Castaneto, Gutang Take Laoag

     LAOAG CITY – The 41^st National MILO Marathon continued its search for participants with the successful staging of the Laoag City qualifiers Sunday (July 23) at the Don Mariano Marcos Stadium.  Veteran runners Cesar Castaneto and Silamie Apolistar-Gutang led the pack of those who made the grade for the National Finals set for December 3 in Cebu City.

Castaneto, the back to back winner of the qualifiers hosted by Dagupan in 2015 and 2016, led the way in the Men’s Division with a time of 1:14:47 on the 21-kilometer route.  Castaneto left behind Second Placer Ricky Gagarin (1:18:40) and Third Placer Archie Patubo (1:21:44) to battle it out.

Gutang, a frequent winner and podium finisher of fun runs in Metro Manila, topped the distaff side in 1:37:35.  The duel for Second Place was more exciting with Maricris Melchor (1:51:11) edging out Marychiel Morales (1:52:25).

Both champions received trophies, PHP 10,000.00 in cash and gift items from sponsors.  Through the years, the MILO Marathon has grown to be the country’s most awaited and prestigious running event.

With two regional qualifying races already in the books, the stage is set for the Metro Manila qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City this Sunday (July 30).  The said leg is always in the biggest in terms of participation and athletes may opt to earn spots in the Cebu Nationals either through the 21 or 42-kilometer categories.

D-League: Cignal HD d. CEU, 96-89

     PASIG CITY – Cignal HD clinched the second and last outright semifinal berth of the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup thanks to their 96-89 triumph over Centro Escolar University Tuesday (July 25) at the Ynares Sports Arena.  Coming off a 19-day vacation and playing without head coach Boyet Fernandez, the Hawkeyes leaned on the big fourth period plays of Jason Perkins and Pamboy Raymundo at crunch time to seal the deal.

Assistant coach Jude Roque was tasked to call the shots in lieu of Coach Fernandez who handled San Beda College in their NCAA game over at San Juan City. “Credit still to Coach Boyet for making today’s game plan and we really benefited from our long break to prepare for this game,” said Coach Roque.

Rodrigue Ebondo gave the Scorpions their last taste of the lead in the third period, 60-59, but Cignal countered with a crippling 10-0 run from which CEU never recovered.  Perkins and Raymundo went to work as their timely hits preserved the win, the Hawkeye’s eighth in 10 games and sixth in a row.

Byron Villarias paced the Hawkeyes with 19 points via five triples.  Perkins was next with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, hitting seven markers in the fourth period.

Aaron Jeruta and Ebondo led the way for the Scorpions with 23 points apiece.  At 5-4, CEU has to win their last game against Racal Motors to get a sure spot in the quarterfinals and avoid complications of going through a tiebreaker via the quotient system.

Idle Tanduay Rhum (7-2), which was hoping for a Scorpions victory for them to stay in contention for a semifinal slot, automatically garnered third spot and a twice to beat advantage in the quarterfinals.  Still in contention for the remaining three quarterfinal berths are Batangas (5-3), CEU (5-4), Marinerong Pilipino (5-4) and Wang’s Basketball (5-5).

Undefeated league leader Flying V seized the first outright semifinal spot as early as last week.  The Thunder beat cellar-dweller Zark’s Burger in the day’s opener, 97-59, for their ninth straight win.

How They Scored:

CIGNAL HD (96) – Villarias 19, Perkins 18, Sumalinog 13, Raymundo 11, Jose 10, Bringas 8, Arong 5, Cahilig 5, Sara 3, Arboleda 2, Batino 2, Belencion 0.

CENTRO ESCOLAR (89) – Jeruta 23, Ebondo 23, Casino 15, Guinitaran 8, Wamar 7, Cruz 7, Uri 2, Manlangit 2, Arim 2, Aquino 0, Fuentes 0, Intic 0.

Period Scores: 21-28, 48-44, 71-65, 96-89.

D-League: Flying V d. Zark’s Burger, 97-59

     PASIG CITY – With their spot in the semifinals already secured, Flying V still displayed sharp form in punishing Zark’s Burger into submission, 97-59, at the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena Tuesday (July 25).  Jeron Teng was another picture of all-around excellence by registering his second triple double of the conference and put the Thunder one win away from a 10-game sweep of their elimination schedule.

Teng’s stat line totalled to 20 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in 31 minutes of action.  He was ably supported by Thomas Torres and Oda Tampus with 14 markers respectively.

The Thunder started on the right note by jumping to a 10-0 lead en route to a comfortable 56-29 halftime cushion.  That allowed Coach Eric Altamirano to once again shuffle his men and give everyone playing time and the role players responded by erecting their biggest lead of the game come the fourth period, 91-48.

“I just want to improve on other aspects on my game as I prepare to enter the PBA Draft this year,” said Teng after the game. “I never thought about the triple double but when I was informed that I was about to hit one, I began to look for my teammates and they responded well.”

Coach Altamirano once again praised his players for their hard work in practice.  He also reminded them to keep on respecting their opponents and work double on defense – the 59 points of the Jawbreakers was the least allowed by Thunder in their nine games.

Teng also relished the idea of playing for the first time against Mac Cardona.  “He was my idol since his days with De La Salle University and I look forward to playing with him again because I believe Mac can still make it back to the PBA,” added Teng.

Cardona and Teng guarded each with Cardona submitting 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes.  RR de Leon followed with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists but leading scorer Robby Celiz failed to hit a point in the team’s final game of their maiden conference, finishing with a 1-9 win-loss card.

How They Scored:

FLYING V (97) – Teng 20, Torres 14, Tampus 14, Banal 11, Dionisio 10, Paredes 6, Salamat 6, Colina 4, Ongteco 4, Gamboa 2, Webb 2, Thiele 2, Austria 2, Canada 0.

ZARK’S BURGER (59) – Cardona 20, de Leon 13, Nalos 8, Mangahas 6, Ferrer 6, Cudal 4, Argamino 2, Bautista 0, Sheriff 0, Celiz 0, Cayabyab 0.

Period Scores: 26-14, 56-29, 77-42, 97-59.

Mururi, Lacson Top 1st Siargao International Marathon

First ever champions of the Siargao International Marathon Ryzan Lacson and Joseph Mururi.

     DEL CARMEN, Surigao del Norte – Joseph Mururi of Kenya and Ryzan Lacson of the Philippines were hailed as the champions of the First Siargao International Marathon held last Sunday (July 23).  The footrace started and ended at the Del Carmen Elementary School via the Siargao Circumferential Road and passing the adjacent towns of San Benito and Santa Monica on the western coast of the island tourism hotspot.

Mururi, who registered just hours before the rainy early morning gun start, breezed throughout the 42.195 kilometers with a winning time of 2:43:43.  Second Place went to Cris Aclo (3:22:54) while July Bandojo (3:37:19) took Third Place.

Lacson had a relatively easier time in the Women’s Division with her clocking of 4:21:19 almost an hour faster than closest pursuer Pam Apuhin (5:19:16).  Third Place went to Sheila Mae Montero (5:31:27).

Aside from the full marathon, a half-marathon was also staged.  Elmer Bartolo (1:15:38), Johnrey Tumanda (1:24:56) and Aldrin Batac (1:25:08) and Michelle Aclo (1:47:31), Madelyn Carter (1:55:30) and Andrea Calleja (1:59:17) landed podium finishes in the Men’s and Women’s Divisions respectively.

There was also a five-kilometer fun run exclusive for the youth and residents of Siargao. All the 42 and 21-kilometer winners received their trophies, cash prizes and gifts from sponsors at the post-race party held that same evening at the Boulevard in General Luna town.

The First Siargao International Marathon was staged in order to raise awareness and educate the public about propagating and preserving our mangrove forests.  According to Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II, his town of Del Carmen is where one can find one of the largest mangrove forest in the Philippines.

The young mayor also expressed elation that the marathon was successfully completed and that another international sporting event has come to Siargao after Surfing and Game Fishing.  The SIM 2017 was organized by RunRio Events of Coach Rio de la Cruz with the help of the Municipal Government of Del Carmen, Gov. Soledad F. Matugas of Surigao del Norte, Rep. Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II of the First District of Surigao del Norte, Department of Tourism, Skyjet Airlines, H & M Sport, Pascual Greek Yogurt, The Live Fit Lab, Tetra Pak and Gatorade.

The fun does not end with the last runner crossing the finish line.  A mangrove planting activity and talk will be held on July 25 (Tuesday) in Del Carmen with one seedling pledged in the name of every runner who signed up.

D-League: Tanduay Rhum d. AMA, 91-80

    PASIG CITY – Tanduay Rhum kept alive its hopes of clinching the remaining outright semifinal seat in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup after they tamed AMA Online Education, 91-80, at the Ynares Sports Arena Monday (July 24).  The Rhum Masters moved into a tie with idle Cignal HD at 7-2 but their fate is not fully in their hands.

First, Tanduay has to pray that Centro Escolar University upsets Cignal on July 25.  If so, the Rhum Masters must beat also-ran Racal Motors on July 27 because if they remained tied, Cignal will secure the remaining slot by virtue of their 70-66 victory last July 6.

AMA gave it a valiant stand by managing to keep the score tied, 15-15.  However, three consecutive field goals by Lester Alvarez, Jeymo Eguilos and ex-Titan James Martinez restored a comfortable lead for Tanduay which they never relinquished thanks to their reserves’ heavy contributions.

Martinez played well against his former team by leading the charge with 14 points off the bench.  A pair of non-starters also banged in double digits in Renz Palma with 11 and Jomari Sollano with 10.

Embons Bonleon topped AMA anew with 23 points while Daniel Salonga followed with 15.  Andre Paras had another statistic-heavy output of 12 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.

How They Scored:

TANDUAY RHUM (91) – Martinez 14, Palma 11, Sollano 10, Gaco 9, Vigil 9, Alvarez 8, Eguilos 6, Varilla 6, Santos 6, Sanga 6, Tambeling 4, Villamor 2, Terso 0, Taganas 0.

AMA ONLINE EDUCATION (80) – Bonleon 23, Salonga 15, Paras 12, Alas 10, Magpantay 10, Calma 4, Macaranas 3, Malones 3, Carpio 0, Jordan 0, Celso 0.

Period Scores: 21-18, 44-35, 65-53, 91-80.

D-League: Marinerong Pilipino d. Gamboa Coffee Mix, 138-69

     PASIG CITY – Marinerong Pilipino continued its amazing wave of success by manhandling Gamboa Coffee Mix 138-69, in continuing action from the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena.  Once on the brink of elimination, the Skippers have now won four games in a row and are one win away from an assured spot in next month’s quarterfinals.

A 10-0 run to close out the first period, 24-16, was all Marinero needed and they simply coasted to the win.  The Coffee Lovers countered with an 8-0 to tie the score for the last time, 24-24, but the Skippers recovered and went full steam ahead in stretching the margin up to the final buzzer.

Paolo Javelona came off the bench to pour in 16 points on perfect six of six shooting from the field including four triples.  Starter Joseph Marata broke out of his personal shooting slump to fire 15 points after scoring only 14 in their last four games.

Playing coach Leo Avenido paced the Coffee Lovers with 24 points as they dropped their eighth contest in a row after winning their opening assignment.  Ken Acibar was next with 14 points and nine rebounds.

The Skippers’ victory pushed them to 5-4 and placed them in possession of the sixth and final playoff spot, temporarily dislodging idle Wang’s Basketball (5-5) from the race.  A win in their final game versus also-ran AMA Online Education will assure a playoff appearance while a loss could result in ties which will be resolved via the quotient system.

How They Scored:

MARINERONG PILIPINO (138) – Javelona 16, Marata 15, Salcedo 12, Subido 12, Isip 11, Moralde 11, Javillonar 11, Publico 10, Gumaru 8, Sargent 8, Inigo 8, Lopez 7, Alabanza 6, Gavieres 3.

GAMBOA COFFEE MIX (69) – Avenido 24, Acibar 14, Montuano 6, David 6, Parala 6, Padilla 3, Acuna 3, Riva 2, Sarangay 2, Jumao-as 2, Arellano 1, Vidal 0.

Period Scores: 24-16, 57-41, 92-54, 138-69.

D-League: Batangas d. Racal Motors, 95-90

     PASIG CITY – Batangas broke out of its two-game losing slump at the right time by eliminating Racal Motors from contention at the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, 95-90, at the resumption of play Thursday (July 20) at the Ynares Sports Arena.  The Batanguenos can formally enter the playoffs for the first time by winning one of their remaining two games against Gamboa Coffee Mix and undefeated Flying V.

Before the game, Batangas received news that leading scorer Joseph Sedurifa (16.4 PPG) was called up the PBA’s Meralco Bolts.  Instead of folding, Coach Eric Gonzales urged his team “to rally around Joseph and use him as an inspiration because they all have the same dream of one day making it to the PBA.”

True enough, the Batanguenos drew inspired performances from former STI College Olympians Cedrick Ablaza and Jerald Bautista and center Jessie Saitanan began bombing away from the three-point line as they seized control by halftime and never looked back, 49-43.

Batangas’ biggest lead stood at 11 points in the third period, 63-52.  The best that Racal could do was close in by two at the 31-second mark on a Paolo Pontejos basket, 90-92, but Ablaza restored order by sinking two free throws in the next play, 94-90.

Saitanan hit a total of five triples en route to a team-high 19 points plus five rebounds.  Bautista was next with 18 and Ablaza had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Pontejos scattered 26 points but he lacked support from his teammates as the expected scorers failed to hit their averages.  Jamil Ortuoste was the only other Racal player in twin figures with 10.

Batangas improved to 5-3 in a tie with idle Centro Escolar University for the fourth and fifth playoff berths.  Racal dropped to 3-5, marking the first time the franchise failed to advance to the playoffs since the 2015 Foundation Cup, their second conference of existence where they carried the name KeraMix.

How They Scored:

BATANGAS (95) – Saitanan 19, Bautista 18, Ablaza 17, de Joya 10, Isit 8, Zamora 7, Napoles 4, Ragasa 4, de la Pena 3, Laude 2, Anderson 2, Mendoza 1, Mag-isa 0.

RACAL MOTORS (90) – Pontejos 26, Ortuoste 10, Ayonayon 9, Capacio 8, Cortes 8, Tallo 7, Apreku 6, Gomez 6, Mangahas 4, Grimaldo 3, Cabrera 3, Faundo 0, Octubre 0, Lozada 0.

Period Scores: 21-19, 49-43, 73-69, 95-90.