighty 18-0 kick. The two teams were pretty much even in the second quarter until Ateneo’s patented third quarter surge saw them pile up an already huge 20-point halftime lead (44-24) into a 62-35 bulge. By the fourth quarter, the Blue Eagles had an answer for every Stag basket as they held on for the win.

The Replacement Killers

Barracoso was spectacular as he scored on a variety of drives and calm outside shots (he would finish with 13 points, four rebounds and one assists and one steal) to break the dam wide open. His three-pointer with the first quarter clock winding down was a monstrous statement. “All I can try to do is get better,” said the now-goateed swingman. “I’m grateful that coach is giving me the opportunity to make up for it.”

As Coach Black stated after the game, while they are trying to win as much as they can, they are also using the opportunity to prepare the other players for their next UAAP campaign.

And for the hundred-plus fans who trooped to the gym on a late-Wednesday afternoon, they got to see Mike Baldos who should emerge as a scoring force for next year throw his guards off with his version of the dream shake on his way to 10 points. Salamat, ever the hell-raiser, was the catalyst for the game as his stifling defense on the San Sebastian guards, made it difficult for their offense to set up.

It’s a luxury to have that defensive pressure from inside (Baclao) and out (Salamat) for it creates scoring opportunities for all. The Blue Eagles scored 33 turnover points to San Sebastian’s measly five points off turnovers.

If Gallent was an animated figure by the sidelines of the Recoletos team during the first half as he worked the officials and cajoled his players to execute better, he never got back up from his seat during the second half. The Blue Eagles advanced to the quarterfinals with a 78-51 victory.

After the game, Black exchanged high fives with his players. “Thanks, Ford,” he said to his big man who will don the Blue Eagle jersey for at least one more game.

Arao (8 points and 5 boards) smiled as he made his way to the dugout. “Hindi pa tapos,” he simply said. And then he was gone.

Post-game:
Before the team trooped to the dugout for a final post-game huddle, Norman gathered the players, “Let’s get ready for the school hymn,” he said. He stood about for a few moments and seemed puzzled. “No singing,” he asked to no one in particular. You have to admire someone who great respect for the school’s traditions. Thanks, coach!

“Hopefully, we’ve got three more games in us,” said the third-year mentor. “But now we’ll be up against the tougher teams. We’ll be working hard for this.”

In the meantime, Eric Salamat trooped out of the gym looking around. “I’m hungry,” he softly said amidst the sea of well wishers. “Pero mas gutom ako para sa championship.”

Ateneo 78 - Al-Husseini 18, Barracoso 13, Salamat 12, Baldos 10, Arao 8, Escueta 7, Long 6, Baclao 4, Austria 0, Reyes, 0, Monfort 0, Sumalinog 0

San Sebastian 51 – Viray 9, Aquino 9, Bulawan 7, Ballesteros 6, Juan 6, Delgado 5, De Leon 5, Raymundo 2, Saquillo 2, Najorda 0, Del Rio 0, Zulueta 0

Posted by Rick Olivares* *

5FootCarrot

11-15-2007, 02:45 PM

The Stags immediately threw a physical man-zone at the Blue Eagles with their guards bumping Long and Salamat to force them into turnovers and hurried shots.

Little did they know that the Ateneo coaching staff in all their post-UAAP scrimmages had the referees calling the same ticky-tacky calls they were being whistled for. And the officials for the game were PBL referees who are whistle happy at the slightest contact.

That's funny, I thought yesterday's refs weren't into ticky-tacky calls:

good news: NABRO isn't refereeing this time. bad news: mukhang nanibago tayo sa luwag ng tawagan kanina. there were no ticky-tack fouls, with the effect that both teams never finished a quarter in penalty. para sa akin, mas okey na yung ganito, kesa mandilim ang paningin mo dahil sa kapalpakan ng mga refs.

amdgc82

11-16-2007, 05:18 AM

Green Lancers prepare for Lyceum in CCL tourney
The Freeman
Friday, November 16, 2007

Win or go home.

That will be the battle cry of the University of the Visayas Green Lancers as they prepare to compete with the country’s best college teams in the 2007 Collegiate Champions League (CCL).

UV takes on wild card entry Lyceum of the Philippines on Saturday. If the Green Lancers win, they will play the reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University.

The Green Lancers, the seven-time CESAFI college basketball champion, have competed in the tournament the last four years and have come home empty-handed each time.

Last year, UV got as far as the round of four, but ran smack into the Sam Ekwe-led San Beda Red Lions.

Coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug hopes that his team’s fortunes will be better this year. For one, the frontline is now taller and bigger with 6’11” Fil-Am giant Gregory Fuentes Slaughter.

In addition, there’s Ariel Mepaña (who has successfully returned from injury), Rino Berame, Eduardo Arda, Bonifer Sendrijas, Anthony Manigque, Lucky Pitogo and rookie Edrian Lao.

Boosting the lineup is Michael Luga and guards Von Harry Lanete, Chris Victor Diputado and Ritchum Dennison.

As of today, only 12 of the initial 16 teams are still playing. Two of those who went home were provincial teams that were blown out of the court by their big city rivals.

The Sacred Heart College Stallions of Tacloban (Group C), lost by 57 points to the reigning NCAA back-to-back champion San Beda Red Lions, 105-48.

West Negros College (WNC) Mustangs from Bacolod lost by 22 points to NCAA third placer Jose Rizal University (JRU) Bombers, 83-61.

The other losers were Manuel Luis Quezon University (MLQU) of Quiapo and the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) Cardinals. The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, who got a wild card entry like the Lyceum, ousted MLQU, 91-80, while the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers edged the Cardinals, 91-90.

The champion team will go home with P500,000 in form of funding/scholarship aside from the bragging rights of being the best collegiate team in the country. The runner-up, third placer and fourth placer will receive P200,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.

The tournament will also award outstanding individual and team performance such as the MVP, Members of the Mythical teams (Team A and Team B), Best Defensive Team, Coach of the Series and Best Performing Referee. (GGM)

amdgc82

11-16-2007, 05:31 AM

National Collegiate Champions League
UV aims to upset odds
By WAYLON GALVEZ
Manila Bulletin
Friday, November 16, 2007

ALREADY A seven-time champion in Cebu, University of Visayas now hopes to conquer Manila.

The reigning Cebu Athletic School Foundation Inc. (CESSAFI) UV Lancers arrived yesterday afternoon and are focusing their sight on winning the Fil-Oil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL).

"We’re ready, we’re confident that we have a strong chance to win the CCL," said coach Boy Cabahug, who steered UV to a second place finish five years ago behind University of the East.

UV will face Lyceum University at noon tomorrow for the last quarterfinal seat in the CCL at The Arena in San Juan.

Cabahug said that 6-foot-11 Fil-American Greg Slaughter has improved his shooting touch since he arrived in the country five months ago.

"He’ll be a big help of course in our quest for the title. It will all depend on how the players will perform. We don’t have an idea how Lyceum plays. But we’re prepared and well-conditioned," said Cabahug.

Forming a solid frontline with Slaughter are 6-foot-7 Rino Verami and 6-foot-4 Michael Lugay while orchestrating the offense of UV is Vonn Lanete, brother of Purefooods rookie playmaker Chico.

As for Lyceum, the Intramuros-based team mentored by first year coach Boni Tan is a wildcard entry in this tournament that uses a knockout format.

Yesterday at The Arena, Davao representative University of Mindanao moved to the Round of Eight with a default win against De La Salle University, the reigning UAAP champion.

The UM Wildcats will face the winner of the match between the Lancers and the Pirates in the quarterfinals on Monday.

Also clashing in the quarterfinals on Monday are University of Santo Tomas and NCAA back-to-back champion San Beda College while on Wednesday, NAASCU titlist STI College will face Far Eastern University, followed by Ateneo de Manila opposite Jose Rizal University.

The winner of the annual event, now on its fifth year, will receive R500,000 in the form of sports scholarships. The next three finishers will get R200,000, R100,000 and R50,000.

Smart has also put up special prizes for the Most Valuable Player (M.V. Pangilinan Cup award), members of two Mythical teams, best defensive team, coach of the series and the best performing referee.

mighty_lion

11-16-2007, 08:15 AM

Bunso na ba si Garvo? Baka naman meron pang kasunod at pwede matrain ng maaga kay Senor Ato. Hindi na ako magtataka kung magpang-abot ang tatlong magkapatid na ito sa PBA. Thier parents should be very proud of them.

amdgc82

11-16-2007, 11:51 AM

Cabahug optimistic about UV’s chances in 5th CCL
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 09:36am (Mla time) 11/16/2007

CEBU CITY, Philippines - Following the withdrawal of number one seed De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers , the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers are expected to move farther in the 5th Collegiate Championship League.

If they hurdle the Lyceum University Pirates tomorrow, the Green Lancers will next meet the University of Mindanao (UM) Wildcats, who automatically advanced to the quarterfinal round following the departure of the Green Archers.

“We really have a good chance of advancing to the Round-of-Four after La Salle withdrew its participation. UM is an easier opponent compared to La Salle,” UV head coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug said.

But first things first, Cabahug said his wards have to focus on the Pirates—a squad that UV has yet to scout.

“I received information that they rely mainly on their trapping defense since they are a small team,” said Cabahug.

With their big men, Cabahug admits that UV will be the favored squad against Lyceum.

“I hope we can capitalize on our size advantage. How Greg (Slaughter), Ariel (Mepaña) and Rino (Berame) will play against Lyceum will be crucial for us,” added the Cabahug. /Correspondent Calvin Cordova

amdgc82

11-17-2007, 12:53 AM

Green Lancers play Lyceum today
By Gabby G. Malagar
The Freeman
Saturday, November 17, 2007

The University of the Visayas Green Lancers begins their quest in the Collegiate Champions League (CCL) when they play wild card entry Lyceum of the Philippines at the San Juan Arena.

The game is set at 12 noon today.

If the Green Lancers win, they will play the University of Mindanao.

Originally, UV was to play the reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University after its first game, but for some unknown reasons, the latter has withdrawn from the tournament.

With La Salle’s withdrawal, the tournament has been transformed into a wide-open race for the championship. However, the depth of the teams that are still playing has not diminished a bit.

Still there’s San Beda, the reigning NCAA champion, FEU, UST, Ateneo, among others.

History favors the Lancers as they never lost an opening game since the CCL started in 2003 but eventually lost to the then James Yap-led University of the East Warriors.

Cebuano basketball aficionados are expecting much from the seven-time CESAFI college basketball champion especially with the De La Salle University’s withdrawal.

UV Coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug is optimistic about his team’s chances this year particularly with a taller frontline that features 6’11” Fil-Am giant Gregory Fuentes Slaughter.

Cabahug added that the return from ACL injury of Ariel Mepaña could be a morale booster for the Lancers because of his experience and leadership.

The Green Lancers also have scorers like Michael Luga and Harlow Chad Villanil and the three-guard rotation in Von Harry Lanete, Christ Victor Diputado and Ritchum Dennison.

Cabahug also pointed out that they seem to have the advantage against Lyceum but he is not taking any chances. Asked by The Freeman about Lyceum’s trapping defense, Cabahug said that they have long prepared for it knowing that the defense has been a trademark ploy of Lyceum.

Coach Cabahug owns the winningest record in CESAFI with an accumulated 81-5 win-loss card. The CCL, however, is a different ballgame and Cabahug knows that.

Last year, the Sam Ekwe led San Beda College spoiled UV’s hope for a CCL title.

amdgc82

11-17-2007, 12:57 AM

UV Lancers’ 6-9 Fil-Am shows stuff vs Pirates
Philippine Star
Saturday, November 17, 2007

Fil-Am Greg Slaughter gets the chance to show his stuff in the Big City as University of Visayas battles Lyceum for the last quarterfinal berth in the Fil-Oil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL) at The Arena in San Juan today.

The 6-foot-9 Slaughter, billed as the next big thing for RP basketball, has been training under former four-time PBA MVP Ramon Fernandez in Cebu since arriving from the US five months ago.

His intimidating presence is expected to further boost the bid of the Lancers, the seven-time champion of the Cebu Athletic School Foundation Inc. (CESSAFI), against the Pirates.

“He’s a good defender. And the good thing about Greg is that he also improved his shooting. He has a nice soft touch from outside,” said UV coach Boy Cabahug.

Gametime is at 12 noon.

The Lancers, then led by 6-foot-6 JR Quinahan, hope to surpass their second place finish in the inaugural of the CCL four years ago behind champion University of the East.

The Intramuros-based Lyceum, mentored by coach Boni Tan, is a wildcard entry in the tournament which gathers the country’s top colleges and universities.

The winner between the Lancers and the Pirates will face Davao representative University of Mindanao (UM) Wildcats in the quarterfinal round Monday, also at The Arena.

NCAA back-to-back champion and last year’s second placer San Beda College tackles University of Santo Tomas also on Monday.

On Wednesday, NAASCU titlist STI College goes up against Far Eastern University, while Ateneo takes on last year’s third placer Jose Rizal University.

The winner of the annual event, now on its fifth year, will receive P500,000 worth of scholarships. The next three finishers will get P200,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.

amdgc82

11-17-2007, 06:02 AM

UV parades 6-11 Fil-Am Saturday; Archers out of it
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 04:55am (Mla time) 11/17/2007

GAME SATURDAY (The Arena, San Juan)
12 p.m.--Univ. of Visayas vs Lyceum

MANILA, Philippines -- Greg Slaughter debuts in the Manila cage scene as the 6-foot-11 Fil-Am tries to lead the University of the Visayas Lancers against the Lyceum Pirates for the last quarterfinal berth in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.

"He's a good defender," said Lancers coach Boy Cabahug of the rookie center, whose mother Emma Fuentes traces her roots in Cebu. "He has a nice soft touch from outside."

The Lancers, who also have 6-foot-7 Rino Berame at their disposal, are favored to advance to the Round of Eight.

"We don't have an idea how Lyceum plays, but we're ready," said Cabahug.

The winner in Saturday's final elimination game will go up against the University of Mindanao Wildcats at the start of the quarterfinals on Monday.

Back-to-back NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions then tangle with 2006 UAAP titlist Santo Tomas Tigers.

The Wildcats won by default over reigning UAAP champions La Salle Green Archers on Thursday.

La Salle begged off from the tournament but organizers said the schedule had already been made.

The Far Eastern Tamaraws and the STI Olympians clash on Wednesday, while the Ateneo Eagles collide with the Jose Rizal Bombers to wrap up the quarterfinal round.

With a report from June Navarro

amdgc82

11-17-2007, 06:12 AM

Quarters slot at stake in Champs’ tilt
Manila Bulletin
Saturday, November 17, 2007

WITH THE eighth and last quarterfinals seat at stake, expect a close encounter between University of Visayas and Lyceum University today in the FilOil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL) at The Arena in San Juan.

The UV Lancers and the Lyceum Pirates meet at noon with the winner advancing to the Round of Eight against the Wildcats of University of Manila.

UV, the seven-time champion of the Cebu Athletic School Foundation Inc. (CESSAFI), is bannered by the 6-foot-11 Filipino-American Greg Slaughter, who arrived in the country five months ago.

According to UV coach Boy Cabahug, a one-time PBA player, the presence of Slaughter has made the Lancers’ interior defense even formidable because of his shot blocking ability.

"He’s a good defender. But good thing about Greg is that he also improved his shooting. He has a nice soft touch from outside," said Cabahug, who arrived together with the rest of the team the other day.

The Lancers, then led by 6-foot-6 JR "Baby Shaq" Quinahan, hope to surpass their second place finish in the inaugural of the CCL four years ago behind champion University of the East.

The Intramuros-based Lyceum, mentored by coach Boni Tan, is a wildcard entry in this tournament that uses a knockout format.

The winner between the UV Lancers and the Lyceum Pirates will face Davao representative University of Mindanao Wildcats in the quarterfinal round Monday also at The Arena.

NCAA back-to-back champion and last year’s second placer San Beda College tackles University of Santo Tomas, also on Monday.

On Wednesday, the quarterfinal matches are NAASCU titlist STI College against Far Eastern University followed by Ateneo de Manila opposite last year’s third placer Jose Rizal University.

The winner of the annual event, now on its fifth year, will receive R500,000 in the form of sports scholarships. The next three finishers will get R200,000, R100,000 and R50,000 in that order.

Smart has also put up special prizes for the Most Valuable Player (M.V. Pangilinan Cup award), members of two Mythical teams, best defensive team, coach of the series and the best performing referee.

james_ty

11-17-2007, 02:32 PM

Do you have the result already of the UV-Lyceum game?

Pls. post here.

amdgc82

11-17-2007, 03:54 PM

UV routs Lyceum, 101-80
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 03:11pm (Mla time) 11/17/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The University of the Visayas Green Lancers banked on a blistering shooting performance in the second half to crush the Lyceum Pirates, 101-80, and clinch the last quarterfinal berth in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.

Von Lanete, younger brother of Purefoods rookie guard Chico Lanete, fired 13 straight points for the Lancers early in the third period to wrest the lead at 50-47 after trailing at 37-40 at the half.

The Lancers registered an outstanding 72 percent shooting clip in the second half -- including 48 points from beyond the arc -- to lead by as many as 25 points,101-25.

Ritchum Dennison and Rino Berame combined for 35 markers, while 6-foot-11 Fil-Am Greg Slaughter fired eight points -- including a triple late in the fourth period -- on top of four rebounds, four blocks, and two assists.

The Lancers will clash against the University of Mindanao at 2 p.m. on Monday, followed by the quarterfinal tiff between San Beda and University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m. at The Arena.

The scores:
UV 101 -- Dennison 19, Berame 16, Lanete 14, Mepaña 14, Diputado 12, Slaughter 8, Luga 8, Villanil 6, Lao 2, Lasala 2, Tancongco 0, Arda 0.
LYCEUM 80 -- Pagente 19, Santiago 18, Taguibao 13, Calimag 11, Balmaceda 6, Medina 4, Pineda 3, Mendoza 2, Enguio 2, Rimando 2, Abaya 0, Ong 0.
Quarters: 22-19, 37-40, 72-60, 101-80

Schortsanitis

11-17-2007, 08:13 PM

UV Green Lancers vs. Lyceum Pirates (Nov. 17, 2007)

Managed to watch the 2nd half between the UV Green Lancers & Lyceum Pirates in the ongoing CCL at "The Arena" in San Juan.

* Lyceum Pirates
- Credit the Pirates for keeping the game close in the first half, until the Green Lancers started to pull away in the 3rd Quarter.
- Lyceum had a relatively short team, at least compared to UV, & mainly relied on their quickness thru trapping defense & fastbreak plays to get the job done. They also had good outside shots, & good drive in plays. But in the end, UV's firepower proved too much for the team.

* Rino Berame
- Berame had a distinctly visible height advantage over Mepana, at least 3", so if Mepana is really 6'4", then that would put Rino at at least 6'7".
- Rino reminds me very much of Ervin Sotto. Same height, same build, same skillset in that both play flat-footed, but w/ good coordination & outside shot. It was obvious from the game he was UV's main big man out there on the court. Not sure if he's ready for the pros next season, but a season or so in the PBL should do it, & it looks like another decent 6'7" Center will be coming in to the PBA.
- A formidably very tall but a bit slower frontline when he & GS played at the same time out there on the court.

* Greg Slaughter
- Slaughter didn't play in the 3rd Quarter, though played for about 8 min. in the 4th, when the UV were making their breakaway.
- Bad omen for GS, but he did look a lot like EJ Feihl out there on the court. Same lackadaisical, somewhat sluggish movements on the floor. Unlike Feihl, though, he was capable of short bursts of speed, like that surprise drive to the basket from the 3 pt. line. He also had a 3 pt. shot, which is good.
- When you have a lone 7-footer out there on the court, you would expect him to be out there dominating the boards, but that didn't happen w/ GS. He was just about average off the boards. He needs to improve his anticipation of where the ball will fall, & jockeying or positioning/repositioning himself in going after those rebounds. He just didn't look that active off the boards, hence the average rebounding numbers. Which is okay, but I was hoping for something more, especially if we envision this guy matching up well against Ha Seung Jin, or Hamed Ehadadi someday.
- His biggest contribution was in terms of interior defense. His span & bulk made it difficult for the opposing teams to score easily in the paint off drives or low post plays. He had at least 2 blocks in that short stint, but I count at least 2-3 plays where he changed the opponent's shots in the paint, causing turnovers.
- W/ Berame, Luga & Mepana leaving UV next season, he will be the most senior big man in that team. But young C/Fs are coming in to the Lancers, & he needs to assert himself, else he may end up being overshadowed again by those new players.
- He's obviously still a long way from being PBA or even International caliber at this point, hope he makes it someday, though.

* The Rest
- Von Lanete had a fine shooting game, a major contributor to UV's breakaway in the 3rd Quarter.
- Luga & Diputado are the team's athletic players. They have speed & quickness, coupled w/ good outside shooting. It looks like Luga is taller than Diputado, but almost just as quick or fast out there on the floor, hence he is worth watching for possibly reaching the PBA.

mighty_lion

11-18-2007, 12:13 AM

I watched the game to from start to finish out of curiousity. ;D

UV's best player and over-all catalyst is Von Lanete. The best way to win against this UV team is to assign your best one-on-one defender on Lanete to take him out of the game. Nung first half, Von was seldom used and played nearly 3 minutes and UV's offense was just normal. I was even in conclusion na weak link ng UV ang guards nila nung first half. Yes, thier guards can shoot well from the perimeter but they dont fare well in protecting the ball and running thier offense.

It was only in the second half UV was able to runaway from the game. Lanete started at 2 nung 3rd and was there in the court for almost 18 minutes nung second half. Lanete was the difference between the first and second half. He plays a lot similar to what Chico's game. Effective at two and can facilitate the teams offense at the sametime. At last nakita ko na rin maglaro ang pangalawang "the younger brother of Chico Lanete." ;D I have the feeling UV intended to hide Lanete out of scout's eyes. Good thing the Pirates held the game close by the end of first half.

Slaughter will give you an impression of being a lazy player inside the court. Defensively he relies on his height and wingspan to block shots but with that skills set on the defesive end, he wont scare opponents who are used to play against the likes of Ekwe, Jervy Cruz and other above average post defenders in UAAP and NCAA. His rebounding is not that good and same with his conditioning. Offensively, he reminds me of Sam Ekwe nung first stint nito sa Team Behold. More of a decoy on offense. He made his single 3 pt shot attempt nung fourth. Pati si Guevarra ng Letran na nakaupo sa bench namilog ang mata at nangiti sa nakita nya. ;D

Of all UV's big men, Mepana was the one with legitimate post game. Shot well from mid range to 3s during the game. Berame was also good but his game is easy to check. Face up basket ang laro.

UV is comfortable in playing halfcourt sets and they have a lot of guys who shoots well. Noted also that they only do quick transition offense if Lanete is there on the floor. I also agree with Schort's observation regarding the teams overall speed. Medyo mabagal. Maybe karamihan kasi ng players ang built nila malalapad including the guards. First game pa lang naman, me game jitters pa dyan. Expect a big game from UV on round of 8.

amdgc82

11-18-2007, 06:16 AM

Lancers slay Pirates
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
The Freeman
Sunday, November 18, 2007

After testing the waters in the first two quarters, the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers whipped up a furious offensive storm in the final half to slay the Lyceum University Pirates, 101-80, and advance into the Round of Eight in the Collegiate Champions League (CCL) yesterday at The Arena in San Juan, Metro Manila.

The seven-time CESAFI champion UV Lancers were tentative in their attacks at first but slowly picked things up as the game progressed. They flustered the Pirates with a torrid outside shooting in the third period and then launched a spirited endgame assault to thrash their foes by 21 points.

“We were just scouting them (Lyceum) in the first half. We started to dominate them in the third quarter when the outside shooting of my players clicked,” said UV head coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug. “Their defense also collapsed because of our taller and bigger frontline,” added the decorated bench tactician.

Trailing by three at the break, 37-40, the UV Lancers torched the net with pin-point accuracy in the third quarter to turn the tables on the Pirates via a sizzling 35-20 rally. As a result, they proceeded into the final 10-minute zone of the contest brandishing a dozen-point advantage, 72-60.

The UV Lancers closed the battle with a 29-20 bang for the 21-point demolition. Overall, the Visayanians outlasted the Pirates in the final half by 24 markers, 64-40.

Four UV players submitted twin figures led by Ritchum Dennison with 20 points. Top center Rino Berami added 16 followed by Ariel Mepaña and Chris Victor Diputado with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

6-foot-7 Fil-Am Gregory Fuentes Slaughter also asserted his towering presence at the shaded lane to finish with eight points for the Lancers, who will face next the University of Mindanao (UM)-Davao for a semifinal berth at 2 pm on Monday still at the Arena.

amdgc82

11-18-2007, 06:18 AM

Slaughtermania hits Champions League
Sunstar Cebu
Sunday, November 18, 2007

IN CEBU, the dazzle that is 6-foot-11 rookie Fil-Am center Gregory Slaughter has started to die down, but his fame seemed to have reached the Collegiate Champions League.

And Slaughter did not disappoint those who came to see him play as the University of the Visayas Green Lancers edged their way to a national title after moving to the Round-of-8 in the Collegiate Champions League yesterday at the San Juan Arena.

This, after the seven-time champion of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, clobbered the Lyceum University Pirates, 101-80, marking a positive start for the Green Lancers who have been thirsting for a national title for years.

The Green Lancers booked a quarterfinal outing with University of Mindanao still at the same venue tomorrow.

The Lancers were scrambling in the early parts of the game and trailed Lyceum, 15-6, halfway into the first period.

Ritchum Dennison’s triple and Ariel Mepaña’s jumper sliced the lead , but Lyceum was still ahead as it converted every ball possession it had. With still two minutes to go in the first, Lyceum was still leading 19-15.

In came Slaughter and instantly, the game changed color.

With Slaughter walling the post, the Pirates got hesitant as the behemoth blocked several of Lyceum’s attempts to keep them locked at 19 as UV took a 21-19 lead.

The Pirates retaliated in the second period and outscored the Lancers, 21-15, to snatch the lead, 40-37, going into the final half.

The halftime break gave the Lancers a chance to regroup and they sizzled to score a whooping 35 markers in the penultimate quarter to silence the Pirates for good.

The Lancers, however, did not stop there. Despite leading 52-61, they still managed to scatter 29 points against Lyceum’s 20 to hammer the final nail on Lyceum’s coffin and send them packing.

Five Lancers paced the team after scoring in double digits. Leading the UV scorers was guard Ritchum Dennison, who dispersed 19 points, while pivotman Rino Berami added 16.

Von Lañete and Ariel Mepaña added 14 markers each, while Chris Diputado contributed 12.

Slaughter scored just eight points, but his menacing presence was enough to shake the confidence out of their opponents.

“If luck is on our side and we win against UM, we will face either Jose Rizal University or Far Eastern University in the next round,” said UV head coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug.

UV’s chances for the title just got stronger following the pullout of De La Salle University from the competition. (MCB)

amdgc82

11-18-2007, 06:44 AM

UV Lancers pierce Pirates, gain Champs League Final 8
By Joey Villar
Philippine Star
Sunday, November 18, 2007

University of Visayas used a torrid outside shooting as it whipped wildcard Lyceum Pirates, 101-80, in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Lancers proved they’re more than just a Greg Slaughter team, playing a balanced game as they gained the last slot in the Final Eight of the annual event gathering the cream of varsity teams in the country.

The 6-foot-9 Slaughter, a 19-year-old Virginia native who has been in the country for six months now, had a decent game in his first outing in Manila coming through with eight points, four rebounds, four blocks and two assists.

“I’m still working on my game to improve,” said the soft-spoken Fil-Am, whose mother Emma Fuentes is native of Cebu.

Ritchum Dennison paced the Lancers with 19 points including five of the team’s league-high 16 triples while Rino Berame added 16 on 6-of-6 shooting from the field.

“We didn’t dominate inside that much but our outside shooting worked. I think that was the key,” said UV coach Boy Cabahug, himself an outside gunner in his prime.

The Lancers, seven-time champions in the Cebu Athletic School Foundation, Inc. (CESSAFI), whipped up a big third-quarter storm as they turned a 37-40 deficit to a 72-60 lead going to the final period.

Von Lanete, one of the three Lanete playing siblings, made 13 of his 14 points while Dennison and Berame combined for 20 points in that UV breakaway.

Tristan Pagente and Leo Santiago led the losing team with 19 and 18 points, respectively.

The winner of the annual event, now on its fifth year, will receive P500,000 worth of scholarships. The next three finishers will get P200,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.

amdgc82

11-18-2007, 07:05 AM

Green Lancers advance
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 11:19pm (Mla time) 11/17/2007

MANILA, Philippines--A HOT SHOOTING performance aided the University of the Visayas in the second half as the Green Lancers crushed the Lyceum Pirates, 101-80, to clinch the last quarterfinal berth in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lancers anchored its scoring spurt on Von Lanete, Ritchum Dennison and Rino Berame and registered 48 points from three-point range for an outstanding 72 percent shooting clip in the final two quarters.

Lanete—a pure shooter just like his older brother and Purefoods rookie guard Chico—unloaded 13 straight points early in the third period as the Lancers wrested the lead at 50-47 after trailing, 37-40, at the half.

Dennison and the 6-foot-7 Berame also combined for 35 markers for the Lancers, who will fight for a semifinal spot versus the University of Mindanao Wildcats on Monday.

“Our three-pointers were connecting, that was a big factor in our game today,” said Lancers coach Boy Cabahug. “We were not able to dominate the low post, but it was fortunate that our three-point shots were there.”

Filipino-American Greg Fuentes Slaughter contributed eight points—including a triple that gave the Lancers a 20-point spread at 92-72—on top of four rebounds, four blocks and two assists.

“I think I still need to improve on everything, I just want to be an all-around player,” said Slaughter, the 6-foot-11 center who traces his roots in Cebu and planed in the country less than six months ago.

The scores:
UV 101—Dennison 19, Berame 16, Lanete 14, Mepaña 14, Diputado 12, Slaughter 8, Luga 8, Villanil 6, Lao 2, Lasala 2, Tancongco 0, Arda 0.

LYCEUM 80—Pagente 19, Santiago 18, Taguibao 13, Calimag 11, Balmaceda 6, Medina 4, Pineda 3, Mendoza 2, Enguio 2, Rimando 2, Abaya 0, Ong 0.
Quarters: 22-19, 37-40, 72-60, 101-80

amdgc82

11-18-2007, 03:13 PM

Green Lancers pierce Pirates
By WAYLON GALVEZ
The Manila Bulletin
Sunday, November 18, 2007

UNIVERSITY OF Visayas made a big third quarter run to beat wildcard entry Lyceum, 101-80, and clinch the last quarterfinal slot yesterday in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL) at The Arena in San Juan.

Ritchum Dennison led the UV Green Lancers, the seven-time champion of the Cebu Athletic School Foundation Inc. (CESSAFI), with 19 points, shooting 7-of-16 from the field, including 5-of-13 from the three-point territory.

The win pushed UV to a quarterfinal showdown against Davao representative, University of Mindanao (UM), tomorrow at the same venue.

"So far so good," said UV mentor Elmer Cabahug, whose team’s best finish in the CCL was second place in 2003. "We failed to dominate the post but we got our shots especially from the 3-point area in the second half."

Rino Beramo, a 6-foot-7 center, finished in doubledouble with 16 points and 14 rebounds aside from blocking two shots.

The Lancers, who arrived Thursday afternoon, struggled in the first half as the Pirates took control with a 40-37 halftime lead.

But Von Lanete, younger brother of Purefoods rookie playmaker Chico, scored 13 of his 14 points in the third frame, while Dennison added 11 in that pivotal quarter for a 72-60 advantage entering the final frame.

Ariel Mapana added 14 points with eight boards, while Chris Diputado came off the bench to add 12.

Gregory Slaughter, a 6-foot-11 Fil-American, was also impressive as he scored eight points, four rebounds, two assists and four blocks in 21 minutes action.

"Slaughter is still young, but he’s improving," said Cabahug. "He’ll be a big help for us in our quest for the (first) CCL title," said the one-time pro Cabahug.

Tristan Pagente led the Lyceum Pirates with 19 points.

The UM Wildcats made it to the quarters by default as last year’s champion University of the East failed to show up.

"We played them (UM) last year with Samigue Eman around and won against them," said Cabahug. "It’s tough to say what will happen but I’m confident of our chances since this is the strongest team we have assembled.

The winner of the annual event, now on its fifth year, will receive R500,000 in the form of sports scholarships.

The next three finishers will get R200,000, R100,000 and R50,000 in that order. Smart has also put up special prizes for the Most Valuable Player (M.V. Pangilinan Cup award), members of two Mythical teams, best defensive team, coach of the series and the best performing referee.

The scores:

First Game

UV 101 — Dennision 19, Beramo 16, Lanete 14, Mepana 14, Diputado 12, Slaughter 8, Luga 8, Villanil 6, Lasala 2, Lao 2, Tancongco 0, Arda 0.

Lyceum 80 — Pagente 19, Santiago 18, Taguibao 13, Calimag 11, Balmaceda 6, Medina 4, Pineda 3, Rimando 2, Mendoza 2, Enguio 2, Abaya 0, Ong 0.

Quarters: 22-19; 3740; 72-60; 101-80.

UV 22 15 35 29 — 101.

Lyceum 19 21 20 20 — 80.

amdgc82

11-18-2007, 06:51 PM

On fire!
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 10:06am (Mla time) 11/18/2007

A blistering shooting performance propped up the University of the Visayas in the second half as the Green Lancers crushed the Lyceum Pirates, 101-80, to clinch the last quarterfinal berth in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lancers anchored its scoring spurt on Von Lanete, Ritchum Dennison and Rino Berame to register 48 points from three-point range for an outstanding 72 percent shooting clip in the final two quarters.

Lanete—a pure shooter just like his older brother and Purefoods rookie guard Chico Lanete—unloaded 13 straight points early in the third period as the Lancers wrested the lead at 50-47 after trailing at 37-40 at the half.

Dennison and the 6-foot-7 Berame also combined for 35 markers for the Lancers, who will fight for a semifinal spot versus the University of Mindanao Wildcats on Monday.

“When they (Pirates) saw that they could not match up with our big men, they switched to a zone defense. But we were able to counter their defense when my outside shooters made their shots,” said coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug.

Fil-American Greg Fuentes Slaughter contributed eight points—including a triple that gave the Lancers a 20-point spread at 92-72—on top of four rebounds, four blocks and two assists.

"I think I still need to improve on everything, I just want to be an all-around player," said Slaughter, the 6-foot-11 center, who traces his roots in Cebu and arrived in the country less than six months ago.

The Lancers will clash against the the Wildcats at 2 p.m. on Monday at The Arena in San Juan, followed by the 4 p.m. bout between the San Beda Red Lions and the University of Santo Tomas Tigers.

The two other quarterfinal matches are set on Wednesday also at The Arena with the Far Eastern Tamaraws and the STI Olympians battling at 2 p.m., while the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Jose Rizal Bombers collide at 4 p.m.

“I like our chances against UM. We’ve beaten them before when Mepaña, Luga and Slaughter were not in the team yet,” said Cabahug.

BOX SCORES:
UV 101—Dennison 19, Berame 16, Lanete 14, Mepaña 14, Diputado 12, Slaughter 8, Luga 8, Villanil 6, Lao 2, Lasala 2, Tancongco 0, Arda 0.
LYCEUM 80—Pagente 19, Santiago 18, Taguibao 13, Calimag 11, Balmaceda 6, Medina 4, Pineda 3, Mendoza 2, Enguio 2, Rimando 2, Abaya 0, Ong 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 37-40, 72-60, 101-80. Inquirer with Correspondent Calvin Cordova

amdgc82

11-19-2007, 05:09 AM

Lancers to fly off with confidence vs. UM today
Sunstar Cebu
Monday, November 19, 2007

THE University of the Visayas Green Lancers plunge back into action today for their quar-terfinal match in the Collegiate Champions’ League (CCL) at the San Juan Arena.

The Lancers are the more confident ones coming in today’s match against University of Mindanao at 2 p.m. as they admittedly has a more solid and talented roster.

“We have the advantage in terms of size and experience and talent,” said Lancers head coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug.

Cabahug, however, reminded his boys not to be too complacent as that may lead to debacle such as what happened in the championship series of the Cesafi, where they needed five games before they could take the title for the seventh straight time.

“Even if we know that fact, we cannot be too confident, whoever the opponent will be,” Cabahug said.

Cabahug added that the biggest motivation for his wards is the possibility of making it to the next round.

“A win brings us to the top four, so that is a big motivation for the players,” Cabahug said.

While the big men, Gregory Slaughter, Rino Berami and Ariel Mepaña played a huge role in denying their opponents to score in their first game against Lyceum University Pirates, Ritchum Dennison, Von Lanete and Chris Diputado did their part offensively.

Last year, the Lancers also made it to the semis, but bombed out after losing to San Beda. (MCB)

amdgc82

11-19-2007, 05:10 AM

UV plays UM for Final 4 slot
The Freeman
Monday, November 19, 2007

After a 101-80 annihilation of the Lyceum of the Philippines the other day, the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers plays the University of Mindanao in the 5th Collegiate Champions League today at the San Juan Arena.

A place in the Final Four awaits the Green Lancers should they win against the Mindanao bet. Matches in the Final Four will not start until November 26.

Game time is at 2 p.m.

The seven-time CESAFI champions will again rely on veteran Ariel Mepaña, who showed hardly a sign of an ACL injury that sidelined him last year.

Ready to give UV the needed boost are the likes of Von Harry Lanete, Michael Luga, Harlow Chad Villanil, Chris Victor Diputado and Ritchum Dennison.

In the game with Lyceum, the Green Lancers torched the net with a torrid shooting from beyond the arc forcing Lyceum to extend their defense to cover the shooters.

The shooters got open because UV’s big men in 6’11” Fil-Am giant Gregory Fuentes Slaughter and 6’7” Rino Berami controlled the paint.

If the Green Lancers win against UM, they move into the Final Four for the first time since competing in the CCL in 2003.* (GGM)

amdgc82

11-19-2007, 05:21 AM

UV tests Mindanao U on southern front of NCCL
Philippine Star
Monday, November 19, 2007

University of Visayas takes on University of Mindanao today in a showdown between two of the best teams in the South at the start of the quarterfinal round of the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League at the Arena in San Juan.

Reigning NCAA champion San Beda and 2006 UAAP winner Santo Tomas, for their part, clash at 4 p.m. in a match of two of the best college teams in the land in the last two years.

Drawing strength from their outside shooting, the Lancers smashed the Lyceum Pirates, 101-80, Saturday to set up an interesting duel with the Wildcats, the Mindanao champions.

UV, which topped the Cebu Athletic School Foundation, Inc. (CESSAFI) seven straight times, will be parading 6-9 Greg Slaughter, the 19-year-old Virginia native who had eight points, four blocks, four rebounds and two assists in his first game in Manila.

Slaughter,* being groomed for the* RP team, is expected to come up with a bigger performance when the Lancers tackle the Wildcats, who will no longer be reinforced by now Magnolia standout 6-10 Samigue Eman, at 2 p.m.

“I try very hard to improve every aspect of my game,” said* Slaughter, who plans to stay put in Cebu despite some juicy offers to play for Manila-based universities.

The Lions will be parading a pair of Nigerians – 6-8 2006 rookie MVP Sam Ekwe and 6-9 up-and-coming rookie Kevin Udo.

Ekwe, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, is on his third season with the back-to-back NCAA winners while Udo, who powered the Mendiola-based quintet to the Fr. Martin Division II Cup title, will see action for the Lions next year.

UV coach Boy Cabahug knows they’re the favorites but said it’s no guarantee that they’ll win.

“We beat them last year when Eman was still around and Greg wasn’t in the team yet,” said Cabahug, a streak shooter during his PBA prime. “We have Greg now and we have many shooters in the team but I still expect a tough game because this is a game of regional pride.”

Slaughter will have an equally strong frontcourt partner in Rino Berame, a 6’6’’ future RP national team prospect who made all his six shots and two free throws to finish with 16 points.

But the Lancers biggest weapon will not just come from the inside, but behind the arc as well after torching the Pirates with a league-high 16 triples.

Five of them came from Ritchum Dennison, who ended up leading all scorers with 19 points.

“That’s one of our weapons, the outside shot,” said Cabahug, who is assisted by another shooter Al Solis.

amdgc82

11-19-2007, 05:34 AM

Lancers face Wildcats; Tigers take on Lions
The Manila Bulletin
Monday, November 19, 2007

It won’t be a surprise if several Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and scouts turn up when Fil-American Gregory Slaughter plays his second game in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League today at The Arena in San Juan.

At six-foot-11, the 19-year-old, 245-pound behemoth is being billed as the future of Philippine basketball.

"He’s improving a lot," said University of Visayas coach Elmer Cabahug on the eve of their match against University of Mindanao at 2 p.m.

The seven-time Cebu Athletic School Foundation Inc. (CESSAFI) champion is gunning for the first Final Four slot in its bid to improve on its runner-up finish in 2003.

The game serves as an appetizer to the heavyweight clash pitting National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) titlist San Beda College and 2006 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champion University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m.

UV earned a trip in the quarterfinals by beating the Lyceum Pirates, 101-80, while UM won by default over reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University.

Against Lyceum, Slaughter, an accounting freshman, collected eight points, including a late three-pointer, four rebounds, two assists and four shot blocks in 21 minutes of action.

"It’s definitely a different level (here in Manila)," said Slaughter. "We just had one game so I can’t say if it’s tough."

The Lancers defeated the Wildcats last year, but Cabahug is not about to take the game lightly.

UM was then bannered by 6-9 Samigue Eman, who was picked No. 2 overall by Magnolia Beverage in the PBA Rookie Draft.

"It’s tough to say what will happen but I’m confident on our chances," Cabahug said.

Aside from Slaughter, UV will rely anew on Ritchum Dennison, who had 19 points against Lyceum, Rino Beramo (16, 14 rebounds and two blocks), and Von Lanete (14 points).

easter

11-19-2007, 06:39 AM

Pinalabas ba itong UV vs Lyceum game sa BTV? ???

LION

11-19-2007, 08:17 AM

^ Pinalabas same day. About 6 pm. Greg Slaughter is no EJ Feihl. More of an Andy Seigle type who is 6'11 and with plenty of room for improvement considering that he is still young (turning 19 I think). Question is - Is the program of the UV Green Lancers adequate to realize the potential of Slaughter?

Sayang kung mabubulok lang siya sa Cebu.

Walmart

11-19-2007, 08:46 AM

iba talaga training na makukuha ni slaughter pag andito siya sa manila instead na sa cebu, lalo na pag na train siya ni Norman Black sana. Norman did a good job w/ Doug Kramer, Ford Arao, & now Rabeh Al-Husseini who is doing well in the off season.

Semenelin

11-19-2007, 08:47 AM

tama ba basa ko, hindi pa nagfinal four ang UV sa CCL? parang dati nakita ko sila quinahan na may hawak na trophy, 3rd place ata....

Regular Grey

11-19-2007, 08:58 AM

Alam ko nag Second place na sila nung 2003.

Regular Grey

11-19-2007, 09:00 AM

^ Pinalabas same day. About 6 pm.* Greg Slaughter is no EJ Feihl. More of an Andy Seigle type* who is 6'11 and with plenty of room for improvement considering that he is still young (turning 19 I think).* Question is - Is the program of the UV Green Lancers adequate to realize the potential of Slaughter?*

Sayang kung mabubulok lang siya sa Cebu.*

Padre i read somewhere na si Ramon Fernandez ang nag train kay Greg Slaughter sa Cebu.

bigfreeze_bibby

11-19-2007, 09:03 AM

Alam ko nag Second place na sila nung 2003.

UV was beaten by the UE Red Warriors during that time. Neil Raneses (correct me if I'm wrong) still played for the Lancers back then.

bigfreeze_bibby

11-19-2007, 09:10 AM

Sino ba dapat abangan sa UM Wildcats?

oca

11-19-2007, 09:50 AM

Greg Slaughter.

At 19 years old with no high level juniors background, what I sought to determine first is his mobility.

At ang nakita ko (sa TV nga lang) for sure hindi parehong kaliwa ang paa. From there you can easily train this kid to move like a true center-- pihit kaliwa, pihit kanan. No dribble to get nearer to the basket and be in a better position to score.

I wouldn't care if he is just a bit faster than Feihl ( but he is no Feihl, not at all, imo). But how much accelaration or speed does one need to move in the shaded area? If you have good footwork, you can capitalize on that. The key in the shaded area when in offense is pivot. Sa defense- anticipation and ability to read the opponent's offense. Pivot makukuha yan sa drills. Yung defense, you will acquire that as you become an experienced player. But both needs guidance.

Tama si Lion, what kind of a "big man" training is this kid getting? With so very few big men in Cebu to challenge him, kahit 24-7 niya kasama si Mon Fernandez, without any competitive match play at his position, we cannot expect him to progress to our liking.

But at 19 and with less than a year of exposure to Cebu's level of play, I liked what I saw. It didn't excite me but the kid should be worth investing your time if you are his trainer.

amdgc82

11-19-2007, 09:55 AM

bigfreeze_bibby

11-19-2007, 10:29 AM

amdgc82

11-19-2007, 10:43 AM

UV Green Lancers is one of two teams who have been a participant in all the five editions of CCL starting in 2002. The other team is Ateneo Blue Eagles. Below is UV's record in past CCL

2002 - defeated by UE Red Warriors in Final Four. 90-94 (not sure if there was a game for third place)

Pare, eto ba ay final four game talaga?* Alam ko meron silang isang game na they faced UE in the championships.* The game was held pa nga in Makati Coliseum.

Yes, it is correct.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports01_nov26_2002
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports01_nov27_2002
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports01_nov28_2002

simba52

11-19-2007, 01:02 PM

guys magkano ticket for UST-SBC game?

james_ty

11-19-2007, 01:10 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, pero it's free daw.

mighty_lion

11-19-2007, 01:26 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, pero it's free daw.

Nung Saturday nanood ako free entrance. Not sure ngayon.

LION

11-19-2007, 01:44 PM

^ Because it coincided with the PBL playing date. Libre kasi ang PBL.

tamarawz_14

11-19-2007, 01:46 PM

Schortsanitis

11-19-2007, 04:00 PM

Any updates? 2:00 pm ang UV vs. UM game, tapos 4:00 pm ang SBC vs. UST.

james_ty

11-19-2007, 04:15 PM

Do you have any news on the result of the UV-UM game?

NYHC

11-19-2007, 04:16 PM

any updatres ng score?? ???

amdgc82

11-19-2007, 05:11 PM

University of Visayas in semis of college champions league
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 04:42pm (Mla time) 11/19/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The University of the Visayas Green Lancers drubbed the University of Mindanao Wildcats, 78-58, to clinch the first semifinal berth in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League Monday at The Arena in San Juan.

Ritchum Dennison got the Lancers off to a strong start by drilling 10 of his 16 points in the opening canto for an early double-digit advantage, 22-11.

Rino Berame added 14 markers and 13 rebounds as the Lancers dominated the Davao bets throughout the game.

The Lancers will clash against the winner between the Far Eastern Tamaraws and the STI Olympians, who will fight for a semifinal slot on Wednesday.

The scores:
UNIV OF VISAYAS 78--Dennison 16, Berame 14, Luga 9, Diputado 9, Medana 8, Lanete 8, Villanil 7, Tancongco 5, Slaughter 2, Arda 0, Lao 0, Minigque 0, Pitogo 0, Sendrijas 0, Lasala 0.

UNIV OF MINDANAO 58--Awitin 20, Calatayud 8, Palomares 8, Calimpong 6, Angalan 6, Edulan 3, Ciceralde 3, Blanco 2, Silvarez 1, Apormeo 1, Cisneros 0, Guirigay 0.

Quarters: 22-11, 43-22, 59-43, 78-58

Dark Knight

11-19-2007, 05:14 PM

Looks like FEU vs UV in Round of 4.

.....or UV vs STI.

mighty_lion

11-19-2007, 06:35 PM

SBC Lost. :(

Congratulations to UST Tigers.

KingRedLion

11-19-2007, 08:05 PM

I don't think I saw Elvin Pascual and Emeka in the lineups today when the 2 teams were introduced.....what happened? I thought they were already in the lineup? Woiuld've helped in the Red Lions' cause as obviously, UST was hell bent at winning and had fire in their eyes in this game. UST was the better team today and they wanted it more....but hey, it was still close 88-84. But I give props where props is due and it's due to UST. They brought their A game and imposed that and their will on the Red Lions. Red Lions failed to adjust and respond accordingly.
I guess the loss of Aljamal at the 4 spot is still felt. Now question is, who steps up to fill in worthy of that spot?

No excuses for the Red Lions and I know this will only make them better. I'm heart-broken but whatever, whenever, wherever.....

Animo SAN BEDA RED LIONS!

Schortsanitis

11-19-2007, 10:10 PM

* I'm shocked that the champion of one league would fall prey to the first team that got eliminated from the Final 4 in another league. 'Baka di sineryoso, mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha ....' Just kidding. Both teams know the value of this game, & the fact that the Red Lions lost & the Tigers won just showed that UST was the better team in this game. Congratulations to them, big win.

* SBC did lose Aljamal, but he's just one guy, & besides, EP & Dave Marcelo were supposed to be there to take his place. The fact that it didn't happen this game is a bit of a worry, I hope things will turn out as planned by the next NCAA season.

* I can't wait to see Jervy's stats against Sam in this game.

* I've always felt that determining who is the best collegiate league in the country should be done thru actual competitions. This year, based on the CCL results, the UAAP teams did end up proving they are the better teams, & probably the better league, at least until next season. The way things are shaping up now, there is a good chance that it will be an all UAAP finals. Well, congratulations to the UAAP teams out there.

* Either FEU or STI will be UV's first real test in this tournament. They've been having a cakewalk thus far against Lyceum & UM. FEU doesn't have a dominant big man, & wasn't even in the final four, but they do have notable players like Baracael & Cawaling. Don't know anything about STI, but if they beat FEU they should be a strong team also.

AnthonyServinio

11-19-2007, 10:31 PM

* Either FEU or STI will be UV's first real test in this tournament. They've been having a cakewalk thus far against Lyceum & UM. FEU doesn't have a dominant big man, & wasn't even in the final four, but they do have notable players like Baracael & Cawaling. Don't know anything about STI, but if they beat FEU they should be a strong team also.

YOU may be surprised at the strength of STI's roster. Coach Victor Ycasiano has assembled a cast consisting of NCAA transferees Mark Balneg (Letran), Daryl Mendoza (Perpetual Help) and Raymond Tiongco (Mapua Tech). Add to that their regular contributors in shooter Dexter Micutuan and defender Ramon Mabayo and you will see why they won this year's NAASCU.

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 03:52 AM

Lancers make final 4
Sunstar Cebu
Tuesday, November 20, 2007

AS a tropical depression hit Cebu’s shores, the University of the Visayas Green Lancers kicked up a storm of their own and moved to the semifinal round of the Collegiate Champions League at the San Juan Arena.

The Green Lancers scored their second straight rout, this time against the University of Mindanao, 78-58, to move to the final four and surpass their quarterfinal finish last year.

The Lancers have now inched closer to the title round but will have to face a gargantuan task of taking down Far Eastern Univesity Tamaraws in the semis.
Last year, the Green Lancers bombed out of the title hunt when they lost to San Beda.

If UV had dominated the local scene, winning the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. title for the last seven years, it has been a different experience in the national level.

Final chance

UV has tried and failed to win a national title for the past five years. UV head coach Elmer Cabahug wants to finally end the slump this year as it is the last chance UV has with pivot man Rino Berami, who is in his last playing year.

During yesterday’s game, the Lancers, who had the advantage in size and experience, played an almost flawless basketball, balancing their offense with stifling defense.

While the UV squad fired off 22 and 21 points in the first two periods, they were able to hold off its opponents to just 22 points in two quarters to lead 43-22 at the turn.

With a comfortable lead in the third, the Lancers started to relax and managed only to score 16 points in this period. UM doubled its production in the third period but it was not enough to pull closer or shake UV’s boosted confidence.

Ritchum Dennison and Berami were the only two scoring in double digits for UV with 16 and 14 points, respectively.

UV’s first two assignments were practically a walk in the park for the Cebuano powerhouse. The real acid test for them will be FEU, who was poised to win over STI last night and will be their only hurdle before reaching the final round.

UV (78)—Dennison 16, Berami 14, Diputado 9, Luga 9, Lanete 8, Mepana 8, Villanil 7, Tangcongco 5, Slaughter 2.

UM (58)—Awitin 20, Palomares 8, Calatayon 8, Angalan 6, Calimpong 6, Ciceralde 3, Edulan 3, Balnco 2, Silvares 1, Apormeo 1. (MCB)

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 03:54 AM

UV sails into final four in CCL
By Raffy Osumo
The Freeman
Tuesday, November 20, 2007

The University of the Visayas Green Lancers sailed into the Final Four of the Collegiate Champions League (CCL) by whipping the University of Mindanao 78-58 at the San Juan Arena in San Juan, Metro Manila.

UV’s second win in as many outings, however, came with a small price. Chris Victor Diputado, one of UV’s long-range shooters, sustained a scratch on his hand after the University of Mindanao played physical in the second half.

Diputado is just nursing a scratch; he will suit up for UV’s next game, so there’s no worry.

The Green Lancers will face the winner between FEU Tamaraws and STI for a semifinal berth. The two teams are still playing as of presstime.

With a bigger lineup, UV disrupted UM’s offense with a sticky man-to-man defense at the start of the game. With 6’11” giant Gregory Fuentes Slaughter and 6’7” Rico Berami patrolling the middle, UV scored on easy transition baskets and jumped to an 18-10 lead late in the first quarter and finished it with a 4-1 run, to take the first canto 22-11.

The second quarter was all UV as well. This time, UV tried to mix its running game with outside shooting to take a 26-13 lead, minutes in the second period and padded the lead to 37-15 midway into the quarter, before settling the issue 43-22.*

However, Coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug knew that UM would not go down without a fight and warned his boys of an impending Wildcats rally.

UM played physical to start the third quarter. This surprised UV players a bit but timely instructions by Coach Cabahug steadied the team. He told his players not to retaliate but to play their game.

UM’s ploy somehow slowed down the Green Lancers. This allowed UM some elbow room as they connected from the beyond the arc to outscore the latter 21-16 and finish the quarter with only a 16-point deficit, 43-59.

But the Green Lancers wouldn’t be denied. They started the final canto by playing up tempo basketball and avoided to be lured into UM’s physical game.

Again, with UV’s big men controlling the paint, the Green Lancers limited the Wildcats only one shot at the basket. The Wildcats, however, found ways to claw back into the game and cut the lead to 66-53, with five minutes left in the game.

Just as UM was about to inch closer, the Green Lancers employed a trapping defense and ignited a crippling 12-5 windup for the victory.

Coach Cabahug said he was never surprised with UM’s physical game because they have played them before. The coach, however, has to remind his players not to retaliate because they have the game in the bag and doesn’t want any foolish mistakes that may jeopardize their chances in the tournament.

Dennison topscored for the Green Lancers with 16 points. Slotman Rico Berami added 14 points while Diputado and Luga scored nine points apiece.

Awitin hit 20 points for UM but none of his other teammates could score in double figures.

The Final Four appearance of UV is the highest place the team had gone into the CCL since 2003.

The scores:

UV (78) – Dennison 16, Berami 14, Diputado 9, Luga 9, Lanete 8, Mepana 8, Villanil 7, Tancangco 5, Slaughter 2

UM (58) – Awitin 20, Palomares 8, Calatayud 8, Angalan 6, Calimpong 6, Ciceralde 3, Edulan 3, Blanco 2, Silvarez 1, Aporneo 1

Quarterscores: 22-11, 43-22, 59-43, 78-58 (With reports from Gabby Malagar and Caecent No-ot Magsumbol)

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 03:59 AM

Tigers oust Lions; UV Lancers score
By Joey Villar
Philippine Star
Tuesday, November 20, 2007

RP team mainstay Jervy Cruz dished out a double-double job of 21 points and a game-high 15 rebounds as University of Santo Tomas stunned back-to-back NCAA champion San Beda, 88-84, yesterday to barge into the semifinal round of the Fil-Oil/Flying V Collegiate Champions League at the Arena in San Juan.

Cruz, who came all the way from a team building session with the Nationals in Tagaytay to join the Tigers, outclassed his defenders, including the 6-8 Sam Ekwe, to power the Tigers, the 2006 UAAP champions, to the stirring come-from-behind win and into the Final Four.

“He really wanted to play. I’m glad he played,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio of the 6-4 UAAP MVP.

The win thus kept UST’s title hopes in the tournament with the Tigers facing the winner between Ateneo and Jose Rizal in the semifinal round.

San Beda, which kept its top players from joining the SEA Games-bound RP squad to prepare for this tournament, actually appeared headed for a runaway victory when it raced to a 70-61 lead late in the third quarter.

But the Tigers clamped down on defense, forcing the Red Lions to a series of turnovers in the final quarter with Cruz and Dylan Ababou, who fired 13 of his 17 points in the second half, taking over on the offensive end.

University of Visayas, meanwhile, smothered University of Mindanao, 78-58, to likewise advance to the semis against the winner of the quarterfinal match pitting STI and Far Eastern U.

“We capitalized on our strengths. I think we have a deeper bench,” said Lancers mentor Boy Cabahug.

Ritchum Dennison paced the Lancers for the second straight time with 16 points while 6-7 Rino Berame churned out a double-double performance of 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Fil-Am Greg Slaughter, UV’s 6-9 center and a work in progress for RP team, struggled for two points but came through with three shot blocks, two rebounds and two assists.

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 04:11 AM

Tigers knock out Red Lions; Lancers score
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 02:24am (Mla time) 11/20/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The University of Santo Tomas Tigers and the University of the Visayas Lancers scored contrasting wins Monday to clinch Final Four berths in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League at The Arena in San Juan City.

Showing no signs of fatigue, Philippine team mainstay Jervy Cruz fueled a fourth-quarter comeback as the Tigers eliminated the NCAA champion San Beda College Red Lions, 88-84, and arranged a semifinal duel against the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Ateneo de Manila University and Jose Rizal University on Wednesday.

The Lancers had an easier time as the Cebu-based squad took control right in the first period and roared to a 78-58 win over the University of Mindanao Wildcats in the first game.

“Our advantage was our big men; our outside shooting was also good,” said coach Elmer Cabahug as his Lancers wait for the quarterfinal winner between Far Eastern University and STI College.

Ritchum Dennison got the Lancers off to a 22-11 start by drilling 10 of his 16 points in the first period.

Cruz, who finished with 21 points and 15 boards, came into the game a few hours after arriving from an overnight team-building session with the Harbour-RP Team in Tagaytay City.

“We didn’t force him to play, but he really wanted to play,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio.

Dylan Ababou came through in the clutch by firing seven of his 17 points while Japs Cuan nailed four charities in the last 36 seconds.

Cruz and Ababou combined for 13 points early in the fourth period as the Tigers wrested the lead, 78-77, after trailing at 61-70.

As the Lions continued to grope for form, Mark Canlas put the Tigers on top, 82-79, heading into the final two minutes.

The scores:

First Game
UV 78 -- Dennison 16, Berame 14, Luga 9, Diputado 9, Medana 8,Lanete 8, Villanil 7, Tancongco 5, Slaughter 2, Arda 0, Lao 0, Minigque 0, Pitogo 0, Sendrijas 0, Lasala 0.
UM 58 -- Awitin 20, Calatayud 8, Palomares 8, Calimpong 6, Angalan 6, Edulan 3, Ciceralde 3, Blanco 2, Silvarez 1, Apormeo 1, Cisneros 0, Guirigay 0.
Quarters: 22-11, 43-22, 59-43, 78-58

Second Game
UST 88 -- Cruz 21, Ababou 17, Allera 12, Espiritu 11, Cuan 9, Mirza 7, Canlas 6, Cortez 3, Taylor 2, Basa 0, Badua 0, Gile 0, Dizon 0.
SAN BEDA 84 -- Escobal 22, Hermida 21, Menor 19, Ekwe 12, Gamalinda 4, Taganas 2, Marcelo 2, Lanete 2, Maggay 0.
Quarters: 18-22, 47-42, 65-70, 88-84

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 04:13 AM

Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League
UST, UV advance to semis
By WAYLON GALVEZ
Manila Bulletin
Tuesday, November 20, 2007

UNIVERSITY OF Santo Tomas and University of Visayas moved to the semifinals following separate wins in the quarterfinal stage of the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL) yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

The UST Tigers, last year’s UAAP champions, eliminated NCAA champion San Beda College, 88-84, to reach the Final Four of this annual tournament for the first time.

The UV Green Lancers, on the other hand, plastered the University of Mindanao Wildcats, 78-58, in the first game.

Jervy Cruz, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a member of the Philippine team bound for next month’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, led UST with 21 points and 15 rebounds.

The 6-foot-4 Cruz came through with a sterling performance despite arriving two hours before the game from Tagaytay City where the Nationals had an overnight team-building.

"He’s not actually practicing, pero nakita n’yo naman ‘yung puso ng bata, hindi lang siya pati buong team," UST coach Pido Jarencio said.

UST, which ousted Mapua last week, will face either Ateneo or Jose Rizal University in the semifinals.

The Green Lancers relied on ace gunner Ritchum Dennison, who scored 16 points and big man Rino Berame who came off the bench to finish with a double-double - 14 points and 13 rebounds.

"Our advantage was our bigmen and outside shooting and we’re able to make good use of both," UV mentor Boy Cabahug said.

The seven-time Cebu Athletic School Foundation Inc. (CESSAFI) champion, started strong and took a 43-22 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The lead ballooned to as many as 24 points twice before UM made a big run to chop the lead to just 10 points in the final quarter.

But the Lancers answered with a 10-0 run to build a 75-55 cushion with a minute left to play.

Gregory Slaughter, the 6-foot-11 Fil-American who is being closely watched by several scouts and agents, only had two points, the same numbers of rebounds and assists, with three shot blocks.

"He’s really a project. He can shoot from the outside and can run the floor," said basketball agent Danny Espiritu who handles the career of several high-profiled PBA players, including Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa.

UV, which was eliminated last year by San Beda, will play the winner of the quarterfinal match between Far Eastern University and STI College.

The Tamaraws and the Olympians clash tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the same venue, while the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the JRU Heavy Bombers meet at 4 p.m.

The scores:

First Game

UV 78 — Dennison 16, Berame 14, Diputado 9, Luga 9, Lanete 8, Medana 8, Villanil 7, Tancongco 5, Slaughter 2, Lasala 0, Sendrijas 0, Pilogo 0, Lao 0, Arda 0, Minigque 0.

UM 58 — Awitan 20, Palomares 8, Calalayad 8, Angalan 6, Calimpong 6, Ciceralde 3, Edulan 3, Blanco 2, Silvarez 1, Apormeo 1, Guirigay 0, Cisneros 0.

Quarters: 22-11; 43-22; 59-43; 78-88.

UM 22 21 16 19 — 78.

UV 11 11 21 15 — 58.

Second Game

UST 88 — Cruz 21, Ababou 17, Allera 12, Espiritu 11, Cuan 9, Mirza 7, Canlas 6, Cortez 3, Taylor 2, Gile 0, Dizon 0, Basa 0, Badua 0.

San Beda 84 — Escobal 22, Hermida 21, Menor 19, Ekwe 12, Gamalinda 4, Taganas 2, Marcelo 2, Lanete 2, Maggay 0.

Quarters: 18-22; 47-42; 65-70; 88-84.

UST 18 29 18 23 — 88.

San Beda 22 20 28 14 — 84.

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 05:15 AM

CCL: Growling Tigers maul Red Lions, storm into Final 4
www.gmanews.tv
11/19/2007 | 08:59 PM

The UST Growling Tigers played with confidence and airtight defense to beat reigning NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, 88-84, and advance to the semifinals of the 2007 Collegiate Champions League (CCL) Monday at the Arena in San Juan.

The Tigers, the 2006 UAAP champions, showed killer instinct in the decisive fourth quarter as National Team member Jervy Cruz, Dylan Ababou, Mark Canlas, and Japs Cuan gradually pounded on the Lions on both ends of the court en route to an 11-7 closing run made more awesome with Cuan calmly sinking his two free throws for an 85-81 UST lead, with 36.7 seconds left.

The Lions had a chance to inch closer in the next possession, but UST's swarming defense forced the back-to-back NCAA champions to turn the ball over that sealed the outcome.

"I can't say more of how the players delivered today," coach Pido Jarencio said. "A lot of the players are not joining our practices these days because they have PBL and National Team commitments, but they know the system and knew what to do because they are always willing to play and sacrifice for UST."

Jervy Cruz, who's bound for the Southeast Asian Games, just got back from a team-building session with the Nationals in Tagaytay. Anthony Espiritu, Dylan Ababou, Francis Allera, Mark Canlas, and Chester Taylor also had their respective mother teams to attend to in the ongoing PBL V-GO Extreme Energy Drink Cup.

Espiritu split his charities off an intentional foul with 26 seconds remaining, and the Lions fired one three-pointer after another to no avail.

Cuan, rather known for his passing abilities and his daredevil drives, went two-out-of-two from the free throw line for one last time to put the score at 88-81, in favor of the Tigers. San Beda's Pong Escobal made a trey as the time expired for the final count.

UAAP MVP Jervy Cruz registered another monster game with 21 points and 15 rebounds to pace the Tigers, while Ababou and Allera chipped in 17 and 12 points, respectively.

Sophomore guard Pong Escobal shot a game-high 22 points in a losing effort for the Lions, last year's Champions league runner-up to UAAP's University of the East Red Warriors.

Earlier, the University of Visayas Green Lancers entered the Final Four as they defeated the helpless University of Mindanao Wildcats, 78-58.

Scores

First Game

University of Visayas (78): Dennison 16, Berame 14, Luga 9, Diputado 9, Medana 8, Lanete 8, Villanil 7, Tancongco 5, Slaughter 2, Arda 0, Lao 0, Minigque 0, Pitogo 0, Sendrijas 0, Lasala 0

University of Mindanao (58): Awitin 20, Calatayud 8, Palomares 8, Calimpong 6, Angalan 6, Edulan 3, Ciceralde 3, Blanco 2, Silvarez 1, Apormeo 1, Cisneros 0, Guirigay 0

Quarters: 22-11, 43-22, 59-43, 78-58

Second Game

UST (88): Cruz 21, Ababou 17, Allera 12, Espiritu 11, Cuan 9, Mirza 7, Canlas 6, Cortez 3, Taylor 2, Basa 0, Badua 0, Gile 0, Dizon 0

San Beda (84): Escobal 22, Hermida 21, Menor 19, Ekwe 12, Gamalinda 4, Taganas 2, Marcelo 2, Lanete 2, Maggay 0

Quarters: 18-22, 47-42, 65-70, 88-84

- Llanesca T. Panti, GMANews.TV

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 06:38 AM

http://www.inboundpass.com/2007/11/19/growling-tigers-make-mincemeat-of-red-lions-earn-f4/

Growling Tigers make mincemeat of Red Lions, earn F4
by Josef Ramos
Monday, 19 November 2007

In this jungle, tigers are better than Lions.

UST took advantage of San Beda’s awful endgame performance on the way to the Final Four after squeezing out an emotional 88-84 win last November 19, 2007 in the quarterfinals stage of the Flying V National Collegiate Champions Cup.

Down by five entering the last quarter, 65-70, the Growling Tigers shocked the whole crowd at the Arena in San Juan City by outscoring the Red Lions in the fourth period, 23-14, to just sit back and relax as they await the winner between Jose Rizal University and Ateneo in the semifinals.

UST head coach Pido Jarencio praised his boys – particularly his usual UAAP starters –for displaying tough basketball despite the intimidating presence of the reigning back-to-back NCAA champions.

“I can’t say anything more about my players,” said Jarencio. “They played great even we started the game badly”. It is not how you start it but how you finish.”, he added.

6-foot-6 70th UAAP MVP Jerby Cruz, joining the SEAG-bound RP team this December, out-dueled counterpart Samuel Ekwe at the low post by leading UST with 21 points and hauling down 15 rebounds.

“He is really tall and strong but i took the challenge,” said Cruz. “We played as a team and I think that was our key to victory.”

The UST Growling Tigers used a decisive 17-7 run, capped by the 7 and 6 points from Dylan Ababou and Cruz, respectively, to turn their fortunes around, 80-77, with 3:30 minutes left in the game after Mark Canlas’ two straight baskets.

In the last three minutes, the Red Lions could only score 4 points as attempts by Pong Escobal and Rogemar Menor, with 22 and 19 points respectively, to recover the game for San Bedafailed and cost them the game.

Japs Cuan, had nine points and nine assists, proved to be steadier at the foul line at the last 36 seconds, by nailing four free throws to peg the final count.

“He is practicing very hard by taking a lot of attempts from the free throw line each day,” said Jarencio. “And its giving us outstanding results.”

Ababou racked up 17 points and grabbed 7 boards, while Francis Allera and Anthony Espiritu had 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Growling Tigers fought very hard in the rebounding department, 52-50, and shared the ball more than the Red Lions, 21-14.

UST started lame, finishing first quarter at 18-22, but it went out 29-20 in scoring at the 2nd period to gain the upper-hand at halftime, 47-42.

San Beda outscored UST, 28-18, in the third period to get back on track at the start of the final period, 70-65.

“This game will be a lesson for us,” said Frankie Lim, the Red Lions mentor, who also drew 21 points and 12 rebounds from playmaker Borgie Hermida. “UST played tough game against us.”

Samuel Ekwe had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks for San Beda.

Individual scores:

UST 88–Cruz 21, Ababou 17, Allera 12, Espiritu 11, Cuan 9, Mirza 7, Canlas 6, Cortez 3, Taylor 2, Basa 0, Badua 0, Gile 0, Dizon 0.

SAN BEDA 84–Escobal 22, Hermida 21, Menor 19, Ekwe 12, Gamalinda 4, Taganas 2, Marcelo 2, Lanete 2, Maggay 0.

Quarter scores: 18-22, 47-42, 65-70, 88-84

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 06:40 AM

http://www.inboundpass.com/2007/11/19/visayas-sends-mindanao-home-clinches-f4/

Visayas sends Mindanao home, clinches F4
by Josef Ramos
Monday, 19 November 2007

Showing that there could only be one best team from the south, University of Visayas drubbed University of Mindanao, 78-58, last November 19, 2007 for a semifinals slot in the Flying V National Collegiate Champions Cup at The Arena in San Juan City .

The Green Lancers, coached by ex-pro Elmer ‘Boy’ Cabahug, cruised to a good start and finished the game convincingly to challenge the winner between FEU Tamaraws and STI College in the semifinals.

“Our height and shooting advantage was practically the keys to this victory aside from our defense,” said Cabahug, who is now looking forward to his next match. “FEU and STI are both competitive, so we’re going to prepare harder.”

Shooting guard Ritchum Dennison put the Green Lancers on a strong start by firing 10 of his 16 points in the opening quarter for an early double-digit advantage, 22-11, which they never relinquished till the end of the game.

University of Visayas continued its dominating ways in the second period, outscoring them, 21-11, for a huge 43-22 halftime advantage.

6-foot-7 Rino Berame piled up 10 of his 14 points in the last quarter – including a dunk that gave UV a 70-48 lead with 3:12 minutes to go – and had 13 rebounds.

Michael Luga and Chris Diputado scored 9 points apiece, while Ariel Mepaña and Von Lanete contributed 8 points each.

UV out-rebounded UM, 53-37, and got more assists (16-15), blocks (6-1) and steals (8-3). The Green Lancers shot 30-out-of-70 (43%) against the Wildcats’ 22-out-of-66 (33%).

Eder Awitin led the Wildcats with 20 points.

Individual scores

UV 78 — Dennison 16, Berame 14, Luga 9, Diputado 9, Medana 8,Lanete 8, Villanil 7, Tancongco 5, Slaughter 2, Arda 0, Lao 0, Minigque0, Pitogo 0, Sendrijas 0, Lasala 0.

UM 58 — Awitin 20, Calatayud 8, Palomares 8, Calimpong 6, Angalan 6, Edulan 3, Ciceralde 3, Blanco 2, Silvarez 1, Apormeo 1, Cisneros 0, Guirigay 0.

Quarter scores: 22-11, 43-22, 59-43, 78-58

easter

11-20-2007, 06:54 AM

I was waiting for this game of champions since last year and it finally happened this time around. And the two teams did not disappoint!

I think SBC was rather unfamiliar how UST played the boards that's why the Lions fell victim to their amazing offensive rebounding prowess last night. You really need to play UST in this setting to determine how good Jervy Cruz and the rest of the Tigers when it comes to offensive rebounding. But even playing them multiple times doesn't guarantee a victory.

Schortsanitis

11-20-2007, 08:32 AM

21 points, 15 rebounds by Jervy Cruz against the gold standard of college Centers right now, Sam Ekwe. Not THAT, is a Center. Jervy also played well against a tall Singaporean Slingers team. I think he's showing off all he's got, in preparation for turning pro next season.

I think Jervy needs to assert himself also in the PBL. If he does that, then I would be more confident he will do well in the PBA.

Schortsanitis

11-20-2007, 08:33 AM

YOU may be surprised at the strength of STI's roster.* Coach Victor Ycasiano has assembled a cast consisting of NCAA transferees Mark Balneg (Letran), Daryl Mendoza (Perpetual Help) and Raymond Tiongco (Mapua Tech).* Add to that their regular contributors in shooter Dexter Micutuan and defender Ramon Mabayo and you will see why they won this year's NAASCU.

Thanks for the info. *Great opportunity for STI to get themselves better known by the General Public, if they play well in the CCL.

Dark Knight

11-20-2007, 08:57 AM

Cabagnot is injured (arm). And so is Sanga (knee) and Ramos (busted lip).

May talo ang FEU.

amdgc82

11-20-2007, 09:00 AM

** Either FEU or STI will be UV's first real test in this tournament.* They've been having a cakewalk thus far against Lyceum & UM.* FEU doesn't have a dominant big man, & wasn't even in the final four, but they do have notable players like Baracael & Cawaling.* Don't know anything about STI, but if they beat FEU they should be a strong team also.*

* * *YOU may be surprised at the strength of STI's roster.* Coach Victor Ycasiano has assembled a cast consisting of NCAA transferees Mark Balneg (Letran), Daryl Mendoza (Perpetual Help) and Raymond Tiongco (Mapua Tech).* Add to that their regular contributors in shooter Dexter Micutuan and defender Ramon Mabayo and you will see why they won this year's NAASCU.

Also, former NU Bulldog center Howard Flor is in their line up.

bigfreeze_bibby

11-20-2007, 09:35 AM

May eligibility pa ba sina Flor at Tiongco? Parang ang tagal na nilang naglalaro sa collegiate scene e.

5FootCarrot

11-20-2007, 12:29 PM

It's clear that they're still eligible under the rules of the league in which STI participates, even if they probably can't play anymore under NCAA or UAAP rules.

amdgc82

11-21-2007, 06:43 AM

Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League
2 semis seats at stake today
By WAYLON GALVEZ
Manila Bulletin
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Four teams shoot for the remaining two semifinal seats as quarterfinal action ends today in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL) today at The Arena in San Juan.

Far Eastern University and STI College clash in the first game at 2 p.m., while Ateneo de Manila and Jose Rizal University collide at 4 p.m.

Last Monday, last year’s UAAP champion University of Santo Tomas and seven-time CESSAFI titlist University of Visayas secured Final Four tickets following contrasting wins.

UST eliminated NCAA champion San Beda College, 88-84, while UV defeated University of Mindanao, 78-58.

The Green Lancers will face the winner between the Tamaraws and the Olympians, while the Tigers will either tackle the Blue Eagles or the Heavy Bombers in the semifinals on Monday.

FEU, back-to-back champion in the CCL in 2004-05, earned a quarterfinal seat by beating Manuel L. Quezon University, 91-80, last Nov. 10, while STI won by default against defending champion University of the East.

All eyes, however, will be on Ateneo and JRU, which finished third a year ago in this annual tournament.

"They’re a tough team, they have a very good coach and a very good system," said Ateneo coach Norman Black, whose team defeated San Sebastian College, 78-51, in the first round.

Against the Stags, the Eagles played without Cris Tiu who was with the Philippine team that saw action in Singapore in preparation for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month.

It remains uncertain if Tiu will suit up for the Eagles today.

Ateneo will continue to miss the services of bigmen Zion Latere and Jobe Nkemakolam.

JRU, on the other hand, bucked the absence of three key players to beat West Negros College, 83-61, last Nov. 13.

The Bombers will play anew minus John Wilson (sprained ankle), John Eric Agas (sprained ankle) and Rene Cunanan (groin).

James Sena, who had 23 points and 14 rebounds the last time, remains an intimidating presence for JRU.

"With the right attitude plus hard work and determination, I’m confident that we can beat Ateneo," said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.

The winner of the annual event, now on its fifth year, will receive R500,000 in the form of sports scholarships. The next three finishers will get R200,000, R100,000 and R50,000 in that order. Smart has also put up special prizes for the Most Valuable Player (M.V. Pangilinan Cup award), members of two Mythical teams, best defensive team, coach of the series and the best performing referee.

ridgemark

11-21-2007, 12:55 PM

CONGRATS TO THE TIGERS. YOU DESERVE THAT WIN!!!

We'll just have to do better next time. GO SAN BEDA FIGHT!

amdgc82

11-21-2007, 02:08 PM

Worried coach
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 01:46pm (Mla time) 11/21/2007

UV head coach Cabahug hopes long break won’t affect Green Lancers’ title bid in CCL

Games today:

(The Arena)
2 p.m.--Far Eastern vs STI
4 p.m.--Ateneo vs Jose Rizal

University of the Visayas (UV) head coach Boy Cabahug is hoping that the team's long break will not affect the Green Lancers' campaign in the 5th Collegiate Champions League (CCL).

“It would be possible that the break will have an adverse effect but we will use the break to our advantage,” Cabahug told Cebu Daily News (CDN).

The Lancers, seven-time champions in the Cesafi men's basketball tournament, will not play until Nov. 26. They will face the winner of today's game between the Far eastern University and the STI College.

“We will use the break in scouting our opponents and at the same time use it for fine-tuning.”

The break could also lead to rustiness but Cabahug said they could avoid that by holding constant practices.

“We will make ourselves busy during the break. We will make sure that we will be in a tip-top shape in our next outing,” Cabahug said.

The Green Lancers barreled their way to the Round of Four when they clobbered the University of Mindanao (UM) Wildcats, 78-58, last Monday. Before that, UV punished the Lyceum University Pirates, 101-80, in the Round of 16.

UV is on its second semifinal appearance, achieving the same feat in the league's third edition where they went on to bag their best-ever finish at third place.

UV is the only non-Manila team left in the tournament, which has been consistently ruled by collegiate teams from Manila.

With the ouster of the San Beda College (SBC) Red Lions, last year's losing finalists, and the non-participation of defending champion University of the East (UE) and powerhouse team De La Salle University (DLSU), UV has a great chance of reaching far.

“I like our chances now with powerhouse team like San Beda going down. But we could not take the other teams lightly ,” said Cabahug. /Correspondent Calvin Cordova

pablohoney

11-21-2007, 04:58 PM

Just heard that STI defeated FEU, 77-72.

LION

11-21-2007, 05:25 PM

Sabi na nga ba, NAASCU is the stronger league. ;D

mighty_lion

11-21-2007, 05:42 PM

* * *YOU may be surprised at the strength of STI's roster.* Coach Victor Ycasiano has assembled a cast consisting of NCAA transferees Mark Balneg (Letran), Daryl Mendoza (Perpetual Help) and Raymond Tiongco (Mapua Tech).* Add to that their regular contributors in shooter Dexter Micutuan and defender Ramon Mabayo and you will see why they won this year's NAASCU.

You cannot disregard the experience na dala ng mga ito. Mark Balneg again! I missed this guy. Para syang possessive na girlfriend ni Pong last year. ;D

pablohoney

11-21-2007, 06:03 PM

It looks like it's going to be a UST-ADMU Final Four matchup again.

ADMU is leading comfortably with about 2 minutes to go, 73-57.
Nagkakaasaran pa daw sila Hayes at Arao.
And may nambatok pa kay Tiu.

Tingnan na lang natin sa replay later... :)

Even the halftime ay makulay, kahit walang BBB.
JRU Pep daw nag Go Uste at nag Go La Salle.
Talaga namang alaskador din ang mga Bombers. LOL ;D

pablohoney

11-21-2007, 06:14 PM

Final Score:
81-71, ADMU over JRU.

So it's going to be UST-ADMU on Monday.

nastrans

11-21-2007, 09:51 PM

This would mark the first time a non-UAAP and non-NCAA school is assured a seat in the Finals, hoping for a good game between STI and UV.

Dark Knight

11-22-2007, 12:50 AM

Tiu bails Ateneo out; STI shocks FEU
By Joey Villar
Thursday, November 22, 2007

Ateneo drew another clutch performance from Chris Tiu as it survived Jose Rizal University, 81-71, yesterday to barge into the Final Four of the Fil-Oil/Flying V Collegiate Champions League at the Arena in San Juan.

In his first game with the Eagles since they lost to eventual champion La Salle in the 70th UAAP season, Tiu fired 16 points, including 14 in a pair of runs bridging the third and fourth quarters, as Ateneo broke away from a tight contest and into the semis against University of Santo Tomas in a rematch between the 2006 UAAP finalists on Monday.

“I haven’t seen him (Tiu) since our last game in the UAAP. It feels good seeing him knock in those big shots,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Earlier, NAASCU champion STI College went to transferees Mark Balneg and Howard Flor down the stretch as the Olympians trounced the Far Eastern U Tams, 77-72, to arrange a semis duel with Cebu champion University of Visayas.

Balneg, formerly from Letran, scored seven of his 12 points in the last period while Flor, an ex-National U standout, had five of his 11 in the same period as the Olympians outscored the Tams for the win.

The Eagles, who led in the first two quarters, actually fell behind by five points late in the third as the Bombers played a physical game, forcing a series of Ateneo turnovers, which they converted into baskets, including a twinner by John Wilson that made it, 51-46.

But the Eagles refused to give up and then set up Tiu, member of the national team seeing action in the SEA Games next month in Thailand, who fired two straight jumpers as Ateneo wrested the lead at 57-54 lead heading into the fourth period.

Tiu, dubbed as Mr. Clutch in the UAAP for his courage to take and ability to make crucial shots, then drained a pair of triples in another Ateneo run in the last period to break the game open.

amdgc82

11-22-2007, 03:18 AM

Lowly STI dumps FEU, enters semis
By REY C. LACHICA
Manila Bulletin
Thursday, November 22, 2007

BEING A first-timer, NAASCU champion STI was hardly given a chance when it joined the Fil-Oil Flying V National Collegiate Champions League. Well, that’s no longer the case now especially after what it did to one of the winningest teams in the UAAP yesterday.

Showing great resolve in both ends of the court, the STI Olympians brought down Far Eastern University, 77-72, and advanced to the semifinals of this annual tournament that gathers most of the country’s best collegiate teams.

Clinching the fourth and last semis berth was Ateneo, which leaned on the red-hot shooting of Chris Tiu and forward Nonoy Baclao in the fourth period to crush Jose Rizal University, 81-71.

The Eagles started slow as they trailed most of the time but when Tiu got into his offensive mode, the Katipunan-based squad ripped the game wide open.

Playing his first game for Ateneo after joining the trip of the Philippine team to Singapore last week, the 5-foot-11 Tiu exploded for 16 points, 10 of them in the payoff period to seal the win and arrange for the Eagles a showdown with University of Santo Tomas — the same team which shocked them in last year’s UAAP Finals.

"It’s nice to see Chris making those big shots," said Ateneo coach Norman Black, who also credited the team’s big fighting heart for the win.

"We just matched the physicality of JRC and that helped us a lot," said Black, who also drew 18 points and seven boards from Ford Arao.

JRU took the lead at 51-46 before Arao and Tiu combined in several spurts to push Ateneo to a 57-54 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

Mark Balneg, who played for two championships with Letran in the NCAA before transferring to STI, delivered the lethal blows as he knocked in five of the team’s last seven points, including a trey that turned the game around.

He finished with 12 points, seven of them in the fourth quarter to highlight STI’s whirlwind finish that left FEU coach Glenn Capacio shaking his head in dismay.

The scores:

First Game

STI 77 – Mabayo 12, Balneg 12, Flor 11, Micutuan 10,Cabangon 8, Porto 7, Tiongco 6, Mendoza 5, Juan 4,Tolentino 2.

FEU 72 – Baracael 15, Barroca 10, Ramos 10, Adolfo10, Alisbo 7, Fernandez 7, Cawaling 7, Cervantez 5,Abarring 1, Cabagnot 0, Knuttel 0.

Quarters: 20-14, 35-35, 51-51, 77-72.

STI 20 15 16 26 — 77

FEU 14 21 16 21 — 72

Second Game

ATENEO 81 – Arao 18, Tiu 16, Barrascoso 12, Baclao11, Baldos 7, Long 6, Reyes 4, Escueta 3, Al-Hussaini2, Salamat 2, Sumalinog 0, Austria 0.

JRU 71 – Wilson 26, Pradas 13, Sena 10, Nomum 10,Bulangis 6, Se 4, Hayes 2, Lituania 0, Kabigting 0,Cagoco 0.

Quarters: 20-17, 37-34, 57-54, 81-71.

ATENEO 20 17 20 24 — 81

JRU 17 17 20 17 — 71

amdgc82

11-22-2007, 06:40 AM

STI, Ateneo gain Champs semis
Olympians shock Tams; Eagles defuse Bombers
By Marc Anthony Reyes
Inquirer
Last updated 05:50am (Mla time) 11/22/2007

GAMES MONDAY (The Arena)
2 p.m. -- UV vs STI
4 p.m. -- UST vs Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines -- One was pretty much expected, the other absolutely a shocker.

STI College and Ateneo de Manila University -- schools seldom mentioned in the same sentence especially with regard to basketball -- fashioned out contrasting triumphs Wednesday to grab the last two semifinal berths in the Fil-Oil Flying V National Collegiate Champions League at The Arena in San Juan City.

The STI Olympians, the reigning National Athletics Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities champions, downed the more famous Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 77-72, to take their place among the best collegiate teams in the land.

Later in the day, UAAP heavyweight Ateneo slammed NCAA’s Jose Rizal University, 81-71, behind the torrid outside shooting of stalwarts Chris Tiu and Nonoy Baclao.

STI advanced against University of Visayas, while Ateneo will take on University of Santo Tomas on Monday in no-tomorrow semifinal matches.

Tiu, on loan to the national team preparing for the Southeast Asian Games, fired 16 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter to help the Eagles seal the victory.

That visibly pleased coach Norman Black, who pounded on deliberate and physical brand of basketball against the NCAA’s tough guys.

“It’s nice to see Chris making those big shots,” said Black.

Mark Balneg scored five points in the homestretch, including a three-pointer that proved to be the telling blow for the Olympians.

The scores:

First Game

STI 77—Mabayo 12, Balneg 12, Flor 11, Micutuan 10, Cabangon 8, Porto 7, Tiongco 6, Mendoza 5, Juan 4, Tolentino 2.
FEU 72—Baracael 15, Barroca 10, Ramos 10, Adolfo 10, Alisbo 7, Fernandez 7, Cawaling 7, Cervantez 5, Abarring 1, Cabagnot 0, Knuttel 0.
Quarters: 20-14, 35-35, 51-51, 77-72.

Second Game

ATENEO 81—Arao 18, Tiu 16, Barrascoso 12, Baclao 11, Baldos 7, Long 6, Reyes 4, Escueta 3, Al-Hussaini 2, Salamat 2, Sumalinog 0, Austria 0.
JRU 71—Wilson 26, Pradas 13, Sena 10, Nocom 10, Bulangis 6, Se 4, Hayes 2, Lituania 0, Kabigting 0, Cagoco 0.
Quarters: 20-17, 37-34, 57-54, 81-71

Schortsanitis

11-22-2007, 07:12 AM

Balneg & Flor of STI played well against FEU. Those guys are grizzled veterans, I wonder how long have they been playing collegiate basketball already?

amdgc82

11-22-2007, 12:11 PM

http://www.inboundpass.com/2007/11/21/tiu-saves-ateneo/

Tiu saves Ateneo
by Josef Ramos
Wednesday, 21 November 2007

Since they lost to La Salle the last time, the Blue Eagles have learned from that bitter experience, especially Chris Tiu.

Tiu proved his worth as member of the RP-Harbour squad by helping Ateneo De Manila book its seat in the semifinals at the Flying V fifth Collegiate Champions League after whacking Jose Rizal University, 81-71, last November 22, 2007 at The Arena in San Juan City.

“I’m little bit energetic these days because my inclusion in the national team has inspired me,” said Tiu, referring to Philippines men’s basketball campaign in the 24th Thailand Southeast Asian Games this December, 2007. “I learned a lot since we lost to La Salle.”

Chris Tiu made 16 points – including 14 points in a pair of runs bridging the third and fourth quarters to seal the Blue Eagles’ last berth in the semifinal round on November 26.

Despite the Heavy Bombers’ 51-46 lead late in the third quarter on a basket by John Wilson, the Blue Eagles used a searing 11-6 run capped by Tiu’s two jumpers and turn that deficit to a 57-54 lead going into the last quarter.

“I have not seen him (Tiu) since our last game in the UAAP, it feels good seeing him knock in those big shots,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “Everybody learned their lesson from the last UAAP and this is the right time to show it.”

Tiu, then, drained a pair of booming triples in another run in the final quarter that put the game out of reach.

“We know they play tough so I told the boys to match their physical tactics,” said Black, who is seeking a title in college basketball after capturing 10 crowns in the PBA. “We had some early fouls from our starters but we sent the message that we wouldn’t back off.”

Power forward Clifford Arao paced the Blue Eagles with 18 points and 11 boards, while Ken Barracoso and Nonoy Baclao had 12 and 11 points each to set the stage for Ateneo with a semifinal showdown against UST. John Wilson led JRU with 26 points while Maui Pradas had 13.

Individual scores:

Ateneo 81- Arao 18, Tiu 16, Barracoso 12, Baclao 11, Baldos 7, Long 6, Reyes 4, Escueta 3, Al-Hussaini 2, Salamat 2, Sumalinog 0, Austria 0

Jose Rizal 71- Wilson 26, Pradas 13, Sena 10, Nocom 10, Bulangis 6, Se 4, Hayes 2, Lituania 0, Kabigting 0, Cagoco 0

Quarter scores: 20-17; 37-34; 57-54; 81-71

amdgc82

11-22-2007, 12:14 PM

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2007/11/good-bad-ugly.html

Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

Ateneo 81 vs. Jose Rizal University 71
by rick olivares

Champions League Match #11
November 21, 2007
The Arena of San Juan

The tale of the tape
Some things never change. As a player, in the mid to late 1960’s, Ricky Palou’s Blue Eagles found every game against Jose Rizal College (as they were known back then) in the eyes of many, a test of manhood. The Heavy Bombers may not have had always the most talented of teams, but they were one of the toughest to play. It was grind it out high intensity basketball. “Trench warfare,” were the words teammate Tito Panlilio used to describe those matches.

The team from Shaw Boulevard might have been accorded “university” status today, but their game remains ever the same. Bruising, physical basket… brawl, er, ball. And JRU’s second year coach Alex Vanguardia wouldn’t want it any other way. Said veteran NCAA sportscaster Butch Maniego, “They found a style they are comfortable with. And it masks their lack of ceiling.”

Jose Rizal is the team the other NCAA teams don’t want to play. Others may have gotten away with a victory but the telltale bruises, fat lips, and welts afterwards told of the struggle to get the “W.”

While in preparation for the Elite Eight Round of the 2007 Collegiate Champions league, Norman Black reminded the team that they had to meet JRU’s physicality with their own. “We need to show and tell them that we’re not backing down,” he emphasized to an attentive squad. “It’s also important to move that ball around to spread their defense. And when we’ve done that, we attack their middle where they are weak.”

Said team trainer Chester Tiongson, “It’s one thing to put your mindset that it will be a physical game as opposed to not expecting it at all. It throws off your game.”

“We’re ready,” said sophomore guard Eric Salamat as the team raced onto the court for warm-ups.

The Blue Eagles were indeed ready, but the actual game in itself was something else. A total of 20 fouls were called in the first quarter that took almost 25 minutes to play with all its stoppages, potential flash points, and free throw shooting. The Ateneo team and supporters traded barbs and jeers with their opposite numbers. “Just like the old days,” chuckled Blue Eagle alum Jimmy Alabanza. ‘No quarter is given.”

Kirk Long was clotheslined by JRU point guard Mark Cagoco, Salamat was elbowed in the mouth, and Bacon Austria was floored by forward Mark Pradas. The crowd howled for the pint of flesh, but no technical fouls were forthcoming. The Blue Eagles slogged their way through the trenches to lead 37-34 at the half.

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
With two minutes and ten seconds left in the third quarter, Ateneo led by a point, 52-51, courtesy of consecutive field goals by Blue Eagles’ skipper Chris Tiu. Having just arrived from a national team stint in Singapore, Tiu was in marvelous game shape. However, he still had to unpack his jumpshot from his suitcase as he missed all five of his attempts from the field in the first half.

But by the late third quarter, after he swished his second straight jumper – this one from the right side of the court, Tiu bothered by all the tight guarding and second man-to-man defense by the Heavy Bombers served notice that he would be shackled no more. Vanguardia vigorously instructed his players – JM Wilson and JR Bulangis to mark the Atenean closely.

As Tiu drove hard for the basket, he was bludgeoned but the referees swallowed their whistles. He gave the refs a pleading look for a moment then raced downcourt to get back on defense. Senior forward Mike Baldos pulled down a defensive rebound and was fouled by JRU’s Jayson Nocom. As he trooped to the stripe for a pair of free throws (JRU was in penalty), Nocom told Baldos, “mintis mo.”

The Atenean smiled and coolly canned his first, smiled at his opponent, then sank his second. It was 54-51 for Ateneo and Norman Black’s boys showed that they were not at all intimidated.

Forty seconds later, forward Ken Barracoso, playing with steely verve over the last few games, nailed a dead-eye three pointer to pad the cushion to seven, 57-51. The tide had turned.

Taking out the head and the body
Two years ago, after the NCAA’s Season 82 (where San Beda won its first championship in 28 years) ended, the Heavy Bombers lost their MVP candidate in Floyd Dedicatoria. This past season, with no impact rookies to replace his team’s lost firepower, JRU head coach Ariel Vanguardia wondered who would step up. Think of Ford Arao’s impact on Ateneo’s last season; that’s what their do-it-all forward Marvin Hayes was to his team.

Unfortunately for Vanguardia, Hayes was taken out of the fight right from the opening tip. Matched up against Nonoy Baclao, Hayes took eight attempts at the basket. Four of them – including the first three – were rejected by the long-armed Blue Eagle forward. They were almost even in the rebounding 16-15, but Baclao’s 11 points and 6 blocks were the difference. “He sure made them think twice about taking shots inside,” said Black of his prize forward’s ability to alter opponent’s game plans with his defensive presence (the official tally for his blocks were six, but by this writer’s count, he had eight).

JRU finished in the top four of the NCAA with no small thanks to its point guard Mark Cagoco. He can drive, pop and shoot, stick the three, and dish. A point guard in every sense of the word. He makes this team go. Unfortunately for him, on this day, Cagoco thought he was a linebacker as he tackled and blitzed right through the Blue Eagles and found himself in foul trouble for thinking that he was Lawrence Taylor. It certainly didn’t help his team’s cause as he missed all 11 of his shots from the field.

But this is JRU. They’re the NCAA’s version of National University (read: they haven’t met a three-pointer that they didn’t like) except that these Heavy Bombers are in a real sense “pit bulls” more than NU will ever be “bulldogs.” They are the bomb squad of the grand old league. They jacked up 32 trey attempts and made found the bottom only on 10 of them (we were just as atrocious making 8 of 27).

With two of their cogs cancelled out, Ateneo – Black played 11 of his available 12 players – got significant contributions from just about everybody. Tiu once he got going made five of nine field goal attempts and three out of four free throws in the second half to finish with 16 points. His block on a JM Wilson three-pointer (after JRU’s whirling dervish of a forward nailed two straight threes) with the Heavy Bombers threatening to come back at 79-68 pretty much ended any threat of a comeback. “Good D. Good D,” cheered assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga from the bench with a righteous pumped fist.

Ford Arao, feeling his legs having to play double duty in the PBL topscored with 18 while pulling down 7 boards. Barracoso continued his sterling play with 12 points , 3 rebounds, and 4 assists (including the sweet dish of the game to a streaking Mike Baldos (who put in the right amount of body English for the shot to trickle in) off a foul by Nocom.

After the game mercifully ended, the two teams congratulated one another. A relieved Norman Black thanked his team. “I’m proud of our boys because they didn’t back down and instead of retaliating (to JRU’s roughhousing tactics), they just went out and played good basketball.”

Outside by the players’ entrance, University Athletics Director Ricky Palou shared a smoke and some small talk with the coaching staff and other supporters. “Pare, that was some win,” said the proud yet relieved former Blue Eagle.

Against an old foe with a penchant for rough play.

Some things never change.

Notes: In last year’s champions league, JRU was a wild card entry who knocked out then newly crowned UAAP champ UST on their homecourt and NCAA fourth seed Mapua on their way to a final four match with San Beda who barely knocked them out. This year, they couldn’t work their Cinderella magic on Ateneo that was missing the services of Jobe Nkemakolam and Zion Laterre.

The Blue Eagles will play UST in the Champions League Final Four on Monday, November 26, at 4pm in The Arena.

Ateneo 81 – Arao 18, Tiu 16, Barracoso 12, Baclao 11, Baldos 7, Long 6, Reyes 4, Escueta 3, Salamat 2, Al-Husseini 2, Austria 0, Sumalinog 0

JRU 71 – Wilson 26, Pradas 13, Sena 10, Nocom 10, Bulangis 6, Se 4, Hayes 2, Cagoco 0, Kabigting 0, Lituania 0

Posted by Rick Olivares* *

amdgc82

11-22-2007, 12:36 PM

http://stiolympians.multiply.com/journal/item/17/STI_COLLEGE_OLYMPIANS_BEAT_FEU_TAMARAWS_77-72_in_the_CCL

STI COLLEGE OLYMPIANS BEAT FEU TAMARAWS 77-72 in the CCL

The National Athletic Association of Schools Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) is a young league that has just finished its 7th season.* *The NAASCU is positioned as “the third league,” lagging behind the UAAP & NCAA since both rival leagues have been in existence for the past 70 years with the most popular amateur players in the country playing for that league.* Representing the ten member schools of the NAASCU in the Collegiate Champions League (CCL) is this year’s champion, the STI College Olympians.* The Olympians showed their might as they brought down Unigames champion and many time UAAP champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws 77-72 in the round of 8 of the CCL.*

Olympian Forward Mark Balneg drained the insurance three pointer with time winding down to give the Olympians a 74-72 lead with just 50 seconds to go.* After that, the Olympians stingy defense shut down the Tamaraws in three succeeding plays and coming up with three free throws courtesy of Balneg and veteran point guard Raymond Tiongco to put the game beyond recall

The game started with the Olympians dictating the pace and making an impact right away by controlling the middle through center Howard Flor and igniting fastbreaks off turnovers courtesy of Mike Cabangon that gave them an eight point lead 18-10 and settled for a 20-14 cushion at the end of the first quarter. The Tams then regrouped through JR Cawaling, Mac Baracael & Marlon Adolfo and leveled the count by the end of the second quarter at 35-all. The third quarter was a seesaw affair as STI and FEU engaged in a boxing match that saw both schools score in spurts, take slim leads as the quarter ended in another stalemate at 51-all.*

The game was close all throughout with the Olympians getting its second wind in the last minute.* The win was a team effort as NAASCU MVP Dexter Micutuan scattered 10 points with two triples and four free throws, 7th NAASCU finals game 1 best player Haddi Porto converted a crucial three pointer and gave another good performance in limited minutes. Ramon Mabayo banged bodies, got crucial rebounds and scored inside to stamp his class over the lean and mean Tamaraws as he topscored for the Olympians together with Balneg at 12 pts apeice. Bottomline, it was a team effort that got the win.

Credit goes to the coaching staff for preparing the team well in this game. The Olympians now face the fancied University of Visayas Lancers who are making waves with their team play and hotshot Coach Elmer Cabahug.*

STI COLLEGE OLYMPIANS (77)
Mabayo 12, Balneg 12, Flor 11, Micutuan 10, Cabangon 8, Porto 7, Tiongco 6, Mendoza 5, Juan 4, Tolentino 2,

FEU TAMARAWS (72)
Baracael 15, Barroca 10, Ramos 10, Adolfo 10, Cawaling 7, Fernandez 7, Alisbo 7, Cervantes 5, Abarring 1, Knuttel 0, Cabagnot 0

20-14, 35-ALL , 51-ALL, 77-72

Schortsanitis

11-22-2007, 05:47 PM

Games on Mon., Nov. 26, 2007:
(The Arena)
2:00 pm - UV vs. STI
4:00 pm - UST vs. Ateneo

Basketball TV Schedule:
Nov. 26, 2007
2:00 pm - UV vs. STI
4:00 pm - ADMU vs. UST

RPN-9 TV Schedule:
Nov. 26, 2007
6:00 pm - UV vs. STI
8:00 pm - ADMU vs. UST

bchoter

11-22-2007, 06:51 PM

Looks like the Lancers are going the extra mile. I heard they're having a tine-up game with the RP Team as I post this. I'll post updates later.

Schortsanitis

11-22-2007, 07:32 PM

They need to keep active. By their game on Mon. (Nov. 26, 2007), they would not have been actively playing for about a week.

Which brings me to the question, why the long layoff between the game yest. & the final 4 in the CCL? I was hoping to catch the games live over the weekend, but they had to schedule it on a Mon.

If the Arena would not have been available, I think The Cuneta Astrodome or Ninoy Aquino Stadium would've been pretty good options also.

james_ty

11-23-2007, 10:59 AM

Looks like the Lancers are going the extra mile. I heard they're having a tine-up game with the RP Team as I post this. I'll post updates later.

I was at the Arena for that game. I left after the third quarter with the nationals leading the Lancers, 87-39.

mighty_lion

11-23-2007, 11:33 AM

The way I see it, this years title will be brought home by either UST or Ateneo. Pero sana UST na kasi sila na yong tumalo sa amin (Extended sourgrapping :P).

Dun sa dalawang laro na nakita ko, UV's team offense will live and die on Von Lanete's hands pag mabigat ang laban. All other UV guards are suspect in terms of running the team's offense. Its not a question whether thier guards can shoot or score, but when it comes to going against tougher teams, shooting skills comes second to skills in playmaking.

Jervy Cruz vs. Mepaña/Berame/Slaugther. Jervy owns this match up basta one-on-one. Experience in stiff competition separates Cruz. Pero malamang hindi si Jervy Cruz ang magbabantay kay Berame and Mepaña sa post. UST have to assign other defenders on Mepaña and Berame so that Jervy Cruz can focus on defensive rebounding.

Arao/Baclao/Rabeh vs Berame/Slaugther/Mepaña. Hindi maglalayo and quits lang sa tingin ko. Arao-Mepaña, Baclao-Berame, and Rabeh-Slaughter are all equally good match-ups. The outcome of this battle (if Ateneo scores one on Monday) will be judged on how each coaches will use them.

And dont count out Sir Mhel's STI Team. Their team alone is capable of scoring an upset with that line-up.

Interesting F4 on Monday.

edited Medana to Mepaña.

thadzonline

11-23-2007, 11:45 AM

Guards are the weakest link in UV's team IMHO..their interior is strong but maybe untested in the level of competition they are in right now, and if it boils down to a battle of two coaches, I myself is not too impressed by Boy Cabahug's coaching..I'm not sure kung may tinago pa sila coz I haven't watched a single game sa CCL but I did expect some names to have bee making waves like Sylvester Tancongco, Mike Luga and Harlow Villanil...Yung defensive ace nilang si Bonbon Sendrijas, he was the one who shut out CeSAFI MVP Enrico Llanto in Game 5 of this year's CeSAFI Finals

bchoter

11-23-2007, 12:32 PM

james_ty nandon ka pala. We were there din but I arrived near the half time mark. I think the Lancers are a tough customer for any team because of their balanced line up. They were just simply overwhelmed by tha NT's firepower. Fernandez wouldn't miss while the fil-sham intimidated the post men. Lanete is good. So is Berame. I think Berame is PBA material. Slaughter is too slow and has no court sense yet but the rest are good. These guys can stand toe-to-toe against Manila squads.

Mhel_Garrido

11-23-2007, 02:07 PM

Thats why i love these forums...now i know the weakness of the Lancers..hehehe
If there is one thing sure, my Olympians will give their best on monday.
I am happy that we made it to the Final Four..but then again it would be better if we make it to the finals.
Yun lang nga hindi ako makakapanuod ng finals hhuhuhu

Go Olympians!

iamtom

11-24-2007, 09:44 AM

So what's the final score between the RP Team and UV? ???

oca

11-26-2007, 01:45 PM

STI-UV.

For most of us here, maraming unknown factors sa game na ito. Kaya interesanteng subaybayan.

It should be fun to watch Balneg/ Tiongco go up against Lancers Diputado/ Lanete. Maraming palitan ng braso at siko ito mamaya! Then, merong Flor against Berame. I am not too excited about Slaugther, the kid is still raw to be a factor at all.

The 3 STI players mentioned were never marginal players before suiting for the Olympians and between them they must have at least 12 years of college ball experience, sa NCAA and UAAP pa!

Hindi biro yung tinalo ng STI ang FEU. The way they defended at end game was not what you would expect from a team called STI. But if you take into account the players they had on the floor were really veterans, then you will not be surprised at all. Sa offensive end, natawa ako nang na-libre si Balneg for that decisive 3-ptr against the Tamaraws. Kung alam lang nila! Tiongco could have taken that shot and also make it. Ganon katatag ang loob nang mga yan.

Pag dikitan, STI may just win this one.

thadzonline

11-26-2007, 03:24 PM

any updates sa scores as of the moment?

bchoter

11-26-2007, 03:44 PM

UV up 78-69 with 1:32 left

oca

11-26-2007, 03:49 PM

80-71 UV wins.

yokam

11-26-2007, 04:00 PM

Two thumbs up for the Green Lancers

thadzonline

11-26-2007, 04:16 PM

Green Lancers in the Finals! not an easy assignment either Ateneo or UST

yellow_we

11-26-2007, 08:31 PM

it will be UV vs. ATENEO! Darn! Not a good UST game! they had a very lame game earlier. Good luck eagles on your next game!

amdgc82

11-26-2007, 08:46 PM

Ateneo vs UV in nat’l collegiate finals
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 08:18pm (Mla time) 11/26/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo and the University of Visayas arranged a championship showdown in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League after taking similar routes in the semifinal round Monday at The Arena in San Juan.

Chris Tiu sizzled early as the Blue Eagles pummeled the Santo Tomas Tigers, 92-66, in a highly physical encounter.

Tiu lifted the Eagles from a 0-7 start by pumping in 15 points built on a 4-of-7 shooting clip in the first half for a 40-28 spread at the break.

Bruisers Rino Berame and Michael Luga posted double-double performances as the Lancers dominated the second half for an 80-71 victory over the STI Olympians in the first semifinal bout.

Berame came off the bench with 21 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks, while Luga delivered 20 points and 12 boards as the Lancers cruised to a 73-61 advantage after trailing at 24-30 early in the first half.

The scores:
First Game

UV 80--Berame 21, Luga 20, Lanete 14, Mepaña 10, Diputado 7, Dennison 5, Slaughter 3, Villanil 0, Sendrijas 0.

STI 71--Micutuan 25, Tiongco 8, Porto 8, Flor 8, Balneg 8, Cabangon 6, Mendoza 4, Tolentino 2, Mabayo 2, Dimas 0.

Quarters: 20-14, 38-32, 55-49, 80-71

Second Game
ATENEO 92--Tiu 19, Arao 17, Al-Hussaini 13, Long 13, Barracoso 9, Escueta 8, Monfort 5, Baclao 4, Baldos 2, Austria 2, Sumalinog 0.

UST 66--Ababou 22, Mirza 14, Allera 13, Cruz 8, Canlas 4, Cuan 3, Espiritu 2, Soriano 0, Basa 0, Badua 0, Gile 0, Taylor 0, Dizon 0, Cortez 0.

Quarters: 17-11, 40-28, 63-48, 92-66

thadzonline

11-26-2007, 10:30 PM

The only thing familiar to Ateneo maybe is that their opponent is wearing green :D

ankle breaker

11-27-2007, 12:39 AM

let's just hope that the turnovers UV incur against STI will not happen against Ateneo. im a little wary about the passing skills of the lancers. some are too passive, telegraph and tentative. too many steals taken by STI. good thing is that UV has alot of firepower compared to STI.

amdgc82

11-27-2007, 05:08 AM

UV beats STI, enters CCL final Green Lancers play Ateneo for the crown on November 28
By Gabby G. Malagar
The Freeman
Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers beat the STI Olympians 80-71 yesterday to enter the final of the 2007 Collegiate Champions League.

The Green Lancers will play the Ateneo Blue Eagles for the crown on November 28.

UV needed two scoring bursts in the fourth quarter to subdue the gritty STI Olympians, who relentlessly applied a pressing defense against, the Green Lancers throughout the game.

The Green Lancers took off to an 8-2 run early in the final canto to take a 63-51 lead with 7:27 left in the clock. Then with Lanete, Luga and Berami hitting their stride, UV padded the lead to 74-61 with just a little over four minutes left in the game.

From thereon, the Green Lancers just coasted along to victory and a second trip to the CCL final. UV played for the crown in 2003 but lost to the then James Yap-led University of the East Red Warriors.

The Green Lancers looked headed to an easy victory as they controlled the paint against the shorter STI Olympians for a 20-14 first quarter lead.

6’11” Fil-Am giant Gregory Fuentes Slaughter and slotman 6’8” Rino Berami took turns in swatting STI’s shots that in the first quarter alone, UV had already five blocked shots, four of those were courtesy of Slaughter. In all, he had seven of the 12 blocked shots recorded by UV in the game.

STI gave UV some scary moments as it tied the count at 22-all after a 6-0 run early in the second quarter. UV, however, countered with its own 7-0 run to take the lead at 31-30, with 1:30 left. UV went on the take the quarter, 38-32.

STI’s pressing defense finally took its tool on UV, forcing the latter to seven passing errors in the third quarter but the Olympians could only come within 42-44 as they committed passing errors themselves. The Green Lancers finally settled down to take a 55-49 entering the fourth period.

Berami led the Green Lancers with 21 points. Luga added 20, Lanete had 14 and Mepana scored 10.

Micutan scored 25 for STI. Mark Balneg, a transferee from Letran and Howard Flor, formerly of the National University Bulldogs in the UAAP, had eight points each.

Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the executive director of the Basketall Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) congratulated the Lancers for the victory.

Gregorio, in his text message said, “Congratulations Congressman Eddie, Congressman Dodong, Jiji, Didi, coach Boy and the UV family for a final stint in the CCL. All the best against either Ateneo or UST. Pato Gregorio in behalf of Manny V. Pangilinan of the BAP-SBP.”

When Gregorio was laster asked if UV is capable of beating Ateneo, he offered an advice, “Less turnover pag na-press.”

The scores:

* * * UV (80) – Berami 21, Luga 20, Lanete 14, Mepaña 10, Diputado 7, Dennison 5, Slaughter 3

* * * STI (71)– Micutan 25,* Balneg 8, Flor 8, Porto 8, Tiongco 8, Cabangon 6, Mendoza 4, Tolentino 2, Mabayo 2

amdgc82

11-27-2007, 05:20 AM

Eagles, Lancers forge title duel
By Joey Villar
Philippine Star
Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Ateneo leaned on Chris Tiu in the early going and then went to Ford Arao in the fourth as the Blue Eagles tamed the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 92-66, yesterday to barge into the finals of Fil-Oil-Flying V Collegiate Champions League at the Arena in San Juan City.

Tiu, member of the RP team seeing action in next month’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, poured 15 of his 19 points in the first half before Arao took over in the last quarter by scoring 10 of his 17 points to power the Eagles to the lopsided victory.

Ateneo will dispute the title with perennial Cebu champion University of Visayas, which earlier thwarted NAASCU titlist STI, 80-71, in the other semis duel.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. tomorrow, also at The Arena.

The Eagles outmuscled the Tigers in a highly physical contest with the former going to the free throw line 36 times and making 32 of them. UST went six of 12.

“We’ve watched them play San Beda and it was a very physical game,” said Ateneo mentor Norman Black. “We played them tough, you can’t really play them soft otherwise you’re not going to get the calls.”

The Eagles also shackled reigning UAAP MVP Jervy Cruz, also a member of the SEAG-bound Nationals who was held to just eight points although he pulled down 11 rebounds.

“We couldn’t stop Jervy Cruz but we controlled him in this game, that helped us a lot,” said Black.

The win was the Eagles’ third straight over the 2006 UAAP champions since the former bested the latter in the second round and the stepladder games in the UAAP a few months ago.

Rino Berame, a 6-7 center who will play for Toyota Balintawak in the PBL next conference, led the Lancers over the Olympians with 21 points, 17 rebounds and four shot blocks that sealed the seventh CESSAFI champion their best finish since finishing third two years ago.

“It’s our best finish in the Champions League and I’m happy for the school. But we’re not going to stop here, we’ll give it our best to win the title,” said UV coach Boy Cabahug.

Berame got some help inside, thanks to Michael Luga and Ariel Mepana, who combined for 30 points, 23 boards, two steals and two blocks.

The 6-9 Fil-Am Greg Slaughter saw limited minutes but made some significant contributions by finishing with three points, seven rebounds, three shots blocks and an assist in 14 minutes.

amdgc82

11-27-2007, 05:24 AM

http://www.inboundpass.com/2007/11/26/uv-sends-warning-to-ateneo-grounds-sti/

UV sends warning to Ateneo, grounds STI
by Josef Ramos
Monday, 26 November 2007 (62 Views, 1 Comment)

Visayas is set to conquer Manila.

University of Visayas showed no signs of breakdown against hard-fighting STI College, after winning a finals slot in the Flying V 5th National Collegiate Champions League last November 26, 2007 with an easy 80-71 victory at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Green Lancers, relying heavily on their heft and size, controlled the game from start to finish. And the Olympians could do nothing but go for the consolation prize – a third place finish also before the finals game on November 26 against fellow semi final loser UST.

“I think this is the biggest achievement so far for us,” said UV head coach Elmer ‘Boy’ Cabahug, who also played for the PBA in the 80’s and late 90’s. “Our last highest achievement here in this tournament is third place when we beat PCU.”

6-foot-7 center Rino Berame, paced the UV Green Lancers with 21 points on a 7-of-9 shooting from the field and making 7-of-9 free throws along with 17 rebounds and 4 blocks, was simply unstoppable in the paint.

Berame tallied eight points in the last quarter, with a three-point play with 1:15 minutes to go, handed the Green Lancers their biggest edge, 76-66, and followed it up with a strong put back for a safe 78-66 lead heading towards the final 40 seconds. From there, the UV Green Lancers left the STI Olympians in tatters.

Power forward Michael Luga, cashed in for 20 points on a 10-of-15 shooting from the field mostly in the shaded lane, scored on two three-point plays in the 2nd period for a 32-24 lead with 3:21 minutes to go before halftime.

“They did not give up the fight easily despite the fact that we’re controlling everything,” said Luga, who also grabbed 12 rebounds. “They are real warriors, but we have to prove ourselves why we are here in Manila.”

Berame’s lay up against 2 to 3 STI defenders gave UV a comfortable 55-46 lead with 21 seconds left in the third period before Dexter Micutuan, who led STI with 25 points, hit a long three-pointer to trim down the gap to start of fourth period, 49-55.

The Olympians refused to give up the fight when they narrowed the deficit to 61-68 with 5 minutes left after Micutuan’s lay up. But that’s as close as they can get, as Berame and guard Von Lanete kept scorching from every corner.

Lanete, brother of basketball players Garvo and Chico, had 14 points – 7 points in the last quarter – and 4 assists, while fellow UV teammate Ariel Medana chipped in 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Despite the Green Lancers’ 31 turnovers with 21 TO points fro the Olympians, University of Visayas stayed ahead in the game because of its hot shooting percentage - 31-out-of-66 47% against 30-out-of-77 39%.

UV took a 20-14 lead in first quarter lead and STI College evened its scoring in the second and third quarters (18-18 and 17-17). The Green Lancers outgunned the Olympians in the final period, 25-22, to secure the victory.

“The key to this victory is our defense despite this very physical game,” said Cabahug. “We just have to maintain that intensity to have a chance at the title.”

UV, as expected, dominated the rebounding department, 57-32, and got more assists (19-13) and blocks (10-3).

“Coach is giving us effective plays in every practice,” said Berame. “We just need to execute well in every game. There’s nothing new.”

Meanwhile, Rino Berame is leading the statistical race with 166 points, followed by Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao (126) and UST’s Dylan Ababou (104).

Individual scores:

UV 80–Berame 21, Luga 20, Lanete 14, Mepaña 10, Diputado 7, Dennison 5, Slaughter 3, Villanil 0, Sendrijas 0.

STI 71–Micutuan 25, Tiongco 8, Porto 8, Flor 8, Balneg 8, Cabangon 6, Mendoza 4, Tolentino 2, Mabayo 2, Dimas 0.

Quarter scores: 20-14, 38-32, 55-49, 80-71

amdgc82

11-27-2007, 05:40 AM

Cebu battles Manila
Sunstar Cebu
Tuesday, November 27, 2007

IT WILL be a battle between Cebu’s best, University of the Visayas and one of Manila’s top teams, Ateneo de Manila University, for the National Collegiate Champions League title.

The UV Green Lancers overcame the rust from their long layoff and leaned on Vonn Lañete and Rino Berame to turn back the STI College Olympians, 80-71, in the semifinal round, while Ateneo buried University of Sto. Tomas, 93-68.

Both teams will face off for the title on Nov. 28 still at San Juan.

“I just pray and hope that we will win because history will repeat itself (If we do so) UV,” coach Boy Cabahug said in a text message to Sun.Star Cebu.

In 1957, UV, with now Rep. Ed Gullas as coach and Boy’s father as one of the players, defeated Ateneo to win the Champions League.

Berame finished with 21 points and an impressive 17 rebounds and stretched UV to its biggest lead in the final two minutes, while Lañete had 14, four assists and a steal.

“Coach Boy told us not to hurry and to use the shot clock,” Lañete said during the post game interview after he got the Player of the Game honors.

Playing a week after their quarterfinal win, UV got to an early lead courtesy of Lañete’s jumper and a trey before the Olympians, which upset Far Eastern University in the quarterfinal, moved to within 13-12 after using a full court press.

UV managed to hold on at 20-14 at the end of the first but a lethargic second quarter had STI on top.

UV’s missed open shots and turnovers led to a 14-4 run for STI and the Cebuanos found themselves trailing by six, 30-24, with less than five minutes to go.

It was the last time STI got the lead.

Chris Diputado cut the lead by half with a trey and a steal and a pass to Mike Luga got them to 29-30 before Berame got the lead off a turnover for a 38-32 count at the half.

More shots

Despite getting more shots (39) STI only converted 16 in the first half, while UV hit .50 with a 15-for-30 clip, while outrebounding STI, 25-16 in the first half.

Both teams got to a slow start in the third quarter and each only had a basket as the game became physical in the first six minutes of the final period.

UV finally ended the impasse with Berame, Richum Dennison and Ariel Mepaña hitting their shots but STI found an answer in Darryl Micutan for a 55-49 count going into the final period.

Micutan single-handedly carried STI in the final quarter and scored eight straight points and had eight straight points as he matched Luga, Lañete and Berame shot for shot.

However, he couldn’t sustain the battle and UV got their biggest lead at 76-63 before cruising in the final seconds for their eight-point win. (ML)

amdgc82

11-27-2007, 06:03 AM

Eagles forge final duel vs UV Lancers
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 02:53am (Mla time) 11/27/2007

GAMES WEDNESDAY (The Arena)
2 p.m. -- STI vs UST
4 p.m. -- Univ. of Visayas vs Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Visayas arranged a championship showdown in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League after taking similar routes to the finals Monday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Chris Tiu sizzled early as the Blue Eagles pummeled the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 92-66, in a highly physical encounter.

The sweet-shooting Tiu, a mainstay of the national men’s team, rescued the Eagles from a 0-7 start by pumping in 15 points in the first half, built around a 4-of-7 shooting clip that helped his team to a 40-28 spread at the break.

“It was a physical game but we were able to accomplish a few things, which is one, we pretty much controlled Jervy (Cruz) inside,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “We know we cannot stop Jervy, we just want to control him and not let him have a monster night against us.”

Bruisers Rino Berame and Michael Luga posted double-double performances as the Lancers dominated the second half for an 80-71 victory over the STI Olympians in the first semifinal bout.

“We had the advantage, especially at the low post,” said coach Boy Cabahug of the seven-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions.

Berame came off the bench to finish with 21 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks. The 6-foot-6 bruiser even got more good news when Toyota Balintawak announced it had signed him up to play in the next Philippine Basketball League conference.

The Eagles and the Lancers will fight for the title -- and the P500,000 scholarship that goes with it -- at 4 p.m. Wednesday at The Arena.

The scores:

First Game
UV 80 -- Berame 21, Luga 20, Lanete 14, Mepaña 10, Diputado 7, Dennison 5, Slaughter 3, Villanil 0.
STI 71 -- Micutuan 25, Tiongco 8, Porto 8, Flor 8, Balneg 8, Cabangon 6, Mendoza 4, Tolentino 2, Mabayo 2.
Quarters: 20-14, 38-32, 55-49, 80-71

Second Game
ATENEO 92 -- Tiu 19, Arao 17, Al-Hussaini 13, Long 13, Barracoso 9, Escueta 8, Monfort 5, Baclao 4, Baldos 2, Austria 2, Sumalinog 0.
UST 66 -- Ababou 22, Mirza 14, Allera 13, Cruz 8, Canlas 4, Cuan 3, Espiritu 2, Soriano 0, Basa 0, Badua 0, Gile 0, Taylor 0, Dizon 0, Cortez 0.
Quarters: 17-11, 40-28, 63-48, 92-66

amdgc82

11-27-2007, 09:01 AM

http://www.inboundpass.com/2007/11/26/the-eagles-have-landed-face-green-lancers-in-finals/

The Eagles have landed, face Green Lancers in finals
by Josef Ramos
Monday, 26 November 2007

From Growling Tigers to crying kittens. The Eagles? broken no more.

Chris Tiu and Clifford Arao assured last November 26, 2007 to send Ateneo to the Flying V National Collegiate Champions League finals after routing UST, 92-66, in their final four match-up at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Blue Eagles will meet the team from down south, the UV Green Lancers, in the finals on November 28 at same venue.

After a 0-7 start, the Blue Eagles were never the same in the succeeding minutes.

Tiu, proving his worth after his inclusion in the RP-Harbour team, exploited UST’s lack of effort on defense by knocking down 15 of his 19 points in first half built on a 4-of-7 shooting clip for a 40-28 spread by the halftime break.

Ateneo stayed scorching in the third period, 23-20, to keep its huge advantage, 63-48, toward the last period, where UST came only within 10 thrice, 53-63, 55-65 and 57-67.

6-foot-5 Clifford Arao did most of the damage in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his 17 points, including back-to-back stabs to provide the Blue Eagles a huge 78-60 margin with 5:15 minutes left in the game.

Point guard Yuri Escueta created the Blue Eagles’ largest lead, 81-60, with 4:02 minutes to go, when he made a fast break lay up.

Then, Ateneo, after five tries in the tournament, will possibly win its first-ever National Champions League title.

Actually, it was a blessing in disguise for Ateneo and UST as 70th UAAP finalist La Salle and University of the East did not join the annual event organized by former PBA chairman Rey Gamboa.

“We’ve watched them play San Beda and it was a very physical game,” said Ateneo mentor Norman Black, who is looking for his first collegiate title as coach. “The credit goes to all my hardworking players.”

“We played them tough too because you can’t really play them soft otherwise you’re not going to get the calls.”

The game plan of the Blue Eagles was to control Jervy Cruz and the lead Growling Tiger had only 8 points and 11 boards and the credit was due to the stingy defense by Arao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Nonoy Baclao.

“We couldn’t stop Jervy Cruz but we were able to limit his game, that helped us a lot,” said Black.

The win was the Eagles’ third straight over the 2006 UAAP champions since Ateneo bested UST in the second round and the stepladder games in the UAAP a few months ago.

Center Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Kirk Long contributed 13 points each.

Ateneo, benefited on the 21 turnovers of UST, gaining 23 points on turnovers. The Blue Eagles only committed 11.

Ateneo recorded 28-out-of-63 (44%) total field goals against the 28-of-73 (38%) of UST. dylan Ababou led UST with 22 points and Martin Mirza had 14.

Individual scores:

ATENEO 92–Tiu 19, Arao 17, Al-Hussaini 13, Long 13, Barracoso 9, Escueta 8, Monfort 5, Baclao 4, Baldos 2, Austria 2, Sumalinog 0.

UST 66–Ababou 22, Mirza 14, Allera 13, Cruz 8, Canlas 4, Cuan 3, Espiritu 2, Soriano 0, Basa 0, Badua 0, Gile 0, Taylor 0, Dizon 0, Cortez 0.

Quarter scores: 17-11, 40-28, 63-48, 92-66

amdgc82

11-27-2007, 02:54 PM

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2007/11/die-hard-with-vengeance.html

Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Die Hard With A Vengeance
Ateneo 92 vs. UST 66
by rick olivares

Champions League Match #13
November 26, 2007
The Arena, San Juan

Give it back to the man. Reward him for that hustle play with a sweet dish for a reverse that will bring the house down.

Rabeh Al-Husseini, in his best Brett Favre impression, threw a strike to Ken Barracoso from the UST side of the court for a touchdown at the end zone. Only the ball seemed to float out of bounds for an incompletion. But credit Barracoso for not giving up as chased the rock down and saved it to Nonoy Baclao who whipped it back to Al-Husseini (who rushed back down at his team’s 15-foot line). In one motion, the 6’8” center still giving it the old quarterback try zipped it to a cutting Barracoso whose reverse over Tiger Francis Allera would have made LA Tenorio proud. The dazzling lay-up restored a 13-point lead at 87-64 to the Ateneo Blue Eagles with 1:15 left in the game clock and pretty much ended any last ditch threat by UST.

Ateneo was moving on – thanks to its 92-66 victory over its UAAP nemesis – to the 2007 Collegiate National Championships against the University of Visayas Green Lancers.

If the Growling Tigers thought that the Blue Eagles’ round of eight win over Jose Rizal University would leave them tenderized for another physical game, they were sorely mistaken. Already undermanned with Zion Laterre off to Australia, Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat injured, and Jobe Nkemakolam concentrating on his studies, Ateneo found a reservoir of steel resolve and toughness to signify that they weren’t backing down from anyone. Not even when they started out slow and UST spotted them an early lead.

“You can’t be soft,” said mentor Norman Black. “We knew they were going to come out and play physical. They played that way against San Beda so we knew they’d try that with us.”

UST has always fielded a team with a dominating center surrounded by tall and lanky players who can shoot from the outside. Second-year UST coach Pido Jarencio has the luxury of fielding interchangeable players whose size and range can give opposing teams fits. So the Blue Eagles’ game plan consisted of 1) limiting Jervy Cruz, 2) guarding against the outside shot, and 3) not backing down from UST’s roughhousing tactics.

Without a full complement of players at his disposal, Blacks boys put on their hard hats and hunkered down. “The thing about physical games and the PBL kind of officiating is to not veer away from your offense,” cautioned Black. “Don’t let the calls distract you. Of course that’s easier said than done.”

Instead, it was the Tigers who seemed distracted by Ateneo’s willingness to mix it up and their own inability to execute. The Tigers had an early 9-6 lead with Ateneo groping for form but when a forearm shiver sent freshman Raymond Austria to the floor, it woke the team up. “Hindi kami papayag na ganyanin kami,” said forward-center Ford Arao.

The line in the sand drawn, the Blue Eagles immediately attacked UST’s interior. Al-Husseini sent Cruz to the bench when the UAAP MVP fouled him on a follow-up attempt. Arao once more abused the overmatched Mark Canlas and Chester Taylor in the post. And Baclao cleaned up the glass with 11 ribbies of his own as the Tiger’s field goal percentage plummeted. Ateneo seized control after a rough first quarter with a 17-11 lead.

By the second ten, as a sign of how balanced Ateneo is, eight Blue Eagles scored as they threatened to break the game wide open. “Hindi ito boxing match. Wag natin patulan yung panggugulang nila,” Jarencio inexplicably reminded his boys (when they started the rough stuff to begin with) at the half as they trailed 28-40 in favor of the Loyolans. “Kulang sila sa player; atake lang tayo.”

Except while Ateneo got the most out of a line-up where 10 of the 11 players fielded scored, UST seemed to be missing some important production. Jarencio sent all 14 of his players in and only half of them scored. His trio of point guards – Japs Cuan, Jun Cortez, and Hector Badua (the younger brother of former Ateneo Team B swingman Mark Badua) – combined for a total of 35 minutes on the court with only 3 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal to show (they also had five turnovers). In contrast, the Blue Eagle point guards Kirk Long, Yuri Escueta, and Eman Monfort combined for 26 points, 4 boards, 4 dimes, and 4 steals. And oh yeah…1 turnover (that wasn’t even one in the first place).

With UST’s guards out of commission, instead of feeding the ball to the post or involving other players in the game, the Tigers played a lot of one-on-one ball preferring to beat Ateneo with their athleticism.

Cruz, who was in and out of the game with foul trouble and because he got busted up by a Kirk Long elbow to the chin, finished with 8 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes. And the two teams finished with 40 rebounds apiece.

June Dizon, in his last game in a Tigers uniform, was unceremoniously thrown out after consecutive deliberate fouls (the second one came after he retaliated).

“Execution,” said Escueta humbly after the game. “Sabi ni coach, wag magpabaya sa game plan. Just focus on the things we have to do. Thanks sa Lord we got it done.”

Give it back to the man. He was tired having come from PBL practice and yet he played big brother to the team when he saw the Tigers doing their bit of bullying.

After UST’s Dylan Ababou scored seven straight points to spark a possible Tiger comeback to start the fourth and final quarter, the ball was dumped down low to Ford Arao on the post. He missed his bank shot as he was double teamed by Cruz and Taylor. But he pulled down the offensive rebound muscled his way back in for a stab that was pure tenacity. After Khasim Mirza stuck a trey to bring down Ateneo’s lead to a dozen 72-60, Arao scattered six more points; four of them jumpers from either side of the paint’s elbow.

Ford Arao’s team is playing another finals. It will be his last game in blue and white.

Reward the man with a championship.

Posted by Rick Olivares* *

amdgc82

11-27-2007, 03:06 PM

Long wait is over
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 02:38pm (Mla time) 11/27/2007

CEBU CITY, Philippines - After 50 long years, the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles will face each other again in a championship match.

This after the Green Lancers and the Blue Eagles trampled separate semifinal opponents on Monday to set up a championship date in the 5th Collegiate National Championship at The Arena in San Juan.

UV overcame a sloppy first half to beat the STI College Olympians, 80-71, while the Blue Eagles overwhelmed the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 92-66.

“The last time UV and Ateneo played in a championship match was 50 years ago during the 1957 national inter-collegiate basketball tournament. Sir Eddie (Gullas) was the coach during that time and one of his players was my father,” said a visibly elated UV head coach Boy Cabahug.

UV won that titular showdown and Cabahug is hoping that his wards could duplicate the feat.

“This is the first time that we advanced to the championship round and we want nothing but the championship crown,” said Cabahug.

Sloppy start
To stand a chance against Ateneo, the Green Lancers have to play a near perfect game or at least how they played against STI.

The Green Lancers had an erratic first half and despite their glaring size advantage, the Olympians were just within six, 32-38, at the half.

UV out-rebounded STI in the first half, 25-16, but committed more turnovers, 15-9.

“It looked like my players were pressured in the first half. During halftime, I told them to relax and just enjoy the game,” Cabahug said.

The Green Lancers started to get going at the start of the fourth as Mike Luga scored four points in a 6-2 run that powered UV to a 61-51 lead.

Luga, Rino Berami and Ariel Mepana started to dominate the paint as Von Lanete and Ritchum Dennison's outside shots started to drop, allowing UV to post a 73-61 lead with 4:12 left.

There was no stopping UV from that point on as they cruised to their biggest lead of 13 points, 76-63, with only two minutes left to play.

Team effort
Four UV players scored in double figures led by Berami and Luga with 21 and 20 points, respectively.

While UV got collective efforts from its players, STI was a one-man wrecking crew with only Dexter Micutoan scoring in double figures.

Micutoan finished with a game-high 25 points and scored 22 of STI's last 26 points.

Tiu, meanwhile, keyed the crucial win for Ateneo, tallying 19 points, five rebounds and three assists as the Blue Eagles finally exacted revenge on the same UST squad that beat them in the 2006 UAAP finals.

The battle for third and the championship game is set on Wednesday also at the Arena.

BOX SCORES:
UV (80) - Berami 21, Luga 20, Lanete 14, Mepana 10, Diputado 7, Dennison 5, Slaughter 3.
STI (71) - Micutoan 25, Balneg 8, Flor 8, Porto 8, Tiongco 8, Cabangon 6, Mendoza 4, Tolentino 2, Mabayo 2. /Correspondent Calvin D. Cordova

amdgc82

11-28-2007, 05:11 AM

UV flirts with history
Sunstar Cebu
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

TODAY’s championship of the National Collegiate Champions’ League is a rematch that waited 50 years to happen.

University of the Visayas Green Lancers and Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles will take on each other at the San Juan Arena for the most coveted national title.

The two teams last battled each other for the intercollegiate national championships in 1957, which UV won.

Five decades ago and under a different name, current UV president Eddie Gullas called the shots from the sidelines and Eddie Cabahug skippered the team.

Fifty years later, it’s the turn of the skipper’s son to lead the team.

At UV’s helm now is Eddie’s son Elmer “Boy.” For five years, coach Cabahug has been hoping to get a national title and the chance finally came as UV barged into the final round of the National Collegiate Champions League against Ateneo.

Last Monday, UV won the semifinal against STI to grab the first finals berth. Ateneo, on the other hand, beat University of Sto. Tomas.

“We are praying that history will repeat itself,” said coach Cabahug.

Now, reliving that battle that happened in virtually another era is the new breed of collegiate stars from the south.

For the past few games of UV in the league, it was Ritchum Dennison, who carried the team’s scoring cudgels. When he faltered, big man Rino Berami stepped in and not only bore the scoring responsibilities by tallying 21 points but also controlled the boards with 17 rebounds in the semifinal.

Last year, the Green Lancers only lasted until quarterfinal round, where they lost to San Beda. For some, surpassing last year’s finish would have been enough. But not for Cabahug, who would not settle for anything less than a title.

To ensure that the national title goes out of imperial Manila, Cabahug and his Lancers need clamp down Blue Eagles’ big guns Clifford Arao, Kirk Long and Chris Tiu, who is also suiting up for the national team.

If they would be unable to shut down the trio, the Green Lancers should limit the offensive threat.

“We need to limit their top three scorers—Arao, Long and Tiu. They are our priority in defense,” said Cabahug.

If it comes a little harder for UV, they need to answer Ateneo’s arsenal toe-to-toe. Berami should cancel out Arao’s tenacity in both defense and offense.

Von Lañete, Chris Diputado and Dennison should also equalize Tiu and Long on the offensive end, while Mepaña and Luga need to earn their dough to keep UV afloat.

Six-foot-eleven behemoth Greg Slaughter also needs to impose his hulking size and might to give Ateneo a harder route to the basket. (MCB)

amdgc82

11-28-2007, 05:13 AM

Just a step away...
By Gabby G. Malagar
The Freeman
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

As far as the University of the Visayas Green Lancers are concerned, the Collegiate Champions League basketball crown is within reach. All they have to do is to focus on the game and be prepared for any surprises the Ateneo Blue Eagles may spring on them.

The Green and Blue square off at 4 p.m. today at the* San Juan Arena with the winner going home with P500,000 worth of funding and scholarship grants, and most importantly, the bragging rights of being the best college team in the country.

What makes the Lancers and the Eagles title showdown interesting is that both team have yet the win a CCL crown despite successes in their respective leagues, thus they are eager to do what it takes to win.

The Green Lancers have won seven consecutive CESAFI basketball titles while the Blue Eagles have been title contenders in the UAAP and last won the title in 2002.

The two collegiate squads have a bit of history between them. The two teams have met three times in the past.

In 1957, when Rep. Eddie Gullas was coaching UV, with players like Jose “Dodong” Gullas and Eduardo Cabahug, the father of Coach Boy Cabaghug, the Green Lancer beat Ateneo during a national championship in Manila. In that same year, Rep. Gullas won the coveted “Coach of the Year” award.

The two teams played twice in Cebu. In the 2006 CESAFI Friendship Games at the Cebu Coliseum, the Eagles beat the Green Lancers in the finals 93-82 after clobbering them 84-77 in the elimination.

But that was a year ago. This year, the Green Lancers have a bigger frontline as compared to last year’s line-up. With 6’11" Fil-Am giant Gregory Fuentes Slaughter and the 6’8" slotman Rino Berami, the Green Lancers are now a dominant force in the shaded area.

The big men of Coach Elmer “Boy”Cabahug have been instrumental in the team’s three victories in the CCL. In the game against STI, Slaughter had seven of the 12 blocked shots recorded by UV. Five of the seven shots swatted by Slaughter were in the first quarter.

In the two other victories of UV, where they blasted Lyceum 101-80 then routed the University of Mindanao 78-58, the big men also played big.

To topple Ateneo, the Green Lancers must be able to execute when they are pressed. STI might have exposed a cinch in the armor of UV when they forced the Green Lancers into seven passing errors in the third quarter of their game by pressing UV’s guards.

Guards Chris Diputado and Ritchum Dennison must be able to protect the ball and direct the play of UV even under pressure.

Shooters Michael Luga and Harlow Chad Villanil must connect from the perimeter and beyond the arc, as well, to complement UV’s inside game.

Coach Cabahug should also make good use of Ariel Mepana, who has shown his worth in both ends of the floor. The determination he has shown after an ACL injury that sideline him last year could be the rallying point for the Green Lancers.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles, however, will not hand the title to UV. They also have tall men in Rabe Al Hussaini, Ford Arao and Zion Laterre. Guards like Chris Tiu, Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes and Yuri Escueta could also deliver for Coach Norman Black.

And talking about coaches, perhaps it must be pointed out that Coach Cabahug has played against Coach Norman Black when the latter was an import for Great Taste and San Miguel and Cabahug was playing for Purefoods.

“It is anybody’s ballgame. As they say the ball is round,” Coach Cabahug told The FREEMAN in a telephone interview.

For the Cebuanos - it is just a step away from glory. (With reports from Caecent No-ot Magsumbol)

amdgc82

11-28-2007, 05:15 AM

Message from Coach Yayoy
The Freeman
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Vice President for Central Visayas Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba is proud and happy that the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers breezed through the final round of the Collegiate Champions League (CCL).

On the same note, the multi-titled coach of M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala egged on the whole Cebuano community to pray and support UV in its quest to become the first ever provincial team to win a CCL crown since the league’s inception in 2003.

“Being a Cebuano, we should be proud that UV made it to the final of the Collegiate Champions League. We’re hoping and praying that they will eventually win the title. It will be a great achievement since no provincial team has won the championship of the league ever since,” said Alcoseba.*

The UV Green Lancers of coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug, seven-time champion of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI), hope to have a date with history when they take on the decorated Ateneo Blue Eagles in the final this afternoon at The Arena in San Juan, Metro Manila (see separate story).

UV advanced to the championship after beating the STI Olympians in the semis the other day, 80-71.

As a gesture of support, Alcoseba will open to the public his Yayoy’s Grill and Resto Bar for the live telecast of the game on BTV.—EBV

amdgc82

11-28-2007, 05:35 AM

Ateneo, UV collide for CCL crown
Manila Bulletin
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

WHEN ATENEO guns for the Collegiate Champions League (CCL) title today, the Blue Eagles will be up against a familiar color but not a familiar team.

The Eagles battle the Green Lancers of powerhouse team University of Visayas (UV) for the prestigious FilOil/Flying V National CCL in a winner-take-all match at The Arena in San Juan.

UV and Ateneo clash in a onegame title showdown at 4 p.m.

Preceding the match is the battle for third place between STI College and University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m.

The winner of the CCL meet, now on its fifth season, will receive P500,000, in the form of sports scholarships. Second place will get P200,000, third P100,000 and fourth P50,000, respectively.

Ateneo, a three-time UAAP champion, and UV, a seven-time titlist of the Cebu Athletic School Foundation Inc. (CESSAFI), are coming off impressive wins Monday in the Final Four.

The Eagles demolished the UST Tigers, 92-66, while the Lancers defeated the STI Olympians, 80-71.

This marks the first time for both schools to play in the CCL Finals.

"We’re excited to play in the Finals. I hope that this time, we can win the championship," said UV mentor Boy Cabahug, whose team’s previous best finish was third place back in 2005.

"We know how tough Ateneo plays, but I am confident my players can win the title," Cabahug added.

On its way to the Final Four, UV eliminated Lyceum University, 101-80; and University of Mindanao, 78-58.

Ateneo, on the other hand, dispose of San Sebastian College, 78-51; and Jose Rizal University, 81-71.

The Eagles and the Lancers fought once during an invitational tournament in Cebu City a few years ago.

Ateneo won, but Black said the Lancers, at that time, had Rino Berame as their starting center.

Now, the 6-foot-6 Berame comes off the bench for the 6-foot-11 Fil-Am Gregory Slaughter.

"They’re a much taller team," said Black. "We don’t know what to expect but we’re ready."

Berame had with 21 points and 17 rebounds against STI. A pair of 6-foot-5 forwards also delivered solid numbers, Mike Luga (20, 12 boards) and Ariel Lepana (10, and 11 boards).

With that, Black will rely on his own troika of bigmen, 6-foot-7 Rabeh Al-Husssaini, 6-foot-6 Nonoy Baclao and 6-foot-5 Ford Arao.

Also expected to put on an exciting show are the backcourt men of both squads, with UV relying playmaker Von Lanete, gunners Chris Diputado and Ritchum Dennison, while Ateneo will have shooter Chris Tiu, Kirk Long and Yuri Escueta.

The CCL, through Smart Communications, has put up special prizes, including the Most Valuable Player (M.V. Pangilinan Cup award), members of two Mythical teams, best defensive team, coach of the series and the best performing referee.

oca

11-28-2007, 09:44 AM

UV-ADMU finals.

We are familiar with Ateneo. We know what this team can do to win this one.

How about the Lancers?

The Lancers have the mentality that because they have good big men to man the boards, they can shoot at will. For the longest time now, they have the tallest frontline in Cebu. But that will not always hold true against UAAP and NCAA teams. Their first attempt conversion is really not that impressive. So, if Ateneo will deny them second chance points, I just can't see UV winning this one.

Lyceum and STI provided the templates on how to defend the backcourt. The Pirates played on even terms for 2 qtrs and the Olympians for about 34 minutes with the press.

The only way I see UV returning home to Cebu as champions is if they are able to protect that ball in the backcourt for full 40 minutes and shoot well in the 4th qtr.

I heard some officials from UV and Cebu are flying to Manila to attend the game. Ma-outnumber kaya ng UV supporters ang isang Manila based team sa Arena, San Juan?

thadzonline

11-28-2007, 11:11 AM

for sure, the crowd will be pro-Ateneo..I just can't imagine the possibility of a large pro-UV crowd in this game unless there are those Manileños who will root for the underdogs, or maybe when the supporters of green support green bahala na kahit hindi yung archrival ng Ateneo ang naglalaro..

tama yung observation ni pareng oca, UV seem to have difficulty with breaking the press. Even in Cebu, this was what USJR and USC did to them in the CeSAFI playoffs..all their wins sa semifinals against USJR were decided by the slimmest of margins..USC stretched the finals to its full 5 games..interesting to note that UV has an average height of 6'3", which is also the height of USC's 2 tallest players..UV will probably use both Diputado and Lanete in crucial moments of a game, 2 point guards playing at once, yung third option nila at point is Harlow Villanil which is more of a shooter. Wanting talaga yung point position nila, and that is the reason why they are activating at least 3 guards for next year's CeSAFI..

gut feel that Bonbon Sendrijas will see major minutes later

AnthonyServinio

11-28-2007, 11:38 AM

bchoter

11-28-2007, 11:56 AM

^ Cebuano perhaps?

LION

11-28-2007, 02:02 PM

bchoter,

Anthony considers himself as bisaya already because of his work. ;D

JonarSabilano

11-28-2007, 02:51 PM

Scores/updates, anyone?

bchoter

11-28-2007, 03:07 PM

LION tinuod? :D

Jonar just posted the scores (32-31 UST) at the CCL thread of the Tigers' Jungle.

simba52

11-28-2007, 03:39 PM

UST55 STI53 7mins remaining 4th

thadzonline

11-28-2007, 03:55 PM

start na ba ang UV-Ateneo game?

simba52

11-28-2007, 03:58 PM

not yet. more than a minute left

Schortsanitis

11-28-2007, 04:29 PM

WELL, well, well .... surprise, surprise. STI wins over UST in OT, 87-81. As a result, they won 3rd place, P100k, & a lot of respect in the collegiate circles.

mighty_lion

11-28-2007, 04:34 PM

Wow! Kaiba ito. STI won the game against UST.

Best player of the game: Mark Balneg 27 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals

This years CCL is piggy bank of upsets. IMHO, dapat 8 teams na lang tapos best of 3 bawat match-ups. *;D

thadzonline

11-28-2007, 04:37 PM

wow...STI beating UST...major upset!! may upset kaya mamaya? hehe

oca

11-28-2007, 04:42 PM

thadzonline

11-28-2007, 04:53 PM

oca

11-28-2007, 05:09 PM

pareng oca, from what Ive heard, CeSAFI is asking for 1 more slot yata and although UV is in the Finals, parang STI lang ang medyo mabigat nilang kalaban so far..Oh well, if makakaupset pa sila today, I think enough na bigyan silang consideration

Last year, 2 slots na ang CeSAFI, but the Webmasters didn't advance far into the tournament (They went down to Letran in the 1st round. Letran was not even a NCAA finalist that season.) That being the case, imo, tama lang na 1 lang ang outright slot na binigay sa CeSAFI this year. But since the Lancers are in the finals, may dahilan para bigyan uli ang CeSAFI ng 2 spots.

Dapat may "winning basis" and pagbigay ng slots.

Having said that, if I were part of the CCL organization, I would also suggest the reduction of allocation of the NCAA from 4 to 3 teams since none made it to the semis unlike last year when they had 3.

Bottomline, the number of teams invited from every league should be based on how far their teams advance in this tournament.

Kung isa lang ang team ninyo at talo agad sa first round... tama lang na isa lang talaga ang team niyo! ;D ;D ;D

Schortsanitis

11-28-2007, 05:21 PM

Any updates on the UV-ADMU CCL Finals game?

2sc1

11-28-2007, 07:15 PM

Ateneo de Manila University won the CCL championship over University of the Visayas, 71-54. Congratulations to both teams! ;D

thadzonline

11-28-2007, 07:30 PM

any game analysis? Did Ateneo pressure the ball hard? or was it their big men who dominated?

thadzonline

11-28-2007, 07:35 PM

paul_tamaraws

11-28-2007, 09:49 PM

Congrats to the Blue Eagles, the 2007 CCL Champions!!! What a perfect way to end the season with a bang for ADMU especially to Ford Arao who worn his Blue and White jersey for the last time, thanks for the memories, Ford!

sayang ang FEU, may mga injured kase sa Tams e...

nastrans

11-28-2007, 09:59 PM

Anong liga uli yung humihingi ng 2 slots na wala pang pruweba ?

Well, kung naglaro sila and did what STI accomplished, then may katwiran silang humingi ng 2 slots next year. As it is, malamang isang slot pa rin ang ibibigay sa kanila while NAASCU has a strong argument to ask for a second slot.

Yung dalawang liga na sinasalihan namin yun, ewan ko ba sa mga yan wala pa silang merit para magyabang ng ganoon at sayang din sa Arellano at St Francis na magkaroon sila ng chance lumaro against some of the elite teams in the country.

As for STI, they seem to have a sound basketball program at nagbunga naman sa ngayon, congrats sa third place finish nila pati na rin kay former Patriot Haddi Porto.

And also congrats sa Ateneo for winning the title at sa UV na rin for going this far.

amdgc82

11-28-2007, 10:01 PM

amdgc82

11-28-2007, 10:17 PM

STI beats UST for 3rd place in collegiate champions’ league
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 05:31pm (Mla time) 11/28/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The STI Olympians clinched a third-place finish by stunning the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 87-81, in overtime in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.

Haddy Porto buried a triple in the dwindling seconds of regulation that sparked the Olympians' charge from beyond the arc in the extra period.

Mark Balneg topscored with 22 points.

The scores:
STI 87 -- Balneg 22, Micutuan 13, Tolentino 10, Mabayo 10, Mendoza 9, Porto 6, Macabasco 5, Cabangon 5, Flor 4, Tiongco 3, Reyes 0, Dimas 0, Bartolome 0.

UST 81 -- Cruz 21, Ababou 20, Mirza 11, Taylor 10, Canlas 6, Cuan 6, Allera 5, Cortez 2, Badua 0, Gile 0.

Quarters: 16-18, 31-32, 50-49, 73-73 (reg), 87-81 (OT)

amdgc82

11-28-2007, 10:18 PM

Ateneo bags collegiate league crown
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 06:50pm (Mla time) 11/28/2007

The Ateneo Blue Eagles clobbered the University of the Visayas, 71-54, to capture the crown in the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini topscored with 23 points, while Chris Tiu collected 11 points, 12 boards and six assists.

The scores:
ATENEO 71--Al-Hussaini 23, Tiu 11, Arao 9, Long 8, Baclao 7, Salamat 5, Barracoso 4, Escueta 4, Baldos 0, Austria 0.

UNIV. OF VISAYAS 54--Lanete 13, Dennison 9, Luga 8, Diputado 8, Mepaña 6, Berame 6, Tancongco 4, Villanil 0, Salughter 0.
Quarters: 21-12, 32-26, 51-40, 71-54

thadzonline

11-28-2007, 10:39 PM

wow,those Chris Tiu numbers, he could be MVP

Howard the Duck

11-29-2007, 02:48 AM

Alam ko late na pero UE did have a very low seeding... #4?! They were ranked lower than Ateneo? :D

The organizers really wanted to have an Ateneo-SBC game for 2 straight years already, eh? :p

Tip: Next time, seed those 2 teams nos. 8 and 9, first round pa lang maglalaban na sila ;D

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 04:10 AM

Lancers feel the blues
By Marian C. Baring
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
Thursday, November 29, 2007

IN THE biggest game of their lives, the University of the Visayas Green Lancers succumbed to jitters and lost a chance to even fight for the title of the 2007 Collegiate Champions League (CCL) against Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 54-71, yesterday at the San Juan Arena.

“Na-blanko gyud sila during the first period. We were just in disarray. Naunhan man hinuon mi and nakalitan sila,” UV head coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug said.

He added that Ateneo’s crowd was a huge factor in their losing focus.

UV, always a crowd-favorite here, missed the comforts of a noisy backer that has always been there to egg them on. Yesterday, Ateneo brought a house-full of supporters against UV—something the Lancers are not accustomed to.

“We were dumbfounded because it was very noisy here. This is, after all, their home court,” said Cabahug, who added that the cheers from their handful of supporters’ cheers were drowned by Ateneo’s.

It was a meaningful win for Ateneo as it finally avenged a 50-year-old loss to UV. The last time the two teams clashed for a national title was in 1957, which UV won. Ateneo finally hit pay dirt with yesterday’s lopsided win.

Cabahug said before the game that he wanted to win and to mirror the 1957 triumph, which was spearheaded by then UV head coach and now Rep. Eduardo Gullas and skippered by Cabahug’s dad Eddie.

Things did not come out as planned but losing the title in his fifth attempt is something that Cabahug took in stride.

“I wanted this title so badly. I supposed my son will have to be the one to continue this legacy,” quipped Cabahug.

Collection

Cabahug said the title would have completed his collection of national trophies. “I have won a national title in high school and the national collegiate championship in college. This would have been my national trophy as coach,” Cabahug said.

The former PBA star, however, said that not all is lost in their failed bid in the CCL as his talented wards received recognition by the whole nation.

“I am thankful still that we reached this point. It is a good experience for the boys. Also as an added reward, three of my players will be playing for the Philippine Basketball League next season,” he added.

Behemoth center Rino Berami was tapped to play for Toyota Balintawak, while UV captain Ariel Mepaña and Michael Luga were picked by Harbour Centre.

In the game, UV was able to equalize with ADMU for the first and last time in the first two minutes of the game at 2-all behind the two pointer of rookie Sylvester Tancongco.

15 missed shots

This was followed right away by a 15-0 run, spiked by a back-to-back triples from Chris Tiu and Kirk Long, as Ateneo moved ahead 17-2.

In a span of six minutes, the Lancers failed to convert a single basket, missing 15 attempts and allowed Ateneo to pull away for good.

“That really did us in. It was bad start because they got ahead right away, but we recuperated,” Cabahug said referring to a furious rally led by Chris Diputado, who shot a buzzer-beating trey fired from more than 50 feet away from the basket.

In the second period, five missed shots from Ateneo’s main gunner Chris Tiu coupled with a handful of turnovers allowed UV to slice the deficit by just three points, 18-23 behind Von Lañete, Berami and Tancongo.

This forced ADMU coach Norman Black to call a time out. When they came back, they gave UV another surprise when they changed their defensive strategy and Ateneo got back on track and ended the first half ahead, 32-26.

The Lancers were in high spirits going into the third with Lañete striking first to come closer, 28-32. However, Ateneo’s 6-foot-7 pivotman Rabah Al-Hussaini, doused all the fire left in the Lancers.

Without anyone to challenge him, Hussaini was unstoppable from the shaded lane. Hussaini scattered 15 points in this quarter alone to single-handedly stretch Ateneo’s lead back to double digits.

The match got heated in the final period with Mepaña getting in foul trouble, Berami fouled out following an unsportsmanlike conduct and Lañete was slapped with a double technical after a brief scuffle with Ateneo’s Yuri Escueta.

With too much time wasted, catching up was becoming impossible for the Lancers.

In the end, the runnerup will go home with the P200,000 cash prize, which according to Cabahug will go to UV’s sports program and equipment, not just for basketball, but will be shared with the other sports.

Mepaña and Diputado joined three other players in the Mythical Team B, while Berami joined eventual MVP Nonoy Baclao, Al-Hussaini and Tiu in the Mythical five A. Coach Black was named the best coach, while ADMU was named the Best Defensive team. ADMU went home with P500,000 for the victory.

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 04:11 AM

UV falters, bows to Ateneo
By Gabby Malagar
The Freeman
Thursday, November 29, 2007

The University of the Visayas Green Lancers faltered in the most important game of their stint in the CCL yesterday, losing to the Ateneo Blue Eagles 52-71 at the San Juan Arena.

UV’s big men failed to contain the hulking Al-Hussaini of Ateneo who asserted his will inside the paint with a double-double, scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Al-Hussaini was so intimidating that he got the goat of Rino Berame with 5:28 left in the fourth quarter, forcing the latter to hit the showers.

Without Berami, the Blue Eagles feasted on UV’s token resistance in the paint and put the game beyond reach, 65-47, with over four minutes remaining in the contest.

The Green Lancers tried to use the three-point shots to get back in the game but the shooters conked out. Making those outside bombs was one of the winning keys for UV, but this time, the Green Lancers were hitting bricks.

UV also failed to execute their plays as Coach Norman Black employed a pressing defense that made life miserable for UV’s ballhandlers. Like in the game with STI, the Green Lancers committed a spate of passing errors throughout the game.

Ateneo jumped the gun on UV by taking the first period 21-12. After a 2-2 deadlock, Ateneo scored 15 straight points, for 17-2 advantage, holding UV scoreless for more than eight minutes.

UV, somehow, trimmed the lead to 9-19 with 30 seconds remaining, and was almost doomed to its fewest quarter total when Diputado’s heave from almost the length of the court, with two seconds left, made it 12-21.

UV had its best moment in the second quarter, when it was able to come within 18-21, midway in the period. But passing errors wrecked havoc on UV’s rally and trailed 26-32, at halftime.

From thereon, the Blue Eagles to continued to run their plays to perfection and took the third period 51-40. Ateneo then ripped the game wide open in the fourth period for its first CCL crown.

“My boys, despite playing in many championship games, were visibly scared. Despite all my prodding, they could not deliver. They were intimidated by the pro-Ateneo crowd,” explained Coach Boy Cabahug.

Coach Cabahug admitted that he gambled by starting Slaughter and Tangcongco. He said that the two cagers gave him quality minutes in the series with the University of San Carlos, but this time, the cagers were unable to deliver.

Fans were also wondering why Coach Cabahug stuck to a man-to-man defense and never even tried a zone defense. From the way Ateneo dismantled UV’s defense, it was obvious that Coach Norman Black and his assistant coaches have scouted UV.

It was also apparent that UV lacked ballhandlers that could direct the play. As shown by STI, a good pressing defense can disrupt UV’s offense. While STI failed to capitalize on UV’s errors, Ateneo did, and it made all the difference.

At the end of the half, Ateneo dominated UV in two important departments of the game. The Blue Eagles outrebounded UV 26-19 and had an astounding 19-5 upperhand in the assist department. (With reports from Caecent No-ot Magsumbol)

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 04:15 AM

Pages: Defeated, UV still the 'University of Victory'
By John Pages
Match Point
Sunstar Cebu
Thursday, November 29, 2007

ALMOST.

Just one game shy of carving its name in history, just two half-times away from becoming the first provincial team since 1957 to win an RP crown, just four basketball quarters away from arriving home to Cebu and carrying a banner that reads “NATIONAL CHAMPION” then driving to a motorcade along Osmeña Boulevard amidst a thunderous rain of confetti—the University of the Visayas lost.

But UV didn’t lose.

Yes, the score read 71-54 in favor of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) at the Collegiate Champions League, but the UV Green Lancers are—in my book and in the eyes of all Cebuanos—still winners.

For how can you be declared a loser when you bested all the other collegiate teams in the nation except one? Thus, Cebu should continue to declare the seven-time Cesafi champion....

The University of Victory.

At 5:30 p.m. yesterday, I turned on the TV and switched to the Basketball TV channel. The halftime score between this “Luzon versus Visayas” encounter read that Ateneo led by a mere six points. That’s not too far, I thought. UV still had a chance...

But when the third quarter began, UV slipped farther and farther behind. By the start of the final quarter, they were down by 11 points.

The culprit?

UV’s tall men.

Matching the two teams height-for-height, UV wins. There’s Greg Slaughter, standing 6-foot-11. There’s Rino Berami, who towers at 6-foot-8. These twin towers ought to be unstoppable. Like the Houston Rockets days of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson in the mid-1980s or the David Robinson and Tim Duncan duo a few years back at the San Antonio Spurs—I expected Cebu’s Twin Towers to be unstoppable.

They weren’t.

Instead, the player who couldn’t be stopped came from Ateneo. His name: Rabe Al Hussaini. Yesterday, when I read the newspaper articles about the UV vs. Ateneo clash, I could hardly locate his name. From Ateneo, names like Chris Tiu, Eric Salamat, Ford Arao, and Zion Laterre were prominent. But at last night’s championship game, the player who stood tallest?

Rabe Al Hussaini. He scored 23 points and towered much taller than UV’s Twin Tower. Chris Tiu? Ateneo’s star player? He scored only 11 points but collected six assists and, would you believe from a 5-foot-10 point guard, 12 rebounds. Yes, no misprint there: 12 rebounds.

Imagine a team with giants standing 6-foot-11 and 6-foot-8 being out-rebounded by a 5-foot-10 point guard!

Shouldn’t happen.

But it did.

You see, this championship game brought a lot of history. In last night’s encounter, the two-worded big question was, “What if...” “What if... UV won?”

Exactly 50 years ago, UV faced Ateneo in the same national collegiate tilt. Then, Rep. Eduardo Gullas was the head coach, Jose “Dodong” Gullas was one of the players, and Eddie Cabahug (father of current coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug) was the team captain.

In that 1957 final, UV won.

Half a decade later—last night—what a story it would have made had the Green Lancers pierced the wings of the Blue Eagles and won.

Front-page, headline news, for sure.

But let’s not dwell on the past.

What’s important is that UV did Cebu and the Visayas proud.

Welcome home and congratulations!

(www.pages.ph)

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 04:26 AM

http://www.inboundpass.com/2007/11/28/olympians-outshoot-tigers-for-3rd-place-trophy/

Olympians outshoot Tigers for 3rd place trophy
by Josef Ramos
Wednesday, 28 November 2007*

STI College had its eye on the consolation prize.

The STI College Olympians used their never-say-die attitude to prevail against UST Growling Tigers, 87-81, in overtime and settle for third place last November 28, 2007 at The Arena in San Juan City.

The STI Olympians, in a grueling battle in regulation, displayed their impeccable three-point shooting skills in the extra-five minute mark and outscored the Growling Tigers, 14-8, to seal the victory.

“It’s our three-point shooting that bailed us out of this game,” said STI College mentor Vic Ycasiano, referring to the Olympians’ 13 triples – including four in overtime. “It’s also the desire of the players.

Former Letran guard Mark Balneg was on fire and exploded for 5-of-9 shooting from the three-point area, hitting 3-of-7 shots from midrange and one free throw for a total of 22 points along with 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

“Third place is alright,” said Balneg, who made 9 points in the last quarter, including two important baskets that kept the game close, 70-73, with a minute left in the fourth period. “At least, we proved to everyone that we could also play here.”

Haddy Porto, with only six points, delivered the crucial basket in the game – a three-pointer in the final seconds in regulation that pushed the game into overtime. UST was ahead in the first two quarters (18-16 and 32-31) but couldn’t take off as planned.

Dexter Micutuan had 13 points, while James Tolentino and second mythical team selection Ramon Mabayo contributed 10 points each.

Jervy Cruz and Dylan Ababou paced UST with 21 and 20 points, respectively.

The 28 turnovers of UST cost them the game. STI College also gained 28 points from UST’s lapses. The Olympians committed only 18 turnovers and the Growling Tigers only had 9 turnover points.

STI College got more assists (18-15), steals(12-8) and blocks (5-4) against UST.

Individual scores:

STI 87 — Balneg 22, Micutuan 13, Tolentino 10, Mabayo 10, Mendoza 9, Porto 6, Macabasco 5, Cabangon 5, Flor 4, Tiongco 3, Reyes 0, Dimas 0, Bartolome 0.

UST 81 — Cruz 21, Ababou 20, Mirza 11, Taylor 10, Canlas 6, Cuan 6, Allera 5, Cortez 2, Badua 0, Gile 0.

Quarter scores: 16-18, 31-32, 50-49, 73-73 (reg), 87-81 (OT)

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 04:28 AM

http://www.inboundpass.com/2007/11/28/blue-eagles-soar-higher-captures-cnc-title/

Blue Eagles soar higher, captures CNC Title
by Josef Ramos
Wednesday, 28 November 2007

The southern invasion has been aborted, for now.

Thanks to Ateneo for capturing the Flying V National Collegiate Champions League title last November 28, 2007 with a convincing 71-54 victory over University of Visayas at The Arena in San Juan City .

Pride, determination, skills and the will to win were all there for the Blue Eagles to match the intensity brought by the Green Lancers from the start of this exhausting 40-minute game en route to winning the coveted Five hundred Thousand grand prize.

“There’s no doubt about the Green Lancers. They played tough basketball,” said Norman Black, who won his first title in this annual event. “But our desire to answer their challenges was all there all-throughout.”

Ateneo started on a high note, taking an insurmountable 19-4 advantage after Clifford Arao’s jumper in the first quarter. 6-foot-7 center Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Tiu joined forces also in that early run for a 21-12 lead at the start of second quarter.

But University of Visayas , a seven-time CESAFI (Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc.) champion, did not go home without putting up a good fight.

The UV Green Lancers slowly came back by dropping a 15-2 bomb to narrow the gap, 21-18, with 6:02 minutes to go before the halftime break.

The Blue Eagles responded with a 11-3 run to keep the lead, 32-21, with still 2:06 minutes to go. Again, the Green Lancers, with Von Lanete and Ritchum Dennison firing a trey each, had another run – an 8-2 attack – to keep the game close at halftime, 32-26. The 2nd half was all about Ateneo.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini, provided 23 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, delivered 13 of Ateneo’s 19 points in the third quarter to outscore the Green Lancers’ 14. The Blue Eagles continued to sustain their edge, 51-40, towards the start of 4th quarter.

Al-Hussaini’s six straight points, mostly in the shaded lane late in the third period, kept the Blue Eagles on top, 49-38.

Clifford Arao shared the limelight by scoring 7 of his 9 points in the fourth period, including three consecutive points to give Ateneo a 58-44 advantage with the larger Ateneo crowd cheering on with still six minutes remaining.

The Blue Eagles registered their biggest lead, 69-50, when Nonoy Baclao, the tournament MVP, completed a lay-up off Yuri Escueta’s dish with 2:19 minutes to go.

The loss of Reno Berame, with 6 points and 7 boards to his credit, in the middle of the 4th quarter due to five fouls was vital for UV.

Guard Chris Tiu, a member of the Philippine Basketball Team for the 24th Thailand SEA Games, had 11 points, 12 boards and dished off 6 assists, while Kirk Long added 8 points and 8 rebounds. Von Lanete paced the Green Lancers with 13 points.

Ateneo recorded 27-out-of-64 (42%) from the field against the 22-out-of-69 (32%) field goal conversion of UV. Ateneo also led in second chance-points, 13-5, and had the edge in the rebounding department, 52-35. The Blue Eagles also had more assists (20-10) and steals (6-5).

The awarding ceremony was conducted by CCL Chairman Rey Gamboa and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez.

The Green Lancers settled for first runner-up plus a Two hundred thousand prize money.

For the Mythical Five Team B Selection: Ronnie Mabayo- STI, Ariel Medana - UV, Jervy Cruz - UST,
Chris Diputado-UV, Ken Barracoso - UV

For the Mythical Five Team A Selection: Chris Tiu - Ateneo, Rabeh Al-Hussaini - Ateneo, Dylan Ababou - UST, Reno Berame - UV, Nonoy Baclao - Ateneo

Nonoy Baclao - Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP)

Individual scores:

ATENEO 71–Al-Hussaini 23, Tiu 11, Arao 9, Long 8, Baclao 7, Salamat 5, Barracoso 4, Escueta 4, Baldos 0, Austria 0.

UNIV. OF VISAYAS 54–Lanete 13, Dennison 9, Luga 8, Diputado 8, Mepaña 6, Berame 6, Tancongco 4, Villanil 0, Salughter 0.

Quarter scores: 21-12, 32-26, 51-40, 71-54

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 04:37 AM

Blue Eagles soar to new heights
By Joey Villar
Philippine Star
Thursday, November 29, 2007

Ateneo overwhelmed University of Visayas, 71-54, yesterday to capture the Fil-Oil/Flying V Collegiate Championship League and underscore Manila’s claim as the country’s best cage region at The Arena in San Juan City.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini powered his way to 23 points, including 13 in a pivotal third quarter run, while Chris Tiu orchestrated the Eagles play en route to a double-double job for the victory that netted Ateneo P500,000 worth of scholarship.

“It’s sweet,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black, basking in glory after clinching his first collegiate crown after winning 10 titles in the PBA.

While Al-Hussaini dominated the shaded lane, Tiu, set to see action with the national team seeing action in next month’s SEA Games in Thailand, virtually took care of the rest, finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and one steal.

The Lancers leaned heavily on their shooters as they buried eight triples, including three apiece by Von Lanete and Ritchum Dennison but failed to draw support from their big men.

Rino Berame was limited to just six points while the 6-11 Greg Slaughter was held scoreless.

“Ateneo was the better team, its system worked. Ateneo’s homecourt advantage also worked against us because this is our first finals outside Cebu,” said UV mentor Boy Cabahug.

Earlier, Naascu champion STI shocked 2006 UAAP titlist University of Santo Tomas in overtime, 87-81, to clinch third place and the P100,000 worth of scholarship grants.

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 04:48 AM

Ateneo wins
By Waylon Galvez
Manila Bulletin
Thursday, November 29, 2007

ATENEO unraveled a surprise package in Rabeh Al-Hussaini to down University of Visayas in the one-game Finals, 71-54, and capture its first Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League (CCL) last night at The Arena in San Juan.

The 6-foot-8 Al-Hussaini typified the Blue Eagles’ resolve as he outmuscled UV’s 6-foot-6 Rino Berame and 6-foot-11 Greg Slaughter in the shaded lane to finish with 23 points, eight rebounds and two shot blocks.

Aside from winning the CCL title, Ateneo took the top prize of P500,000 in the form of sports scholarships.

It was also the first title for the Katipunan-based team under coach Norman Black, who took the Eagles’ coaching chores in 2005 but has failed to guide the team to the UAAP championship. "This is very sweet," Black said. "We really don’t know what to expect coming into the tournament. In the finals, I was really concerned with UV’s bigmen."

"But my bigmen, especially Al, did a very good job. It was a total team effort," said Black, who was named the Coach of the Tournament.

Ateneo received the trophy and the P500, 000 check from tournament organizer Rey Gamboa, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipnas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan, vice-chairman Ricky Vargas, Executive Director Patrick Gregorio and PSC chairman Butch Ramirez.

Chris Tiu, a member of the RP Team that will see action in next month’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, came through with double-double performance 11 points and 12 boards with six assists.

Tiu ignited a 17-2 Ateneo run, although UV, which settled for the runner-up prize P200,000, got within 32-26 at halftime.

A jumper by Mike Luga cut the lead to four points, 38-42, with four minutes left in the third frame.

However, Ateneo used a 9-2 to take a 51-40 advantage entering the final period.

From there, the Green Lancers, a seven-time champion in Cebu Athletic School Foundation Inc. (CESSAFI), never got closer than nine points as the Eagles led by 19, 69-50 on a lay-up by Nonoy Baclao with 2:22 left.

Von Lanete topped for UV with 13 points.

Baclao, a native of Bacolod City, bagged the Most Valuable Player (M.V. Pangilinan Cup) award, while the Eagles won the Best Defensive Team trophy.

The scores:

First Game

STI 87 — Balneg 22, Micutuan 13, Tolentino 10, Mabayo 10, Mendoza 9, Porto 6, Cabangon 5, Macabasco 5, Flor 4, Tingco 3, Dimas 0, Bartolome 0.

UST 81 — Cruz 21, Ababou 20, Mirza 11, Taylor 10, Cuan 6, Canlas 6, Allera 5, Cortez 2, Badua 0, Gile 0.

Quarters: 16-18, 31-32, 50-49, 73-73 (Reg.), 87-81.

STI 16 15 19 23 14 — 87

UST 18 14 17 24 08 — 81

Second Game

ATENEO 71 — Al-Hussaini 23, Tiu 11, Arao 9, Long 8, Baclao 7, Salamat 5, Escueta 4, Barracoso 4, Austria 0, Baldos 0.

UV 54 — Lanete 13, Dennison 9, Luga 8, Diputado 8, Berame 6, Lapena 6, Tancongco 4, Slaughter 0, Villanil 0.

Quarters: 21-12, 32-26, 51-40, 71-54.

ATENEO 21 11 19 20 — 71

UV 12 14 14 14 — 54

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 04:57 AM

Blue Eagles smother Green Lancers to snatch CCL title
11/29/2007 | 12:09 AM

The Ateneo Blue Eagles bagged the 2007 Collegiate Champions League title on Wednesday by nipping the University of Visayas Green Lancers at The Arena in San Juan.

Veteran Rabeh Al-Hussaini shot a career-high of 23 points on top of 8 rebounds and 2 blocks for the Blue Eagles.

"We went into game thinking that we can beat any team," Ateneo coach Norman Black said. "The boys worked hard in practice and they deserve to win."

The 6-foot-7 Al Hussaini and National Team member Chris Tiu started the onslaught on both ends of the court from the opening tip off, giving the Eagles a commanding 21-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Seven-time CESAFI champions Lancers had more attempts at 69-64, but struggled on their shots the whole game for a dismal 32 per cent field goal percentage. The Lancers were also whistled for 17 fouls, while the Eagles only had eight.

UAAP Mythical Five member Tiu backstopped Al-Hussaini with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Von Lanete was the only bright spot for the Lancers with 13 points.

Earlier, STI College Olympians, the NAASCU champions, upended UAAP semifinalists UST Growling Tigers in overtime, 87-81, in the battle for third.

Tiu and Al-Hussaini were later joined by teammate Nonoy Baclao, UST’s Dylan Ababou and UV’s Rino Berame in the Mythical First Team.

STI’s Ramon Mabayo, UST’s Jervy Cruz, Ateneo’s Ken Barracoso and UV’s Ariel Medaña and Chris Diputado composed the Mythical Second Team.

The Eagles also copped the Best Defensive Team plum, while their energy player Baclao, who comes from West Negros University, was named season MVP in a tournament spearheaded by the BAP-Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas.

"It’s a pretty nice win for us since it will boost our confidence in the coming off-season tournaments and hopefully, until the UAAP season next year," Black added. - GMANews.TV

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 05:09 AM

Eagles crush Lancers, nail ‘Champs’ crown
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer
Last updated 04:34am (Mla time) 11/29/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo de Manila University got big shots from its big men as the Blue Eagles clobbered the University of Visayas Green Lancers, 71-54, to capture the Fil-Oil/Flying V National Collegiate Champions League crown Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini shot a game-high 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Eagles’ second-half onslaught over the seven-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions.

“It’s a very sweet win for us; I didn’t really know what to expect going into the tournament,” said Ateneo mentor Norman Black, named Best Coach of the tournament. “There was so much concentration on this game on the big men of UV but Rabeh played really well today.”

Al-Hussaini also received a Mythical Team citation along with teammates Chris Tiu and tournament Most Valuable Player Nonoy Baclao.

Tiu, who will suit up for the national men’s team in the Southeast Asian Games next week, got the Eagles off to an early lead to finish with 11 points, 12 boards and six assists.

Earlier, the STI College Olympians stunned the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 87-81, in overtime to clinch the third spot.

The Eagles, who also won a scholarship fund worth P500,000, dominated the paint in the second half even with 6-foot-11 Fil-Am Gregory Slaughter and 6-foot-6 Rino Berame on the floor at the same time.

“This is our first time to play a Finals game in Manila; the home court advantage was a really big factor,” said Lancers coach Boy Cabahug.

The scores:

First Game
STI 87 -- Balneg 22, Micutuan 13, Tolentino 10, Mabayo 10, Mendoza 9, Porto 6, Macabasco 5, Cabangon 5, Flor 4, Tiongco 3, Reyes 0, Dimas 0, Bartolome 0.
UST 81 -- Cruz 21, Ababou 20, Mirza 11, Taylor 10, Canlas 6, Cuan 6, Allera 5, Cortez 2, Badua 0, Gile 0.
Quarters: 16-18, 31-32, 50-49, 73-73 (reg), 87-81 (OT)

Second Game
ATENEO 71 -- Al-Hussaini 23, Tiu 11, Arao 9, Long 8, Baclao 7, Salamat 5, Barracoso 4, Escueta 4, Baldos 0, Austria 0.
UNIV. OF VISAYAS 54 -- Lanete 13, Dennison 9, Luga 8, Diputado 8, Mepaña 6, Berame 6, Tancongco 4, Villanil 0, Slaughter 0.
Quarters: 21-12, 32-26, 51-40, 71-54

pachador

11-29-2007, 06:49 AM

5FootCarrot

11-29-2007, 07:49 AM

The Arena was hardly jam-packed, and UV had a very nice crowd of supporters on hand, but I agree, it would be nice to hold more tournaments, especially ones that involve teams nationwide, in the regions and not just in Metro Manila.

It's just easier said than done considering that this country is an archipelago and it won't be easy to raise the funds for traveling, regardless of whether you're from Manila or come from a big basketball program.

easter

11-29-2007, 07:59 AM

I was actually expecting a good Visayan crowd yesterday since historically speaking, whenever a Visayan team visits and play Manila, they get all the support from the Visayans staying in Manla. The CCL (its now called CNC at BTV) might not be that well known that is why there wasn't much of a crowd from the south

GHRanger

11-29-2007, 09:19 AM

JonarSabilano

11-29-2007, 09:32 AM

the CCL should be alternatedly hosted in Manila then Cebu and vice versa. the 2 cities should take turns hosting because the 'crowd factor' is very important. for example, the final game was jumppacked daw with ateneo supporters.

I think this is what UV did not expect -- The crowd.* Manila teams will always have an advantage. Kung baga pang kabog ng mga players, iba talaga yung 10+ base drums constantly beating against you.*

Pachador -- Alternating the venues is a great idea.* If this transfers to Cebu in the coming years, I hope they put in around 3-4 teams from CESAFI or other local leagues.* The exposure will do them (and Philippine Basketball) good.* (Di naman mawawalan ng die hard supporters yung mga Manila teams... :D )

Congratulations to ADMU and UV!

I agree with this one. Alternating the venues will truly lend a "national" flavor to this tournament. In addition, just like in the US NCAA in which the championship game is held at Indianapolis, Cebu would be a strategic location.

If the organizers could expand the field to 32 teams (as originally advertised), I expect the top three teams of the CESAFI to be there. Next year could see at least three Cebuano players standing 6'9" and above, if rumors of a 6'9" Fil-Am suiting up for San Carlos prove to be true.

Congrats to the Blue Eagles for getting this crown. Props goes to Ford for playing one last time in the blue-and-white. Ateneo's future in the paint is secure with Rabeh and Nonoy around.

Thanks to UV for debunking the myth of "Imperial Manila" and proving that they can go with the big boys of Manila basketball. Berame might be a legit PBA center, but it's obviously the guards who dictate the flow of the game. I wonder what the Lanete parents feed their children that turn them into three-point-shooting monsters.

Kudos to STI for making ripples in its debut in the national scene. Howard Flor and Mark Balneg are not exactly unkowns, but that Micutuan guy sure can play.

As for UST, better luck next time. If Allera goes on playing like this, we'll have to contend with another monster in the paint aside from Jervy next year.

Schortsanitis

11-29-2007, 09:35 AM

* *Wasn't able to watch the game, but based on the scoring results, it was obvious that the UV big men were simply outclassed by ADMU's frontline. *Mepana, Berame & Luga only scored 20 pts. between them, in contrast to the 39 pts. from Al-Husseini, Arao & Baclao.

* *It looks like Al-Husseini will be having a breakout season next season in the UAAP. *He's had good games for ADMU in the University Games, all the way to the CCL. *His possible breakout season in the UAAP still remains to be seen, of course, but if he does breakout, then that's good since we have another player 6'7" or above as prospect for the PBA.

* *Am a bit disappointed w/ Berame's poor showing against the ADMU frontline despite excelling in the CESAFI & against the teams from the non-UAAP/NCAA leagues. *He needs to get used to playing against better opposition, & the PBL will definitely give him that opportunity. *I hope he excels. *

Ghostrider

11-29-2007, 11:13 AM

^^

In response, tatlo lang po ang bass drums na dala ng BBB. Pero dahil walang drums ang UV supporters, parang mas marami tuloy.

Also, I agree that Berame has a good future in Phiippine basketball.

Problema lang niya, madaling ma-apektuhan ng crowd. Napipikon and he loses focus. Anyway, I chalk it more to the unfamiliarity with the bright lights (ie television coverage & crowd) yesterday and not to anything else. So much pressure was put on his shoulders.

Slaughter, medyo kulang pa. He needs to work on his conditioning because after the first minutes of the game, he was huffing and puffing. Wala sa kondisyon.

Congratulations to UV, they were very worthy opponents. Keep up the good work in developing visayan talents for our national team.

bigfreeze_bibby

11-29-2007, 11:13 AM

Congratulations to the Blue Eagles for winning the 2007 Collegiate National Championship.

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 11:25 AM

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2007/11/two-towers.html

Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Two Towers
Ateneo 71 vs University of Visayas 54
by rick olivares

Champions League Match #15
November 28, 2007
The Arena, San Juan

“Tapos na. Bye bye na,” said Ford Arao who was battling conflicting emotions of joy and sadness. He was tired and at times running on pure adrenalin having come from PBL practice with San Mig Coffee straight into the finals of the 2007 Collegiate Champions League, but this game, this entire series was something he wouldn’t miss for the world.

Like many of his teammates, he came to the Ateneo College after having won a high school championship. In his first year with the team, the Blue Eagles made it to the finals but fell to Far Eastern University. He would battle through the difficulty of adjusting to a new school and an inability to adapt to the tougher collegiate circuit. Like Paolo Bugia before him, just when he was about to break out he suffered an injury that curtailed his development. Through it all, he grit his teeth and bore the burden. Oh, he heard the derisive jeers all right, but he displayed firm resolve to turn them into cheers.

In the just-concluded UAAP tournament, he defied the odds of a premature end to his playing days by leading the Blue Eagles from one crushing defeat to nearly stealing the spotlight of a finals berth. “Hindi pa tapos” became a mantra. It was a promise he made – to bring a title to Loyola – and a promise finally kept. “Sorry natagalan,” he apologized. “At least last game at may championship.”

Prior to the finals match, Ateneo may have been favored to win, but all the pre-game talk was centered on the University of Visayas’ oakwoods in Greg Slaughter, Ariel Mepaña, and Rino Berame.

By the game’s end, people were talking about center Rabeh Al-Husseini’s performance and how good Ateneo’s chances will be next season if he continues his strong post play. Al-Husseini so thoroughly outmuscled and outplayed the taller Slaughter that he reduced the tourney’s much-ballyhooed player into a spectator.

Heading into the team’s first major competition since the UAAP’s Season 70, Ateneo coach Norman Black emphasized two things: defense, and execution. “If we play good defense it will create scoring opportunities for us,” reminded the man who knows a thing or two about playing tough D. “For this game, we worked on our execution. We played these guys before and we respect them a lot so we had to make sure that we stayed true to our offense no matter what.

And for a few minutes, it seemed that the game would be all over for the UV Green Lancers right in the opening canto as the Blue Eagles took a page out of the Visayan team’s penchant for raining down destruction from the three-point arc. Following an Al-Husseini undergoal stab to start the game, back-to-back trifectas by skipper Chris Tiu and Kirk Long opened up the lane for Ateneo’s post players. The blue and whites raced to a 17-2 lead but when the second unit came in at the 3:06 mark, they were unable to hold the lead as their foes got back in the game.

The Green Lancers’ coaches – head gaffer Elmer “Boy” Cabahug (who made a name for himself with UV, Mama’s Love, and Swift back in his amateur days) and assistant Al Solis – were fearsome pistoleros back in their heyday. If you gave them a glimmer of daylight and they were shooting without hesitation and without remorse. Perhaps giddy that their big men had dropped the STI Olympians, the tournament’s other Cinderella team, they decided to once more muscle their way back into the scoring column. Except that meant attending a block party by that Human Eraser who sometimes goes by the name of Nonoy Baclao and Ateneo’s own giant in Al-Husseini. With Slaughter on the bench and guards Von Lanete and Ritchum Dennison misfiring, the Green Lancers were given some hope when back up guard Chris Diputado nailed a pair of treys, the second one from 79 feet away to get UV back in the game by the end of the first 10 minutes 21-12 in favor of Ateneo.

The Green Lancers continued their heady play into the second quarter to bring the lead down to three 21-18 (in favor of the Loyolans). But that was the closest they would ever get to Ateneo and the trophy.

Weathering UV’s barrage, Ateneo went into the half with some breathing space 32-26. “We have a ballgame, folks,” proclaimed BTV analyst Mark Zambrano, an Ateneo alumnus himself. “The third quarter will be interesting to see who will come out and seize control.”

Zambrano is a clever person; he knows that Ateneo normally fashions a sizeable lead in the third frame. But who could have guessed that it would only take one man to break the game wide open.

After emerging from the shadows of Japeth Aguilar in Season 69, Al-Husseini followed it up with a somewhat disappointing UAAP campaign. Two years ago, he was the beneficiary of many open look from the space carved out by JC Intal and Macky Escalona. This year he found it tougher and was on the bench for long stretches. However, in the Final Four versus La Salle, with Jobe Nkemakolam nursing a nagging injury, the younger brother of pro player Carlo Sharma played tough and began to send a message that he was a more focused player. Save for the round of eight match against Jose Rizal University where he scored only two points, Ateneo’s starting center put in double digits and good rebounding numbers every time out. And in the pivotal third quarter of the championship game, it hardly seemed fair as he almost single-handedly answered every UV shot with one of his own. And his hook shot over the taller Greg Slaughter at the 3:26 mark of the third canto sent the Ateneo crowd into frenzy and the UV big man to the bench for good. He scored 13 to the Green Lancers entire third quarter output of 14. Teammates Yuri Escueta and Baclao chipped in a few points to give Ateneo a 51-40 lead.

Right before the final quarter, Cabahug huddled his shell-shocked boys that they needed to string up a series of consecutive shots to get their confidence going. Take some good shots and they’ll have the Metro Manila team back on their heels. After all the pressure was on Ateneo’s since they had much to play for.

The Lancers turned to their big men for six straight points while Ateneo turned to Ford Arao. For a moment there, it seemed that his last game would be somewhat forgettable as his consecutive traveling violations in the late first quarter gave life to UV. Sizing up the situation and showing remarkable poise and big game maturity, Arao strung up seven points of his own to pad Ateneo’s lead to 16 at 66-40 with under six minutes left in the game.

Black’s boys sensing the kill, ratcheted up the defensive pressure. Eric Salamat and Yuri Escueta picked their UV counterparts’ pockets for four steals in the last few minutes that pretty much finished off their foes.

In the team’s last competitive game for 2007, the Blue Eagles won their first trophy of the Norman Black era. Tiu, Al-Husseini, and Ken Barracoso were named to the mythical selection while Baclao was awarded the tournament MVP. Black was named best coach and the team pocketed half a million worth of sporting equipment and money for scholarships.

“Any time you get a win it has got be good,” beamed team manager Paolo Trillo. “And these guys deserve it.”

With 1:27 left in the game, Black put in Arao one last time. “Naririnig ko yung heartbeat ko,” said the big man to himself. He took one last shot – a three-pointer that missed. But he was on target for a championship this time.

“Tapos na,” he said was satisfied finality as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “Pero Atenista tayo forever.”

Congratulations, Blue Eagles.

Thank you very much, Ford & the rest of the team.

Animo Ateneo!

Ateneo 71 – Al-Husseini 23, Tiu 11, Arao 9, Long 8, Baclao 7, Salamat 5, Escueta 4, Barracoso 4, Austria 0, Baldos 0

UV 54 – Lanete 13, Dennison 9, Luga 8, Diputado 8, Berame 6, Mepaña 6, Tangcongco 4, Slaughter 0, Villanil 0

Posted by Rick Olivares

Schortsanitis

11-29-2007, 11:34 AM

Berame, & most of the UV team members were part UV's last couple of championships, so am not sure how come it is that they are letting the crowd & the championship pressures affect them. Am sure the crowds during the championship games there in Cebu are just as big & noisy as the ones here in Manila. This is based on the accounts posted on the CESAFI section. Besides, the crowd at the CCL finals were nowhere near the crowds during actual UAAP or NCAA championship games.

As for Slaughter, is conditiong really a problem w/ him? I think conditioning is a basic prerequisite of any basketball team, so they should've had that down pat. If they couldn't even have that done, well .... Besides, am sure most of the other UV members seemed to be fit. He's been there for 6 months now, so I think they should've had enough time to work on his conditioning, unless there's a serious problem somewhere that kept that from happening.

thadzonline

11-29-2007, 02:25 PM

some past reports had it that sometimes, there are UV players who dont take training seriously anymore because they have become so dominant in the local Cebu basketball scene. The rude awakeneing came this past season, where they hardly won the 3-game semifinals against USJR(all games were decided on 1 point and bore the same score, 80-79, with USJR winning once) and the 5 game finals where USC was 1 game short of dethroning them..But, yes, they are indeed a gold standard in Cebu college basketball..

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 07:29 PM

Eagles rip Lancers
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 01:48pm (Mla time) 11/29/2007

CEBU CITY, Philippines - The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers fell short in their bid to win their first-ever Collegiate Champions League (CCL) crown, losing to the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 54-71, last night at The Arena in San Juan.

A slow start took its toll on UV, which allowed Ateneo to gain double-digit leads early on.

From a two-all standoff, the Blue Eagles scored 15 unanswered points to erect a 17-point lead, 17-2.

UV head coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug’s starting five of Ariel Mepaña, Ritchum Dennison, Greg Slaughter, Sylvester Tancongco and Harry Von Lanete also got clobbered by Ateneo’s Kirk Long, Raymond Austria, Chris Tiu, Rabah Al-Hussaini and Nonoy Baclao, 15-2.

“That starting unit was the same combination that I used when we won the 7th Cesafi crown. I thought it will work again but unfortunately it did not,” Cabahug told Cebu Daily News (CDN).

With his starting unit failing to produce points, Cabahug fielded in Mike Luga, Rino Berami and Chris Diputado which retaliated with a 10-4 run as the Green Lancers closed the first period down only by nine, 12-21 with a three pointer from 40 feet by Diputado.

UV opened the second quarter with a 6-0 blast and moved within three, 18-21, but that proved to be the closest they could get after Ateneo unleashed a 9-0 bomb for a 30-18 lead.

The 6-foot-9 Hussaini scored 13 of Ateneo’s 19 third quarter points, powering the Blue Eagles to a 51-40 lead, heading into the payoff period.

Hussaini exploded for a game-high 23 points, surprising even Cabahug.

“Going into the game, our game plan was to control the guards of Ateneo like Tiu and Long. We succeeded in stopping their guards but what burned us is their big men particularly Hussaini,” Cabahug said.

Tiu only scored 11 points while Long had eight.

Compounding to the woes of the Lancers was the foul trouble of big men of Ariel Mepaña and Berami.

The Green Lancers failed to launch a serious run in the fourth and even trailed by as much as 16 points.

Lanete top scored for the Green Lancers with 13 markers while Berami and Mepaña only managed six each.

“The difference really is the big men. Our big men are dominant in Cebu but against the Manila teams, they still have long ways to go. The big men here in Manila move like guards that’s why they are tough to stop,” Cabahug said.

The six-foot-11 Slaughter was a non-factor in the crucial game as he failed to score a single point.

If there’s any consolation, three UV players made it to the Mythical Teams. Diputado and Mepaña joined Ramon Mabayo of STI College, Jervy Cruz of UST and Ken Barracoso of Ateneo in Mythical Team B. Berami was named to the Mythical Team A along with Tiu, Hussaini, Baclao and UST’s Dylan Ababou.

Baclao won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award while Ateneo head coach Norman Black bagged the best coach tiara.

Meanwhile, the STI College Olympians stunned the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 87-81, to finish third.

BOX SCORES

ATENEO (71)- Hussaini 23, Tiu 11, Arao 9, Long 8, Baclao 7, Salamat 5, Barracoso 4, Escueta 4.

UV (54) Lanete 13, Dennison 9, Luga 8, Diputado 8, Mepaña 6, Berame 6, Tancongco 4.

amdgc82

11-29-2007, 07:31 PM

Bata's Baclao bags CCL MVP award
LEADS ATENEO TO FIRST TITLE UNDER BLACK
BY CEDELF TUPAS*
The Visayan Daily Star
Thursday, November 29, 2007

As a 17-year-old talent playing in his first Collegiate Champions League match, Bacoleño Siverino “Nonoy” Baclao, then playing for West Negros College Mustangs, elicited “oohs” and “aahs” from an appreciative Cebu City Coliseum crowd for an impressive show of shot-blocking.

Although the Mustangs suffered a rout at the hands of University of Cebu , Baclao's sparkling defensive performance turned out to be a portent of bigger things to come.

And more than two years later, Baclao's tireless work ethic and defensive ferocity earned him the Most Valuable Player award of the prestigious tournament that drew the top 16 collegiate teams in the country.

This time, though, he was Ateneo De Manila University's pillar of strength of a tough-as-nails interior defense that keyed an early breakaway for a 71-54 victory over the University of the Visayas in the finals of the tournament's fifth edition at the Arena in San Juan last night.

‘OVERWHELMED'

“I'm overwhelmed (with this award),” Baclao, who finished with seven points, nine rebounds and five blocks in the title-clinching win, told the DAILY STAR last night in a telephone interview.

More than his offensive contribution, Baclao, only in his first year playing in the top collegiate league in Manila , makes sure his worth goes beyond the stat sheet. He forces players into tough shots, taps loose balls to teammates and positions himself well for rebounds.

Baclao, who hails from Barangay Bata, dedicated his first-ever MVP award to his family, friends and the Ateneo and WNC communities.

“I didn't expect the award,” added Baclao, who also expressed gratitude to Anthony “Tony” Agustin, the WNC committee on sports development office chairman, for the continued support to his career as well as WNC coach Dennis Tumayan and ex-Mustangs mentor Elvis Atinado.

“We are so proud of him,” an elated Agustin said. “It just shows that players coming from the province have enough talent to play at a very high level if given the chance”.

The WNC community is also very proud of him, Agustin, the regional director of the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, added.

EARLY LEAD

It was the quintet of Baclao, Kirk Long, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Chris Tiu and Raymond Austria that pushed the Eagles to an early 17-2 lead against a towering UV squad that boasts of 6-11 Fil-Am Greg Slaughter and 6-7 Rino Berame.

Al-Hussaini, a 6-foot-8 center, typified the Blue Eagles' attack with 23 points, eight rebounds and two shot blocks.

Aside from winning the CCL title, Ateneo took the top prize of P500, 000 in the form of sports scholarships.

FIRST TITLE

It was also the first title for Ateneo under coach Norman Black, who took the Eagles' coaching chores in 2005 but has failed to guide the team to the UAAP championship.

“This is very sweet,” Black, whose team finished second to Far Eastern University in last month's UniGames in Bacolod , said.

“We really don't know what to expect coming into the tournament. In the Finals, I was really concerned with the UV bigmen.”

“But my bigmen did a very good job. It was a total team effort,” Black said.

UV, which settled for the runner-up prize of P200, 000, got within 32-26 at halftime and a jumper by Mike Luga cut the lead to four points, 38-42, with four minutes left in the third frame.

But Ateneo went on another torrid run from there to take a 51-40 advantage entering the final period.

The Lancers never got closer than nine points as the Eagles led by 19, 69-50 on a lay-up by Baclao with 2:22 left.

“It's difficult to win if you're not on your home court,” UV coach Boy Cabahug said.

Joining Baclao in the Mythical First team are Tiu, Al-Hussaini, Berame and UST's Dylan Ababou, while the Second team is composed of Ramon Mabayo of STI, Ariel Lepana and Cris Diputado of UV, Jervy Cruz of UST and Ken Barracoso of Ateneo.

STI College stunned University of Santo Tomas in the battle for third with an 87-71 overtime win. STI received P100, 000, while UST, the 2006 UAAP champion settled for P50, 000.

WNC, led by playmaker Alfie Villariza, was part of the original CCL cast but went down to Jose Rizal University, 83-61, in a Nov. 13 first round clash at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Baclao, somehow, avenged that loss for the Mustangs, leading Ateneo past the Heavy Bombers in the quarterfinals last week.*CPT

whiplash

12-01-2007, 05:40 AM

* * *THE organizers should just limit the NCAA and UAAP to the top three teams and give more spots to teams from the provinces.* We're talking here not just Cebu, Bacolod and Davao but also other areas like North Mindanao (COSAA) and North Luzon (BEAL) and even Bicol.

* * *I gather that the CeSAFI champion will be automatically seeded into the tournament proper while the next two teams will travel to Bacolod to engage in a regional qualifier along with other Visayan schools.

i wonder why no one has ever thought about this.. great idea.

yokam

12-01-2007, 08:30 AM

the CCL should be alternatedly hosted in Manila then Cebu and vice versa. the 2 cities should take turns hosting because the 'crowd factor' is very important. for example, the final game was jumppacked daw with ateneo supporters.

Such a great idea but both Visayas and Mindanao has yet to further improve basketball quality and it's level of play. It won't be too good to watch Cebu host the CCL then almost all the teams joining are from Manila and only UV representing Cebu.

Mhel_Garrido

12-01-2007, 05:40 PM

I just got back from my trip to Baguio for the STI National Youth Convention. I was so happy to hear that our STI COllege Olympians brought down the UST Growling Tigers. I was so tense waiting for the updates during my meetings at Camp John Hay.

I would just like to commend my Boys, NAASCU MVP Dexter Micutuan, he sacrificed a lot of his offense for the team to be a contender. I hope scouts will get this guy to the PBL and more importantly know how to use him. Ask Coach Franz Pumaren who he burned for 8 three pointers in a practice game last year.

Beating two UAAP teams in the same tournament is a feat worth cherishing and remembering for a long period of time. Congrats to my boys.

Dumbledore

12-02-2007, 04:03 PM

I am positive that the Collegiate Champions League (CCL) will go a distance in the future. It will be bigger than UAAP or NCAA. This league needs more publicity. If only major newspapers in the country will cover this league just like the way they cover NCAA and UAAP, CCL will gain prominence. Thus, different colleges alll over the country will have their chance to showcase their prowess and talents in the basketball arena.

Give this league a good publicity, it will definitely change Philippine collegiate basketball!

Congratulations to the winners

thadzonline

12-02-2007, 09:19 PM

what do you think about the seedings having to take reference to the past staging of the CCL? I think it's fair enough to consider how deep a team has gone into the tournament, says something about the level of play in their home league

amdgc82

12-03-2007, 02:47 AM

Indeed, there can only be one
BIZLINKS By Rey Gamboa
Philippine Star
Monday, December 3, 2007

Our column title has been inspired by the tag line used by Basketball TV of Solar Entertainment in promoting the Filoil Flying V 2007 Collegiate National Championship organized and managed by Collegiate Champions League (CCL).

Having just ended its 5th edition, CCL remains committed to the search for the best collegiate basketball team of the season.

There are many collegiate basketball leagues all over the country from far north to down south. As an ardent supporter of the promotion and development of collegiate basketball, my vision is for collegiate champion teams to aim for the next step higher: that of being the national collegiate champion.

I have always found collegiate basketball games, whether here or abroad, more exciting. One sees so much raw talent waiting to be discovered and developed. High enthusiasm and spirited plays are shown by the players.

Of course, our aspiring basketball players may not just be looking at the glory of their respective alma mater but also, consciously or unconsciously, at a basketball playing career after school. The Philippine Basketball League and Philippine Basketball Association are realistic goals to aim for.

The effort to bring together the top teams from all these leagues for a season-ending competition to determine the best among the best has been on and off during the past six decades.

According to Jun Capistrano, representative of Ateneo to the UAAP board, it was called “Challenge to Champions” in the 50s. In 1957, he recalled that the championship game was between University of Visayas and Ateneo.

UV, then coached by now Congressman Ed Guillas, beat Ateneo. One of the players of UV then was the father of the current coach of UV, Elmer “Boy” Cabahug.

Fifty years later, Ateneo Blue Eagles turned the table and beat University of Visayas Green Lancers for the Filoil Flying V 2007 Collegiate National Championship held recently at The Arena, San Juan City

Realization of a concept
The concept of the Collegiate Champions League, a brain-child of Coach Joe Lipa, was first launched five years ago, and is patterned after the United States’collegiate championship held annually during the month of March, called the March Madness.

The top 16 collegiate teams, champions of regional tournaments covering various states meet in a knock-out competition where losers go home and winners advance to the next level until a national champion emerges.

The first CCL games were organized and conducted with the financial backing of Leonardo“Boy” Leonio, an avid tennis player turned golfer, and chairman of Petrolift Inc., the country’s leading oil and gas tanker company. Incidentally, Petrolift’s IPO has recently been approved and is tentatively set on Dec. 19 this year.

The full support of Leonio and a handful of minor sponsors enabled CCL to overcome the birth pains of a newly launched developmental league and to complete the first three editions of the competition.

The past three champions and runner-ups, respectively, of CCL were: University of the East Warriors and Far Eastern University Tamaraws (first year); Far Eastern University Tamaraws and San Sebastian College Stags (second year); and FEU Tamaraws and UE Warriors (third year).

Solar’s Basketball TV joins in
Last year, Solar officials headed by COO Peter Chanliong, and vice-president for Marketing Jude Turcuatro recognized the value and potential of the CCL games and agreed to the production and marketing of the event. This gave the CCL games full television coverage over Solar’s Basketball TV and RPN 9 channels.

The agreement with Solar was a breakthrough for the Collegiate Champions League as the media exposure of the 4th edition of the collegiate national championship games was given a big boost.

Another highlight of last year’s CCL games was the increase in scholarship and athletic grants given to the schools representing the winning teams. The grants were set at P500,000 for champion; P200,000 for runner-up; P100,000 for 3rd place and P50,000 for 4th place.

The 4th edition of CCL games was won by the fifth seeded University of the East Warriors with San Beda Red Lions, the year’s NCAA champion, grabbing the runner-up position.

Filoil Flying V Sports as title sponsor
In this year’s edition of the CCL collegiate national championship, the Villavicencio group of companies headed by the founder and chairman, Chito Villavicencio, agreed to be the title sponsor of the tournament providing logistical support and the prizes for the winning teams.

The marketing, promotion and logistic support was ably provided by the Filoil Flying V Sports group headed by Virgil Villavicencio, CEO and David Dualan, CFO.

BAP-SBP extends recognition and support
Top officials of BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) led by its president, Manuel V. Pangilinan, and its executive director, Patrick Gregorio, extended recognition and support to CCL for organizing and managing the collegiate national championship games.

Additional funding was provided by BAP-SBP president, Manny Pangilinan, for SMART special awards for outstanding team and individual performances such as the most valuable player, members of the mythical teams, the best defensive team, best coach of the series and best performing referee.

Manny remarked that this is the time for collegiate teams to go beyond their respective leagues and aim for the national championship. The experience of players will definitely be enhanced if they are given the opportunity and the challenge to meet their counterpart champion teams from other provinces and regions in competition to determine the best among the best. Talents are better exposed and skills are further honed as players compete beyond the realm of their respective leagues.

Nationwide participation and support of collegiate leagues
The participation and support of the different collegiate leagues nationwide are critical in the search for the national collegiate champion. The following leagues were represented during this year’s CCL games: University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Athletic Association of Schools Colleges and Universities (NAASCU), Colleges and Universities Sports Association (CUSA), Cebu Sports Association and foundation, Inc., (CESAFI), Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural and Educational Association (NOPSSCEA), Tacloban City Collegiate League and Davao Collegiate Athletic Association (DCAA).

Outstanding team and individual performances
Apart from the top four teams, namely, ADMU Blue Eagles (National Collegiate Champion), UV Green Lancers (runner-up), STI Colleges Olympians (3rd place) and UST Growling Tigers (4th place), the following are the teams and individuals with outstanding performances during the CCL Filoil Flying V Collegiate National Championship 2007:

Most Valuable Player and recipient of the M. V. Pangilinan Cup is Nonoy Baclao (ADMU Blue Eagles).

Mythical Team Members are: Team A “Nonoy Baclao (Ateneo Blue Eagles), Rino Berame (UV Green Lancers), Dylan Ababou (UST Growling Tigers), Rabeh Al-hussaini (Ateneo Blue Eagles), and Cris Tiu (Ateneo Blue Eagles); and Team B“ Ariel Medana (UV Green Lancers), Cris Diputado (UV Green Lancers), Jerby Cruz (UST Growling Tigers), Ken Barracoso (Ateneo Blue Eagles), and Ramon Mabayo (STI Olympians).

Best Defensive Team is ADMU Blue Eagles, Best Coach is Norman Black (ADMU Blue Eagles), and Best Referee is Ermin Mallorca.

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