EAC holds off JRU in NCAA nail-biter

c/o NCAA

Emilio Aguinaldo College made sure to not fall into the same trap as Letran did, escaping as 68-65 winners against Jose Rizal University in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament action in San Juan on Tuesday afternoon.

After Shawn Argente converted a triple to tie the game at 65-all with 2:49 left, Nico Quinal responded with his own triple with 94 seconds to go to restore the advantage.

The Heavy Bombers would have a chance to force overtime, but both Argente and Justin Lozano missed their attempts from deep, ensuring the Generals hold on.

Quinal would finish with ten points, five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Wilmar Oftana led EAC with thirteen points, while Oman Omandac also added ten markers.

Jerson Cabiltes noted the magnitude of this early matchup, saying, "I reminded the boys that if we lost this game, it’ll be hard for us to reach our short term goal, which is to be in the Top 2 of out bracket."

Argente fired a game-high 27 points, with Sean Salvador tacking on eleven and Lozano netting ten markers in the defeat. 

The win puts both teams at 1-1.

EAC-ICA also won their juniors matchup against JRU, earning a 60-51 victory.

Both teams will be playing at the Mall of Asia Arena next, with the Heavy Bombers tangling with San Beda on Friday, while the Generals get the Knights on Saturday. 

The scores:

EAC 68 – Oftana 13, Omandac 10, Quinal 10, Castillo 9, Doria 8, Shanoda 6, Bagay 4, Ochavo 3, Lucero 3, Villarente 2, Loristo 0, Tolentino 0, Angeles 0, Bacud 0, Jacob 0

JRU 65 – Argente 27, Salvador 11, Lozano 10, Panapanaan 4, Peñaverde 3, Garupil 3, Herrera 2, Laurenaria 2, Sarmiento 2, Benitez 1, Duque 0

Quarter scores: 20-14, 33-34, 48-50, 68-65

EAC 60 – Coronel 16, Allam 10, Bonus 10, Taganas 6, Domingo 6, Lanceta 3, Castro 3, Dela Cruz 2, Bercasio 2, Castillo 2, Auditor 0, Cesar 0, Lucero 0, Francisco 0

JRU 51 – Sapatram 15, Loque 12, Ruedas 10, Roales 6, Laxamana 4, Caspe 2, Ong 1, Taparan 1, Callueng 0, Tailan 0, Estocapio 0, Lumaking 0, Palles 0

Quarter scores: 14-9, 32-26, 48-35, 60-51

Lyceum snags maiden postseason volleyball win

c/o NCAA

Games Wednesday at Filoil EcoOil Centre

12 noon – Arellano vs San Beda (Men)
2 p.m. – Perpetual vs LPU (Women)

Lyceum survived a four-set duel against Mapua, 25-18 25-23 29-31 26-24, to advance in the stepladder playoff Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Zonxi Dahab's go-ahead kill, followed by her third service ace clinched the win for the Lady Pirates, who were making their postseason debut in the event.

Head coach Cromwel Garcia shares, "Actually sobrang laking bagay sa amin kasi sabi nga, nagkaroon na kami ng way. Nabigyan kami ng way na we can...na kaya naming pumasok ng Final Four." He adds, "I think ito na parang ang umpisa ng tuloy-tuloy na progress ng sports development sa amin. Malaking bagay talaga especially sa buong LPU community kasi these girls, na nagpakahirap na nandito na sa biggest stage."

Joan Doguna led the team with 22 points, while Johna Dolorito added fourteen points, nine digs, and eleven receptions. Dahab would finish with thirteen points. Jaja Tulang was the other Lady Pirate in double figures with ten.

Mapua rode on their newcomer Roxie dela Cruz and her twenty points and thirteen digs. Tere Manalo contributed fifteen for the Lady Cardinals.

Earlier, San Beda secured their semifinal berth by defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College in their stepladder playoff, 25-22 25-27 25-16 26-24.

Ralph Cabalsa led the Red Spikers with 24 points, including four blocks, while Kenrod Umali added thirteen points and fourteen receptions.

Leading the Generals in defeat was Joshua Ramilo with his thirteen points and fourteen receptions. while Marvin Romero netted eleven markers.

Action resumes with the semifinal matches on Wednesday at the same venue, with Arellano facing San Beda in the men's division, followed by Perpetual facing Lyceum.

Stepladder set for NCAA volleyball

Games Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

12 noon – EAC vs San Beda (Men)
2 p.m. – Lyceum vs Mapua (Women)

The postseason for the NCAA Season 98 volleyball tournament is set to commence Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, with Lyceum and Mapua making their Final Four debuts, the former for the first time since joining the league in 2011, and the latter since they revived the program back in 2009.

The Lady Pirates and the Lady Cardinals will square off in the second game of the double-header at 2pm, with the winner facing the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on Wednesday in a one-game semifinal at the same venue. Both teams finished the season with a 6-3 record.

Their lone meeting in the regular season took place last February 21, when Lyceum survived a five set marathon, 25-20 16-25 21-25 25-22 15-5.

Before that, the men take to the taraflex, with Emilio Aguinaldo College facing San Beda at noon.

Both finished the season at 6-3, but the Generals survived a five-set marathon against the Red Spikers in the previous meeting, 26-24 25-20 25-27 17-25 15-10.

The winner will face off against Arellano in a one-game semifinal, also on Wednesday.

The stepladder format was invoked due to elimination round 9-0 sweeps by the Altas in the men's division and the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in the women's division, with the best-of-three finals scheduled to take place after the Holy Week break.

All matches will be broadcast LIVE on GTV and streamed on the Facebook and YouTube accounts of GMA Sports and NCAA Philippines.

Perpetual, EAC make initial headway in NCAA Beach Volleyball

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta made early headway at the start of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament on Tuesday at the Subic Bay Sand Court.

Mary Ann Dapol and Janine Padua defeated their counterparts from College of Saint Benilde in Jessa Dorog and Wielyn Estoque, 21-12 21-14 to start off their campaign, then took care of business against Cha Cuñada and Lara Mae Silva of Letran, 21-15 21-16.

They capped things off with a 21-8 21-12 triumph over Karyla Jasareno and Marianne Aloña.of Jose Rizal University to end the first day at 3-0.

Keeping in-step with the volleyball powerhouse is Emilio Aguinaldo College, who won both of their scheduled matches. The duo of Cathrine Almazan and Monna Bañares took down JRU, 21-14 21-14, then defeated Arellano's Harem Ceballos and Marianne Padillon, 21-10 21-12.

In spite of the defeat to UPHSD, Letran did manage to snap up a couple of wins in the morning, as they dispatched Francine Macatangay and Raina Vergino of Mapua, 21-13 21-15, as well as stunning defending champions San Beda, 21-18 21-17.

The Lady Red Spikers, composed of Trisha Paras and Max Tayag, did tack on a win with a 21-15 21-19 result against Arellano.

Also racking up a couple of wins is CSB to offset their loss to Perpetual, as they knocked off Lyceum's Joan Daguna and Ritanhelle Perez., 22-20 21-18, and San Sebastian's Kat Santos and Kristine Dionisio, 21-16 21-15.

On the men's side, EAC kicked off its quest for a third straight title with a couple of victories, as Ralph Pitogo and Joshua Ramilo defeated the duo of Reggie Quilban and Janer Prado of JRU, 21-16 17-21 16-14, and the tandem of Deon Colorado and Vergel Golloso of Lyceum, 21-14 21-13.

Perpetual currently is on top of the leaderboard, having secured three wins on the first day of action, with Louie Ramirez and Jefferson Marapoc taking care of Arellano's Adrian Villados and Arman Guinto, 16-21 21-13 15-10, followed by defeating Letran's Justin Alejandro and Christer Ambrosio, 21-17 26-24, and capping it off with a straight set victory over JRU, 21-11 21-17.

Chiefs trip Generals to start NCAA Season 98

Shane Menina. Photo c/o Angela Davocol

Arellano University topped Emilio Aguinaldo College, 63-58, to commence the men's basketball competition of the 98th season of the NCAA on Saturday afternoon at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

After a Kris Gurtiza drive to put the Generals ahead, 55-53, the Chiefs would score six straight points to take the lead for good, capped by a Shane Menina layup with 104 seconds remaining.

Ralph Robin converted a triple with 42.3 seconds remaining to make it 59-58, but Menina converts two free throws with eleven seconds left.

Robin tried to replicate that magic, but he missed the game-tying triple, with Axel Doromal securing the miss as the clock ticked down to 5.1 seconds. He converted the subsequent free throws to seal the victory.

Menina topped all scorers with fifteen points in his return to the league, while adding five rebounds. The Cebuano guard previously played for Mapua to start his collegiate odyssey.

Doromal finished with thirteen points and six boards, with Neil Tolentino also finishing in double figures with ten markers.

Allen Liwag led EAC with twelve points, thirteen rebounds, and three assists. His efforts in the second quarter allowed the Generals to take a 32-23 lead in the second quarter, before Menina would anchor a 10-3 run by the Chiefs to make it 35-33 heading into the break.

UST transfer Nat Cosejo added ten points and six rebounds.

Arellano stepped as a late replacement for Opening Day, after Letran had to deal with health and safety protocols days before the start of the competition.

Before the game, everyone was treated to a special opening ceremony, with artists from the Sparkle GMA Artists Center providing an added element to the event, dubbed as "Pista ng Atleta."

The scores:

Arellano (63) -- Menina 15, Doromal 13, Tolentino 10, Flores 9, Mantua 5, Oftana 3, Mallari 2, Abastillas 2, Oliva 2, Talampas 2, Sunga 0.

EAC (58) -- Liwag 12, Cosejo 10, Maguliano 9, Gurtiza 8, Umpad 8, Luciano 4, Tolentino 4, Robin 3, Balowa 0, An. Doria 0, Ad. Doria 0, Bajon 0.

Quarterscores: 14-17, 33-35, 46-47, 63-58.

Jethro Mendoza is first NCAA Player of the Week for Season 95

Just a week into the NCAA Season 95 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Jethro Mendoza has already given Emilio Aguinaldo College a signature moment to remember this season.

Mendoza hit the go-ahead layup with 1.5 seconds remaining as the Generals pulled off a stunning 84-82 upset over Lyceum last Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

That game-winner alone was more than enough for the sweet-shooting guard to earn the season's first Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week.

It capped off an eight-point fourth quarter for the graduating guard, finishing the game with a team-high 21 points to lead EAC in the victory, their first against the Pirates since 2016 and arguably the biggest win in school history since their win over Letran in 2015.

Jethro buried six triples to anchor his scoring explosion, while also tallying four rebounds, two assists, and a steal, committing zero turnovers in 26 minutes of action, helping the Generals fend off a Pirate comeback after they erected an eighteen-point lead.

He shared to the media afterwards, “Sabi lang namin, atin ‘to, lalaban tayo hanggang matapos. Kahit na nakakahabol na sila, gawin lang namin ‘yung tama.”

It also helped that first-year head coach Oliver Bunyi has full trust in his deadshot shooter.

“I was telling them, even if Jethro is doing 0-of-10 in the first part, I will still trust him to take the ball outside. That’s his job. ‘Yun naman, naging successful siya,” said Bunyi.

Mendoza bested Jerrick Balanza of Letran, RK Ilagan of San Sebastian, Jaycee Marcelino of Lyceum, Edgar Charcos of Perpetual, and the San Beda troika of James Canlas, Evan Nelle and Donald Tankoua for the weekly award handed out by scribes from print and online covering the beat.

Letran, Perpetual aspire for postseason qualification

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Letran vs San Sebastian (HS)
12nn Perpetual vs EAC-ICA (HS)
2pm Letran vs San Sebastian
4pm Perpetual vs EAC

Letran seeks to formalize its entry into the Final Four as it faces San Sebastian in the first collegiate matchup of the day, as the NCAA resume its eliminations campaign for basketball in its 94th season at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan this afternoon.

The Knights are looking to capitalize on their 80-79 victory over Lyceum last week, a win made possible by a referee deciding to downgrade Jaycee Marcelino's attempted game-tying triple with seconds remaining to just a two-point basket, doing so after time expired in regulation. They are already guaranteed to have at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage with their 11-4 record, but a win would make it beyond the reach of the College of Saint Benilde and its seven losses.

San Sebastian is already eliminated from postseason contention with a 4-11 record, but they did manage to put a scare to the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, losing in overtime, 85-77.

Meanwhile, the Altas are looking to put additional between themselves and the Blazers as they face Emilio Aguinaldo College at 4pm. At 10-5, a win would add a half-game to their two-game lead over CSB, and also guarantee them at worst, a playoff for the Final Four.

High School action also set to resume later this morning, although all four teams involved are already out of the race for the Final Four.

The Squires face off against the Staglets at 10am, followed by the Junior Altas against the Brigadiers at noon.

Lyceum seeks twice-to-beat advantage

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Arellano vs EAC-ICA (HS)
12nn Mapua/Malayan vs Lyceum (HS)
2pm Arellano vs EAC
4pm Mapua vs Lyceum

Already assured of a Final Four spot, Lyceum is seeking to assure themselves of a twice-to-beat advantage as they face Mapua at 4pm this afternoon, when the NCAA resumes its senior men's basketball tournament.

The Pirates, along with idle San Beda, secured postseason berths after Emilio Aguinaldo College tripped the College of Saint Benilde last week, 69-67. By beating the Cardinals, Lyceum is guaranteed at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage that the top two teams after the eliminations earn.

Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson shared to the media after their 113-79 demolition of Arellano, "The goal remains the same, which is to win a championship. But we know it will take a step-by-step approach for us starting with this (Mapua) game."

In the other collegiate matchup scheduled, the Chiefs face off against the Generals at 2pm, as they attempt to keep their flickering postseason hopes alive. Toting a 4-9 record, Arellano needs to sweep the remainder of its games AND hope that Perpetual loses its remaining games AND that the Blazers win no more than one game in their remaining schedule.

In the high school level, Mapua/Malayan seeks to formalize its entry in the Final Four against EAC-ICA at 10am, followed by a huge matchup between Arellano and Lyceum at 12nn.

The Red Robins, at 11-3, need a win to secure a Final Four spot, while the Braves and Junior Pirates attempt to put an eighth loss on each other. The loser of that matchup will be dealt a huge blow to their postseason hopes, with both San Beda and Jose Rizal University already toting nine wins this season.

Letran, Perpetual solidify Final Four quest

Games Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

10am Lyceum vs Arellano (HS)
12nn San Sebastian vs San Beda (HS)
2pm Lyceum vs Arellano
4pm San Sebastian vs San Beda

The Final Four picture for the 94th Season of the NCAA is getting a little more clearer, after Letran and Perpetual secured victories against separate opposition this past Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Knights downed Emilio Aguinaldo College in the first game of the collegiate doubleheader, 91-82, to secure their ninth win of the season.

After stellar performances from Bong Quinto and JP Calvo in their recent matches, the spotlight shone on Letran's seldom-used role players this time.

Jeremiah Taladua, Fran Yu, and Nico Galvelo combined to score 43 points for the Jeff Napa-coached side, all of which were their career-best.

Taladua and Yu anchored the bench scoring with 15 and 13 points, respectively, as they broke the game open with their offense in the second half. Meanwhile, Galvelo stepped into the starting role left by Jerrick Balanza to contribute fifteen points.

In spite of their quiet performances, Letran's veteran leadership still maintained their presence, as Calvo dished out nine assists, while Quinto had an all-around performance of eight points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Napa is hoping such a performance would be the start of something from their role players, sharing to the media after the game, "Hopefully, they could be consistent the rest of the season not just in this game." He also added, "But we can’t stay complacent, we still have to work and prepare for our next game."

As for the Altas, they rode on a strong start from AJ Coronel to secure their first wire-to-wire victory of the season, an 85-73 win over Jose Rizal University that moved them into a tie for fourth place with idle College of Saint Benilde at 8-5.

Coronel matched the Heavy Bombers' fifteen-point output in the first quarter, helping Perpetual erect an eight-point lead, 23-15. He would finish with 22 points and eleven rebounds. True freshman Jielo Razon bounced back with 21 points, while Prince Eze follow-up his Player of the Week performance against Lyceum with sixteen points and thirteen rebounds.

Much like their first round meeting, though, JRU proved to be a dicey opponent, with Jed Mendoza and Leo Esguerra keeping them afloat in this one as they crashed to their twelfth defeat of the season.

The Scores:

Letran 91 -- Taladua 15, Galvelo 15, Yu 13, Ambohot 10, Muyang 9, Quinto 8, Fajarito 8, Calvo 5, Celis 5, Mandreza 2, Agbong 1, Balagasay 0, Pambid 0, Banez 0.

EAC 82 -- Garcia 20, Laminou 16, Maguliano 16, Tampoc 11, Bugarin 6, Corilla 5, Neri 3, Mendoza 3, Cadua 2, Natividad 0, Gonzales 0.

Quarterscores: 18-15; 36-32; 67-54; 91-82.

Second Game

Perpetual Help 85 -- Coronel 22, Razon 21, Eze 16, Aurin 5, Jimenez 5, Charcos 4, Cuevas 4, Mangalino 3, Tamayo 3, Pasia 2, Peralta 0.

JRU 73 -- Mendoza 22, Esguerra 21, Estrella 10, Aguilar 8, Dela Virgen 3, Mallari 3, David 2, Doromal 2, Silvarez 0, Bordon 0, Padua 0.

Quarterscores: 23-15; 40-36; 67-56; 85-73.

Letran, Perpetual seeking better postseason positioning

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan:

10am Letran vs EAC-ICA (HS)
12nn Perpetual vs JRU (HS)
2pm Letran vs EAC
4pm Perpetual vs JRU

Letran and Perpetual both seek to solidify their Final Four positioning on Tuesday afternoon against separate opposition when the NCAA Season 94 basketball tournament resumes at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Knights kick off the collegiate doubleheader against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 2pm, fresh from dealing an 84-69 victory over Mapua to secure their eighth win in twelve outings.

Bong Quinto secured his third triple-double of the season with eleven points, fourteen rebounds, and eleven assists in that matchup, joining recent national team call-ups Jio Jalalon and Scottie Thompson as the last few players to have done this feat in the league as of late.

In the other collegiate matchup, the Altas seek to follow-up an impressive 83-81 victory over then-unbeaten Lyceum against cellar-dwelling Jose Rizal University at 4pm.

Prince Eze's buzzer-beating putback off a Tonton Peralta miss from the corner capped off a 25-point and 23-rebound outing for Perpetual to help snap the Pirates 30-game winning streak in the eliminations. He also added a couple of blocks for good measure.

Helping Eze in the said victory is Edgar Charcos, whose 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a couple of steals produced his best outing since coming back from a knee injury that sidelined him to end the first round and early in the second round.

The Heavy Bombers are the first team this season that has already been eliminated from Final Four contention, having lost eleven of their thirteen games.

NCAA All-Star set this afternoon

Schedule today at the Filoil Flying V Centre:

2pm All-Star Side Events
4pm Heroes vs Saints

With the NCAA in between their rounds, the league will have an All-Star Game kind of set-up this afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre, highlighted by the third edition of the NCAA All-Star Game.

The league brought back its Heroes vs Saints format from last year, with incumbent co-Players of the Week Robert Bolick and Bong Quinto joining forces for the Saints fresh from their historical feats.

The former became the player with the second highest output in league history with fifty points, while the latter dropped back-to-back triple doubles to close out Letran's first round.

They will join forces with San Sebastian's Michael Calisaan and Allyn Bulanadi, Letran's JP Calvo, San Beda's Javee Mocon, and CSB's Edward Dixon.

Completing the cast are CSB’s JJ Domingo and Luigi Velasco, Letran’s Christian Fajarito, San Beda’s Ranbill Tongco, San Sebastian’s Alvin Capobres, and Perpetual Help’s Jielo Razon, AJ Coronel and Kim Aurin.

Meanwhile, the Heroes will rely on Twin Magic from the Marcelino twins of Lyceum, as they will team up with fellow gunners Levi dela Cruz and Ian Alban from Arellano and Jed Mendoza of JRU.

Completing the cast are Arellano's Michael Canete, Emilio Aguinaldo’s Jerome Garcia, Enrico Diego and Jesse Bautista, Jr., Mapua’s Warren Bonifacio, Lawrence Victoria and Cedric Pelayo, LPU’s Kim Cinco, and Jose Rizal’s Karl Bordon and Richard David.

With the schools making the nominations on who represents them in the All-Star Game, the game features notable non-inclusions in the likes of Edgar Charcos, Prince Eze, Clement Leutcheu, Donald Tankoua, CJ Perez, and Mike Harry Nzeusseu.

Preceding the game itself are the different side events, starting at 2pm with the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Shootout, Slam Dunk Contest, and the Shooting Stars, which will feature the likes of Jio Jalalon, Rey Nambatac, and John Wilson.

NCAA All-Star participants named

On Friday, the NCAA revealed its participants for the NCAA All-Star Game.

Set to take place on August 31 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, it will feature the "Heroes vs Saints" format it introduced last season.

The Saints side of the matchup is stacked, with this season's MVP contenders Robert Bolick of San Beda, last year's All-Star Game MVP Prince Eze of Perpetual, and Bong Quinto of Letran nominated by their respective schools.

The Heroes side of the matchup will attempt to make up their 84-80 defeat last year, but they will have to do it without last season's Most Valuable Player CJ Perez, who was not nominated by Lyceum. In his stead, the Pirates are fielding the Marcelino twins and Ralph Tansingco. In addition, they will rely on the hot shooting of Levi dela Cruz of Arellano and Jed Mendoza of JRU.

Notable absences other than Perez in this All-Star matchup include foreign student-athletes Donald Tankoua, Mike Harry Nzeusseu, Hamadou Laminou, and Clement Leutcheu.

Preceding the event itself are the different side events to showcase the skills of the league's student athletes.

Justin Gutang of CSB leads the aspiring high-flyers in the dunk contest, while noted outside gunners AC Soberano, Allyn Bulanadi, Jerome Garcia, and Rence Alcoriza lead the field in the 3-point shootout.

All eyes on the trio of CJ Cadua, Mark Mallari, and Arjan dela Cruz in the Skills Challenge, while notable alumni Jio Jalalon, John Wilson, and Ronjay Enrile highlight the Shooting Stars which will have the combination of a current HS, collegiate, and alumnus working together as a team.

The complete list of NCAA All-Star participants are as follows:

Slam Dunk: William de Leon (Arellano), Renato Ular (Letran), Juju Bautista (EAC), Enoch Valdez (Lyceum), Arvin Gamboa (Mapua), Eugene Toba (San Beda), Kenneth Villapando (San Sebastian), Lean Martel (Perpetual), Justin Gutang (CSB)

3-Point Shootout: Rence Alcoriza (Arellano), Letran (Nicolo Galvelo), Jerome Garcia (EAC), MJ Dela Virgen (JRU), Ralph Tansingco (Lyceum), Exequiel Biteng (Mapua), AC Soberano (San Beda), Allyn Bulanadi (San Sebastian), Luke Sese (Perpetual), Carlo Young (CSB)

Skills Challenge: Maui Sera Joseph (Arellano), Bonbon Batiller (Letran), CJ Cadua (EAC), Mark Mallari (JRU), Carl Lumbao (Lyceum), Eric Jabel (Mapua), Clint Doliguez (San Beda), Arjan dela Cruz (San Sebastian), Jasper Cuevas (Perpetual), Jimboy Pasturan (CSB)

Shooting Star: John Ronald Barba & Kevin Lacap & Kim Cinco (Lyceum), Yong Garcia & Clint Escamis & Exequiel Biteng (Mapua), Penny Estacio & Calvin Oftana & Marcelo Pascual (San Beda), Milo Janao & Ian Valdez & Papa Jepoy Quiamco (San Sebastian), Jielo Razon & Gerald Dizon & Yuri Kawamura (Perpetual), Marlo Espiritu & Kraniel Viloria & Jio Jalalon (Arellano), Stacey Tibayan & Jerrick Balanza & Ronjay Enrile (Letran), CJ Boado & Maui Cruz & Ferdinand Melocoton (EAC), John Amores & Agem Miranda & John Wilson (JRU), Jimboy Pasturan & RJ Deles & Francis Lopez (CSB)

Saints: (Coach Boyet Fernandez)
CSB - Luigi Velasco, Josh Barnes, Jayjay Domingo
Letran - JP Calvo, Bong Quinto, Christian Fajarito
San Beda - Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, Ranbill Tongco
San Sebastian - Michael Calisaan, Allyn Bulanadi, Alvin Capobres
Perpetual - Edgar Charcos, AJ Coronel, Prince Eze

Heroes: (Coach Topex Robinson)
Arellano: Levi dela Cruz, Ian Alban, Michael Canete
EAC: Jerome Garcia, Jerico Diego, Juju Bautista
Mapua: Warren Bonifacio, Laurenz Victoria, Cedric Pelayo
Lyceum: Jaycee Marcelino, Jayvee Marcelino, Ralph Tansingco
JRU: Jed Mendoza, Karl Bordon, Richard David

Historic NCAA Friday

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Perpetual vs Arellano (HS)
12nn San Beda vs JRU (HS)
2pm Perpetual vs Arellano
4pm San Beda vs JRU

It was a very historic Friday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre, as all three collegiate games featuring something special.

Kicking things off was Letran's demolition of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 76-56. The Knights rode on a 29-point second quarter to secure the necessary breathing room to run away with the victory, as they closed out their first round campaign with a 6-3 record.

Bonbon Batiller had his best performance so far in a Knight, as the UE transfer poured in seventeen points, four rebounds, and three assists.

However, it was Bong Quinto who stole the show with ten points, ten rebounds, and eleven assists, allowing him to secure back-to-back triple doubles, a feat last done by Scottie Thompson earlier this decade for Perpetual.

Following that up is an 84-77 victory by the College of Saint Benilde against the Altas.

With NBA legend Tim Hardaway in attendance and assisting in the broadcast, the Blazers rode on the fourth quarter explosion of Jimboy Pasturan to pull away against this season's hosts, as the Adamson transfer scored nine of his eleven points in the final six minutes of the game. That 20-7 run allowed them to establish an 82-70 lead with 73 seconds left. And although the lead was whittled down to just five with 43 seconds to go, Pasturan would convert a couple of free throws to put the game on ice.

Complementing Pasturan are Justin Gutang and Yankie Haruna, who both chipped in twenty points apiece.

Unintentionally aiding matters for CSB was Perpetual's Edgar Charcos suffered a hyperextended right knee. The Altas missed his steadiness and playmaking that led to their three-game winning streak being snapped.

And to cap off an amazing afternoon, it was a game befitting of Kobe Day, with Robert Bolick channeling his inner Mamba Mentality to erupt for fifty points to lead San Beda to a 98-79 victory over Arellano.

Bolick took over in the final two quarters for the Red Lions, as he virtually matches the Chiefs' entire second half output with 37 points. An 18-4 run he virtually single-handedly conducted in the third quarter got the defending champions rolling, enabling them to establish a 68-57 lead with his drives to the basket. And he continued it in the fourth quarter, as he would wax hot from beyond the arc, going 4/6 from deep.

After his final triple that got him to the hallowed half-century mark, Boyet Fernandez took him out of the game, to the applause of the crowd who witnessed such a historic achievement.

The Chiefs would skid to 3-5, while the defending champions move up to 7-1.

The scores:

LETRAN 76 – Batiller 17, Quinto 11, Balanza 9, Calvo 9, Muyang 8, Yu 7, Agbong 5, Fajarito 4, Ambohot 2, Banez 2, Mandreza 2, Balagasay 0, Celis 0, Galvelo 0, Taladua 0.

EAC 56 – Laminou 18, Garcia 11, Tampoc 9, Bautista 6, Cadua 4, Cruz 4, Fujentes 2, Neri 2, Diego 0, Gonzales 0, Maguliano 0, Mendoza 0, Natividad 0.

Quarters: 14-17, 43-29, 57-46, 76-56.

ST. BENILDE 84 -- Gutang 20, Haruna 20, Pasturan 13, Domingo 9, Leutcheu 7, Young 5, Belgica 3, Nayve 3, Carlos 2, Dixon 2, Naboa 0, Velasco 0.

PERPETUAL 77 -- Eze 24, Aurin 23, Razon 13, Charcos 9, Cuevas 4, Peralta 4, Coronel 0, Mangalino 0, Pasia 0.

Quarters: 18-12, 29-29, 53-57, 84-77.

SAN BEDA 98 -- Bolick 50, Mocon 15, Tankoua 13, Canlas 6, Eugene 6, Oftana 4, Abuda 2, Nelle 2, Cabanag 0, Carino 0, Cuntapay 0, Doliguez 0, Soberano 0, Tongco 0.

ARELLANO 79 -- Canete 24, Dela Cruz 16, Dela Torre 9, Alcoriza 8, Concepcion 7, Sera Josef 6, Villoria 6, Alban 2, Segura 1, Bayla 0, Codinera 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Sacramento 0, Santos 0.

Quarters: 23-20, 42-40, 69-57, 98-79

San Beda seeks bounce back win

Games today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

8am Letran vs EAC-ICA (HS)
10am Perpetual vs La Salle-Greenhills (HS)
12nn Letran vs EAC
2pm Perpetual vs CSB
4pm Arellano vs San Beda
6pm Arellano vs San Beda (HS)

Fresh from a loss against Lyceum, San Beda seeks to regain their bearings against Arellano in the final part of a collegiate triple-header at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The 73-66 defeat was their first defeat of the season after winning their first six matches, and the team looks eager to get back onto the court at 4pm to make amends.

According to Boyet Fernandez, "We just have to bounce back from it and try to get as many wins as possible."

They will attempt to do so against the middling Chiefs, who are currently 3-4 and in the middle of the pack this season.

Meanwhile, Letran is looking to improve their postseason position against a hapless Emilio Aguinaldo College at noon. A win would allow them to close the first round on a strong note with back-to-back wins while also solidifying their case for a postseason berth.

Completing the collegiate tripleheader is the matchup between Perpetual Help and College of Saint Benilde at 2pm, with both teams clearly making their case for turnarounds after last season's disappointments.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the high school tripleheader is pace-setting La Salle-Greenhills against the Perpetual Junior Altas at 10am.

Lyceum maintains undefeated record

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Letran vs Mapua/Malayan (HS)
12nn San Beda vs Lyceum (HS)
2pm Letran vs Mapua
4pm San Beda vs Lyceum

College of Saint Benilde overcame the absence of Clement Leutcheu as it defeated Arellano, 70-62 last Friday in the opening game of the collegiate portion of their triple header.

Without their African big man, who was ejected in their matchup against Emilio Aguinaldo College earlier in the week for two unsportsmanlike actions, Kendrix Belgica stepped up to the plate for the Blazers. Playing almost 25 minutes and getting the start in place of Leutcheu, he contributed eight points, seven rebounds, and an assist. Yankie Haruna added a near-double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

Justin Gutang led the way with fifteen points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Head coach Ty Tang shared to the media after the game, "The team played well, we held our own in defense even without Clement." Tang also managed to snag his first back-to-back victories as CSB's head coach, as it improves their record to 5-3, just a half-game behind Perpetual whom they will face next week.

Rence Alcoriza led Arellano with fourteen points, as the Chiefs drop to 3-4.

The second collegiate game of the afternoon saw Jose Rizal University finally earn their first on-court victory this season, pipping EAC, 57-55.

After the NCAA gifted the Heavy Bombers a win thanks to the San Sebastian forfeiture earlier this week, they then took to the court and stifled the Generals early on, taking a 20-6 lead after one quarter of action. Although they did give that big lead away in the second quarter to make it a 28-23 halftime lead, they kept themselves afloat through Jed Mendoza's 12-point outburst in the third quarter.

EAC still managed to keep themselves within striking distance, managing to reduce the deficit to a solitary point at 56-55 with less than a minute remaining, Agem Miranda denied a triple from Jerome Garcia, and a free throw from Mark Mallari put a bow on the dramatic victory for JRU.

Mendoza finished with eighteen points, four rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while Mallari was the other Heavy Bomber in double figures with twelve points, to go along with his three rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

Big man Jun Silvarez had the unenviable task of trying to limit Hamadou Laminou's production, and while restricting the big man to just ten points, seven rebounds, and a block, he also managed to virtually match that output with eight points, eleven rebounds, and three blocks.

Garcia led EAC with a double-double of nineteen points and ten rebounds.

The final collegiate matchup of the day saw Lyceum keep their record unscathed yet again, as the Pirates pulled off an 87-82 victory over Letran.

The Knights had been up 78-70 almost midway into the fourth quarter, but Lyceum did not give up and closed the game out with a 17-4 run, with six of those points coming from team captain MJ Ayaay. He would finish with a game-high twenty points, as well as four rebounds and a couple of steals.

Mike Harry Nzeusseu contributed a double-double with sixteen points, eleven rebounds, and block, while CJ Perez made 10/15 free throws to finish with sixteen points, seven rebounds, an assist, and four steals.

Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson shared afterwards that the game validated Letran's status as title contender this season.

Bong Quinto fell an assist short of a triple double for Letran, finishing with thirteen points, ten rebounds, and nine assists, as well as a steal. JP Calvo added a team-high eighteen for the Knights, who fell to fifth in the standings with a 4-3 record after back-to-back losses to last season's finalists.

The scores:

College of Saint Benilde 70 – Gutang 15, Carlos 11, Haruna 9, Belgica 8, Domingo 8, Dixon 6, Naboa 6, Young 5, Pasturan 2, Barnes 0, Nayve 0, Velasco 0

Arellano 62 – Alcoriza 14, Sera Josef 11, Villoria 9, Canete 9, Alban 6, Segura 3, Codinera 3, Concepcion 2, Ongolo Ongolo 2, Santos 2, Sacramento 1, Dela Cruz 0, Bayla 0, Dela Torre 0

Quarterscores: 16-11; 32-27; 51-46; 70-62

JRU 57 – Mendoza 18, Mallari 12, Esguerra 8, Silvarez 8, Miranda 7, Padua 2, Santos 2, Bordon 0, Doromal 0

EAC 55 – Garcia 19, Laminou 10, Diego 6, Bautista 6, Maguliano 4, Gonzales 4, Bugarin 4, Natividad 2, Cadua 0, Mendoza 0, Neri 0, Tampoc 0, Robin 0

Quarterscores: 20-6; 28-23; 47-38; 57-55

Lyceum 87 – Ayaay 20, Nzeusseu 16, Perez 16, Marcelino JC 10, Santos 9, Marcelino JV 7, Caduyac 6, Tansingco 2, Yong 1, Ibanez 0, Serrano 0, Pretta 0, Cinco 0, Valdez 0
Letran 82 – Calvo 18, Quinto 13, Muyang 13, Fajarito 12, Ambohot 10, Batiller 10, Balanza 4, Yu 2, Taladua 0, Mandrez 0, Balagasay 0, Agbong 0, Celis 0

Quarterscores: 25-26; 47-39; 58-64; 87-82

Lyceum-Letran highlight Friday NCAA tussle

An intense collegiate triple-header is on tap this afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre, highlighted by the clash of two of the top teams this season so far.

Lyceum hopes to extend their winning streak to eight matches later today, but seeking to deny them that feat is the Colegio de San Juan de Letran at 4pm.

The Knights fell short in putting a blemish on San Beda's record this season last week, wilting in overtime after almost snagging the win outright in regulation.

Meanwhile, at noon today is a clash between College of Saint Benilde and Arellano, with both teams seeking to keep themselves within striking distance of the pacesetters in the race to the postseason. The Blazers moved ahead of the Chiefs by half a game, thanks to a technicality as a result of the NCAA awarding a victory via forfeit in the RK Ilagan "ligang labas" incident with San Sebastian.

Completing the collegiate tripleheader is JRU against EAC at 2pm, as both teams aim to keep their seasons afloat.

CSB, Perpetual snap up victories

In the first part of the collegiate doubleheader, JJ Domingo stepped to the plate for the College of Saint Benilde as the Blazers bucked the ejection of Clement Leutcheu with an 84-71 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Averaging 2.2 points coming into the match, the former FEU-Diliman standout sizzled with 22 points as he helped end a two-game skid. Eight of those came in the fourth quarter as the Blazers fended off the Generals' repeated comeback attempts.

When asked about the JJ's performance, head coach Ty Tang shares, "We know he can score and it's just a matter of patience. I hope he continues to dish out these kind of games.

Tang adds, "We were alive again and we hope this win gives us momentum entering our final two first round games."

Leutcheu was ejected for incurring two unsportsmanlike acts, the first one during the first half as he was battling against his counterpart Hamadou Laminou, while the second came in the fourth quarter after a perceived kick while on the floor to Laminou, which Juju Bautista did not take kindly to.'

Ejections in the NCAA have an automatic one-game suspension, so Leutcheu will miss the game against Arellano later this week.

In the other collegiate matchup, Perpetual help relied on the shooting of AJ Coronel and Jielo Razon late to fend off winless Jose Rizal University, 78-72.

Coronel and Razon nailed three straight triples after Jed Mendoza and Jun Silvarez conspired to give the Heavy Bombers a 72-69 lead in the fourth quarter.

The Altas move themselves into a share of third place with the Letran Knights with a 4-2 record.

The scores:

CSB 84 – Domingo 22, Haruna 11, Leutcheu 9, Gutang 9, Naboa 6, Dixon 6, Nayve 5, Begica 4, Pasturan 4, Young 3, Velasco 2, Barnes 2

EAC 71 – Bautista 17, Laminou 13, Tampoc 10, Garcia 9, Diego 5, Mendoza 5, Bugarin 5, Maguliano 4, Gonzales 2, Cadua 1, Natividad 0, Robin 0, Neri 0

Quarterscores: 18-20; 44-31; 61-49; 84-71

Second Game
Perpetual Help 78 – Charcos 25, Razon 18, Coronel 16, Eze 7, Aurin 5, Peralta 5, Mangalino 2, Pasia 0, Cuevas 0, Sese 0, Tamayo 0

JRU 72 – Mendoza 21, Bordon 10, Silvarez 9, Estrella 8, Padua 6, Mallari 5, Dela Virgen 5, Esguerra 4, Santos 2, Aguilar 0, Miranda 0
Quarterscores: 18-13; 34-30; 55-46; 78-72

Perpetual seeks third in NCAA Season 94 action

Prince Eze: NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week

Games Today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan:

10am La Salle-Greenhills vs EAC-ICA (HS)
12nn Perpetual vs JRU (HS)
2pm CSB vs EAC
4pm Perpetual vs JRU

The 94th season of the NCAA resumes this afternoon with a couple of doubleheaders at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Kicking off the collegiate portion of the four-game bill is a matchup of 2-4 teams in Emilio Aguinaldo College and College of Saint Benilde at 2pm.

The Generals are fresh from back-to-back victories and as what their head coach Ariel Sison shared to media last week, are seeking to "sustain their momentum."

EAC rode on Hamadou Laminou's double-double effort of seventeen points, twelve rebounds, and six blocks to fend off Mapua, 89-85.

In contrast, CSB is smarting from a 77-65 loss to Lyceum and another loss will put the bench further behind in the race for the postseason.

The final game of the afternoon sees the winless Jose Rizal University against Perpetual Help System Dalta at 4pm.

The Heavy Bombers have yet to pick up a win this season, while the Altas can be on level terms with idle Letran at third place with a victory.

Perpetual rode of the latest NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week Prince Eze in their last outing, a 76-74 win over San Sebastian. The Nigerian contributed with a near 20-20 output against the Golden Stags, including the game-winning tip-in with half a second remaining.

Frankie Lim shared after the game, "We need him to come up big for us every game and help open up a bit for the other guys." Eze is currently leading the NCAA in rebounds and blocked shots, while being just outside the top five in scoring.

In the high school division, it's top meeting bottom, as La Salle-Greenhills attempts to maintain their hold atop the league against cellar-dwelling EAC-ICA at 10am, with Perpetual seeking to remain within striking distance against JRU at noontime.

EAC snatches back-to-back, San Beda keeps streak

Standings as of Friday night

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am La Salle-Greenhills vs EAC-ICA (HS)
12nn Perpetual vs JRU (HS)
2pm CSB vs EAC
4pm Perpetual vs JRU

Emilio Aguinaldo College rode on foul shots down the stretch to secure an 89-85 victory over Mapua in Friday basketball action during the 94th Season of the NCAA tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Free throws in the last two minutes from Jerome Garcia, Sean Neri, and Renz Gonzales helped clinch back-to-back victories for the Generals after suffering four straight losses to kick off the season.

Head coach Ariel Sison highlighted their efforts in improving their shooting from the line, appreciating the effort the team put in after their disappointing 17/46 against Arellano back in July, netting a 20/28 against Mapua.

Hamadou Laminou led the charge with seventeen points, twelve rebounds, and six blocks.

The Cardinals had a chance to retake the lead with 13.5 seconds left, as CJ Cadua was hit with an unsportsmanlike foul on Denniel Aguirre, but Aguirre missed both his free throws.

Noah Lugo led Mapua with a game-high 24 points as they fell to 2-5.

In the second collegiate matchup of the day, Maui Sera Josef's breakout performance allowed Arellano to keep Jose Rizal University winless this season with a 79-70 victory.

The Las Vegas native scored a career-high seventeen points, while adding nine rebounds, a steal, and a block to lead the Chiefs.

Arellano had to withstand Jed Mendoza's outburst from the Heavy Bombers, as the guard scored fifteen points in the final period, but Jed had little support from his teammates, who could only muster just five other points. The Chiefs canceled out Jed's output with Michael Canete and Levi dela Cruz combining to score twenty points in the period.

Head coach Jerry Codinera still thinks they have a long way to go for contention, admitting to the media after the game, "Medyo ang tagal bago naming makuha yung combination sa offense and defense namin so talagang malayo pa kami."

The final collegiate game of the day was a dazzling display of the historic rivalry between San Beda and Letran.

The Red Lions needed a superb performance from AC Soberano and Robert Bolick in overtime in order to fend off the Knights, 80-76.

Soberano nailed a couple of triples during the extra five minutes, and with Letran unable to muster any offense in the final 2:16, Bolick's three free throws sandwiched around a Donald Tankoua undergoal stab in the final minute proved to be the difference for the defending champions as they extended their winning run to five straight matches.

Letran would have secured their first victory against San Beda since defeating them for the championship if not for Javee Mocon's assist to Tankoua to tie things up at 69 and force overtime.

Bolick finished with a team-high twenty points, eleven rebounds, six assists, and a couple of steals, with Tankoua contributing eleven points and thirteen rebounds.

Bong Quinto led Letran with a game-high 21 points, while also adding eleven rebounds and four assists. Fellow veteran JP Calvo added fourteen points, four rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

In spite of the loss, the Knights still retain third place with a 4-2 record, with a half-game lead over Perpetual.

The scores:

EAC 89 – Laminou 17, Garcia 14, Bautista 13, Natividad 12, Cadua 10, Tampoc 7, Neri 5, Gonzales 4, Diego 3, Mendoza 2, Robin 2, Maguliano 0, Bugarin 0

Mapua 85 – Lugo 24, Bonifacio 15, Victoria 11, Pelayo 11, Gamboa 8, Jabel 8, Biteng 4, Aguirre 2, Bunag 2, Serrano 0, Garcia 0

Quarterscores: 18-16; 33-39; 60-63; 89-85

Arellano 79 – Sera Josef 17, Canete 15, Alban 14, Dela Cruz 14, Segura 10, Concepcion 6, Alcoriza 3, Bayla 0, Codinera 0, Dela Torre 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Sacramento 0, Santos 0, Villoria 0.

JRU 70 – Mendoza 23, David 9, Estrella 7, Bordon 6, Dela Virgen 6, Mallari 6, Esguerra 5, Silvarez 4, Miranda 2, Santos 2, Ramos 0.

Quarterscores: 12-16; 34-36; 54-50; 79-70

San Beda 80 -- Bolick 20, Doliguez 11, Tankoua 11, Mocon 7, Oftana 6, Soberano 6, Canlas 4, Nelle 4, Presbitero 4, Tongco 3, Abuda 2, Carino 2, Cuntapay 0.

Letran 76 -- Quinto 21, Calvo 14, Ambohot 13, Balanza 11, Fajarito 10, Muyang 5, Taladua 2, Agbong 0, Balagasay 0, Batiller 0, Mandreza 0, Yu 0.

Quarters: 17-14; 35-29; 53-44; 69-69; (OT) 80-76.

JP Maguliano snaps up Player of the Week nod

In need of a spark, Ariel Sison dug deep into his bench that could lead to their breakthrough win in NCAA Season 94, and Emilio Aguinaldo College luckily found a diamond in the rough.

JP Maguliano showed out for the Generals last week in their 79-77 overtime win over San Sebastian, just days after being benched against San Beda earlier this week.

The Adamson transfer poured thirty points and seventeen rebounds in the victory, which netted him the Chooks-to-Go NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week nod, beating out CJ Perez, Bong Quinto, Javee Mocon and Robert Bolick.

The 19-year old Isabela native was a walk-on transfer, after he struggled balancing the student-athlete life with the Soaring Falcons. His path to find himself led him to nearby Emilio Aguinaldo College.

He shared to the media after the game, "Nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa kasi magtthird year nap o ako sa Adamson nun, nagkakabagsak pa ako. Parang wala ng patutunguhan." He adds, "Sabi ko, mag-tryout ako sa EAC. Pag pinalad, magffocus na ako dito.”

Maguliano hopes that this breakout performance is the start of a blossoming career in San Marcelino with EAC.