AFC Cup: Kaya Goes to Group G

     EARLY FAVORITE Kaya FC Iloilo found its way into Group G of the 2022 AFC Cup set to begin this June.  The 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara winners found themselves in the company of Bali United of Indonesia, Kedah Darul Aman of Malaysia and the winner between Visakha of Cambodia and Young Elephants of Laos.

This marks the Philippines’ return to the competition after regular entries Kaya and United City FC made it all the way to the 2021 AFC Champions League group stage.  Sadly, the entire 2021 AFC Cup ASEAN Zone was cancelled thus leaving the region with no representatives in the playoffs.

However, Kaya will have a shot at returning to the ACL when it plays a still to be determined Australian club on March 8 and if successful, to be followed by a final match with Changchung Yatai of China for the fourth and last slot in Group H for the right to join Jeonbuk Hyundai of South Korea, Yokohoma F Marinos of Japan and Hoang Anh Gia Lai of Vietnam.

Should Kaya advance, Group G will be down to only three clubs as there will be no standby Filipino club.  Copa runner-up Azkals Development Team is not qualified to participate being a developmental squad for the national team.

Just like the ACL, this year’s AFC Cup will be contested in centralized venues.  A big change from the last time Kaya played is that the group stage will be down to a single round robin or three matches each compared to the double round or six matches each back in 2020.

Kaya has been hit by player departures with the likes of Dylan de Bruycker, Marco Casambre and Marwin Angeles taking their talents to other ASEAN leagues.  The club is expected to announce their new signings soon.

ACL 2022: United City in Group G

      UNITED CITY Football Club of the Philippines Football League (PFL) has been drawn into Group G of the prestigious 2022 AFC Champions League set to begin play in April.  Joining the Filipino club will be BG Pathum United of Thailand, Jeonnam Dragons of South Korea and Melbourne City of Australia.

BG Pathum is the reigning Thai League One champions while Melbourne City ruled the A League.  Jeonnam may be a second division club but they upset the giants en route to the Korea FA Cup.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) nominated United City as the country’s representatives after the 2021 PFL season was cancelled.  This marks the second time that the club has made it to the group stage after a successful debut in 2021.

Just like last year, the group stage will be conducted in centralized venues.  The overall schedule has been tweaked a bit with the finals moved to February 2023 to give way to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar this November.

The other Philippine entry, 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara champion Kaya FC Iloilo, will need to go through a qualifier for the fourth and last slot in Group H.  Kaya will face Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners or Melbourne Victory of Australia on March 8 and if successful, will play Changchung Yatai of China for the right to join Jeonbuk Hyundai of South Korea, Yokohoma F Marinos of Japan and Hoang Anh Gia Lai of Vietnam.

Other draw results saw Shandong Taishan of China, Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, Lion City Sailors of Singapore and the winner between Buriram United of Thailand and Daegu of South Korea landing in Group F.  Group I will see Kawasaki Frontale of Japan, Guangzhou of China, Johor Darul Ta’zim Malaysia and either Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea or Port FC of Thailand while Group J has Shanghai Port of China, Chiangrai United of Thailand, Kitchee of Hong Kong and the survivor among Vissel Kobe of Japan, Shan United of Myanmar and one of the earlier mentioned Australian clubs.

United City faces a tall order after top scorer Bienvenido Maranon left the club recently with Johor Darul Ta’zim as his rumoured destination.  Also getting their release in the past months after ACL 2021 were Amin Nazari, Jai Ingham and Miggy Clarino.

Lookout for Las Pinas Lodis

     ANOTHER CITY in Metro Manila will join the community-based pro Basketball scene for the very first time with the Las Pinas Lodis getting accepted as an expansion team for the National Basketball League (NBL-Pilipinas) 2022 season.  The early line-up is a mix of varsity players from schools based in the city and recreational and community league standouts.

Among the recognizable names are big man Ivan Villanueva and scorer Domark Matillano who both carry experience from other organized leagues.  Villanueva played briefly for Adamson University while Matillano was a standout at the Philippine Merchant Marine School.

Expect to backstop the veterans are young players John Anthony Umali of Jose Rizal University, Martin Manatad of PMMS, Julian Posada of Olivarez College and Crispin Barnedo of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa.  Completing the initial 14-man squad are Guellano Alvarado, Mark Deang, Lester Tyrone Dickens, Arjhay Eusebio, Julius Jose, Vincent John Puno, Jericho Reyes and David Sta. Rosa.

Coaching the Lodis will be retired pro Al Vergara from Saint Francis of Assisi College.  The Team Governor is Chairman Macmac Santos of Barangay Elias Aldana whose claim to fame was scoring 98 points in a recreational league that went viral.

The team conducted tryouts just before the Christmas holidays.  The Lodis will join the Narvacan Ilocos Sur Panthers as expansion teams for the season projected to open within the first quarter of the year.

NBL Welcomes the Panthers

      AFTER A very successful first year as a full professional league, the National Basketball League (NBL) will aim to widen its reach with an expansion team for 2022, the Narvacan-Ilocos Sur Panthers.  This early, the team’s roster is shaping up in time for the season opening targeted for the first quarter of the year.

The Panthers will boast of an all-homegrown lineup culled from all the cities and towns of Ilocos Sur.  The team is owned by Narvacan Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson and will be handled by Coach Annong Clarin who also serves as Narvacan Sports Development Head.

Tryouts were conducted last January 3 and 4 at the Narvacan People’s Center covered court.  The team is expected to release its list soon after screening the candidates from schools in Metro Manila as well as varsity players from all over Region I and the Cordilleras.

Meanwhile, there will be no more Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Rookie Draft for 2022 and will instead accept applicants in 2023.  Instead, the teams may pick players from the list of free agents which includes newly-released veterans and unsigned applicants from the 2021 Draft.

Heading the list is no less than Most Valuable Player Allana Lim of the undefeated champion Paranaque Lady Aces and Rookie of the Year Raiza Palmera-Dy of the Glutagence Glow Boosters plus their fellow Mythical Five members Kathleen Araja of the STAN Quezon Lady Spartan, Janeth Sison of the Taguig Lady Generals and Jhenn Angeles of the Lady Aces.  Also on the list is Defensive Player of the Year Chicky Faraon of STAN.

Just like the NBL, the WNBL is expanding in 2022 with three teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Army, Navy and 2019 WNBL champion Air Force.  The said teams already have completed lineups thus no more need to select free agents and rookies.

Aside from Basketball, the WNBL is looking to strengthen its presence in 3X3 with the ultimate goal of sending the Philippines to the Top 10 in the FIBA 3X3 World Rankings.  Last season, the WNBL made history by launching the first Filipino Women’s 3X3 pro league which sent the country 30 rungs up the rankings to 62 from 92 after only one tournament ruled by the Uratex Dream.

The “Other” Pro Leagues 2021

TWO DECADES since the suspension of operations of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), 2021 marks to rise of more professional leagues to join the institution Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).  One by one, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) gave approval to the National Basketball League (NBL), Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup and before the year was to close, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

The NBL and WNBL simultaneously opened their first full seasons as pro league on July 17 in San Fernando, Pampanga.  The WNBL was historical in the sense that it was the first and only pro league for women in the country.

The twin leagues underwent several challenges until the Pampanga Delta and Paranaque Lady Aces were crowned as champions on December 5.  On that same day, the Uratex Dream entered the history books as the first winners of the WNBL 3X3.

The Super Cup was highly anticipated as the first pro league to be based in the Southern provinces.  The smiles were suddenly transformed into frowns as the league got embroiled in a game fixing scandal involving the Siquijor Mystics and ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu on just its fourth day of action April 14 in Alcantara, Cebu.

After an investigation, the league and GAB slapped sanctions on erring players, coaches and officials.  The games continued with KCS Computer Specialists winning the title in May but the scandal caused a delay in starting the games in Mindanao.

The Mindanao teams had to wait until July to play and the Basilan Peace Riders wasted no time in sweeping all their 10 games en route to the trophy.  Basilan then swept a rusty KCS in the best of five series for the overall championship.

Despite still carrying the stigma of the scandal, the Super Cup still proceeded with an all-Mindanao Second Conference in November.  The AMIN-Zamboanga Sibugay Warriors were the champions but not before surviving the ravages of Typhoon Odette and going through a fistfight with BYB Kapatagan Buffalos in the clincher.

The MPBL was revived in December via an Invitational at the SM Mall of Asia Arena from December 11 to 23.  After winning the Super Cup, Basilan were kings again via an 83-80 overtime thriller marked by a Philip Manalang winning triple at the buzzer.

Last March, the still amateur MPBL managed to complete their delayed Lakan Cup in Subic Bay after almost a year despite the government ban on amateur competitions.  The Davao Occidental Tigers lifted the trophy over the San Juan Knights amidst a controversy that disqualified Basilan due to its players testing positive for COVID-19 including Manalang.

As 2022 unfolds, the challenge is for these leagues to continue or surpass the achievements of 2021.  They have to prove that they are not like mushroom that sprouted out of nowhere and are here for the long haul.

Philippine Football 2021

     ANOTHER MIXTURE of joy and sadness marked Philippine Football in 2021 where all the stakeholders joined the rest of the country in continuing to fight the pandemic.  Despite the lack of proper training brought about by government restrictions, the national team and top clubs did their best to represent the flag overseas.

      The lack of preparation was the main culprit for the Philippine National Men’s Team’s failure to return to the semifinals of the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup last month in Singapore.  The Azkals started their campaign with a 0-2 loss to the hosts and bounced back with a 7-0 demolition of Timor Leste but the ensuing 1-2 loss to eventual champion Thailand rendered their 3-2 victory over Myanmar in the final match meaningless.

Forward Bienvenido Maranon was finally made a naturalized citizen in July and immediately rewarded his new country with four goals in the Suzuki Cup.  The former Spaniard tied with three others for the Golden Boot award or the top scorer.

Maranon’s naturalization came a bit too late for the resumption of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers came in June in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates wherein the Azkals immediately bombed out with a 0-2 loss to China.  A 3-0 win over Guam and a 1-1 draw with Maldives kept their hopes alive for entering the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Coach Risto Vidakovic and Bienvenido Maranon

After the qualifiers, United City and Kaya Iloilo made history as the first Pinoy clubs to see action in the AFC Champions League in July.  Despite huge odds, the Philippines Football League (PFL) representatives showed that they belong among the continent’s heavyweights.

Just like their elder brothers, the Under-23 Azkals were not able to have ideal preparation for the 2022 AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in October which led to successive losses to host Singapore and defending champion South Korea and capped by a shock defeat to Timor Leste.  The 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam which was supposed to be their next assignment in November were moved to 2022.

After getting rescheduled several times, the 2021 PFL season was cancelled but the league reversed a previous decision and staged the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara.  Kaya Iloilo bested four other entries and took home their second Copa while earning a ticket to the 2022 AFC Cup.

Amidst the struggles of the men, the Women’s National Team provided the bright lights and qualified for the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India.  The Pinays swept Nepal and Hong Kong and also kept alive their ultimate dream of making it to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

From the looks of it, the local Football calendar will be packed and heavy to start 2022.  The Women’s Asian Cup is set to kick off on January 20 while Cambodia will host the 2022 AFF Under-23 Championship on February 14.

The PFL is targeting a February start to its 2022 season.  A bigger field is expected to challenge holders United City and returnees Kaya Iloilo, Azkals Development Team, Mendiola 1991, Stallion Laguna, Maharlika Manila and newcomer Dynamic Herb Cebu.

MPBL: Basilan Is The Champion

Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot-Basilan, champions of the Chooks To Go MPBL Invitational

THE FINALS

PASAY CITY – Philip Manalang hit a triple at the buzzer – his only points of the game – to lift Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot-Basilan past the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in overtime, 83-80, and clinch the championship of the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 powered by TM in front of a big crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena late Thursday night.  Coming off a time out with 1.9 left on the clock, Manalang received a precise inbound pass from Michael Juico at the top of the free throw circle and immediately fired the game-winner and a seven-game sweep of the tournament.

Earlier, Florencio Serrano tied the game at 80-80 at the 52-second mark.  The Rice Vanguards had several chances but Renz Calma committed a costly turnover prompting Basilan to call a time out to map the winning play.

For Manalang, it was personal redemption after his positive COVID-19 test cost Basilan their playoff stint in the MPBL Lakan Cup playoffs last March.  Prior to that, Manalang missed all of his eight field goal attempts but dished six assists on top of two rebounds in 36 minutes but his shot was enough to get the nod as Finals Most Valuable Player while Coach Jerson Cabiltes was named as the Ato Badolato Coach of the Tournament.

Juico set the stage for the overtime by splitting his free throws off Will Gozum with 18 seconds to go in regulation, 74-74.  Byron Villarias put Nueva Ecija ahead with a triple at the 26-second mark, 74-73, but the celebration proved to be short-lived.

Juico joined the trio of Serrano, Jay Collado and team captain Jonathan Uyloan in chipping in 15 points each to bag the trophy and the P2,000,000 purse.  Jay-R Taganas hauled 17 rebounds to go with nine points as the champions also received over P1,000,000 in added incentives from their sponsors.

Tournament MVP Michael Mabulac flexed his form with 24 points and 11 rebounds.  Justin Gutang followed with 13 points as Nueva Ecija pocketed P500,000.

Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia-Pasig Realtors took home Third Place and P200,000 after routing Buracai de Laiya-Imus, 100-80.  Jeckster Apinan led the way with 16 points followed by team captain Jeric Teng with 10 of his 16 points in the first half en route to Best Player honors.

Mabulac was honored during the semifinals as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.  He was joined in the Mythical Five by Fran Yu of Pasig, Mark Jayven Tallo of LCC Malls-Bicol Volcanoes, Adrian Santos of Imus and Juico while Renato Ular of Marikina Shoe City was voted as Best Defensive Player.

How They Scored:

Championship

BASILAN (83) – Uyloan 15, Serrano 15, Collado 15, Juico 15, Taganas 9, Reyes 6, Bringas 4, Manalang 3, Siruma 1, Gabo 0, Gimpayan 0.

NUEVA ECIJA (80) – Mabulac 24, Gutang 13, Palma 11, Villarias 10, Balucanag 5, Gozum 4, Sarao 4, Dario 3, Sumang 3, Bitoon 3.

Period Scores: 17-20, 35-36, 53-52, 74-74 (reg.), 83-80 (OT).

For Third Place

PASIG (100) – Apinan 16, Teng 14, Costelo 12, Bautista 12, Lingganay 9, Arana 8, Caralipio 8, Ablaza 6, Chan 6, Mina 6, Yu 3, Pena 0.

IMUS (80) – Bragais 23, Reyson 14, Melencio 10, Eguilos 10, Llagas 6, Tan 6, Mangalino 6, Medalla 3, Mescallado 2, Go 0, Fuentes 0.

Period Scores: 23-19, 53-41, 77-56, 100-80.

MPBL: Basilan, Nueva Ecija In Finals

THE PLAYOFFS

PASAY CITY – It will be Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot Basilan and Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards for the championship and the P2,000,000 cash prize of the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational powered by TM after they registered contrasting victories early Thursday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

How They Scored:

First Game

BASILAN (77) – Juico 23, Collado 17, Serrano 14, Gimpayan 11, Uyloan 9, Reyes 1, Bondoc 1, Siruma 1, Taganas 0, Manalang 0, Bringas 0.

PASIG (72) – Yu 22, Bautista 13, Apinan 12, Mina 6, Lingganay 5, Arana 5, Teng 4, Ablaza 3, Costelo 2, Chan 0, Caralipio 0.

Period Scores: 24-16, 40-35, 65-53, 77-72.

Second Game

NUEVA ECIJA (82) – Mabulac 17, Sarao 13, Villarias 13, Bitoon 12, Gutang 9, Sumang 7, Palma 6, Balucanag 5, Gozum 0, Dario 0.

IMUS (76) – Najorda 24, Melencio 22, Eguilos 12, Reyson 9, Mangalino 7, Bragais 2, Llagas 0, Rogado 0, Mescallado 0, Santos 0.

Period Scores: 18-16, 37-35, 53-53, 82-76.

MPBL: December 21 results

THE PLAYOFFS

PASAY CITY – The Sta. Lucia-Pasig Realtors, Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot-Basilan, Buracai de Laiya-Imus and Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards will compose the semifinal cast of the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 powered by TM after contrasting wins Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

How They Scored:

First Game

PASIG (70) – Bautista 12, Yu 11, Arana 11, Apinan 10, Lingganay 9, Mina 6, Costelo 4, Teng 4, Ablaza 3, Sangalang 0, Chan 0.

SAN JUAN (66) – Calma 13, Rodriguez 10, Abando 10, Wamar 7, Clarito 7, Nocum 5, Isit 5, Melano 5, Abundo 4, Manzo 0.

Period Scores: 17-20, 40-39, 54-54, 70-66.

Second Game

BASILAN (77) – Serrano 22, Collado 13, Juico 12, Gimpayan 7, Uyloan 6, Taganas 6, Reyes 4, Manalang 3, Siruma 2, Bringas 2, Gabo 0, Bondoc 0.

MINDORO (72) – Cosejo 22, Cabanag 16, Mallari 8, Liwag 7, Koga 6, Caldozo 4, Baetiong 4, Villapando 3, Matias 2, Saldana 0.

Period Scores: 17-16, 36-31, 62-48, 77-72.

Third Game

IMUS (74) – Najorda 23, Melencio 11, Bragais 11, Reyson 9, Rogado 8,Eguilos 6, Santos 6, Llagas 0, Mescallado 0, Tan 0, Mangalino 0.

BICOL (57) – Huang 12, Tallo 10, Santos 10, Tansingco 7, Lanete 7, Gabawan 4, Yee 4, Marcelino 3, Pericas 0, Lao 0, Luib 0, Cruz 0.

Period Scores: 21-19, 38-37, 56-51, 74-57.

Fourth Game

NUEVA ECIJA (84) – Mabulac 17, Villarias 16, Sarao 10, Gozum 9, Palma 9, Dario 6, Sumang 6, Bitoon 6, Gutang 3, Banal 2, Balucanag 0.

ILOILO (67) – Hernandez 26, Jaime 9, Gumaru 6, Vito 5, Inigo 4, David 4, Mahari 4, Jeruta 3, Racho 3, Taywan 3, Javelosa 0, Maguliano 0.

Period Scores: 20-16, 43-32, 70-56, 84-67.

MPBL: December 20 results

     PASAY CITY – The quarterfinal cast of the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 powered by TM is now complete.  Buracai de Laiya-Imus sealed its slot from Group D and will be joined by idle EOG Burlington-Mindoro while Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot-Basilan had to wait until the day’s final game to advance from Group B.

How They Scored:

First Game

IMUS (90) – Eguilos 18, Santos 17, Najorda 11, Reyson 9, Rogado 8, Llagas 6, Melencio 6, Mangalino 6, Mescallado 5, Go 2, Tan 2, Medalla 0.

RIZAL (79) – Saret 19, Benitez 15, Victoria 12, Sunga 7, Serrano 6, Rios 6, Melegrito 5, dela Pena 4, Celada 3, Vasallo 2, Pretta 0, Daguro 0.

Period Scores: 19-15, 46-40, 71-55, 90-79.

Second Game

BULACAN (98) – Martinez 31, Faundo 17, Hoyohoy 14, dela Cruz 8, Inigo 7, Escosio 6, Caspe 4, Neypes 3, Arim 3, Marquez 3, Teodoro 2.

MANILA (89) – Ambulodto 24, Sara 14, Lastimosa 14, Paraiso 11, Mangahas 7, Villanueva 4, Lopez 4, Dyke 4, Importante 3, Bataller 2, Cruz 2, Asuncion 0.

Period Scores: 8-18, 33-43, 63-64, 98-89.

Third Game

PASIG (85) – Apinan 12, Yu 11, Costelo 10, Mina 10, Arana 9, Teng 8, Bautista 8, Lingganay 5, Ablaza 4, Sangalang 4, Chan 3, Pena 0.

NEGROS (73) – Claridad 17, Santillan 10, Gantalao 9, Menguez 9, Adorio 8, Yulo 6, Geolingo 6, Dinolan 4, Maestre 2, Adjei 2, Jaca 0, Macion 0.

Period Scores: 28-25, 41-41, 67-54, 85-73.

Fourth Game

NUEVA ECIJA (84) – Gozum 15, Villarias 15, Sumang 10, Mabulac 10, Dario 8, Palma 6, Balucanag 6, Gutang 4, Sarao 3, Bitoon 3, Banal 2, Belgica 2.

MUNTINLUPA (72) – Mosqueda 21, Ga Capacio 18, Vidal 8, Ylagan 6, Destacamento 5, Alano 4, Dixon 4, Reyes 0, Bagatsing 0, Emerterio 0, Torres 0.

Period Scores: 15-25, 35-32, 59-48, 84-72.

Fifth Game

BASILAN (80) – Serrano 29, Juico 13, Uyloan 10, Collado 10, Bondoc 7, Manalang 3, Bringas 3, Taganas 2, Siruma 2, Gimpayan 1, Reyes 0, Alanes 0.

MAKATI (79) – Villahermosa 18, Casajeros 16, Formento 9, Bautista 9, Alcoriza 7, Custodio 7, Alonzo 5, Colina 5, Castellano 3, Motol 0.

Period Scores: 20-12, 36-31, 57-56, 80-79.

MPBL: December 19 results

    PASAY CITY – The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards clinched the top seeding in Group C on the penultimate day of the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 powered by TM Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot-Basilan and EOG Burlington-Mindoro inched closer to a playoff spot in their groups while the Bacoor Strikers and Iloilo United Royals earned morale-boosters.

How They Scored:

First Game

MINDORO (87) – Liwag 23, Cabanag 16, Cosejo 9, Koga 9, Villapando 8, Baetiong 7, Saldana 5, Mallari 4, Mariano 3, Castro 3, Caldozo 0, Matias 0.

GENERAL SANTOS (73) – Buenafe 20, Masaglang 18, Raymundo 9, Mondragon 9, Anderson 6, Ramirez 6, Apreku 3, Ongteco 2, Chan 0, Pangilinan 0, Mag-isa 0.

Period Scores: 20-16, 44-35, 67-55, 86-73.

Second Game

BASILAN (98) – Collado 19, Bringas 14, Juico 14, Serrano 12, Gimpayan 11, Uyloan 9, Taganas 7, Manalang 7, Alanes 3, Bondoc 2, Reyes 0, Siruma 0.

LAGUNA (95) – Fajarito 23, Charcos 15, Aurin 15, dela Virgen 11, Rivera 10, Fuentes 9, Serios 7, Anonuevo 3, Saguiguit 2, Boyles 0, Guiab 0.

Period Scores: 23-15, 39-33, 61-53, 76-76 (reg.), 89-89 (OT), 98-95 (2OT).

Third Game

BACOOR (87) – Albo 21, Quilatan 18, Garcia 14, Acidre 9, Galit 8, Raymundo 6, Castro 5, Galicia 4, Acuna 2, Taladua 0, Canon 0.

NEGROS (86) – Gantalao 26, Dinolan 16, Santillan 11, Adjei 8, Claridad 6, Yulo 5, Menguez 5, Gilbor 5, Maestre 2, Macion 2, Parreno 0, Calma 0.

Period Scores: 17-19, 44-32, 63-70, 87-86.

Fourth Game

ILOILO (80) – Mahari 16, Gumaru 10, Inigo 9, Racho 8, Vito 8, Hernandez 8, Javelosa 5, David 5, Jaime 5, Jeruta 2, Maguliano 2, Taywan 2.

CALOOCAN (69) – Penaredondo 19, Escobal 13, Mabayo 11, Javillonar 10, Lasco 5, Gil 5, Matias 4, Esguerra 2, Rosagas 0, Sablan 0, Raflores 0, Pacquiao 0.

Period Scores: 23-11, 45-34, 65-53, 80-69.

Fifth Game

NUEVA ECIJA (88) – Gutang 15, Sumang 13, Mabulac 11, Palma 11, Dario 10, Villarias 10, Gozum 8, Bitoon 4, Sarao 4, Balucanag 2.

SAN JUAN (85) – Nocum 18, Abando 15, Calma 13, Clarito 12, Melano 6, Wamar 3, Manzo 2, Abundo 2, Isit o, Hernandez 0.

Period Scores: 23-19, 52-37, 67-54, 88-85,

MPBL: December 18 results

     PASAY CITY – LCC Malls-Bicol Volcanoes and Sta. Lucia-Pasig Realtors secured their spots in the quarterfinals of the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 powered by TM with equally powerful wins Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, EOG Burlington Mindoro inched closer to the next round as also-rans GenSan Warriors and MJAS Zenith Val City played for pride.

How They Scored:

First Game

PASIG (86) – Lingganay 16, Apinan 14, Ablaza 13, Arana 13, Yu 7, Costelo 7, Bautista 7, Teng 3, Mina3, Pena 3, Chan 0.

BACOLOD (61) – Dionson 10, Bayquin 9, Gonzales 8, Altamirano 7, Casino 7, Viloria 5, Guillen 4, Pastias 3, Montuano 3, Tulipas 2, Soriano 2, Colonia 1.

Period Scores: 27-13, 44-25, 54-46, 86-61.

Second Game

GENERAL SANTOS (90) – Ramirez 22, Raymundo 18, Mag-isa 10, Buenafe 9, Mondragon 7, Masaglang 6, Chan 4, Ongteco 4, Mirza 3, Pangilinan 3, Anderson 2, Apreku 2.

BULACAN (82) – Faundo 20, Caspe 15, Hoyohoy 15, Martinez 13, dela Cruz 11, Arim 5, Escosio 3, Inigo 0, Neypes 0, Marquez 0, Bacay 0.

Period Scores: 18-27, 39-39, 64-61, 90-82.

Third Game

MINDORO (86) – Cabanag 23, Liwag 11, Cosejo 10, Baetiong 9, Mariano 8, Koga 7, Caldozo 6, Mallari 4, Castro 4, Matias 2, Villapando 2, Saldana 0.

RIZAL (83) – Celada 17, Serrano 15, Sunga 13, Benitez 12, Melegrito 11, Victoria 6, Saret 5, Rios 3, Matias 1, dela Pena 0, dela Cruz 0, Acibar 0.

Period Scores: 13-8, 33-30, 63-55, 86-83.

Fourth Game

BICOL (86) – Tallo 19, Tansingco 14, Cruz 8, Santos 8, Marcelino 7, Huang 7, Pericas 6, Lanete 6, Yee 6, Luib 4, Lao 1, Gabawan 0.

MARIKINA (65) – Gonzales 12, Tambeling 12, Sazon 8, Ular 7, Carurucan 7, Espanola 6, Sumalacay 5, Casajeros 5, Pascual 2, Mendoza 1, Palattao 0, Tolentino 0.

Period Scores: 16-13, 38-30, 56-50, 86-65.

Fifth Game

VALENZUELA (77) – Villafranca 20, Cabahug 13, Darang 12, Ugsang 10, Delator 8, Elmejrab 6, Bauzon 3, Roncal 2, Cachuela 2, Armenion 1, Moralde 0, Cahigas 0.

SARANGANI (73) – Espinas 17, Lee 13, Basibas 13, Sta. Ana 11, Monteclaro 8, Acosta 3, Sanga 3, Munsayac 1, Bautista 0.

Period Scores: 21-21, 47-39, 64-54, 77-73.

VisMin Cup: AMIN-Zamboanga Sibugay Is Champion

THE FINALS

PAGADIAN CITY – AMIN-Zamboanga Sibugay Warriors needed overtime to defeat BYB Kapatagan Buffalos, 89-80, to sweep the best of three series for the Chooks To Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Second Conference 2021 at the Pagadian City Gymnasium Friday afternoon.

How They Scored:

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (89) – Jamon 25, Mantilla 18, Sorela 12, Octobre 10, Imperial 9, Foronda 5, Acain 4, Caunan 2, Dumapig 2, Pasia 2, Lacastesantos 0, Bangcoyan 0.

BYB KAPATAGAN (80) – Ariar 21, Puerto 20, Bonganciso 12, Kwong 7, Daanoy 5, Igot 4, Sollano 4, Delfinado 4, Manatad 3, Lao 0, Rodriguez 0.

Period Scores: 19-24, 38-46, 64-67, 79-79 (reg.), 89-80 (OT).

MPBL: December 17 results

     PASAY CITY – Undefeated Sta. Lucia-Pasig Realtors almost held winless Caloocan Excellence scoreless in the entire fourth quarter to run away with 87-60 win as the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 powered by TM marked its first week at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Friday.  The Go For Gold AICC-San Juan Knights likewise stayed perfect and cemented their entry into the quarterfinals while FSD Makati Blazers and Manila Stars kept the playoff race interesting with contrasting wins.

How They Scored:

First Game

MAKATI (92) – Villahermosa 33, Casajeros 18, Formento 11, Arpia 7, Alonzo 7, Castellano 7, Lugo 5, Alcoriza 4, Sombero 0.

LAGUNA (86) – Aurin 22, Fajarito 20, Saguiguit 14, Coronel 8, Anonuevo 6, Rivera 5, Fuentes 4, dela Virgen 3, Charcos 2, Serios 2, Guiab 0, Diego 0.

Period Scores: 20-26, 46-49, 68-70, 92-86.

Second Game

PASIG (87) – Mina 16, Arana 14, Yu 13, Lingganay 10, Teng 8, Apinan 7, Ablaza 6, Bautista 6, Pena 3, Costelo 2, Caralipio 2.

CALOOCAN (60) – Lasco 13, Santos 11, Penaredondo 9, Matias 7, Javillonar 7, Pacquiao 5, Escobal 3, Gil 3, Esguerra 2, Rosagas 0, Raflores 0.

Period Scores: 14-24, 42-41, 59-57, 87-60.

Third Game

MANILA (83) – Lastimosa 14, Villanueva 12, Paraiso 11, Sara 10, Ambulodto 9, Mangahas 8, Dyke 7, Importante 6, Cruz 4, Lopez, Bataller 0.

IMUS (77) – Reyson 14, Santos 12, Bragais 11, Rogado 10, Mescallado 8, Melencio 6, Eguilos 6, Najorda 6, Tan 2, Mangalino 2, Llagas 0, Medalla 0.

Period Scores: 23-16, 34-34, 56-50, 83-77.

Fourth Game

ILOILO (71) – Hernandez 19, Jaime 16, David 12, Maguliano 8, Racho 5, Vito 3, Jeruta 2, Inigo 2, Taywan 2, Mahari 2, Gumaru 0, Bederi 0.

BACOOR (66) – Castro 19, Doligon 14, Quilatan 8, Albo 8, Canon 6, Acidre 5, Acuna 4, Galicia 2, Galit 0, Malabag 0, Raymundo 0, Garcia 0.

Period Scores: 16-14, 35-32, 57-55, 71-66.

Fifth Game

SAN JUAN (71) – Melano 13, Wamar 12, Clarito 11, Abundo 10, Isit 8, Calma 8, Manzo 4, Rodriguez 4, Abando 1, Nocum 0, Gamboa 0.

MUNTINLUPA (67) – Peralta 12, Vidal 11, Ylagan 11, Mosqueda 9, Saitanan 7, Alano 7, Dixon 5, Bagatsing 3, Ga Capacio 2, Gw Capacio 0.

Period Scores: 19-18, 41-34, 59-46, 71-67.

MPBL: December 16 results

     PASAY CITY – The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Buracai de Laiya-Imus and Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot-Basilan maintained their immaculate records to lead their respective groups in continuing action from the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 powered by TM at the SM Mall of Asia Thursday.  Also sharing the day’s limelight were the All-Star Ballers Bacolod and Bulacan Kuyas who kept their playoff dreams alive.

How They Scored:

First Game

NUEVA ECIJA (100) – Gozum 16, Bitoon 16, Palma 14, Villarias 14, Sumang 10, Mabulac 10, Gutang 9, Dario 5, Sarao 4, Belgica 2, Balucanag 0.

VALENZUELA (77) – Cabahug 28, Moralde 10, Darang 8, Villafranca 7, Ugsang 7, Mojica 6, Elmejrab 4, Armenion 4, Delator 2, Bauzon 1, Cachuela 0, Roncal 0.

Period Scores: 21-14, 45-29, 77-42, 100-77.

Second Game

BACOLOD (85) – Gonzales 18, Viloria 13, Altamirano 13, Bayquin 7, Guillen 6, Pastias 6, Tulipas 6, Comia 5, Soriano 5, Montuano 4, Dionson 2, dela Cruz 0.

CALOOCAN (65) – Lasco 16, Mabayo 13, Javillonar 8, Penaredondo 8, Labing-isa 8, Esguerra 8, Matias 3, Gil 1, Rosagas 0, Sablan 0, Escobal 0, Raflores 0.

Period Scores: 20-20, 48-32, 64-51, 85-65.

Third Game

IMUS (77) – Najorda 21, Melencio 20, Eguilos 16, Rogado 9, Bragais 4, Tan 2, Santos 2, Reyson 2, Llagas 1, Fuentes 0, Mangalino 0, Medalla 0.

MINDORO (70) – Koga 13, Castro 11, Liwag 10, Cosejo 9, Matias 8, Baetiong 8, Mariano 5, Mallari 4, Villapando 2, Saldana 0, Caldozo 0, Diputado 0.

Period Scores:  18-11, 34-26, 51-44, 77-70.

Fourth Game

BASILAN (98) – Juico 25, Collado 15, Taganas 12, Serrano 11, Siruma 10, Gimpayan 9, Manalang 8, Bringas 5, Ng 2, Alanes 1, Uyloan 0, Reyes 0.

MARIKINA (83) – Sazon 26, Ular 25, Espanola 8, Gonzales 8, Tolentino 8, Tambeling 5, Casajeros 3, Palattao 0, Mendoza 0, Pascual 0, Carurucan 0.

Period Scores: 24-9, 43-25, 72-58, 98-83.

Fifth Game

BULACAN (87) – Martinez 23, Hoyohoy 15, Faundo 12, Arim 9, Caspe 8, Inigo 7, Escosio 6, dela Cruz 5, Marquez 2, Neypes 0, Bacay 0.

RIZAL (79) – Rios 20, Victoria 16, Sunga 10, Saret 8, Acibar 8, Serrano 6, Benitez 6, Celada 5, Matias 0, Pretta 0, Daguro 0.

Period Scores: 20-18, 38-41, 65-57, 87-79.

VisMin Cup: Zamboanga Sibugay d. Kapatagan, 73-64

THE FINALS

PAGADIAN CITY – AMIN-Zamboanga Sibugay Warriors prevailed over BYB Kapatagan Buffalos, 73-64, in Game One of the best of three series for the Chooks To Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Second Conference 2021 at the Pagadian City Gymnasium early Thursday morning.

How They Scored:

AMIN-ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (73) – Mantilla 21, Jamon 15, Octobre 11, Imperial 6, Arong 6, Dumapig 4, Foronda 4, Caunan 3, Sorela 3, Lacastesantos 0, Acain 0, Bangcoyan 0, Pasia 0.

BYB KAPATAGAN (64) – Kwong 19, Bonganciso 15, Ariar 13, Lao 6, Rodriguez 4, Daanoy 4, Puerto 3, Sollano 0, Delfinado 0, Igot 0.

Period Scores: 18-12, 38-34, 54-49, 73-64.

MPBL: December 15 results

     PASAY CITY – Sta. Lucia-Pasig Realtors remained among the ranks of the undefeated teams of the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 powered by TM after frustrating Bacoor Strikers, 76-67, Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  The Sarangani Marlins, LCC Malls-Bicol Volcanoes, Iloilo United Royals and Manila Stars also triumphed to further tighten the race at the tournament midpoint.

How They Scored:

First Game

SARANGANI (75) – Sta. Ana 18, Lee 14, Ludovice 12, Espinas 9, Acosta 8, Basibas 5, Sanga 5, Munsayac 3, Sarangay 1, Dator 0, Marilao 0, Bautista 0.

MUNTINLUPA (66) – Mosqueda 12, Destacamento 11, Vidal 10, Gw Capacio 9, Ortuoste 8, Saitanan 6, Bagatsing 4, Alano 3, Ga Capacio 2, Ylagan 1, Dixon 0, Peralta 0.

Period Scores: 15-24, 42-33, 60-48, 75-66.

Second Game

BICOL (86) – Tallo 21, Tansingco 15, Yee 14, Huang 9, Lanete 7, Santos 7, Gabawan 6, Marcelino 4, Luib 2, Lao 1, Cenal 0, Cruz 0.

MAKATI (71) – Alcoriza 15, Castellano 11, Villahermosa 9, Casajeros 9, Colina 9, Formento 7, Bautista 6, Sombero 3, Alonzo 2, Samonte 0, Lugo 0.

Period Scores: 31-10, 46-31, 71-46, 86-71.

Third Game

ILOILO (85) – Jaime 28, Racho 11, Maguliano 8, Inigo 7, David 7, Vito 6, Hernandez 6, Taywan 4, Santiago 3, Mahari 3, Jeruta 2, Bederi 0.

BACOLOD (62) – Bayquin 12, Soriano 10, Comia 9, Viloria 8, Montuano 6, Dionson 5, Gonzales 4, Altamirano 3, Pastias 2, Tulipas 2, Casino 1, Joven 0.

Period Scores: 25-8, 41-20, 59-42, 85-62.

Fourth Game

MANILA (75) – Lastimosa 14, Sara 11, Villanueva 11, Cruz 8, Bataller 7, Ambulodto 6, Importante 6, Mangahas 5, Dyke 4, Asuncion 2, Paraiso 1, Lopez 0.

GENERAL SANTOS (65) – Anderson 15, Masaglang  13, Ramirez 12, Buenafe 7, Apreku 7, Raymundo 3, Ongteco 3, Mirza 2, Mondragon 1, Pangilinan 0.

Period Scores: 13-13, 41-30, 62-39, 75-65.

Fifth Game

PASIG (76) – Ablaza 18, Yu 14, Costelo 11, Teng 9, Caralipio 7, Mina 3, Apinan 2, Lingganay 2, Arana 2, Bautista 2.

BACOOR (67) – Doligon 15, Galicia 11, Acidre 10, Albo 7, Garcia 7, Canon 4, Castro 4, Galit 3, Raymundo 3, Quilatan 2, Acuna 1.

Period Score: 18-20, 37-37, 59-56, 76-67.

MPBL: December 14 results

     PASAY CITY – EOG Burlington Mindoro Tamaraws and Buracai de Laiya-Imus notched their second wins in as many games to lead their respective groups at the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational powered by TM Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  Caloocan Excellence also barged into the win-column with a nail-biter while MJAS Zenith Val City and debuting FSD Makati Blazers scored good victories to energize their campaigns.

How They Scored:

First Game

MINDORO (79) – Cabanag 15, Koga, Castro 13, Baetiong 12, Mallari 10, Mariano 6, Cosejo 5, Liwag 4, Saldana 0, Caldozo 0, Matias 0, Villapando 0.

BULACAN (72) – Faundo 22, Martinez 15, Hoyohoy 9, Caspe 7, Inigo 6, Escosio 4, dela Cruz 3, Neypes 3, Arim 3, Marquez 0, Bacay 0.

Period Scores: 16-20, 35-37, 66-52, 79-72.

Second Game

CALOOCAN (80) – Penaredondo 16, Javillonar 15, Labing-isa 10, Lasco 9, Gil 9, Mabayo 7, Matias 7, Raflores 3, Esguerra 2, Santos 2, Rosagas 0, Pacquiao 0.

NEGROS (79) – Gantalao 23, Maestre 12, Adjei 12, Yulo 10, Claridad 9, Adorio 6, Santillan 4, Parreno 3, Jaca 0, Geolingo 0, Calma 0, Gadon 0.

Period Scores: 20-20, 41-29, 56-59, 80-79.

Third Game

VALENZUELA (76) – Moralde 18, Armenion 15, Mojica 13, Cabahug 13, Villafranca 10, Darang 4, Ugsang 2, Bauzon 1, Cachuela 0, Roncal 0.

MUNTINLUPA (72) – Gw Capacio 14, Peralta 12, Destacamento 11, Mosqueda 7, Saitanan 7, Ga Capacio 5, Bagatsing 5, Ylagan 4, Alano 3, Vidal 2, Dixon 2, Ortuoste 0.

Period Scores: 20-12, 33-33, 52-55, 76-72.

Fourth Game

MAKATI (95) – Alcoriza 24, Villahermosa 19, Casajeros 13, Custodio 12, Alonzo 9, Colina 6, Bautista 5, Formento 4, Lugo 2, Sombero 1, Castellano 0.

MARIKINA (89) – Sazon 20, Ular 16, Tolentino 15, Gonzales 11, Tambeling 6, Espanola 5, Pascual 4, Casajeros 4, Gines 3, Carurucan 3, Palattao 2, Mendoza 0.

Period Scores: 19-31, 42-51, 71-75, 95-89.

Fifth Game

IMUS (74) – Santos 18, Najorda 17, Melencio 13, Eguilos 10, Rogado 10, Llagas 4, Bragais 1, Tan 1, Mescallado 0, Reyson 0.

GENERAL SANTOS (66) – Buenafe 21, Anderson 15, Mag-isa 8, Ongteco 6, Apreku 6, Raymundo 5, Ramirez 5, Mirza 0, Mondragon 0, Masaglang 0, Saldua 0.

Period Scores: 19-16, 36-29, 53-51, 74-66.

MPBL: December 13 results

     PASAY CITY –  Go For Gold AICC-San Juan Knights grabbed the early solo leadership of Group C on Day Three of the Chooks To Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational 2021 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Monday.  The Bacoor Strikers and Manila Stars also recovered from their opening game debacles while Marikina Shoe City and Sta. Lucia Realty- Pasig marked their debuts in style with resounding victories.

How They Scored:

First Game

MANILA (89) – Sara 16, Villanueva 14, Paraiso 13, Cruz 12, Mangahas 11, Dyke 8, Ambulodto 6, Bataller 5, Asuncion 2, Importante 2, Lopez 0, Baltazar 0.

RIZAL (59) – Victoria 13, Celada 10, Serrano 8, Benitez 6, Sunga 5, Rios 4, Pretta 3, dela Cruz 3, Melegrito 1, Vasallo 1, Saret 0.

Period Scores: 24-11, 47-24, 68-50, 89-59.

Second Game

BACOOR (72) – Garcia 26, Albo 13, Castro 9, Doligon 6, Acidre 6, Canon 5, Galicia 3, Galit 2, Raymundo 2, Quilatan 0 Acuna 0, Malabag 0.

CALOOCAN (50) – Javillonar 17, Mabayo 13, Penaredondo 9, Labing-isa 6, Matias 3, Abastillas 2, Rosagas 0, Santos 0, Raflores 0, Lasco 0, Gil 0, Pacquiao 0.

Period Scores: 17-16, 40-21, 60-30, 72-50.

Third Game

PASIG (90) – Costelo 15, Arana 14, Ablaza 13, Yu 11, Bautista 9, Caralipio 8, Apinan 8, Mina 7, Teng 3, Lingganay 2, Ambohot 0.

ILOILO (69) – Hernandez 14, Jeruta 12, Mahari 11, Maguliano 9, Taywan 8,  Jaime 5, Vito 4, Inigo 2, Santiago 2, Bederi 2, Javelosa 0, Gumaru 0.

Period Scores: 24-21, 46-40, 69-59, 90-69.

Fourth Game

SAN JUAN (91) – Melano 14, Clarito 14, Gamboa 12, Abando 10, Wamar 9, Hernandez 8, Isit 7, Rodriguez 6, Calma 6, Abundo 5, Manzo 0, Bunag 0.

SARANGANI (72) – Lee 14, Acosta 14, Espinas 14, Ludovice 11, Sanga 7, Sta. Ana 6, Basibas 3, Munsayac 3, Sarangay 0, Marilao 0, Monteclaro 0, Bautista 0.

Period Scores: 19-20, 35-28, 62-52, 91-72.

Fifth Game

MARIKINA (79) – Tolentino 24, Ular 16, Casajeros 8, Palattao 7, Gonzales 7, Tambeling 6, Carurucan 6, Mendoza 3, Espanola 2, Gines 0, Sumalacay 0, Pascual 0.

LAGUNA (73) – dela Virgen 17, Coronel 14, Fajarito 10, Charcos 6, Serios 6, Aurin 6, Rivera 5, Fuentes 5, Saguiguit 2, Laban 2, Anonuevo 0, Guiab 0.

Period Scores: 14-21, 38-36, 66-55, 79-73.

VisMin Cup: December 13 results

     PAGADIAN CITY – Results from the knockout semifinals of the Chooks To Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Second Conference 2021 at the Pagadian City Gymnasium.  Get ready for the best of three championship series between AMIN-Zamboanga Sibugay Warriors and BYB Kapatagan Buffalos.

How They Scored:

First Game

AMIN-ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (81) – Mantilla 19, Dumapig 14, Jamon 11, Arong 11, Foronda 9, Octobre 8, Sorela 5, Imperial 2, Caunan 2, Almocera 0, Lacastesantos 0, Bangcoyan 0, Albrecht 0.

GLOBALPORT-MISAMIS ORIENTAL (64) – Lee Yu 17, Estrella 16, Cervantes 10, Nalos 7, Baracael 5, Salcedo 4, Meca 3, Ubalde 2, Ballesteros 0, Diaz 0, Agbong 0.

Period Scores: 22-16, 37-33, 66-42, 81-64.

Second Game

BYB KAPATAGAN (66) – Bonganciso 15, Rodriguez 10, Puerto 9, Ariar 8, Lao 7, Daanoy 6, Kwong 4, Sollano 3, Delfinado 2, Igot 2.

PAGADIAN (56) – Mag-isa 14, Diaz 8, Pepito 8, Ibanez 7, Fuentes 6, Pamaran 4, Acaylar 4, Caballero 3, Demigaya 2, Uri 0, Saludsod 0, Demapiles 0, Dechos 0, Quimado 0.

Period Scores: 15-19, 30-27, 46-38, 66-56.