D-League: Batangas d. Zark’s Burger, 124-84

     PASIG CITY – Batangas woke up in the second half to hand another loss to Zark’s Burger, 124-84, at the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena Tuesday (June 27).  The Batanguenos had to battle from as much as 15 points down in the second period to turn the game into a blowout.

The second half buzzer was the cue for Batangas veterans Cedric Ablaza, Joseph Sedurifa and Jerald Bautista to atone for their relatively poor play in the first half as they combined to restore the lead to their side with a layup by John Ragasa doing the trick with six minutes to play, 58-56.  Zark’s was not the same after losing their big lead and the Batangas reserves continued to pour it on with the likes of Earvin Mendoza and Lucky Mangabang leading the way.

Batangas thus solidified its grip on solo Second Place with a 4-1 card, half a game behind undefeated league leader Flying V (4-0). The Jawbreakers sank deeper down the table with a solitary win to show in six games, leaving them no option but to sweep their remaining four games to have a shot at the playoffs.

Three players banged in 16 points for Batangas in Sedurifa, Mendoza and Ablaza with Sedurifa adding 15 rebounds and seven assists.  A total of six Batanguenos tallied double digits in a mighty display of firepower.

Robby Celiz paced Zark’s with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists.  He was followed by RR de Leon with 14 points and six rebounds.

How They Scored:

BATANGAS (124) – Mendoza 16, Sedurifa 16, Ablaza 16, Anderson 14, Mangabang 13, de Joya 13, Laude 8, Ragasa 8, Bautista 7, Saitanan 5, de la Pena 4, Mag-isa 2, Napoles 2.

ZARK’S BURGER (84) – Celiz 21, de Leon 14, Mangahas 12, Bautista 8, Ferrer 8, Sheriff 6, Cayabyab 4, Nalos 4, Cariaga 3, Argamino 3, Cudal 1, Juruena 0.

Period Scores: 19-27, 42-52, 81-67, 124-84.

D-League: Tanduay Rhum d. Gamboa Coffee, 113-71

     PASIG CITY – Tanduay Rhum scored an astonishing 53 points in the third period to easily dispose of Gamboa Coffee Mix, 113-71, at the resumption of the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena Tuesday (June 27).  The Rhum Masters scored the first 23 points of the second half to practically settle the outcome right there and then.

Trailing by three markers at halftime, 34-37, Tanduay leaned on the offensive explosions of Lester Alvarez, Paul Varilla, Von Tambeling and Adrian Santos to pull away, 57-37.  Coach Lawrence Chongson then took advantage of the chance to give his role players more exposure and they rewarded their coach’s confidence by further stretching their margin beyond the Coffee Lovers’ reach.

“I tried to hit at their conscience while giving them reminders during our halftime break,” said Coach Chongson.  “Thankfully it got into their minds and they showed energy in the second half.”

Alvarez led Tanduay’s surge with 10 of his 17 points in the third period on top of 11 assists as they registered their third straight win after dropping their first game and move to Third Place in the standings.  Renz Palma also shot 17 points while Santos and Varilla both had 15 points with Santos grabbing eight rebounds.

Ken Acibar paced the Coffee Lovers with 16 points.  He was supported by Mike Parala with 12 and playing coach Leo Avenido with 11.

How They Scored:

TANDUAY RHUM (113) – Palma 17, Alvarez 17, Santos 15, Varilla 15, Sanga 13, Tambeling 13, Sollano 6, Terso 4, Taganas 4, Acidre 3, Villamor 2, Gaco 2, Vigil 2, Eguilos 0.

GAMBOA COFFEE MIX (71) – Acibar 16, Parala 12, Avenido 11, Acuna 8, Montuano 7, Padilla 6, Jumao-as 5, Riva 4, Vidal 2, David 0, Knuttel 0, Dadjilul 0, Arellano 0.

Period Scores: 21-20, 34-37, 87-49, 113-71.

D-League: Flying V d. Marinerong Pilipino, 83-78

     PASIG CITY – Despite playing with a slight fever, Jeron Teng summoned all his remaining strength to bail out Flying V over a very game Marinerong Pilipino, 83-78, in the main game of the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena Monday (June 26).  The Thunder remained at the top of the 11-team standings with a perfect 4-0 record.

“I’m proud of Jeron, he wanted to really to help the team,” said Coach Eric Altamirano, who finally decided to field Teng midway in the second period.  “He knew this was an important game and the big crowd wanted to see him play.”

Teng, fresh from a stint at the recent FIBA 3X3 World Cup in France, scored on a three-point play with 1:49 to play to give the lead back to Flying V for good, 77-75.  He then scored his side’s next seven points, ending his performance with two pressure-packed free throws at the 21-second mark to assure the win, 82-78.

It was a painful loss for the Skippers who raced ahead after one period, 28-13, thanks to the efforts of Julian Sargent, Mark Isip and Joseph Marata.  However, Flying V made defensive adjustments and Eric Salamat went on to bombard the Skippers with six triples as the Thunder climbed back into contention in the third period.

Salamat finished with a total of 20 points and six rebounds.  Teng added eight of his 15 points in the fourth period plus six assists while Hans Thiele had a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds.

Sargent paced the Skippers with 14 points.  Paolo Javelona came off the bench to fired 14 points as they absorbed their second straight setback for a 1-3 card.

How They Scored:

FLYING V (83) – Salamat 20, Teng 15, Thiele 15, Dionisio 13, Banal 12, Tampus 3, Torres 3, Webb 2, Canada 0, Ongteco 0, Mendoza 0.

MARINERONG PILIPINO (78) – Sargent 14, Javelona 13, Isip 13, Lopez 8, Marata 8, Moralde 6, Alabanza 5, Inigo 5, Javillonar 4, Publico 2, Gumaru 0.

Period Scores: 13-28, 34-40, 64-59, 83-78.

D-League: Wang’s d. Racal Motors, 93-84

     PASIG CITY – Wang’s Basketball needed the good fourth period efforts of Christopher Bitoon and Michole Sorela to bring down Racal Motors, 93-84, at the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday (June 26) at the Ynares Sports Arena.  This marks Wang’s second win in a row as they assumed solo Fifth Place with three wins in five games.

Racal actually led at the halftime break, 47-45, but an early Wang’s run in the third anchored on Bitoon and capped by a Christian Dechavez three-point play gave them the lead for good with three minutes left in the period, 59-57.  From there, Bitoon and Sorela put in the crucial baskets to maintain their distance and frustrate Racal which slid to its second straight defeat after opening the tournament with two blowout wins.

“There is unity in the team because the wall separating our Fil-foreign and homegrown player is no more so our chemistry is getting better,” said Coach Pablo Lucas.  “We are just carrying the momentum from our good win last time.”

Bitoon scattered a total of 22 points plus five steals to key the win.  Robert Herndon was next with 17 points and 13 rebounds while Sorela finished with 10 of his 13 points in the fourth period on top of six rebounds.

Racal’s newest acquisition Marlon Gomez made his debut with a team-high 15 points and six rebounds.  Roider Cabrera started hot with 10 points in the opening period but would only score again in the fourth period for a total of 14 points.

How They Scored:

WANG’S BASKETBALL (93) – Bitoon 22, Herndon 17, Sorela 13, Dechavez 13, Habelito 10, Juico 9, Arambulo 4, Montemayor 3, Riley 2, Asuncion 0, Ambulodto 0, Tayongtong 0, King 0.

RACAL MOTORS (84) – Gomez 15, Cabrera 14, Capacio 12, Lozada 11, Cortes 9, Mangahas 8, Tallo 8, Ayonayon 4, de la Cruz 2, Apreku 1, Abrigo 0, Salado 0, Ortuoste 0.

Period Scores: 29-24, 45-47, 66-63, 93-84.

FilOil: Sweet Sweep For the Red Lions!

San Beda College Red Lions: Undefeated champions of the 11th FilOil Flying V Premier Cup

     SAN JUAN City – San Beda College completed a clean sweep of the 11^th FilOil Flying V Premier Cup by slipping past defending champion De La Salle University, 75-72, in the one-game championship Sunday (June 25) at the FilOil Flying V Arena.  The Red Lions won all their games, including an 82-80 thumping of the Green Archers in the elimination round last May 28.

Firing blanks all game long, AC Soberano scored when it mattered the most as he tied the game with a triple with a minute to play, 72-72.  DLSU suddenly could not buy a basket and Robert Bolick delivered the killer blow – a triple with eight seconds on the clock for the final tally as Benoit Mbala launched an awkward triple that went nowhere to seal their fate.

DLSU looked headed for a fairy tale finish as Ricci Rivero and Leonard Santillan scored back-to-back field goals and Aljun Melecio banged in a triple for seven straight points and a 72-69 lead with 1:38 to play.  Before that, the Red Lions surged ahead on big plays from Bolick, Davon Potts and super substitutes Clint Doliguez and Kenmark Carino, 69-65, at the three-minute mark.

There was no denying Bolick who had another superlative output of 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists.  Javee Mocon battle the Green Archer big men for 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Mbala, who was earlier named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Best Defensive Player and Mythical Five member validated his status with 25 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks but it was not enough to translate into a championship.  Melecio followed with 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

The Seniors Mythical Five: MVP Mbala, Bolick, Perez, Mocon and Rivero.

Mbala was joined in the Mythical Five by teammate Ricci Rivero, Mocon, Bolick and CJ Perez of Lyceum of the Philippines University.  Perez had 14 points and seven rebounds as he steered the Pirates over Jose Rizal University in the battle for Third Place, 82-75.

How They Scored:

For Third Place

LYCEUM (82) – Perez 14, Nzeusseu 12, JC Marcelino 11, Ayaay 11, Pretta 9, Tansingco 7, Baltazar 6, JV Marcelino 5, Ibanez 3, Caduyac 3, Liwag 1, Cinco 0, Marata 0.

JOSE RIZAL (75) – Grospe 17, de la Virgen 14, Abdulwahab 11, Poutouochi 8, Mendoza 8, Teodoro 5, Lasquety 4, Bordon 3, Castor 3, David 2, Mate 0.

Period Scores: 17-12, 41-34, 61-55, 82-75.

Championship

SAN BEDA (75) – Bolick 24, J. Mocon 13, Doliguez 8, Presbitero 7, Potts 7, Soberano 6, Carino 0, Adamos 2, Noah 2, Tongco 0, Bahio 0, Abuda 0, Eugene 0.

DE LA SALLE (72) – Mbala 25, Melecio 14, Santillan 12, R. Rivero 11, Caracut 5, Tratter 2, Baltazar 2, Tero 1, Go 0, Gonzales 0.

Period Scores: 16-19, 35-36, 51-55, 75-72.

FilOil: Red Robins 2017 Juniors Champions!

Malayan High School of Science: 11th FilOil Flying V Premier Cup Champions

     SAN JUAN City – Malayan High School of Science was crowned the champions of the 11^th FilOil Flying V Premier Cup Juniors Division after frustrating Ateneo de Manila University, 89-82, Sunday (June 25) at the FilOil Flying V Arena.  The victorious Red Robins unleashed a flurry of triples in a searing fourth rally and they held on down the stretch to preserve the win.

Clint Escamis and Joaquin Garcia starting connecting from long range as they overturned their 59-62 deficit at the end of the third period.  The Blue Eagles would threaten for the last time via two free throws from Kai Sotto at the 1:04 mark, 78-82, but this was quickly snuffed by a dagger triple from Brian Lacap to up Malayan’s advantage to seven and 46 ticks to play, 85-78.

“It’s only one game so the boys gave it their all,” said Coach Randy Alcantara.  “This win is very good for our title defense in the NCAA next month but I know all other teams have strengthened their line-ups so we have to work doubly hard now.”

Escamis starred for the Red Robins with 23 points, seven rebounds and three steals.  He was supported by Warren Bonifacio with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Dave Ildefonso paced Ateneo with 16 points and eight rebounds.  Sotto still ended up with monster numbers of 15 points and 14 rebounds.

Earlier in the day, Nazareth School of National University salvaged Third Place by thwarting University of Santo Tomas thanks to a superior second half performance.  Rhayyan Amsali led the Bullpups with 30 points and 14 rebounds.

The Best Juniors of 2017: Hernandez, Belangel, MVP Gozum, Credo and Ildefonso.

For his consistent play throughout the tournament, Malayan’s Will Gozum was named as the Most Valuable, Best Defensive Player and member of the Mythical Five.  Joining him in the Mythical Five were Paolo Hernandez of UST and the Ateneo trio of SJ Belangel, Dave Ildefonso and Jason Credo.

How They Scored:

For Third Place

NAZARETH-NU (86) – Amsali 30, Coyoca 16, Javillonar 14, Fortea 6, Gonzales 4, Puray 4, Pangilinan 2, Minerva 2, Malonzo 2, Manalang 2, Pradella 2, Lantaya 2, Felicilda 0, Gayola 0.

SANTO TOMAS (75) – Hernandez 14, Benzonan 12, Balingit 11, Lina 8, Narvasa 8, T. de la Cruz 8, Biag 5, Palencia 3, Dolendo 2, Manabat 2, Co 2, Anunciacion 0.

Period Scores: 25-22, 40-47, 62-58, 86-75.

Championship

MALAYAN SCIENCE (89) – Escamis 23, Bonifacio 18, Gozum 17, Garcia 14, Lacap 9, Enriquez 4, Jabel 4, Ramos 0, Dennison 0.

ATENEO DE MANILA (82) – Ildefonso 16, Sotto 15, Manuel 13, Belangel 9, Jaymalin 9, Chiu 5, Credo 4, Gusi 4, David 3, Escalona 2, Angeles 2, Tanedo 0.

Period Scores: 16-19, 41-43, 59-62, 89-82.

FilOil: DLSU d. Lyceum, 100-99

     SAN JUAN City – Defending champion De La Salle University survived the hard challenge of Lyceum of the Philippines University, 100-99, and advance to the championship game of the 11^th FilOil Flying V Premier Cup Friday (June 23) at the FilOil Flying V Centre.  Waiting for the Green Archers in the finale to be played on Sunday (June 25) is undefeated San Beda College.

Rookie Leonard Santillan completed a three-point play with 10 seconds left for the marginal points.  From there, the Pirates bungled their two chances to scores starting with an errant pass by Reymar Caduyac to Mike Harry Nzeusseu.

Earlier, Caduyac almost became the game hero as he scored the go-ahead basket at the 35-second mark, 99-97.  Nzeusseu had just tied the game in the previous sequence on a three-point play off Benoit Mbala, 97-97, capping their climb from seven points down entering the last two minutes.

What appeared to be shaping up as a walk in the park for the Green Archers suddenly turned into a battle as Lyceum’s three-point shooters Wilson Baltazar and Ralph Tansingco began to click to complement the all-around game of team leader CJ Perez.  Timely hits from Aljun Melecio, Ricci Rivero and Mbala maintained the Green Archers’ distance until the late fourth period rally by the Pirates.

Melecio led all scorers with 30 points and four steals.  Rivero added 27 and Mbala 26 on top of 16 rebounds and three blocks in an awesome display of firepower.

Perez paced the Pirates with 24 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and six steals.  Baltazar was next with 19 points from four triples while Tansingco had 15, all from the three-point arc.

The championship game between the Green Archers and Red Lions will commence at 4:00 PM with live streaming at www.filoilflyingvsportstv.online.  Jose Rizal University and Lyceum will play for Third Place at 2:00 PM.

How They Scored:

DE LA SALLE (100) – Melecio 30, R. Rivero 27, Mbala 26, Santillan 9, Caracut 4, Baltazar 2, Tero 2, Tratter 0, Go 0.

LYCEUM (99) – Perez 24, Baltazar 19, Tansingco 15,  Ayaay 13, Nzeusseu 7, Caduyac 6, Pretta 5, JC Marcelino 5, JV Marcelino 4, Ibanez 1, Cinco 0, Liwag 0.

Period Scores: 23-15, 45-47, 77-73, 100-99.