Denzil Sison-Walker named as inaugural NCAA Season 102 Player of the Week

c/o NCAA Philippines

Unlike their dreadful start a season prior, Colegio de San Juan de Letran took less time to find their rhythm in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball, with new face Denzil Sison-Walker taking the lion’s share of the credit.

Walker proved himself a force to be reckoned with in just two games, averaging 23.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks to earn the Collegiate Press Corps’ NCAA Player of the Week award for September 12 to 18.

Walker’s debut for the Knights came at the expense of University of Perpetual Help, whom they eliminated in the men’s basketball semifinals just last year. There, the 6-foot-4 forward logged 21 points, two steals, and a block in roughly 18 minutes of action as a starter in their 84-77 win.

While his output would undoubtedly have been higher had he not fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, Walker’s impact was hard to deny as he mostly kept the squad afloat with nine points in the second half.

Facing the struggling San Sebastian College next, Walker went bucket-for-bucket against fellow combo guard Chad Gammad as the Knights laid a 99-62 smackdown on the Golden Stags on Friday.

While the Knights had varying inefficient shooting performances, the Filipino-American forward’s hot hands remained on, as he dropped 25 points, three rebounds, and two blocks on 4-of-7 shooting from long range.

“For me, okay ‘yong pag-step up ni Denzil,” coach Allen Ricardo said. “Alam ni Denzil ‘yong sistema. He knows how to deliver at the right time.”

Though against considerably less-proficient opponents, Walker’s consistent and efficient performances in Group B were more than enough to catapult the Knights to an early 2-0 record.

Walker narrowly bested College of Saint Benilde’s Matt Jucom and Jhomel Ancheta, and Jose Rizal University’s Lawrence Mangubat for the weekly citation.

Letran, San Beda lock in top seeds in NCAA group for Filoil Preseason

c/o Filoil 

Standings

UAAP Group
W L
UP 5 1
NU 5 1
DLSU 4 2
UST 3 3
FEU 3 3
AdU 0 5
Gilas 0 5

NCAA Group
W L
CSJL 8 1
SBU 7 2
JRU 7 2
MU 7 2
CSB 5 4
EAC 4 5
UPHSD 3 6
LPU 3 6
AU 1 8
SSCR 0 9

Games Friday (Quarterfinals)
11 a.m. - NU vs. JRU
1 p.m. - UST vs. Letran
3 p.m. - UP vs. Mapua
6 p.m. - San Beda vs. La Salle

LETRAN made sure to avoid any complications en route to the playoffs of the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, locking up the top seed of the NCAA Group with a 70-66 triumph over Perpetual on Wednesday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Rookie Justin Cargo took the cudgels from an off-shooting Titing Manalili as he delivered 15 points and five rebounds but more importantly, captained the Knights’ fightback from 18 points down.

“Hindi ko naman siya kukunin ng walang purpose or hindi gagamitin. Talagang sinabi ko sa kanya kung ano nakita ko sa kanya, and fortunately, he trusted me with that,” said coach Allen Ricardo of Cargo who was instrumental as Letran ended the eliminations on an eight-game win streak to arrange a quarterfinals date against University of Santo Tomas on Friday.

Fellow rookie George Diamante also held it down for the reserves, chipping in 11 points and five boards while Jimboy Estrada scored 10 in the win.

Their performances couldn’t have come at a better time especially with Manalili limited to just four points in 18 minutes of play in the final prelims playdate of this tourney 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.

LA Casinillo led the Altas with 19 points to cap off their 3-6 campaign.

San Beda also avoided similar difficulties with an emphatic 68-49 victory over Mapua.

Zed Etulle led the Red Lions with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, JC Bonzalida also nabbed 14 points and seven boards, and rookie Andrei Ugaddan had his share of the spotlight by contributing 11 points and seven rebounds in the wire-to-wire win.

“Coming off that tough loss against Letran, we wanted to get this win going to the quarterfinals and at least you get your rhythm back,” said coach Yuri Escueta, whose San Beda crew will brace for the challenge of La Salle in the final eight.

Jaymark Lloren was the only one to breach double figures for the Cardinals with his 10 points in the loss that forced a three-way tie for no. 2 in the pool at 7-2.

San Beda, though, held the superior quotient thanks to this 19-point win, with idle Jose Rizal U claiming the third-seed and Mapua sliding down to fourth.

The Cardinals will now have to prepare for UAAP Group’s no. 1 seed University of the Philippines, while the Heavy Bombers will take on UAAP no. 2 National U.

In the day’s other games, Far Eastern U ended its preseason run in a flurry, taking down winless Adamson, 79-63.

Janrey Pasaol’s displayed MVP-caliber productions anew with 13 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, with all but one point from beyond the arc to level their standing at 3-3.

Matty Erolon paced the Soaring Falcons (0-5) with 16 markers from three triples.

Lyceum of the Philippines also arrested its two-game skid with a 95-91 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Renz Villegas waxed hot with his 27-point performance on an efficient 13-of-14 clip from the free throw line, while Jerome Almario and Nat Fuentes chimed in 11 points apiece to help the Pirates finish their run with a 3-6 win-loss record.

Harvae Raymundo topscored for the Generals (4-5) with 18 points as Jacob Shanoda got 16 points and nine boards in the losing cause.

The Scores:

First Game:
LETRAN 70 - Cargo 15, Diamante 11, Estrada 10, Gammad 9, Siena 8, Santos 6, Manalili 4, Montecillo 3, Buensalida 2, Silorio 2, Hugo 0, Valdeavilla 0, Tapenio 0.
PERPETUAL 66 - Casinillo 19, Gojo Cruz 9, Tulabut 7, Corpuz 7, Borja 4, Maglupay 4, Duremdes 3, Montemayor 3, Orgo 2, Baldoria 2, Roluna 2, Caugiran 0, Gelsano 0, Cristino 0, Magdangal 0.
Quarters: 12-18, 35-44, 58-55, 70-66.

Second Game:
LPU 95 - Villegas 27, Fuentes 11, Almario 11, Ondoa 8, Caduyac 8, Rubico 7, Aviles 7, Aurigue 7, Peñafiel 2, Daileg 2, Manuel 2, Gordon 2, Cardinas 0, Matienzo 0.
EAC 91 - H. Raymundo 18, Shanoda 16, M. Raymundo 14, Nunag 11, Castillo 11, Ochavo 5, Namoro 4, Sealey 4, Mundas 2, Coronel 2, Lanceta 2, Luna 2, Baniqued 0, Buen 0, Campana 0.
Quarters: 25-21, 49-48, 66-74, 95-91.

Third Game:
SAN BEDA 68 - Bonzalida 14, Etulle 14, Ugaddan 11, Songcuya 8, Hawkins 6, Estacio 6, Sarigumba 3, Ri. Calimag 3, Dabao 2, Jalbuena 1, RC. Calimag 0.
MAPUA 49 - Lloren 10, Diaz 8, Cuenco 7, Pascual 6, S. Reyes 4, L. Nitura 4, Ryan 3, Igliane 2, M. Nitura 2, Lazarte 1, Concepcion 1, Liwanag 1, Bernabe 0.
Quarters: 21-11, 35-21, 51-33, 68-49.

Fourth Game:
FEU 79 - Konateh 21, Mongcopa 14, Cabonilas 14, Pasaol 13, Felipe 6, Burgos 6, Bautista 3, Hall 2, Nakai 0, Mahmood 0.
ADAMSON 63 - Erolon 16, Precious 11, Medina 9, Torres 8, Fransman 8, Edding 4, Anabo 3, Cruz-Dumont 2, Demisana 2, Montebon 0, Tumaneng 0, Perez 0, Mangaron 0, Sajili 0, Pacquiao 0.
Quarters: 19-14, 40-33, 60-52, 79-63.

NCAA set to hold Volleyball finals at Rizal Memorial

A fierce championship showdown takes center stage once more as the Benilde Lady Blazers and the Letran Lady Knights face off in Game 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 Volleyball Tournament Finals this Sunday,  April 5, at 12 p.m., straight from the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Fans can catch the thrilling action live on GTV and Heart of Asia, with a simulcast available on the official social media pages of GMA Sports and NCAA Philippines.

The defending champions and five-peat seeking CSB Lady Blazers locked in their Finals spot earlier on March 25, sweeping the Perpetual Lady Altas, 25–18, 26–24, 25–21, in their semifinal series. Anchoring the dominant run were ace volleybelles Zam Nolasco, Chenae Basarte, and Cam Bartolome.

The Letran Lady Knights, on the other hand, return to the Finals after overpowering the San Beda Red Lady Spikers in a four-set semifinals victory (25–18, 25–19, 23–25, 25–21) last March 28. Leading the charge were top players Judiel Nitura, Vanessa Sarie, and Lara Mae Silva. 

The best-of-three Finals series schedule is as follows: April 5 (Game 1), 12 p.m. on GTV and HOA; April 8 (Game 2), 2:30 p.m. on GTV and HOA; and April 10 (Game 3, if necessary), 3 p.m. on HOA. 

Meanwhile, the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Volleyball Tournament continues to heat up as the Mapúa Cardinals and The Benilde Blazing Spikers battle for the championship in their own best-of-three series. Don’t miss the action on April 5 (Game 1), 3 p.m. on HOA; April 8 (Game 2), 11 a.m. on HOA; and April 10 (Game 3, if necessary), 12 p.m. on HOA. 

Catch the livestream on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' social media accounts. Global Pinoys can catch all the action via the international channel GMA News TV. 

For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph.

Letran ends NCAA Season 101 skid against EAC

c/o NCAA

Colegio de San Juan de Letran finally entered the win column in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament, snapping its losing streak with an 84-80 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Deo Cuajao led the way for the Knights with 23 points, while Kevin Santos added fifteen markers.

Jonathan Manalili and Aaron Buensalida also contributed with their respective double-doubles in the effort. The former registered twelve points and thirteen assists, while the latter tacked on twelve and eleven rebounds.

For Letran coach Allen Ricardo, he explained the slow start his wards went through and explained that some things simply take time.

“Siyempre at the end of the day ‘yong cohesiveness at chemistry will take some time,” he said, while noting that, "I’m hoping na little by little, magpeak na rin itong team natin."

Nico Quinal and Wilmar Oftana led the Generals with 16 points each as they dropped to a 1-2 record.

Meanwhile, EAC-ICA nipped Letran in juniors action, 83-81.

A jumper from Clint Bonus gave the Brigadiers the lead for good with 37 seconds left. After Noel Lanceta split his charities to give EAC-ICA a two-point lead, Nathan Egea missed the potential game-winning triple as the buzzer sounds.

Kelly Coronel led his team with sixteen points while also blocking three shots, while Bonus finished with fifteen points and eight assists.

Egea led the Squires with sixteen points.

The scores:

LETRAN 84 – Cuajao 23, Santos 15, Buensalida 12, Manalili 12, Estrada 8, Gammad 6, Omega 4, Rosilio 3, Tapenio 1, Gazzingan 0

EAC 80 – Oftana 16, Quinal 16, Bagay 12, Ochavo 12, Castillo 7, 
Omandac 6, Lucero 4, Shanoda 4, Angeles 3, Loristo 0, Doria 0, Tolentino 0, Devara 0, Bacud 0, Jacob 0

NCAA Season 99 Juniors semifinals to commence Sunday

c/o NCAA

High School basketball action gets raised a notch with the semifinals of the NCAA Juniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Defending champions Letran finished with a 7-2 record, good enough for second place, behind the efforts of the Perpetual and their 8-1 mark. These two teams have secured the twice-to-beat advantage, in the process.

Completing the postseason field are San Sebastian and Mapua, who both tote 6-3 records.

Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso shares, "As the NCAA Season 99 Junior Basketball action continues, we continue to witness our young heroes level up their games — starting off with 10 highly competent teams battling it out on the court to the semi-finals round, which will start this March 10.  As we further inch closer to the Finals, Kapuso sports enthusiasts should not miss out as there will definitely be more fun, exciting, and action-packed games to look forward to."

He adds, "To our junior athletes, especially the Perpetual Junior Altas, Letran Squires, SSC-R Staglets, and Mapua Red Robins, continue being an inspiration to the youth. May you reap the fruits of your hard work, discipline, and determination."

The first semifinal matchup features the top-ranked NCAA HS player of the NBTC 24 in Amiel Acido leading the Junior Altas against Lawrence Mangubat and the Red Robins at noon. That match will be followed by the duel between Titing Manalili and the Squires against Ruvic Danag and the Staglets at 230pm.

If either Mapua or San Sebastian win their matchups on Sunday, the do-or-die decider will take place on Wednesday, March 13.

The finals is set to start on March 16 at 930am, with Game 2 on March 20 at 230pm and if necessary, Game 3 is at 930am on March 23. These games will be televised LIVE on GTV.

Oczon takeover dooms Letran

c/o GMA and NCAA

Just when the College of Saint Benilde needed him the most, Miguel Oczon stepped up to the plate.

The shooter took over in the fourth quarter to allow the Blazers to defeat Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 72-54 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Held scoreless in the first half, it took him until the final thirty seconds of the third quarter to score his first bucket, a triple.

Miguel then tacked on to that total with three more in the last canto, as he himself outscored the Knights, who were limited to just six points in the final ten minutes.

Now at 11-6, the win allows CSB to secure at least a playoff for the Final Four, with a chance to lock that spot in themselves this coming Wednesday against Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The Knights drop to 2-15 heading into their final game of the harrowing season against San Beda on Friday. 

Second Game

CSB 72- Corteza 13, Sangco 13, Oczon 12, Gozum 9, Nayve 8, Cajucom 5, Mara 4, Marcos 4, Carlos 2, Turco 2, Arciaga 0, Jarque 0, Davis 0, Marasigan 0

Letran 54- Monje 18, Garupil 8, Cuajao 8, Javillonar 6, Batallier 5, Santos 4, Bojorcelo 3, Jumao-as 2, Bautista 0, Go 0, Ariar 0

Quarterscores: 15-15; 35-33; 59-48; 72-54

Kobe Monje uplifts Letran

c/o GMA and NCAA

Kobe Monje stepped up for the undermanned Colegio de San Juan de Letran as they defeated Arellano in a matchup of two also-rans in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, 67-58.

Originally intended to take on the leadership role next season, Monje took over with three key cogs for the Knights sidelined, including skipper Kurt Reyson.

He finished with as the game's only player to score in double figures with thirteen points. Kobe also added three rebounds, four assists, and a steal, as the Knights secured their second win of the season.

Head coach Rensy Bajar says about Kobe, "I’m proud of Kobe since I started at Letran, player ko na sya sa Team B. Kung ano approach ko sa kanya nung 2019, andun pa din. Siya yung nasa level na pwede maging superstar sa liga na ito."

Kobe believes he is now ready to take the mantle with the numbers he has put up now.

"Nung una hindi ko pa mailabas ganun na role. Dati kasi role player lang ako, naglalaro lang ako five mins, pinakamatagal 15 minutes."

The Chiefs fall to 2-13.

The scores:

First Game

Letran 67- Monje 13, Garupil 9, Cuajao 8, Batallier 8, Santos 7, Go 6, Jumao-as 6, Bojorcelo 5, Javillonar 5, Ariar 0

AU 58- Abastillas 9, Sunga 9, Mallari 7, Talampas 6, Capulong 5, Yanes 5, Tan 5, Villarente 4, Geronimo 4, Dayrit 2, Dela Cruz 2, Camay 0, Angolan 0, Rosalin 0

Quarterscores: 25-15; 40-32; 56-42; 67-58

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 hopes to clinch NCAA HS title

Game Thursday at the San Andres Sports Complex

2:30 p.m. – La Salle-Greenhills vs Letran

Letran hopes to end a 22-year title drought in the high school basketball scene, as they face off on Thursday afternoon for Game 2 of the NCAA Season 98 finals at the San Andres Sports Complex.

The Squires defeated La Salle-Greenhills in Game 1, 85-81, behind the efforts of Syrex Silorio and Andy Gemao.

The latter shared to the media after the game, "Masaya kami pero hindi pa tapos ang championship. Marami po kaming lessons na napulot sa laro ngayon.  Tulad po ng kung paano po kami maging composed sa maraming crowd kasi lahat po kami rookie."

Silorio had a career day against the Greenies with 27 points and seven rebounds while also battling the NBTC All-Star duo of Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate. Gemao contributed a double-double for the cause with 21 points and fourteen rebounds. Also an NBTC All-Star, the guard added five assists and three steals.

When asked about what lies ahead for this one, Andy says, "Inaabangan ko po talaga yung twin towers po. Siguro po may gagawin silang adjustments.  Nasa amin na din po iyon kung paano namin hihigpitan yung depensa namin."

LSGH is hoping to channel its survival instinct much like in their semifinal encounter against San Beda, overcoming a twice-to-beat disadvantage to emerge victorious.

Game 2 will be aired LIVE on GTV and also streamed through the NCAA's social media platforms. The third and deciding game, if necessary, will take place on Monday, same time and venue.

Squires take Game 1

Game Thursday at the San Andres Sports Complex
2:30 p.m. – La Salle-Greenhills vs Letran

Letran moved closer to ending a 22-year title drought on Monday afternoon, emerging as 85-81 winners over La Salle-Greenhills in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 98 High School basketball finals at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

The Squires rode on their sustained runs that allowed them to not only overcome a double-digit deficit, but also breaking the game open late.

After a Luis Pablo bucket to give the Greenies the lead at 72-70 with 7:11 left, Letran went on a 15-4 run to establish a 85-76 lead, capped off by a June Silorio triple with 2:42 left.

The Squires also caught fire from deep when it mattered the most. After missing their first seventeen triples, they went 4/7 from beyond the arc in the final period. In contrast, LSGH would go 2/8 in the second half after converting 6/17 in the first.

Silorio would finish with a career-high 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Freshly-minted NBTC All-Star Andy Gemao contributed 21 points, fourteen rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while George Diamante served up a gem with a twelve points and seventeen boards alongside four rejections and five dimes.

Pablo ended up with a near 20-20 performance, falling short by a rebound. Seven Gagate bucked foul trouble to net twelve points and thirteen rebounds, while adding three assists and a couple of steals. Aside from the Greenies' two NBTC All-Stars, Rod Alian rode on a hot start to finish with fourteen points and seven rebounds.

Speaking with the panel of Andrei Felix and Andrei Caracut, head coach Allen Ricardo notes that there is still unfinished business. When asked about what lies ahead for Game 2, he shares, "Just stay composed. Iyon ang pinaka-importante.  Yung championship series, na-experience nila ang Game 1, then after ng viewing, mare-realize nila what went wrong, what went right, what went good.  Going to Game 2, just stay composed, that's it."

Game 2 is scheduled on Thursday at the same venue, with LIVE broadcast on GTV as well as streaming on the league's social media platforms. A win for the Squires would secure their first title since 2001.

The scores:
Letran (85) -- Silorio 27, Gemao 21, Diamante 12, Manalili 9, Alforque 4, Anabo 4, Baliling 3, Hugo 2, Navarro 2, Cruz 1.

LSGH (81) -- Pablo 22, Alian 14, Gagate 12, Ison 10, Mesias 10, Rivero 6, Gomez 5, Romero 2, Zaragosa 0.

Quarterscores: 17-22, 41-44, 65-64, 85-81

Letran, La Salle-Greenhills set for finals showdown

Game today at the San Andres Sports Complex
2:30 p.m. – Letran vs La Salle-Greenhills

Letran and La Salle-Greenhills are set to kick off their best-of-three series to determine the best high school team in the NCAA Season 98 High School basketball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Both teams are seeking to end their title droughts. The Squires are hoping to end a 22-year winless stretch, while the Greenies, last won theirs in 2017.

Letran dispatched Mapua-Malayan to earn their spot, whilst La Salle-Greenhills had to survive playing three games against San Beda to secure the other spot.

Although the Squires won their only meeting in the eliminations, 79-73 back in February, things are clearly different with the stakes much higher.

NBTC All-Stars Andy Gemao and Jonathan Manalili will get to face off against fellow All-Stars Seven Gagate and Luis Pablo, with both sides having reliable supporting casts. June Silorio, George Diamante, Emman Anabo, and Joyel Baliling are on one side, and CJ Mesias, Rod Alian, James Ison, and Santi Romero on the other.

The series will be broadcast LIVE on GTV, with simultaneous streaming available through the league's social media platforms.

NCAA Season 98 set for Final Four in HS Basketball

Games today at the San Andres Sports Complex

12 noon – Letran vs Mapua
2:30 p.m. – San Beda vs LSGH

High school basketball gets more intense with the official start of the postseason for the NCAA this afternoon at the San Andres Sports Complex.

The Squires were forced to take a break after completing their eliminations campaign last February 20 with an 8-1 record, as the league needed to sort out the Final Four cast after a quadruple tie to end the regular season. They will face the Red Robins after they locked in their spot as the 4-seed with a 86-75 defeat to San Beda in the gauntlet.

In the process of determining the postseason field, it was the Red Cubs that emerged on top as the second seed, dispatching the Greenies in what turned out to be the unofficial start of their "virtual best-of-three matchup," 83-77. The team of Miko Roldan is filled with confidence after winning all three games in the gauntlet to earn the other twice-to-beat advantage.

The Letran-Mapua matchup is scheduled at noon, followed by the San Beda-LSGH duel at 230pm.

Letran, CSB set for NCAA title decider

It all boils down to one deciding game at the City of Antipolo.

Top seeds College of Saint Benilde and defending champions Letran will face off for one final time on Sunday, December 18, in order to crown the champion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines in Men's Basketball.

Set to take place at the Ynares Center, Game 3 will be shown LIVE on both GMA and GTV at 3pm. For those able to attend, tickets are available via www.ticketmax.ph. In case one is unable to go, the game will also be streamed on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' Facebook and Twitter pages. Basketball fans abroad will also be able to catch all the action via international channel GMA News TV.

"It has been an exciting season for the NCAA. GMA Network, through GMA Synergy, is proud of our student athletes as they showcased their skills and sportsmanship throughout this season. Whoever wins between the Letran Knights and the Benilde Blazers truly deserve the championship. Indeed, the NCAA inspires everyone to ‘Achieve Greatness Every Day.’  We would like to thank the NCAA community for joining all the players and the teams in their journey this season, the sports fans who showed their support in every game, and all the Kapuso viewers who continue to make watching NCAA games their habit. We are also grateful for the trust of the NCAA Policy Board and Management Committee," shares First VP and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor Amoroso.

The Blazers are coming off a 76-71 victory in Game 2 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, with Will Gozum and Miggy Corteza each scoring 21 points to force the winner-take-all dynamic. The magnitude and intensity also resulted heated moments, most notably with former Finals MVP Fran Yu getting ejected for a disqualifying foul in the second quarter, which led to being suspended for Game 3.

Aside from the game, last week also saw the league honor its outstanding ballers, led by Gozum being named as this season's Most Valuable Player. The UP transfer netted a near-double-double season with 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds, becoming the first CSB player to win the award in seventeen years.

Joining Gozum in the Mythical Selection are the San Beda duo of JB Bahio and James Canlas, as well as Letran's King Caralipio and Arellano's Cade Flores.

Flores took home the most hardware, after being named as both the Rookie of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The Chief also led the cast for the All-Defensive Team alongside fellow awardees Gozum and Bahio, with Mark Omega of Perpetual and Romel Calahat of San Sebastian completing the cast.

Comprising the remaining awards are Shawn Umali of Lyceum being named as the Most Improved Player, and San Beda being named for the Sportsmanship award.

All of these events on Sunday reflected well on the ratings end. Game 2 garnered a 3.8 rating on Nielsen Philippines' National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM), a number that surpassed the combined ratings on TV5 (1.4), A2Z (1.4), and the Kapamilya Channel (.3).

Streaming data indicated 1.6 million views on Facebook, as well as 265,000 on YouTube and 61,600 on Twitter.

Providing the halftime entertainment for Game 3 will be Bianca Umali of the Sparkle Artists Center, with XoXo also set to showcase their talent.

Taking care of the coverage is Andrei Felix and Jerry Codinera, with Martin Javier acting as host.

For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph. Follow @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasportsph on social media.

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

Letran's Bonbon Batiller emerges as Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Sports Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week

Photo from Gelay Davocol via Facebook.

Bonbon Batiller has not had a good start for NCAA Season 95.

No thanks to his offseason shoulder surgery, the guard is averaging a couple of points and three turnovers in just under eight and a half minutes per game in the first couple of games for Letran.

The next two games revealed a different Batiller.

This past Tuesday, the UE transfer led the Knights with fourteen points in a 55-43 win over then-winless Jose Rizal University. He then followed that with team-high 22 points last Friday in their 82-80 overtime victory over Perpetual, a team led by a fellow UE transfer in Edgar Charcos.

Batiller's explosion allowed Letran to extend their winning streak to three matches after their opening day defeat to Lyceum. At 3-1, they are good enough to be in fourth place in the league behind currently undefeated San Beda, College of Saint Benilde, and San Sebastian.

He shared to the media later on, "Para sa akin, si coach Bonnie, talagang yung mga leaders, china-challenge niya. Talagang kailangan naming mag-step up. Kaya para sakin, gagawin ko ang lahat para maabot ko yung expectation niya rin sa akin para makatulong ako sa team as a leader at senior."

Batiller beat out his teammate Ato Ular, San Sebastian's veteran duo of RK Ilagan and Allyn Bulanadi, Lyceum's Jayson David, San Beda's James Canlas, and JRU's Agem Miranda for the Player of the Week nod, which is handed out to a deserving player by the print and online media covering the Grand Old League.

Mixed results for Letran in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play

La Consolacion vs Letran in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League action

La Consolacion College of Manila overcame a sluggish start to turn back Letran in the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League, 79-71, inside the Mendiola campus of San Beda on Tuesday.

The Knights rode on Kenny Rocacurba's hot shooting to establish a 10-1 lead early on, but TJ Cariño and the rest of the Blue Royals would survive their early struggles to eventually take a 41-33 halftime lead.

LCC-M would then open the third with an 11-2 run to take the biggest lead of the game at 52-36, but Letran answered that with their own run that eventually reduced that deficit to just four points with 5:41 left in the game, 66-62.

However, Gabriel Latoreno would stabilize things for La Consolacion with key baskets late to eventually secure their first win in league play.

Cariño led the winners with eighteen points, while Ahron Estacio added fourteen markers.

Rocacurba topped all scorers with 26 points, as Letran falls to 1-3 in Group B.

Letran did manage a win today through in the Juniors division, as the Squires easily dispatched Diliman Preparatory School, 100-60.

Shawn Umali and Andrei Romenez each scored thirteen points in the win, which keeps their record spotless at 3-0 in Group A.

Aaron Acop led the Junior Blue Dragons with seventeen points in their tournament debut.

The 25th edition of the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, Bedans 62-66, and Cocolife.

San Beda romps in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play

An All-San Beda in Fr. Martin's Cup action

San Beda took advantage of an undermanned University of the Philippines squad to secure an 83-65 victory in the ongoing 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League at its home gym located inside its Mendiola campus.

Five Red Lions scored in double figures for the Boyet Fernandez-coached side, led by Ain Obenza's eighteen points. Ralph Penuela and Rey Reyno each added fourteen markers.

Former NCAA Finals MVP Arnaud Noah kickstarted things for San Beda early on, allowing the NCAA champions to take a 9-2 lead, with Eugene Toba taking over in the second quarter to allow the Red Lions to establish a 34-16 advantage. The African duo would finish with a combined total of 22 points.

The Fighting Maroons managed to whittle the deficit down to 43-36 early in the third period, but Obenza would convert back-to-back triples to anchor an 8-0 run to restore a large lead for San Beda at 57-40.

David Murrell and Joe Gomez de Liano each led UP with eleven points, as they played without Bright Akhuetie, Ricci Rivero, and Kobe Paras for this matchup.

In a matchup flaunting how good the San Beda high school basketball program is, the Red Cubs' Team A beat their Team B, 99-72.

Rhayyan Amsali led Team A with an all-around performance, contributing 21 points, five rebounds, five assists, a couple of steals, and three blocks. Tony Ynot led five other Red Cubs in double figures with seventeen markers.

Team A went on a 35-6 lead after one quarter of play and never looked back, establishing a lead as large as 44 points before Team B would slice and reduce the deficit into the current score.

Rojan Montemayor led the Team B Red Cubs with 22 points on 9/15 shooting. He would add six rebounds, three assists, and five rejections.

Also in high school action, Letran defeated Treston International College, 71-49, to claim their second win in the tournament.

The Squires rode on Kyle Tolentino and Andrei Romenez to preserve their undefeated record, combining for 24 points in the win over the Golden Cubs, who suffered their first loss in the tournament.

The 25th edition of the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, Bedans 62-66, and Cocolife.

NCAA teams make headway in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play

Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League action resumed today.

The Letran Knights got themselves on the winning track in the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play, as they dispatched National University, 83-82.

Off a timeout after Patrick Yu split his free throws to establish an 81-79 lead with 7.3 seconds remaining, Kobe Monje received the inbound pass at the right wing and then nailed a triple with under five seconds remaining to wrest the lead for the Knights.

Letran had led by as much as thirteen points at 48-35 in the third quarter, before the Bulldogs chipped away at the deficit until they finally took the lead at 66-65 in the final period off a breakaway slam from Adama Faye.

Nico Abatayo would convert on a fastbreak to establish an 80-77 lead with 89 seconds left, but Monje converted a miss from Kenny Rocacurba to cut that deficit to 80-79 with eighteen seconds left, setting up the situation for the final two scoring sequences.

Monje would finish with seventeen points, while Allen Mina led Letran in scoring with 23 points. Mina led the outside shooting barrage for the Knights, converting four of the team's twelve triples.

Abatayo led NU with sixteen points while adding three rebounds and three assists. Mansour Jeno added ten markers for the Bulldogs.

The second match scheduled saw the University of Perpetual Help Dalta System snap up their second win in the tournament, defeating Treston International College, 88-70.

A huge third quarter allowed the Altas to break away against the Golden Lions, with Luke Sese's triple allowing them to establish a 66-50 lead heading into the final period.

From then on, it was smooth sailing for the Frankie Lim-coached squad, keeping themselves undefeated.

Jielo Razon led Perpetual with 21 points, with his drives netting nine conversions off the free throw line. San Beda transfer Bem Adamos added twelve points and nine rebounds.

Eugene Tan led Treston with 21 points.

Also undefeated in the seniors division is Arellano University. The Chiefs secured their third straight victory with a come-from-behind 78-73 victory over La Consolacion College-Manila.

LCC-M rode on a strong 15-2 start to the game, but Arellano managed to catch up by the middle of the second quarter, tying the game at 30 and turning it into a close encounter between both squads.

A top-of-the-key triple from Kent Segura sealed the victory for Arellano, toting a 74-67 lead with a couple of minutes remaining, with free throws from Daryl Bayla adding insurance.

Bayla would finish with twelve points, while Rence Alcoriza led the Chiefs with fifteen markers. The Blue Royals relied on Jesse Bardaje, who led the team with fifteen points and three steals.

The 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, the Bedans Batch 62-66, and Cocolife.

Diliman, Arellano HS secure Fr. Martin's Cup wins

UCBL champions Diliman College kicked off their campaign in the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League with a smashing 107-76 victory this past Saturday, April 13 inside the San Beda campus in Mendiola.

Four players finished in double figures for the Blue Dragons, with Johnnel Bauzon leading the way with his twenty points. Joseph Brutas nailed four triples on his way to eighteen markers. Completing the quartet are John Mahari and Kevin Gandjeto with fourteen and twelve points, respectively.

Diliman rode on a strong start, using back-to-back Brutas triples to open the game at 13-3, which they would extend to 29-11 after one quarter of play. The Rensy Bajar-coached team never looked back since.

Daryl Pascual led the Knights with a game-high 21 points, as they fell to 0-2 in Group B.

In the lone high school basketball matchup scheduled, Arellano defeated La Consolacion College-Manila, 71-64.

JC Recto led the Braves with twenty points, with Ivan Salinel adding seventeen, five of them coming in a key stretch to fend off the Junior Blue Royals.

Arellano established a 35-17 lead during the second quarter, but LCC-M would manage to cut that down to 63-57 before Salinel's heroics secured the victory.

The 25th edition of the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila and the Bedans Class 62-66.

Altas trip Red Lions on Fr. Martin's Cup Summer opener

Games on Wednesday, April 10 (SGS Gym, G. Araneta Ave.)

8:00 a.m. La Salle vs AMA University (Seniors A)
9:30 a.m. University of Santo Tomas vs San Beda (Juniors A)

San Beda's title defense in the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League kicked off on the wrong note with a 60-52 defeat to the University of Perpetual Help Altas at the St. Placid's Gym inside the Red Lions' campus at Mendiola.

Luke Sese finished with a game-high fifteen points for the Altas, while Tonton Peralta added eleven markers.

The Red Lions tried to make things into a game in the final quarter, under the stewardship of Arnaud Noah, but Edgar Charcos nails a floater with less than a minute left, and Sese would make free throws in order to preserve the victory.

The other collegiate matchup scheduled saw Arellano escape with a 69-62 win over Letran.

A triple from John Templonuevo and some effective defense from the Chiefs helped secure the victory over the Knights. Templonuevo would finish with sixteen points.

In high school action, Letran ran right through St. Patrick School of Quezon City, 95-51, to kick off their campaign. The Squires used their transition offense to pull away in the second period and never looked back, riding on the trio of Charles Saure, Ralph Yanes, and Lenard Santiago for the victory.

Saure would finish with a game-high nineteen points, while Yanes added fifteen of his own.