NAASCU 9TH SEASON

[AnthonyServinio]

September 4, 2009 (Friday) -- San Juan Gym
(3) STI College d. (2) University of Manila, 70-58
(4) Lyceum of Subic Bay d. (1) San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite, 76-72 (OT)

September 7, 2009 (Monday) -- Pasay City Sports Complex
(2) University of Manila d. (3) STI College, 72-68
(1) San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite d. (4) Lyceum of Subic Bay, 90-81

**END OF SEMIFINAL ROUND**

September 9, 2009 (Wednesday) -- Cuneta Astrodome
1:00 PM NAASCU Finals Game One: San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite vs. University of Manila

September 14, 2009 (Monday) -- Cuneta Astrodome
1:00 PM Battle for Third Place: STI College vs. Lyceum of Subic Bay
3:00 PM NAASCU Finals Game Two: University of Manila vs. San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite

September 16, 2009 (Wednesday) -- Cuneta Astrodome
2:00 PM NAASCU Finals Game Three: San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite vs. University of Manila (if needed)

**END OF TOURNAMENT**


Note: All games in the Senior Men's Division.

[AnthonyServinio]

PASAY CITY – Defending champion San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite Baycats and five-time former champion University of Manila Hawks arranged a best-of-three showdown for the Ninth National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and University (NAASCU) Senior Men’s Basketball crown by downing separate semifinal opponents Monday afternoon at the Pasay City Sports Complex.

The top seed Baycats of Coach Edgar Macaraya were unrelenting in their 90-81 demolition of the fourth seed Lyceum of Subic Bay Shark. Leading all the way, the Baycats leaned on their veteran crew to thwart the repeated rallies of the two-year member Sharks of Coach Kerwin McCoy.

Jumping to a 12-0 advantage, the Baycats with guard Jun Gracilla at the firing end eventually took the first period, 30-14. They then proceeded to erect their biggest lead, 42-22, on a basket by Marlito Escobal. The halftime count was pegged at 48-29.

The Sharks began the third period with an 11-0 blitz to threaten, 40-48. Guards Raymond Alcasabas and Lyle Antipuesto then played firemen as they managed to keep the Baycats ahead entering the final period, 61-52.

Gracilla resumed his hot shooting and in tandem with Antipuesto pushed the Baycats further, 75-60. Jessie James Collado and Billy Labadan then tried his best to lead one final rally, but the Baycats shot well from the free throw line in the final two minutes to preserve the win.

Gracilla led the Baycats with 23 points followed by Howard Pantonia with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Antipuesto finished with 16. Alcasabas missed a rare triple-double with 10 rebounds, 10 assists and nine points. Collado topped the Sharks with 20 points while Labadan and Richard Velasco both had 14.

The second seed UM Hawks of Coach Jojo Castillo and team manager Atty. Ernesto de los Santos grabbed the first seat by escaping the challenge of third seed and 2007 champion STI College Olympians, 72-68.

From a low-scoring first period where they trailed, 9-10, the Olympians of Coach Victor Ycasiano turned to center Maclean Sabellina who poured in 12 points, including a buzzer-beating triple to put them ahead at halftime, 34-26.

Hawks main man John Matubang drained three triples to seize the lead, 38-36. However, the Olympians quickly regained the advantage on a Jen Reyes triple at the 5:51 mark, 41-40. With Matubang suddenly sidelined with an injury, Sabellina and power forward Martin Antonio then continued to pound the inside to keep STI on top entering the final period, 63-48.

Antonio and Sabellina gave the Olympians their biggest lead via back-to-back baskets, 57-48. Suddenly, guard Alvin Viernes scored 10 unanswered points to give the Hawks the lead for good with six minutes to play, 58-57.

Viernes would add four more points to stretch their lead, 65-59, and three minutes to go. STI would counter with Sabellina threatening for the last time, 64-65, and 90 ticks on the clock. Matubang returned to set up Edwin Tamayo for an under-goal stab and Viernes chalked up two free throws at the 46-second mark that doused water on the rally, 69-64.

Alvin Macabasco was fouled and then converted two free throws to close in, 66-69. Viernes proceeded to deliver the knockout blow – a looping shot with four seconds on their shot clock and 18 on the game clock. Norman Ihalas went for a quick lay-up, followed by a quick foul on Matubang who split his charities for the final tally.

Viernes scored all but one of his 19 markers in the fourth period. Matubang finished with 17. Sabellina topped the Olympians with 20 points followed by Antonio with 15.

The Olympians and Sharks upset their favored opponents last Friday (September 4) to set the stage for Monday’s pair of knockout games. The Olympians creamed the Hawks, 70-58, while the Sharks needed overtime to dispose of the Baycats, 72-68.

Game One of the championship series is scheduled for Wednesday (September 9) at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City starting at 1:00 PM. In the appetizer, AMA Computer University and Our Lady of Fatima University will hold their one-game playoff for Second Place in the Junior Division at 11:00 AM. The Hawks can make it a grand slam this season as their Women’s and Junior teams have already conquered their respective divisions via clean sweeps.

Game Two will be on Monday (September 14) and if needed, the deciding Game Three will be held immediately next Wednesday (September 16). Lyceum and STI will play for Third Place as the opener for Game Two.

How They Scored:

First Game

MANILA (72) – Viernes 19, Matubang 17, Rabalo 12, de los Trinos 9, Manuel 7, Patricio 4, Tamayo 2, Sanguyo 2, Basan 0, Ibay 0.

STI (6 – Sabellina 20, Antonio 15, Ihalas 11, Macabasco 10, Reyes 5, Bautista 3, Cruz 2, Orias 0, Villadoz 0, Ablaza 0, Bocablo 0.

Period Scores: 10-9, 26-34, 48-53, 72-68.

Second Game

SAN SEBASTIAN-CAVITE (90) – Gracilla 23, Pantonia 18, Antipuesto 16, Lucernas 9, Ray Alcasabas 9, Escobal 7, Pasagui 4, Atangan 4, Acain 0.

LYCEUM-SUBIC (81) – Collado 20, Labadan 14, Velasco 14, Baydo 10, Bilog 10, Postrado 5, Valencia 5, Espinelli 3, Carey 0, Ellano 0.

Period Scores: 30-14, 46-29, 61-53, 90-81.

[AnthonyServinio]

September 9, 2009 (Wednesday) -- Cuneta Astrodome
NAASCU Finals Game One: San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite d. University of Manila, 71-69
(Baycats lead series, 1-0)

September 14, 2009 (Monday) -- Cuneta Astrodome
1:00 PM Battle for Third Place: STI College vs. Lyceum of Subic Bay
3:00 PM NAASCU Finals Game Two: University of Manila vs. San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite

September 16, 2009 (Wednesday) -- Cuneta Astrodome
2:00 PM NAASCU Finals Game Three: San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite vs. University of Manila (if needed)

**END OF TOURNAMENT**


Note: All games in the Senior Men's Division.

[AnthonyServinio]

PASAY CITY – The San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite Baycats are one win away from repeating as Senior Division champions after taking Game One of the best-of-three series of the Ninth National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) against the University of Manila Hawks, 71-69, at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday afternoon (September 9).

The Baycats of Coach Edgar Macaraya leaned on their patented defense to hold the Hawks sans a field goal in the final four minutes. That cushioned the Baycats’ poor three out of eight free throw shooting in the final two minutes that almost cost them the win.

The drama unfolded early in the fourth period when a Marlito Escobal triple gave the Baycats the biggest lead by either side in the contest, 62-55. The Hawks of Coach Jojo Castillo countered with a 10-0 burst behind five points each from John Matubang and Alvin Viernes and six minutes to play, 65-62.

Reigning NAASCU Most Valuable Player Kris Lucernas then hit back-to-back baskets to put the Baycats back on top, 66-65. A seesaw battle ensued with Hawk Kevin Rabalo tying the count for the last time on a free throw split of Howard Pantonia, 68-68, and 2:26 on the clock.

Succumbing to the Baycats’ suffocating defense and rebounding on both ends of the floor, the Hawks were forced to give up fouls to stop the clock. Lucernas and Raymond Alcasabas registered splits from the free throw stripe, keeping the Hawks’ hopes alive.

Matubang had a chance to tie the game again but he split his free throws of Escobal with 25 ticks to go, 69-70. Coach Macaraya sued for time and in the ensuing play, Matubang fouled Jun Gracilla who could only make one free throw, 71-69.

The Hawks quickly put the ball in play, but Ryeon de los Trinos missed an open corner triple with six seconds left. Jay-Ar Manuel grabbed the offensive rebound only to have his shot blocked by a phalanx of Baycat defenders. He was subsequently whistled for a travelling violation.

Escobal was promptly fouled at the four-second mark, only to miss both his free throws. The Hawks had one last chance as Viernes launched an awkward heave from just past the center line that went nowhere at the buzzer.

The Hawks took the first period, 16-11, with Matubang and Viernes accounting for 11 points combined. Gracilla, Pantonia and Lyle Antipuesto rallied the Baycats in the second period, capped by a three-point cluster by Alcasabas for a 33-27 advantage. A Rabalo basket and four Matubang free throws off Lucernas and Alcasabas within the last 30 seconds knotted the halftime tally at 33-33.

Gracilla led the Baycats with 17 points followed by Lucernas with 12 points and eight rebounds. Matubang submitted 25 points and seven assists while Viernes supported him with 23, 17 coming in the second half. However, the rest of the team struggled with no Hawk hitting for more than six markers.

Game Two of the series will be on Monday (September 14) at 3:00 PM, again at the Cuneta Astrodome. Game Three, if needed, will be played on the following Wednesday (September 16) at the same venue. Before Game Two between the Hawks and Baycats, STI College and Lyceum of Subic Bay will play for Third Place at 1:00 PM.

Earlier in the day, the Our Lady of Fatima University Phoenix walloped the AMA Computer University Titans, 89-60, to take home Second Place in the Junior Division. Forward AJ Perea led the Phoenix with 21 points. The UM Hawks have already claimed the championship after sweeping their eight-game schedule. The Phoenix and the Titans ended up with similar 6-2 win-loss cards, hence the playoff.

How They Scored:

SAN SEBASTIAN-CAVITE (71) – Gracilla 17, Lucernas 12, Escobal 11, Pantonia 11, Antipuesto 8, Ray Alcasabas 6, Pasagui 4, Atangan 2.

MANILA (69) – Matubang 25, Viernes 23, de los Trinos 6, Tamayo 6, Manuel 4, Rabalo 3, Ibay 2, Patricio 0, Macasaet 0, Sanguyo 0.

Period Scores: 11-16, 33-33, 56-53, 71-69.

(Baycats lead series, 1-0)

[McCoy]

Game 1 to SSC

Games Monday:
(Cuneta Astrodome)
1 p.m. -- STI vs. Lyceum (battle for third)
3 p.m. -- UM vs SSC-Cavite (Game 2)

DEFENDING champion San Sebastian College-Cavite is one win away from its second straight National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) title.

Led by the troika of Jhun Gracilla, Kris Lucernas and Raymond Alcasabas, SSC-Cavite brought down five-time titlist Univesity of Manila, 71-69, in the opener of their best-of-three title showdown at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

SSC-Cavite, which won the title over STI College last year, will gun for the title at 3 p.m. on Monday also at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“It’s not yet over,” said SSC-Cavite coach Edgar Macaraya. “We still need one more win and knowing the Hawks, they will surely bounce back strong and try to send the series into a deciding third game.”

The win was actually the third for SSC-Cavite over UM.

The Baycats have also beaten the Hawks twice during the double-rounnd eliminations.

But UM coach Jojo Castillo and consultant Rex Manansala vowed to lead the team to victory in the next game and force a third and deciding game.

Lucernas, who is best remembered for winning the coveted MVP award last year, and Alcasabas split their free throws give the Baycats a one-point lead 70-68 with 1:16 after UM’s Kevin Rabalo also had a split for the Hawks.

UM had a chance to tie the score but John Matubang also split his free throws for 69-70 with 25 seconds left.

With the Baycats wisely dribbling away the clock, the Hawks were forced to foul Gracilla, who made it 71-69 with still 17 seconds left.

UM had another chance to send the game into overtime -- or even win the game outright -- but Ryeon Delos Trinos missed his wide-open three-point shot for the Hawks.

Jay-ar Manuel actually grabbed the rebound but was forced into a violation by the tight, double-teaming defense of the Baycats.

Gracilla topscored for the Cavite City-based Baycats with 17 points, Lucernas added 12 points and Lito Escobal and Howard Pantonia contributed 11 points apiece for the Baycats.

Matubang finished with 25 points for the Hawks, followed by Jeff Alvin Viernes with 23 poìnts.

The scores:

SSC-C (71) -- Gracilla 17, Lucernas 12, Escobal 11, Pantonia 11, Antipuesto 8, Ray.Alcosebas 6, Pasagui 4, Atangan 2, Pasagui 0, Filio 0, Ro.Alcosebas 0, Callado 0, Reyes 0, Ro.Alcasabas 0.

UM (69) -- Matubang 25, Viernes 23, Delos Trinos 6, Tamayo 6, Manuel 4, Rabalo 3, Ibay 2, Sanguyo 0, Basan 0, Patricio 0, Mallada 0.

Quarterscores: 11-16, 33-33, 56-53, 71-69.

[AnthonyServinio]

CONGRATULATIONS
SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE-RECOLETOS DE CAVITE
CHAMPIONS
NAASCU SEASON IX, SENIORS DIVISION

_________________________________________________
September 9, 2009 (Wednesday) -- Cuneta Astrodome
NAASCU Finals Game One: San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite d. University of Manila, 71-69
(Baycats lead series, 1-0)

September 14, 2009 (Monday) -- Cuneta Astrodome
Battle for Third Place: Lyceum of Subic Bay d. STI College, 65-63
NAASCU Finals Game Two: San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite d. University of Manila, 98-91 (OT)
(Baycats win series, 2-0)

**END OF TOURNAMENT**


Note: All games in the Senior Men's Division.

[AnthonyServinio]

PASAY CITY – The San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite Baycats completed their date with history by winning their second straight National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) Seniors Divison championship Monday by disposing of the University of Manila Hawks in overtime, 98-91. The Baycats ended the best-of-three series, 2-0.

Regulation play ended at 83-83. The Baycats of Coach Edgar Macaraya scored the first nine points in the extension to pull away, 92-83. Back-to-back triples by Alvin Viernes and John Matubang allowed the Hawks to threaten for the last time with 55 ticks to play, 89-93.

Jun Gracilla countered with a basket followed by two free throws and Kris Lucernas added a free throw split to assure the Baycats’ victory the 13-second mark, 98-89.

Marlito Escobal gave the Baycats their biggest lead of the game with a triple midway through the fourth period, 79-66. Suddenly, the Hawks sprung to life as Kevin Rabalo clustered five points and Viernes and Matubang continued to fire away. Viernes capped the run with two free throws off Raymond Alcasabas with 43 on the clock that deadlocked the score at 83-83.

The Hawks had a golden chance to force a rubber match, but they threw the ball out of bounds with five seconds left. The Baycats though failed to capitalize, forcing the extra five minutes.

The Baycats trailed by three markers at halftime, 37-40. Lucernas and Gracilla presided over a big third period that saw the Baycats outscore the Hawks, 33-18, en route to a 70-58 edge entering the final period.

In the first period, the Baycats jumped to a 11-4 start but a 16-2 counter anchored on Matubang and Viernes gave the Hawks of Coach Jojo Castillo the opening period, 20-17. The Hawks continued to pour it on with Rabalo giving them their biggest lead midway in the second period, 31-20.

Gracilla led the way for the Baycats with 24 points while Lucernas added 22 followed by Merk Jeric Basa with 15. Viernes led all scorers with 35 points while Matubang knocked in 27. Jay Ar Manuel chipped in 14 markers.

NAASCU President Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem led the awarding of trophies. Gracilla was named as the season’s Most Valuable Player. Joining him in the Mythical Five were Lucernas and Matubang, Jerald Bautista of STI College and Jessie James Collado of Lyceum of Subic Bay.

Coach Macaraya received his second consecutive Coach of the Year citation. Viernes got the nod as Rookie of the Year while Escobal went home with Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Meanwhile, Lyceum of Subic Bay gained Third Place by clipping STI College, 65-63.

How They Scored:

SAN SEBASTIAN-CAVITE (9 – Gracilla 24, Lucernas 22, Basa 15, Ray Alcasabas 12, Escobal 10, Antipuesto 9, Pantonia 4, Acain 2, Filio 0, Pasagui 0, Atangan 0.

MANILA (91) – Viernes 35, Matubang 27, Manuel 14, Rabalo 8, Tamayo 4, de los Trinos 3, Sanguyo 0, Macasaet 0, Ibay 0, Patricio 0.

Period Scores: 13-20, 37-40, 70-58, 83-83 (reg.), 98-91 (OT).

(Baycats win series, 2-0)

[Joescoundrel]

[img width=581 height=800]http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc360/Gameface_Editor/CCL_AD-SWEET16.jpg[/img]

Gameface is Philippine Basketball

[Joescoundrel]

Fr Martin Action was typically hot on a warm December day yesterday at the La Consolacion gym in Manila. Unfortunately it was a very bad day for NAASCU teams.

NCAA newcomer Arellano came back from a listless first half to down NAASCU power STI College 75-61 for their third straight victory. STI played very solid on-ball defense in the first half only to succumb to the dreaded press of Arellano in the second half.

Miggy Maniego and Mike Silungan led a balanced attack for State University as the Fighting Maroons beat up Informatics 77-57. It was no contest right from the get-go as UP moved the ball way to good for the sluggish Informatics halfcourt defense. A few more transition baskets put the game away for the Maroons. Maniego had 13 points to lead all scorers while Silungan added 11.

NCAA champion San Sebastian leaned on their two super rookies - Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang - to rip Centro Escolar 90-69. It was the second straight blowout victory for the mighty Golden Stags. CEU was never really in this game as the veteran Stags didn't let the Pink Scorpions put up a fight. Abueva had 23 points and nine boards while Sangalang added 22 with 10 rebounds and three blocks.

Adamson took home their first victory of this tournament as they out-steadied Fatima University 77-66. 6'6" African import Austin Manara pretty much had his way with the much smaller Phoenix frontline to lead the Falcons with 23 points and 11 rebounds.






Gameface is Philippine Basketball