JRU claims historic Filoil Preseason crown

Lawrence Mangubat c/o Filoil EcoOil Sports

Jose Rizal University may have just delivered the loudest statement even before the start of the NCAA season.

And if the Heavy Bombers would have it their way, this may very well be a preview of their dream coronation.

With heroes aplenty, JRU came through with a 74-67 Game Two victory to sweep San Beda and capture the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason crown on Thursday.

Lawrence Mangubat was the main stabilizer for the Kalentong crew, dropping 27 points, three rebounds, and three assists including the game-sealing freebies with 10.5 seconds left in front of a raucous crowd inside Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

"Ayaw ko lang matalo," admitted the shifty guard who was named as the ABC Heavy Duty Tournament MVP.

But it was Mythical Team member Chris Hubilla who typified the mighty defense that enabled the Heavy Bombers this run to the top, with his block on Daniel Marcelo in the final minute all but snuffing the hopes out of the Red Lions to cap off his solid 8-point, 8-rebound, and 5-assist night.

Aside from the two though, coach Nani Epondulan flaunted the depth of this roster with numerous players stepping up in this clincher.

Stephen Garupil buried two crucial treys in the fourth that kept San Beda at bay for his nine points, Jahmir Eligado made the most of his suprise start and went a rebound shy of a double-double with his 10 points and nine boards, and Don Benito's Defensive Player Allan Laurenaria was in his element to rack up nine points, four boards, and two steals.

"From the start, yun naman ang tinatrabaho namin. Mentally naiready namin sila," said Epondulan.

Mangubat and Hubilla were joined by San Beda's Aldous Torculas, Letran's Titing Manalili, and University of the Philippines' Veejay Pre in the Mythical Team.

It's a sweet victory for JRU which only lost once this preseason and owned the number of San Beda, winning all of their three meetings in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

The Heavy Bombers were also finally able to lift the trophy after settling for runner-up honors way back in the inaugural tourney in 2006.

Zed Etulle paced the Red Lions in the losing cause with 14 points and four boards, as Torculas only had 13 in a tough 3-of-11 shooting from the field.

The Scores:
JRU 74 -- Mangubat 27, Eligado 10, Laurenaria 9, Garupil 9, Hubilla 8, Salvador 5, Masiglat 3, Palis 2, Panapanaan 1, Garcia 0, Herrera 0.
SAN BEDA 67 -- Etulle 14, Torculas 13, Marcelo 11, Puno 8, Songcuya 7, Bonzalida 6, Hawkins 5, Sarigumba 3, Estacio 0, RC. Calimag 0, Jamora 0, Ugaddan 0.
Quarters: 14-13, 29-28, 52-40, 74-67.

Laurenaria ensure JRU stunner over San Beda

c/o NCAA

Allen Laurenaria provided the winning dramatics for Jose Rizal University, scoring the game-winner against San Beda at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Friday afternoon.

The guard drove through a wide-open lane to net his sixth point, giving the Heavy Bombers a 67-66 lead with four seconds left.

The Red Lions would have a chance to snatch the win on the final possession, but Bryan Sajonia missed his baseline jumper. The FEU transfer led the Mendiola-based squad with sixteen points. 

Head coach Nani Epondulan highlights the importance of the win, says "Malaking panalo ‘to para bigyan ng kumpyansa ‘yong team." He adds, "Lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila every practice na mas malaki man at mas athletic ‘yong ibang team, maliit lang kami pero ‘yong puso namin malaki."

Sean Salvador and Justin Lozano led JRU with fifteen and thirteen points, respectively, while Janti Miller added thirteen points for San Beda.

The Heavy Bombers seek their third win of the campaign against CSB on Sunday, while the Red Lions will seek to match that when they tangle against EAC on Tuesday, with both matches taking place in San Juan.

The scores:

JRU 67 – Salvador 15, Lozano 13, Panapanaan 9, Argente 8, Garupil 7, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 5, Sarmiento 3, Castillo 1, Benitez 0, Peñaverde 0, Duque 0

SAN BEDA 66 – Sajonia 16, Miller 13, Lina 13, Etulle 8, Gonzales 6, Reyes 4, Celzo 2, Culdora 2, Puno 2, Estacio 0, Bonzalida 0, Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Vailoces 0, Songcuya 0

JRU stuns Letran in its NCAA season opener

c/o NCAA

Jose Rizal University pulled off a stunner to start their stint at the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament on Friday, securing a 73-69 nail-biter against Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Friday afternoon in San Juan.

Leading by as much as sixteen points, the Heavy Bombers had to deal with a strong final period from the Knights, as they scored 23 points.

A free throw from Jonathan Manalili managed to make it a one-possession game with fourteen seconds left, but Justin Lozano would restore the two-possession lead on a free throw after a quick foul by the Knights.

Chad Gammad missed a three with nine seconds remaining, and although Lozano would miss two free throws after being fouled three seconds later, Letran ran out of time to stumble on their season opener.

New head coach Nani Epondulan says about the game, "Lagi nating sinasabi na kung merong tatakbo dapat kami."

The JRU legend adds, "Lagi ko ring sinasabi sa kanila na ibigay nila kahat kasi noon pa lang, nobody was expecting us kung anong magiging performance namin."

Lozano finished with a game-high seventeen points, while also adding three rebounds and three assists. Sean Salvador added ten for the Heavy Bombers, while Ivan Panapanaan had a near-double-double with eight points and fourteen rebounds.

Jimboy Estrada led Letran with fourteen points, five rebounds, four assists, and a couple of steals before fouling out. Manalili and Gammad each added eleven markers, with the former also chipping in six boards and three dimes.

Making up for the defeat is the Squires' 62-52 victory over the Light Bombers in juniors action. Harvey Macadangdang led the way with fourteen points in the victory. Letran limited their opponents to just nineteen points in the second half to emerge victorious. 

The Knights are set to tangle against rivals San Beda on Sunday afternoon, while JRU gets Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday.

The scores (Srs and Jrs)

JRU 73 – Lozano 17, Salvador 10, Panapanaan 8, Peñaverde 7, Garupil 6, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 6, Benitez 5, Argente 4, Sarmiento 2, Castillo 2, Esguerra 0, Duque 0

LETRAN 69 – Estrada 14, Manalili 11, Gammad 11, Roque 10, Santos 10, Tapenio 9, Rosilio 2, Omega 2, Yusi 0, Silorio 0, Buensalida 0

The scores:

LETRAN 62 – Macadangdag 14, Cargo 8, Dahino 8, M. Pascual 8, T. Pascual 7, Egea 5, Lumague 4, Valdeavilla 4, Villanueva 2, Cabañero 2, Chua 0, Timbol 0, Gelin 0, Barrieta

JRU 52 – Laxamana 12, Taparan 10, Callueng 8, Mallorca 7, Sapatram 6, Ong 4, Ruedas 3, Estocapio 2, Loque 0, Tailan 0, Palles 0, Roales 0, Caspe 0 

Quarter scores: 16-18, 35-33, 56-43, 62-52

San Beda pushes out JRU in NCAA Final Four race

c/o GMA and NCAA

Fresh from a 22-point outburst, Yukien Andrada showed out for San Beda in outlasting Jose Rizal University, 74-69 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Andrada scored a game-high eighteen points, with half of them coming in the third period to help steady things and allow the Red Lions to secure an eight-point lead into the final period, where he scored five points to hold off the Heavy Bombers as they tried to come back from a double-digit deficit.

San Beda's win moves them onto the inside track for the postseason with their tenth win in sixteen matches, good enough for a tie alongside the College of Saint Benilde for third place.

JRU's defeat drops them down to 10-7 with one more game left in the season and puts them on the outside looking in.

The scores:

First Game

San Beda 74- Andrada 18, Puno 13, Cortez 12, Payosing 12, Gonzales 6, Alfaro 6, Royo 3, Jopia 2, Visser 2, Cuntapay 0, Tagle 0

JRU 69- Delos Santos 15, Argente 15, Guiab 10, Dela Rosa 10, Dionisio 7, Miranda 6, Medina 2, Sarmiento 2, De Leon 2, Arenal 0, Sy 0, Sy 0, Ramos 0, Pabico 0, Mosqueda 0

Quarterscores: 20-16; 41-35; 59-51; 74-69

Heavy Bombers tatter Knights

c/o GMA and NCAA

Bucking the absence of head coach Louie Gonzales, Jose Rizal University's hopes of making the postseason in the NCAA Season 99 basketball tournament received a boost with a 79-74 victory over Colegio de San Juan de Letran at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Gonzales was observing a one-game suspension after being tossed in their last game against the College of Saint Benilde.

Agem Miranda led the way for the Heavy Bombers with seventeen points, securing a season sweep of the defending champions. JL Delos Santos and Joshua Guiab combined to score 26 points as the other JRU players in double figures.

The Mandaluyong-based school moves up to 9-6, keeping pace with the Blazers and San Beda in the Final Four picture.

Letran falls to 1-14 as it continues its season of woe.

Second Game

JRU 79- Miranda 17, Delos Santos 14, Guiab  12, Argente 8, Ramos 6, Dionisio 6, Medina 5, De Leon 4, Dela Rosa 3, Sarmiento 2, Mosqueda 2, Arenal 0, Pabico 0, Sy 0

Letran 74- Monje 18, Cuajao 16, Javillonar 10, Garupil 9, Santos 9, Ariar 4, Bautista 4, Battallier 2, Go 2, Bojorcelo 0

Quarterscores: 20-22; 44-39; 60-51; 79-74

Letran escapes in season opener

c/o NCAA

Letran kicked off its title defense with a victory on Wednesday afternoon, surviving a feisty Jose Rizal University in overtime, 101-97.

Kurt Reyson had a career day for the Knights, as he scored 31 points, including a game-tying triple with five seconds remaining in regulation.

In the five-minute extension, it was a rookie and a veteran who stepped for the two-time champions.

Kobe Monje proved to be clutch, securing the rebound off a free throw miss by William Sy, then received a pass from King Caralipio for a layup with 28.1 left, giving Letran the lead for good at 98-97.

And as JRU committed miscues in trying to answer, Fran Yu converted three free throws to provide necessary breathing room. The former Finals MVP contributed twelve points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in an all-around effort.

Head coach Bonnie Tan shared to the media after the game, "It's all about heart and suwerte,"

He adds, "I'm happy for the win. Going into the game, talagang blindfolded kami. Hindi pa namin alam kung paano pa manalo. Hindi ko alam kung sino pa ang first five namin. We were just blessed na na-pull through namin ito."

Tan also lavished praised towards Reyson, who scored ten points in the final quarter and overtime, "Kurt played a good game, 9 out of 14 (field goal shooting). Hindi puwersado ang mga tira. Free throws niya 7 out of 7. Wala akong masabi sa mga bata. For me it is time for him to step up. Dati nao-overshadow siya ng ibang veterans."

Caralipio finished with a double-double with fourteen points and eleven rebounds, while Brent Paraiso added thirteen markers and four steals.

John Amores led the Heavy Bombers with nineteen points, six rebounds, three steals, and a couple of steals. Agem Miranda added eighteen, with five rebounds and six dimes.

The scores:

Letran (101) -- Reyson 31, Caralipio 14, Paraiso 13, Yu 12, Sangalang 9, Monje 9, Santos 6, Olivario 3, Go 2, Miclat 2, Ariar 0, Guarino 0.

JRU (97) -- Amores 19, Miranda 18, Celis 14, Dela Rosa 14, Guiab 10, Dionisio 7, Arenal 7, Medina 5, Sy 3, Delos Santos 0, Abaoag 0.

Quarterscores: 19-27, 49-41, 74-71, 89-89, 101-97

Perpetual claims opener vs JRU

c/o NCAA

Tuesday schedule at Filoil EcoOil Centre

12nn San Sebastian vs Arellano

3pm San Beda vs Emilio Aguinaldo College

A strong second half allowed the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to blow out Jose Rizal University, 84-60, Sunday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

After a first half that saw the Altas hold on a 37-36 lead, Myk Saguiguit's wards took over in the second half, with Kim Aurin and Jielo Razon getting a surprise boost from Rey Barcuma to overrun the Heavy Bombers.

Known more for his defensive prowess, Barcuma scored a career-high 24 points on 10/11 shooting. Razon added thirteen points, seven rebounds, and a couple of assists, while Aurin scored all seven of his points in that pivotal third quarter that saw the Altas score 28 points. Mark Omega also added a near double-double with thirteen points and nine rebounds.

Saguiguit shared post-match, "They run it properly, sumunod sa sistema. Sana ganyan kami lagi para maging competitive kami sa (Season 98)." He also adds, "We made a lot of adjustments. Ang sabi ko sa kanila, relax lang tayo. Alam ninyo naman kung saan tayo malakas. Yung lahat ng ipinakita sa first half, hinayaan na namin."

Jonathan Guiab was the lone JRU player in double-digit with 15 points.

The scores:

First Game

Perpetual (84) -- Barcuma 22, Razon 13, Omega 13, Aurin 7, Roque 5, Ferreras 5, Abis 4, Nitura 4, Egan 2, Boral 2, Martel 2, Nunez 2, Flores 2, Orgo 1, Cuevas 0.

JRU (60) -- Medina 15, Guiab 9, Arenal 6, Sy 5, Delos Santos 4, Miranda 4, De Jesus 4, Dela Rosa 3, Dionisio 3, Villarin 3, Amores 2, Celis 2, Joson 0, Abaoag 0, Gonzales 0, Tan 0, Famaranco 0.

Quarterscores: 12-21, 37-36, 65-51, 84-60

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 Season 94 second round kicks off

Games today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

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

Pacesetting Lyceum and San Beda seek to pad their lead against the rest of the field against separate opposition to kick off the second round of the NCAA's 94th season for basketball.

To secure their tenth win of the season, the Pirates will be up against league cellar-dwellers San Sebastian, who are expected to field RK Ilagan once again after he served his suspension due to his participation in a "ligang labas."

The Golden Stags as a result had to forfeit two wins and subsequently moved behind Mapua, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and JRU with just one win.

They, however, did give last season's finalists a hard time in their first round meeting, an 85-80 grinder on Opening Day.

Head coach Topex Robinson acknowledges that San Sebastian is a dangerous squad, "San Sebastian is always a tough opponent, complete or not. We just have to always be prepared."

The other collegiate matchup features the Red Lions against the Heavy Bombers, with the memories very fresh from their last meeting, which took place a week ago, 77-40.

In the high school division, the Junior Pirates of Lyceum are seeking to get their postseason aspirations back on track against the Staglets of San Sebastian at 10am, followed by a matchup between the third place Red Cubs of San Beda against the fourth place Light Bombers of JRU at noon.

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.

San Beda seeks winning follow-up to Bolick 50

Games today 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

How do you top a historic outing?

Robert Bolick and the San Beda Red Lions seek to answer that question this afternoon, as they cap off a quadruple-header at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Bolick on Friday afternoon torched Arellano for fifty points in their 98-79 victory, which turned out to be the most points scored by a NCAA player since 1974, when Lim Eng Beng set the record with 55 for La Salle against Letran back in the day. Head coach Boyet Fernandez wishes for a repeat occurrence later, as he shared to the media, "Hopefully he can sustain his hot shooting."

The Leyte native knows the Heavy Bombers will make the necessary adjustments to stop him. He says, "I expect that to happen. I just have to be prepared and find ways to hit shots or just help my team get a win."

JRU is looking to keep a good run going after their 57-55 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College last week.

The other collegiate matchup that afternoon features Perpetual Help against Arellano at 2pm.

With both sides smarting off losses last Friday, the Altas and the Chiefs are seeking to end their first round on a positive note.

Both teams are looking to keep themselves in the running for the postseason, especially for Arellano, who could reduce the gap between them and Perpetual to just a single game.

In high school action, the Junior Altas and the Braves kick off the quadruple header at 10am, with the Light Bombers and the Red Cubs squaring off at noon. The loser of the JRU-San Beda matchup will be in a tie with the winner of the Perpetual-Arellano matchup for fourth place, as the race to the Final Four starts to heat up and teams try to keep pace with last season's finalists La Salle-Greenhills and Mapua/Malayan.

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

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.

San Beda remains undefeated, JRU, EAC remain winless

Games tomorrow at the Letran Gym in Intramuros versus College of Saint Benilde

2pm: HS (vs La Salle-Greenhills)
4pm: College

College of Saint Benilde kept Jose Rizal University winless this season, as they secured an 81-66 victory in the first game of the collegiate triple header for the 94th Season of the NCAA at the Filoil Flying V Centre in the San Juan.

Seeing that Letran pounded the Heavy Bombers last Friday, the Blazers decided to use their playbook, so to speak, and funnel their offense to their core bigs in Clement Leutcheu and Yankie Haruna.

Leutcheu scored almost half of CSB's 21 points in the second quarter, as they expanded their 16-15 first quarter lead into a 37-27 halftime advantage. He would finish with a team-high twenty points and fourteen rebounds. The Cameroon native shared to the media after the game, "I’m just trying to do what the coaches want me to do and try to improve on several aspects of my game."

Haruna then took over in the third quarter by scoring nine points in the period, extending the lead to 58-45 after thirty minutes of action. He would end up with fifteen points.

Blazers head coach Ty Tang still thinks they still need to work on their consistency. He says, "We’re not yet used to the grit and grind type of games in the NCAA and that’s what we really lacked as a team." He adds, "It’s a long season and we get a chance to correct the mistakes and improve and maybe we can peak at the right time."

Jed Mendoza led JRU with sixteen points, five rebounds, six assists, and four steals.

Mapua matched CSB's feat later that afternoon by defeating Arellano, 91-83 in the second collegiate game scheduled, forging a three-way tie at 2-2.

The Cardinals rode on their team effort to secure the victory, with five players scoring between twelve and sixteen points.

Mapua also benefited from a strong offensive start, scoring 31 points in the opening ten minutes and eventually erecting an eighteen-point lead. However, they had survive a late comeback attempt from the Chiefs, as they had managed to reduce the deficit to just five at 85-80 with under two minutes remaining.

Clutch baskets from Cedric Pelayo and Warren Bonifacio moved the lead back up to 89-80, which proved to be enough for Atoy Co's crew to secure the win.

Christian Bunag led Mapua with a double-double with sixteen points and ten rebounds. True freshmen Eric Jabel and Warren Bonifacio showed about again with a combined 27 points. Pelayo would finish with 13 markers. Noah Lugo added eleven points, while Laurenz Victoria fell short of a double-double with nine points and nine assists.

Levi dela Cruz stood out again for Arellano with a game-high 25 points.

The final collegiate game of the day saw San Beda tighten their defensive screws to hack a 61-46 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College, extending their winning streak over the Generals to nineteen straight games.

The Red Lions turned up the defensive intensity, forcing EAC to shoot 38 percent from the field, commit 29 turnovers, and prevented them from scoring more than fourteen points in all four quarters.

It was a fitting birthday gift for their head coach Boyet Fernandez, as he had turned 47 the day before. He acknowledged that their defense "made the difference."

The win keeps the defending champions undefeated, alongside fellow pacesetters Lyceum.

Robert Bolick paced San Beda with fifteen points and six assists, while Donald Tankoua not only contributed a near double-double with nine points and ten rebounds, but also kept Hamadou Laminou in check all game long, limiting him to just nine points and a couple of rebounds.

The Scores:

CSB 81 -- Leutcheu 20, Haruna 15, Dixon 10, Naboa 10, Pagulayan 8, Carlos 5, Barnes 4, Pasturan 3, Domingo 2, Gutang 2, Velasco 2, Nayve 0, Young 0.

JRU 66 -- Mendoza 16, Mallari 14, Miranda 8, Silvarez 6, Bordon 4, David 4, Padua 4, Ramos 4, Esguerra 3, Estrella 3, Aguilar 0.

Quarterscores: 16-15; 37-27; 58-45; 81-66.

Second Game

Mapua 91 – Bunag 16, Jabel 15, Pelayo 13, Lugo 12, Bonifacio 12, Victoria 9, Biteng 6, Gamboa 6, Aguirre 2, Pajarillo 0

Arellano 83 – Dela Cruz 25, Alban 12, Dela Torre 10, Alcoriza 9, Segura 8, Concepcion 6, Ongolo Ongolo 4, Serajosef 3, Canete 2, Santos 2, Villoria 2, Codinera 0, Sacramento 0, Abdurassad 0, Bayla 0

Quarterscores: 31-22;  52-40; 69-57; 91-83

San Beda 61 – Bolick 15, Tankoua 9, Canlas 8, Doliguez 7, Mocon 5, Tongco 4, Eugene 4, Nelle 3, Carino 3, Oftana 2, Cuntapay 1

EAC 46 – Bugarin 10, Laminou 9, Mendoza 6, Bautista 4, Garcia 4, Robin 3, Cruz 2, Gonzales 2, Diego 2, Tampoc 2, Neri 2, Natividad 0, Cadua 0, Fuentes 0

Quarterscores: 13-14, 32-25, 49-33, 61-46

JRU, EAC attempt to end losing woes today

Jose Rizal University and Emilio Aguinaldo College are seeking to end their skid against separate opposition this afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Heavy Bombers are coming off a debilitating 74-58 loss to Letran last Friday, dropping them to 0-4 this season. They seek to get themselves back on track against College of Saint Benilde at noon today, with the Blazers also smarting from a loss against defending champions San Beda last week.

Speaking of the Red Lions, they will also be in action later this afternoon, with a 4pm tip against the winless Generals.

The defending champions are seeking to remain in lockstep with Lyceum atop the standings as the last two undefeated teams in the NCAA, with a win putting them a game behind the Pirates.

Unlike JRU though, EAC has had a chance to secure a win in all of their three matches, with the opportunity to securing a hard-earned victory in their final possession in the past couple of games.

The other collegiate matchup sees Arellano go up against Mapua at 2pm, with both teams fresh from contrasting results last Friday.

The Chiefs eked out an 82-81 squeaker against San Sebastian, while the Cardinals fell victim to Lyceum, 94-81.