Negros Basketball Association (NBA)

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Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Pamplona Bulls debuts in NBA Gov's Cup vs Silay
www.sunstar.com.ph

FANCIED Pamplona Bulls won't see action in the NBA 1st Gov. Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup '08 until Sunday, August 10, when they take on Silay City in the second game of a triple bill scheduled at 4:15 p.m.

But the team which is owned and managed by Pamplona Plantations and mentored by former Negros Slashers assistant coach Rollie Buenaflor with Sunel Tan as team manager won't really be able to test its mettle against the other fancied squads until the August 17 playdate when it tangles against equally fancied Ticel-Iloilo at 6 p.m.

Ticel, owned and managed by Iloilo businessman Alberto Lopez, is led by former pro and ex-Negros Slasher Leo Bat-og together with former West Negros College Mustang Roel Balgos who used to play with a rival Iloilo team in regular Iloilo Basketball League tournaments.

The other playdate in the series fans are eyeing not to miss is on Sunday, August 24, when the Pamplona Bulls face reigning NBA Bacolod Mayor's Cup champion WNU Mustangs in the scheduled 6PM matchup.

However, NBA tournament commissioner Bobby Tee said the so-called fancied teams need to be wary of the other LGU-backed squads that have served notice of their intention to really figure prominently in this event that is the NBA's contribution to the grassroots development program of the province of Negros Occidental.

Saturday's opening ceremonies at 1:30PM features the participation of the La Carlota Pasalamat drumbeaters as well as the WNU Glee Club who will sing 'The Lord's Prayer' and the pambansang awit.

NBA president Oscar 'Dodong' Bascon will give the welcome remarks, Gov. Zayco is the guest of honor and speaker and Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia will deliver an inspirational speech.

Zayco will later do the ceremonial toss assisted by Bascon, Leonardia and mayors Salvador Escalante of Cadiz City, Hermilo Aguilar of Hinigaran, Demy Honrado of La Carlota City and Jose Montelibano of Silay City.

NBA director, Prosecutor Eduardo Sayson, will introduce the guest speaker while NBA treasurer Vic Tan will preside over the awarding of the 'Best in Uniform' special award as well as the selection of a Miss NBA Governor's Cup '08 from among the muses of the eight participating teams.

Tickets for the tournament are priced at P25 for reserve and P10 for bleachers and games will be played every Tuesdays and Thursday starting 6PM and every Saturdays and Sundays starting 2:30PM. (HCV)

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Thursday, August 07, 2008
Duremdes to lead Ticel-Iloilo in NBA Gov's Cup
By Henry C. Villalva
www.sunstar.com.ph

FORMER Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) MVP Kenneth Duremdes is seeing action for visiting Ticel-Iloilo in the Negros Basketball Association's 1st Gov. Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup '08 this Saturday at the Po Hang Gym of Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

This was confirmed by NBA officials on Wednesday during a meeting of the NBA board at Dodong's Fastbreak of Bascon Hotel presided by NBA president Oscar "Dodong" Bascon.

"We heard Kenneth Duremdes is seeing action together with former San Miguel Beerman Nelson Asaytono, although this will finally be confirmed on Friday when the teams beat the deadline for submission of their official lineups," said NBA tournament commissioner Bobby Tee.

Duremdes, the former Alaska Aces mainstay was reported recently as asking to be reinstated in the PBA, assuring that he still has a couple of good playing years ahead of him.

He was in Bacolod City last month together with the Mighty Sports team that played exhibition games against Ticel-Iloilo at the Bays Center and against the Silay Selection in Silay City.

"Pamplona Bulls also has a couple of 6'5s and 6'7s expected to boost the team's chances in the Governor's Cup and the other teams also have some other surprises, reportedly some FIL-Ams as re-enforcements," said NBA treasurer Vic Tan.

The NBA Governor's Cup is expected to kick off on Saturday, August 9, 1:30 p.m. with a lot of fanfare and with a fiesta atmosphere guaranteed to make the fans enjoy, with the participation of the La Carlota City Pasalamat Drumbeaters and the West Negros University Glee Club, NBA officials assured.

"We want the fans to really enjoy our opening program on Saturday especially with the selection of a Miss NBA Governor's Cup '08 from among the beautiful muses of the eight participating teams," Tan said.

The team with the best uniform will also receive a special award from organizers.

Governor Isidro Zayco will be the guest of honor and speaker while Mayors Evelio Leonardia of Bacolod City, Salvador Escalante of Cadiz City, Hermilo Aguilar of Hinigaran, Demie Honrado of La Carlota City and Jose "Oti" Montelibano of Silay City will assist Zayco in the traditional ceremonial toss together with Bascon.

Present in Wednesday's NBA board meeting were vice presidents Johnny Ku and lawyer William "Hanz" Chua, secretary Boy Gustilo, treasurer Tan, commissioner Tee and Bascon.

Meanwhile, NBA officials assured that opening day entry passes will be distributed to the different Bacolod barangays through their barangay captains to enable fans to witness the NBA opening which features reigning Bacolod Mayor's Cup titlist West Negros University Mustangs taking on Ticel-Iloilo in the opening game right after Saturday's opening ceremonies.

Games in this series, which is expected to last until September 7, are scheduled every Tuesdays and Thursdays starting 6:30 p.m. and every Saturdays and Sundays starting 2:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at P25 (reserve) and P10 (bleacher).

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Friday, August 08, 2008
Macapagal to grace NBA Gov's Cup opening
By Henry C. Villalva
www.sunstar.com.ph

PHILIPPINE Basketball Association (PBA) star Mark Macapagal of the Coca Cola Tigers is slated to grace the opening ceremonies of the Negros Basketball Association's 1st Gov. Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup '08 Friday at the Po Hang gym of Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

NBA president Oscar "Dodong" Bascon said the PBA star will be among the featured guests during the festival-type opening program where eight participating teams will parade with their muses and team captains holding their respective team banners.

A special feature in the traditional opener is the presence of the mayors of the towns and cities fielding teams in this centerpiece NBA event.

Mayors Salvador Escalante of Cadiz, Hermilo Aguilar of Hinigaran, Demie Honrado of La Carlota City and Jose "Oti" MOntelibano of Silay City have been invited to assist Zayco in the ceremonial toss to usher in the tournament.

Highlight of the NBA opening program is the selection of a Miss NBA Governor's Cup from among the muses of the eight participating teams.

A special prize to the team with the best uniform will also be given/

NBA treasurer Vic Tan will preside over the muse selection and awarding.

The program will have the special participation of the La Carlota City Pasalamat Drumbeaters and the West Negros University Glee Club who will sing "The Lord's Prayer" and the Philippine national anthem.

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Saturday, August 09, 2008
NBA Gov's Cup opens Friday
By Henry C. Villalva
www.sunstar.com.ph

THE Negros Basketball Association is making sure Friday's NBA 1st Governor Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup '08 opening ceremonies will be remembered not only for its opening game between the West Negros University Mustangs and visiting Ticel-Iloilo, but more so because of its colorful traditional opening ceremonies.

"We believe this tournament is going to be exciting because of the eight participating teams," said NBA president Oscar 'Dodong' Bascon.

"The fans deserve to be entertained well during the opening ceremonies, that's why we have required the eight teams to come up with their beautiful muses and we've also invited the West Negros University Glee Club and the La Carlota City Pasalamat Drumbeaters to add color to the occasion," he added.

The Mustangs, reigning NBA Bacolod Mayor's Cup and NOPSSCEA champions, will be trying its mettle against a tough Ticel-Iloilo squad bannered by the likes of former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes and ex-Negros Slasher Leo Bat-og.

Others listed in the partial lineup of Ticel-Iloilo which was faxed Friday to the NBA office are Alberto Lopez, Tonyboy Espinosa, Edu Allado, Mark Yee, Ruel Balgos, Rhagnee Sinco, Reynel Hugnatan, Jay Pisuea, Francis Salcedo, Mark Hubalde, Tong Aquino, and Aming Doliquez.

It was not clear as of press deadline Friday whether the Mustangs will be fielding an intact varsity lineup as NBA tournament commissioner Bobby Tee was still awaiting the final submission of team lineups.

"It's still pretty much of a secret up to this point and the most we can do is speculate on the team reinforcements until we have in hand the actual lineups," Tee said.

Governor Zayco will be the guest of honor and speaker in Friday's opening program while Bacolod Mayor Evelio 'Bing' Leonardia will give his inspirational speech.

Mayors Salvador Escalante of Cadiz City, Hermilo Aguilar of Hinigaran, Demie Honrado of La Carlota City and Jose Montelibano of Silay City will join Leonardia and Bascon in assisting Zayco during the traditional ceremonial toss to usher in the opening game between WNU and Ticel.

A highlight of the opening program is the selection of a Miss NBA Governor's
Cup from among the muses of the participating teams, following the awarding of the best in uniform plum to be presided by NBA treasurer Vic Tan.

The participating teams are Cadiz city, Hinigaran, La Carlota City, Pamplona Bulls, Province of Negros Occidental, Silay City, Ticel-Iloilo, and West Negros University.

Cadiz takes on La Carlota City in Saturday's 3 p.m. schedule immediately following the opening ceremonies while Ticel-Iloilo meets the WNU Mustangs at 4:45 p.m.

Sunday’s schedule pits Hinigaran against La Carlota at 2:30 p.m., Silay City versus Pamplona Bulls at 4:15 p.m. while Cadiz City tangles against Ticel-Iloilo in the main game at 6 p.m.

Tickets for the series are at P25 (reserve) and P10 (bleacher).

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Governor’s Cup tourney
kicks off in Tay Tung
BY NIDA BUENAFE*
www.visayandailystar.com
*
Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco, Vice Gov. Emilio Yulo III, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and local chief executives of participating towns and cities will be at the Po Hang Gym of Tay Tung High School this afternoon to witness the opening of the 1st NBA Gov. Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup ’08.

Joining them in the opening rites are the Negros Basketball Association officials led by its president Oscar “Dodong” Bascon, and Philippine Basketball Association cager Mark Macapagal of Magnolia.

Bascon said it will be a unique opening day for the Governor’s Cup as the La Carlota drumbeaters were invited to provide the event a festive atmosphere.

The West Negros University Glee Club will lead the invocation and the singing of the national anthem while Bascon will deliver the opening remarks. Leonardia will give an inspirational speech and Zayco will give a speech as guest of honor.

Adding color to the opening ceremony will be the awarding of the `Best in Uniform’ and selection of Miss NBA Governor’s Cup by the association’s treasurer, Vic Tan.

The oath of sportsmanship will be led by Vengie Vergara, team captain of the WNU Mustangs while NBA vice president Johnny Ku has been tasked to declare the tournament open.

Joining Zayco in the ceremonial toss will be Leonardia, and Mayors Jose Montelibano (Silay), Salvador Escalante (Cadiz), Hermilo Aguilar (Hinigaran), and Demie Honrado (La Carlota).

The eight teams contesting the title are: Province of Negros Occ., Ticel-Iloilo, WNU Mustangs, Silay, Cadiz, La Carlota, and Pamplona Bulls.

Right after the opening ceremony, Cadiz will face La Carlota City while Ticel will challenge WNU Mustangs in the second game.*NAB

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Province beats WNU, 88-84
www.visayandailystar.com
*
Ely Olarte hit nine triples and finished the game with 33 points but they were not enough to win the ballgame for the West Negros University Mustangs against the Province of Negros Occidental team that won, 88-84, last night at the packed gym of Tay Tung High School in Bacolod City.

It was an all-Mustangs show in the first half of the play as Jack Tumayan’s wards from the WNU stables showed dominance with 28 big points in the first quarter and 30 points in the second canto while the Province only made 22 and 23 for a 13-point deficit at halftime.

But WNU’s guns suddenly went cold in the third quarter as Joemarie Bayhon led a 25-point surge of the Province to narrow the gap while the Mustangs managed only with 13 points.

With the score pegged at 71-70 entering the final quarter, the Mustangs failed to shrug off the pursuing Provincial guys who stole the limelight with a four-point victory.

In the second game, Silay beat Hinigaran, 116-104.*NAB

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Province Deals WNU 2nd Loss; Silay City Wins in 1st NBA Gov’s Cup
www.ndb-online.com

Games tomorrow

6:00 p.m. - Cadiz City vs. Pamplona Bulls
7:45 p.m. - La Carlota City vs. Province of Negros Occidental

The Province of Negros Occidental dealt West Negros University Mustangs its second loss, 88-84, in an exciting match last night, while Silay City turned back Hinigaran, 116-104 in the first game in a battle of winless team in the 1st NBA-Governor Isidro P. Zayco Invitational basketball tournament at Po Hang gym of Bacolod Tay Tung High School .

The eight-time NOPSSCEA champion and NBA Mayor’s cup titlist Mustangs also bowed to Ticel-Iloilo on opening day Saturday in a another exciting match, where they match again the Iloilo-based team reinforced by former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes and Alaska Ace Reynel Hugnatan.

The Mustangs is expected to come back on Saturday against Silay City at 2:30 p.m. along with two other games pitting Ticel-Iloilo against Hinigaran at 4:14 p.m. and Cadiz City versus province of Negros Occidental at 6 p.m.

The Rex Bayer-led Province of Negros Occidental fought the more agile players of the Mustangs in a run-and - gun plays containing its three vital cogs, Alfie Villariza, Ely Olarte and Vengie Vergara.

Silay City also took its stand against the hard-fighting Hinigaranon and fought aiming to join the win column along with seven other teams. The Ryan Gamboa, and ABS-CBN Bacolod anchorman-led Silay City was on the top against Robert Bunol, Jr.-led Hinigaran at the end of the match.

Both teams will see action on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Silay City will meet La Carlota City at 2:30 p.m. and Hinigaran against Cadiz City at 4:15 p.m. Ticel- Iloilo and Pamplona Bulls will battle at 6:00 p.m. to complete the triple-bill matches.

Tournament format is single round robin elimination with the top four teams joining together for a single round robin semi-final round going to the Best-of-3 championship.*

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Thursday, August 14, 2008
WNU Mustangs bow to province in NBA Gov's Cup
By Henry C. Villalva
www.sunstar.com.ph

NBA Mayor's Cup reigning MVP Ely Olarte sank the first of his nine triples from deep left as soon as he received the ball midway in the first period as if to signal the West Negros University Mustangs' intent to drub Province of Negros Occidental.

This was the action last Tuesday in the ongoing 1st NBA Gov. Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup '08 at the packed Tay Tung venue, which drew an uncharacteristically packed basketball crowd even on a rainy weekday.

But the prolific Olarte's game-high total of 33 points proved not enough as an inspired Province of Negros Occidental squad mentored by former Mustang Edward Cepriano outscored WNU 25-13 in the third.

They trailed by 11 at the end of the first half en route to the 88-84 come-from-behind upset victory that dealt the Jack Tumayan-mentored Mustangs their second straight loss in as many outings in this NBA centerpiece event.

Former University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Ram Joemarie Bayhon led the province with 23 points and got solid support from Marlon Talatala with 17, ex-Mustang Arnol Laureño with 14 and Bert Celis with 11 while former CSA-B Eagles Mark Ramos and Rex Bayer combined for another 13 points for the well-deserved win.

Point guard Jeff Jacinto finished with 15 points for the Mustangs while team captain Vengie Vergara chipped in with 13 even as Alfie Villariza, Jetric Sumido and Winrich Pusoc combined for another 17 points on their own.

In Tuesday's first game, Silay City defeated Hinigaran, 116-104.

Thursday's schedule pit Cadiz City (2-1) against Pamplona Bulls (1-0) at 6 p.m. with the Rollie Buenaflor-mentored squad expected to field in three players in their lineup who have yet to see action in this series, even as upstart Cadiz City, bannered by ex-UNO-R Rams Jojo Miravalles and Rolan Delina hope to tally its third win as against the one loss they suffered at the hands of powerhouse Ticel-Iloilo.

This will be followed by the match-up between La Carlota City and the province of Negros Occidental at 7:45 p.m.

Meanwhile, organizers expect another overflow crowd this weekend starting with the Saturday clash between winless WNU and Silay City at 2:30 p.m., followed by Hinigaran versus Ticel-Iloilo at 4:15 p.m. and Cadiz against the province of Negros Occidental in the nightcap at 6 p.m.

Sunday's much-awaited match-up between pre-tournament favorite Ticel-Iloilo and fancied Pamplona Bulls, remains as the game to watch for most fans in this event, which is NBA's contribution to the grassroots sports development program of the province of Negros Occidental.

Tickets for the series are priced at P25 (reserve) and P10 (bleacher), available at the gate prior to game time.

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La Carlota upsets
Province in NBA
BY NIDA BUENAFE*
www.visayandailystar.com
*
It was a night of surprises in the NBA Gov. Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup as La Carlota City pulled off a one-point victory, 99-98, against Province of Negros Occidental who tamed the West Negros University Mustangs in their previous encounter at the Po Hang Gym of Tay Tung High School in Bacolod City.

Allowing the La Carlota boys to get the upperhand early in the game with a five-point margin in the first half at 25-20, Province paid dearly for their laxity as the cagers from the south sustained their lead in the second canto to end the halftime at 55-47.

In the third quarter, La Carlota valiantly held their ground and refused to yield the lead as the Province stepped up their game.

A 28-point output in the final quarter for the Province against La Carlota’s 21 points were not enough as Harold Nicor’s jumper delivered the win for the southerners.

In the first game, Cadiz City played consistently all throughout the game to post a convincing, 73, 66, decision against Pamplona Bulls.*NAB

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In 1st NBA-Gov Cup!
Cadiz City Cagers Bully Pamplona Bulls; La Carlota Repulses Province, 99-98
www.ndb-online.com

Games tomorrow (Saturday)
2:30 p.m. - Silay City vs. WNU
4:15 p.m. - Hinigaran vs. Ticel-Iloilo
6:00 p.m. - Cadiz City vs. Province of Neg. Occ.

Cadiz City’s calculated plays paid off as the Whale City’s cagers bullied the Pamplona Bulls, 73-66, triggered by unexpected scuffles among players that emptied the bench of both teams last night in the 1st NBA-Governor Isidro P. Zayco Invitational Cup Basketball tournament held at the Po Hang Gym of Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

The scuffles happened 7:43 seconds in the third quarter causing the ejectment of Pamplona bulls Mark Marcos for punching and Cadiz City’s Jessie Lumantas for throwing the ball. Both were also penalized with one game suspension by tournament commissioner Bobby Te.

Both teams also get technical foul for emptying their benches and went inside the hardcourt to join the melee. Cooler heads prevented more damages to the incident witnessed by former Senator John Osmeña, Pamplona Bulls owner.

The incident triggered after Rodel Canino wrapped up on Jessie Lumantas after the former tried to get an open spot for an assist resulting to a head-on collision as Lumantas slumped on the court.

Canino was charged for unsportsmanlike foul and was thrown-out from the game.

Lumantas scored 13 points before his departure for Cadiz which was topscored by Niel Raneses with 16 points.

Rolan Delina and Jojo Miravalles added 13 and 10, respectively.

Marcos made 16 points before his ejectment and teammate Jose Magdadaro contributed 18 points.

With the win, Cadiz coasted to two wins and a loss in this 8-pack team tournament. They also won over La Carlota City, 88-75. Their loss was against Ticel-Iloilo, 102-83 last Sunday.

Pamplona Bulls split their standing with 1-1 win-loss card. They won over Silay City, 92-65 also last Sunday.

In the second game, La Carlota foiled the last ditch attempt of Province of Negros Occidental, 99-98 for their second win against a loss and dealt the Province a 1-1 win-loss card.

The Province’s win recorded against eight-time NOPSSCEA and reigning NBA-Mayor’s Cup champions West negros University Mustangs, 88-84.

Tournament format is single round robin elimination with the top four teams joining together for a single round robin semi-final round going to the Best-of-3 championship.*