Ateneo Eagles win PCCL title, complete grandslam year

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles completed a season sweep of the major collegiate leagues by capturing the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) against a hard luck Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 74-70, on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

But in contrast to their dominant title-clinching wins in the UAAP Season 72 and the Unigames, the Eagles went through some anxious moments before finding ways to be crowned as this year’s national collegiate champion.

As if Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s absence was not enough, Ateneo bucked the loss of Eric Salamat down the stretch and leaned on Jai Reyes to clinch the title the hard way.

After Salamat left the game due to cramps with 3:37 left in the game and the Eaglestrailing the Tamaraws, 67-68, Reyes came to the Eagles’ rescue.

The steady guard answered back Tamaraw JR Cawaling’s long jumper with a booming triple in the 2:31 mark of the final period to tie the game for the last time at 70-all.

Then Reyes, the nephew of former Ateneo great Jun Reyes and ex-national team coach Chot Reyes, set up Oping Sumalinog for the go-ahead basket in the final 45.2 seconds.

His late exploits were enough to fend off the Tamaraws’ last gallant stand. Ronjay Buenafe sealed the Eagles’ third straight title this year, its second PCCL crown since winning in 2007, with two free throws in the dying seconds.

“I told them that whether they win or lose this game, they’ve already proven that they are a good team. But this game that will determine whether they are just a good team or a great team,” Ateneo coach Norman Black said.

And just like the mark of a great team, the Eagles collectively played with poise and confidence of a champion especially in the endgame to end their magical year with a bang, a day after the school celebrated their 150th foundation year.

After squandering a 16-point lead, 51-35, and trailing by three, 67-70, with under three minutes remaining, the Eagles recovered their bearings while the Tamaraws ran into maze of errors and forced shots.

The loss was a double whammy for FEU coach Glenn Capacio, whose father retired Col. Conrado passed away at dawn before this game.

The Eagles took home the Manny V. Pangilinan perpetual trophy and P500,000.00 worth of athletic items and scholarship grants plus P400,000.00 worth of athletic items and gift certificates from Smart and ABS-CBN Sports for a whopping total of P900,000.00 worth of prizes.

Reyes wins first MVP award in ‘last game’

Reyes, who scored 17 points spiked by four triples and two assists, was named the Most Valuable Player right after he played his final game in an Ateneo jersey.

“It’s my first time to win such an award since my high school years, when I was not still playing in the UAAP,” said Reyes, who averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the tournament.

“Jai (Reyes)played great for us. This win is for the graduating players [Reyes, Noy (Baclao) and Rabeh Al-Hussaini]. I would like to thank especially Noy for choosing to come here despite having a game in ABL,” Black said.

Baclao, who skipped his Asean Basketball League (ABL) team Philippine Patriots’ game against Brunei Baracuddas, tallied only four points in a foul-plagued 19 minutes of action but was an intimidating force inside the shaded lane for the Eagles especially in the crucial stretch of the game.

Black added that “it would’ve been sweeter if Rabeh is here.”

Al-Hussaini did not play the entire tournament opting to concentrate on his studies and his commitment to the Smart Gilas RP Team.

Meanwhile, Reyes was joined by his teammate Eric Salamat, FEU’s Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia plus San Beda’s Bambam Gamalinda in the Mythical Five. Black was the hands down choice as the Coach of the Year while Buddy Cortez was named Referee of the Year.

The Tamaraws, who blew a 1-0 series lead, did not go home empty handed as they got P200,000.00 worth of athletic items and scholarship grants for their athletic program while team members got another P200,000.00 worth of athletic items and gift certificates.

The scores:

ADMU 74 – Salamat 19, Reyes 17, Sumalinog 11, Buenafe 8, Golla 4, Baclao 4, Salva 4, Monfort 3, Austria 0, Long 0.

FEU 70 – Sanga 15, Garcia 14, Ramos 10, Cawaling 10, Exciminiano 8, Manalo 5, Cervantes 4, Noundou 4, Knuttel 0.

Quarters: 20-16, 45-35, 61-59, 74-70.

Ateneo Eagles win PCCL title, complete grandslam year

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles completed a season sweep of the major collegiate leagues by capturing the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) against a hard luck Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 74-70, on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

But in contrast to their dominant title-clinching wins in the UAAP Season 72 and the Unigames, the Eagles went through some anxious moments before finding ways to be crowned as this year’s national collegiate champion.

As if Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s absence was not enough, Ateneo bucked the loss of Eric Salamat down the stretch and leaned on Jai Reyes to clinch the title the hard way.

After Salamat left the game due to cramps with 3:37 left in the game and the Eaglestrailing the Tamaraws, 67-68, Reyes came to the Eagles’ rescue.

The steady guard answered back Tamaraw JR Cawaling’s long jumper with a booming triple in the 2:31 mark of the final period to tie the game for the last time at 70-all.

Then Reyes, the nephew of former Ateneo great Jun Reyes and ex-national team coach Chot Reyes, set up Oping Sumalinog for the go-ahead basket in the final 45.2 seconds.

His late exploits were enough to fend off the Tamaraws’ last gallant stand. Ronjay Buenafe sealed the Eagles’ third straight title this year, its second PCCL crown since winning in 2007, with two free throws in the dying seconds.

“I told them that whether they win or lose this game, they’ve already proven that they are a good team. But this game that will determine whether they are just a good team or a great team,” Ateneo coach Norman Black said.

And just like the mark of a great team, the Eagles collectively played with poise and confidence of a champion especially in the endgame to end their magical year with a bang, a day after the school celebrated their 150th foundation year.

After squandering a 16-point lead, 51-35, and trailing by three, 67-70, with under three minutes remaining, the Eagles recovered their bearings while the Tamaraws ran into maze of errors and forced shots.

The loss was a double whammy for FEU coach Glenn Capacio, whose father retired Col. Conrado passed away at dawn before this game.

The Eagles took home the Manny V. Pangilinan perpetual trophy and P500,000.00 worth of athletic items and scholarship grants plus P400,000.00 worth of athletic items and gift certificates from Smart and ABS-CBN Sports for a whopping total of P900,000.00 worth of prizes.

Reyes wins first MVP award in ‘last game’

Reyes, who scored 17 points spiked by four triples and two assists, was named the Most Valuable Player right after he played his final game in an Ateneo jersey.

“It’s my first time to win such an award since my high school years, when I was not still playing in the UAAP,” said Reyes, who averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the tournament.

“Jai (Reyes)played great for us. This win is for the graduating players [Reyes, Noy (Baclao) and Rabeh Al-Hussaini]. I would like to thank especially Noy for choosing to come here despite having a game in ABL,” Black said.

Baclao, who skipped his Asean Basketball League (ABL) team Philippine Patriots’ game against Brunei Baracuddas, tallied only four points in a foul-plagued 19 minutes of action but was an intimidating force inside the shaded lane for the Eagles especially in the crucial stretch of the game.

Black added that “it would’ve been sweeter if Rabeh is here.”

Al-Hussaini did not play the entire tournament opting to concentrate on his studies and his commitment to the Smart Gilas RP Team.

Meanwhile, Reyes was joined by his teammate Eric Salamat, FEU’s Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia plus San Beda’s Bambam Gamalinda in the Mythical Five. Black was the hands down choice as the Coach of the Year while Buddy Cortez was named Referee of the Year.

The Tamaraws, who blew a 1-0 series lead, did not go home empty handed as they got P200,000.00 worth of athletic items and scholarship grants for their athletic program while team members got another P200,000.00 worth of athletic items and gift certificates.

The scores:

ADMU 74 – Salamat 19, Reyes 17, Sumalinog 11, Buenafe 8, Golla 4, Baclao 4, Salva 4, Monfort 3, Austria 0, Long 0.

FEU 70 – Sanga 15, Garcia 14, Ramos 10, Cawaling 10, Exciminiano 8, Manalo 5, Cervantes 4, Noundou 4, Knuttel 0.

Quarters: 20-16, 45-35, 61-59, 74-70.

Eagles claim year's third crown

Ateneo bucked a fourth quarter meltdown as it leaned on Jai Reyes’ clutch baskets down the stretch, turning back Far Eastern U, 74-70, yesterday and clinching the Philippine Collegiate Champions League crown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Reyes fired a triple in the last 2:30 minutes of the contest, snapping Ateneo’s five-minute scoring spell while the Eagles held the Tams scoreless for a closing 7-0 blitz that turned a 67-70 deficit into a rousing victory.

The win thus capped Ateneo’s banner season in the collegiate league that also saw the Eagles complete their back-to-back title romp in the UAAP before bagging the Unigames crown.

For a while, the Tams appeared headed for a big comeback from a 12-point deficit as they silenced the Eagles in five-and-a-half minute stretch in the last period to transform a 61-67 deficit into a 70-67 lead with 2.45 minutes left in the match.

But Reyes, playing his last game for Ateneo, buried a triple and Chris Sumalinog foiled a Paul Sanga jumper on the other end before scoring on a basket in the last 45.2 seconds as the Eagles regained the lead, 72-70.

Ryan Buenafe secured the victory with a pair of free throws as the Eagles completed a 2-1 series win in the tournament which gathered the best collegiate teams in the land.

The victory also came as a fitting present for Ateneo, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last Saturday.

“It was really a tremendous year for us, I couldn’t ask for more,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

He paid tribute to Reyes, who finished with 17 points that included four triples, and Nonoy Baclao, who skipped his game with the Philippine Patriots against the Brunei Barracudas in Brunei last night to backstop the team’s title bid.

Baclao finished with four points, five rebounds, two assists and a shot block as he filled the slack left by Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who opted to skip the championship series.

Eagles claim year's third crown

Ateneo bucked a fourth quarter meltdown as it leaned on Jai Reyes’ clutch baskets down the stretch, turning back Far Eastern U, 74-70, yesterday and clinching the Philippine Collegiate Champions League crown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Reyes fired a triple in the last 2:30 minutes of the contest, snapping Ateneo’s five-minute scoring spell while the Eagles held the Tams scoreless for a closing 7-0 blitz that turned a 67-70 deficit into a rousing victory.

The win thus capped Ateneo’s banner season in the collegiate league that also saw the Eagles complete their back-to-back title romp in the UAAP before bagging the Unigames crown.

For a while, the Tams appeared headed for a big comeback from a 12-point deficit as they silenced the Eagles in five-and-a-half minute stretch in the last period to transform a 61-67 deficit into a 70-67 lead with 2.45 minutes left in the match.

But Reyes, playing his last game for Ateneo, buried a triple and Chris Sumalinog foiled a Paul Sanga jumper on the other end before scoring on a basket in the last 45.2 seconds as the Eagles regained the lead, 72-70.

Ryan Buenafe secured the victory with a pair of free throws as the Eagles completed a 2-1 series win in the tournament which gathered the best collegiate teams in the land.

The victory also came as a fitting present for Ateneo, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last Saturday.

“It was really a tremendous year for us, I couldn’t ask for more,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

He paid tribute to Reyes, who finished with 17 points that included four triples, and Nonoy Baclao, who skipped his game with the Philippine Patriots against the Brunei Barracudas in Brunei last night to backstop the team’s title bid.

Baclao finished with four points, five rebounds, two assists and a shot block as he filled the slack left by Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who opted to skip the championship series.

Eagles, Tamaraws duel for Champs title

The title as to who is the country’s premier collegiate squad will be known Sunday as UAAP champion Ateneo and Far Eastern University clash in the deciding Game 3 of their 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League title series at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

With that as the ultimate prize, expect both the Eagles and Tamaraws to raise their game to another level when they tangle at 3:30 p.m.

The Blue Eagles, out complete a dream season, forced a rubber match in their best-of-three title series by scoring a murderous 90-63 win in Game 2 last Thursday.

This win came a day after the Morayta-based squad came back from a 14-point first-half deficit and six heading into the final canto for a stunning 75-70 victory in the series opener.

After days of speculation as to whether he will play or not, 6-foot-5 big man Nonoy Baclao will suit up in Sunday's action after the ASEAN Basketball League's Philippine Patriots gave him permission to suit up for this all-important affair. The Patriots will play the Brunei Barracudas today in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Although Ateneo will play without 6-foot-6 Rabeh Al-Hussaini because of his stint with the Smart Gilas national team, coach Norman Black is confident his team can do the task even without him.

"We will show up with the players we had and try to give it our best shot in winning the championship," said Black, who hopes to lead Ateneo to a championship in three tournaments played this year and the first PCCL title since 2007.

But FEU is out to spoil that plan and try to win a record third PCCL crown since it was launched in 2002.

For FEU to win, coach Glenn Capacio must draw huge numbers from rookie guard RR Garcia.

After exploding for 22 points, including 12 in the payoff, in Game 1, Garcia was held to just two points on 1-of-6 shooting.

The RP mainstays, Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling, as well as Reil Cervantes and Paul Sanga must also deliver to have a fair chance of beating the Eagles.

Game on Sunday (Ynares Sports Arena)
3:30 p.m. — FEU vs. Ateneo

Eagles, Tamaraws duel for Champs title

The title as to who is the country’s premier collegiate squad will be known Sunday as UAAP champion Ateneo and Far Eastern University clash in the deciding Game 3 of their 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League title series at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

With that as the ultimate prize, expect both the Eagles and Tamaraws to raise their game to another level when they tangle at 3:30 p.m.

The Blue Eagles, out complete a dream season, forced a rubber match in their best-of-three title series by scoring a murderous 90-63 win in Game 2 last Thursday.

This win came a day after the Morayta-based squad came back from a 14-point first-half deficit and six heading into the final canto for a stunning 75-70 victory in the series opener.

After days of speculation as to whether he will play or not, 6-foot-5 big man Nonoy Baclao will suit up in Sunday's action after the ASEAN Basketball League's Philippine Patriots gave him permission to suit up for this all-important affair. The Patriots will play the Brunei Barracudas today in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Although Ateneo will play without 6-foot-6 Rabeh Al-Hussaini because of his stint with the Smart Gilas national team, coach Norman Black is confident his team can do the task even without him.

"We will show up with the players we had and try to give it our best shot in winning the championship," said Black, who hopes to lead Ateneo to a championship in three tournaments played this year and the first PCCL title since 2007.

But FEU is out to spoil that plan and try to win a record third PCCL crown since it was launched in 2002.

For FEU to win, coach Glenn Capacio must draw huge numbers from rookie guard RR Garcia.

After exploding for 22 points, including 12 in the payoff, in Game 1, Garcia was held to just two points on 1-of-6 shooting.

The RP mainstays, Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling, as well as Reil Cervantes and Paul Sanga must also deliver to have a fair chance of beating the Eagles.

Game on Sunday (Ynares Sports Arena)
3:30 p.m. — FEU vs. Ateneo

Eagles forces Do-or-Die

Reigning back-to-back UAAP champion Ateneo bounced back from a Game One defeat for a resounding 90-63 rout of Far Eastern U yesterday to force a sudden death for the Philippine Collegiate Champions League crown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Eagles worked on their vaunted pressing defense to take the sting out of the Tams in the early going of the contest then leaned on Nico Salva’s superb shooting to fashion out the easy victory.

Salva, tipped to take charge for Ateneo next year with the graduation of several key players, came away with a game-high 26 points, including 13 in the first half when the Eagles overcame a 15-17 deficit in the first quarter to seize a 42-33 lead at the turn.

The Loyola-based squad sustained its form at resumption, scoring in bunches in transition behind a stifling defense to virtually put the outcome beyond doubt at 69-49 entering the fourth quarter.

“We played much better defense this time. We didn’t even pay attention to our offense in preparing for this game,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Salva’s awesome offense more than made up for the absence of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who was sorely missed in the Eagles’ 70-75 loss to the Tams in the opener of the best-of-three series last Wednesday.

It was practically over as early in the third quarter when the Eagles turned a nine-point halftime lead into a huge 20-point advantage going into the final 10 minutes of play.

Salva then teamed up again with Eric Salamat, who finished with 20 points, as they went into a scoring spree in the fourth quarter.

“He (Salva) played a career game, I’m happy for him,” said Black.

The winner-take-all match is set Sunday, a day after Ateneo celebrates its 150th anniversary.

“It means we will not be celebrating much. We’ll be there but we will rest early for Sunday’s game,” said Black.

Aside from Al-Hussaini, Noy Baclao is also a doubtful starter in Game Three because of a previous commitment with the Philippine Patriots, who face off with the Brunei Barracudas in Brunei, in the ABL, also on Sunday.

With Smart Gilas Pilipinas veteran Aldrech Ramos taking charge, the Tams took control early but just couldn’t pull away, settling for a two-point edge after the first quarter.

A triple by Chris Sumalinog, a floater by Salva and a foul shot by Ryan Buenafe against a basket each by MC Vinluan and JR Cawaling of FEU tied the count at 21 early in the second period.

Then Salva and Salamat combined in a telling 17-0 run to power the Tams to a 38-21 lead.

FEU, behind Cawaling, fought back on a 12-4 blitz as it cut the deficit to nine at the break.

The scores:

Ateneo 90 – Salva 26, Salamat 20, Baclao 11, Sumalinog 8, Buenafe 6, Long 5, Reyes 5, Gonzaga 3, Chua 2, Austria 2, Monfort 2, Golla 0, Burke 0, de Chavez 0, Tiongson 0

FEU 63 – Cawaling 18, Ramos 12, Cervantes 12, Sanga 8, Vinluan 4, Exciminiano 2, Knuttel 2, Manalo 2, Garcia 2, Noundou 1, Guerrero 0

Quartercores:15-17; 42-33; 69-49: 90-63

Eagles forces Do-or-Die

Reigning back-to-back UAAP champion Ateneo bounced back from a Game One defeat for a resounding 90-63 rout of Far Eastern U yesterday to force a sudden death for the Philippine Collegiate Champions League crown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Eagles worked on their vaunted pressing defense to take the sting out of the Tams in the early going of the contest then leaned on Nico Salva’s superb shooting to fashion out the easy victory.

Salva, tipped to take charge for Ateneo next year with the graduation of several key players, came away with a game-high 26 points, including 13 in the first half when the Eagles overcame a 15-17 deficit in the first quarter to seize a 42-33 lead at the turn.

The Loyola-based squad sustained its form at resumption, scoring in bunches in transition behind a stifling defense to virtually put the outcome beyond doubt at 69-49 entering the fourth quarter.

“We played much better defense this time. We didn’t even pay attention to our offense in preparing for this game,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Salva’s awesome offense more than made up for the absence of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who was sorely missed in the Eagles’ 70-75 loss to the Tams in the opener of the best-of-three series last Wednesday.

It was practically over as early in the third quarter when the Eagles turned a nine-point halftime lead into a huge 20-point advantage going into the final 10 minutes of play.

Salva then teamed up again with Eric Salamat, who finished with 20 points, as they went into a scoring spree in the fourth quarter.

“He (Salva) played a career game, I’m happy for him,” said Black.

The winner-take-all match is set Sunday, a day after Ateneo celebrates its 150th anniversary.

“It means we will not be celebrating much. We’ll be there but we will rest early for Sunday’s game,” said Black.

Aside from Al-Hussaini, Noy Baclao is also a doubtful starter in Game Three because of a previous commitment with the Philippine Patriots, who face off with the Brunei Barracudas in Brunei, in the ABL, also on Sunday.

With Smart Gilas Pilipinas veteran Aldrech Ramos taking charge, the Tams took control early but just couldn’t pull away, settling for a two-point edge after the first quarter.

A triple by Chris Sumalinog, a floater by Salva and a foul shot by Ryan Buenafe against a basket each by MC Vinluan and JR Cawaling of FEU tied the count at 21 early in the second period.

Then Salva and Salamat combined in a telling 17-0 run to power the Tams to a 38-21 lead.

FEU, behind Cawaling, fought back on a 12-4 blitz as it cut the deficit to nine at the break.

The scores:

Ateneo 90 – Salva 26, Salamat 20, Baclao 11, Sumalinog 8, Buenafe 6, Long 5, Reyes 5, Gonzaga 3, Chua 2, Austria 2, Monfort 2, Golla 0, Burke 0, de Chavez 0, Tiongson 0

FEU 63 – Cawaling 18, Ramos 12, Cervantes 12, Sanga 8, Vinluan 4, Exciminiano 2, Knuttel 2, Manalo 2, Garcia 2, Noundou 1, Guerrero 0

Quartercores:15-17; 42-33; 69-49: 90-63

Tamaraws take Game 1 of PCCL finals

Another epic comeback by the Tamaraws. Another heroic effort from RR Garcia. This seems to be the script Far Eastern University (FEU) is following in its magical ride in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

The Tamaraws took Game One of the best-of-three Finals, 75-70, against Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Garcia reprised his “savior” role as he unloaded 12 of his game-high 22 points in the fourth period to lead the FEU Tamraws to the come-from-behind win.

Playing decoy for the first 3 periods, Garcia exploded when it mattered the most, hitting 3 triples and 2 dagger treys to break the hearts of the UAAP back-to-back champion Ateneo Blue Eagles.

His last basket – a triple – in the last 2:03 mark gave the Tamaraws a 5-point cushion, 72-67, after starting the payoff period down by 6.

The Eagles never recovered, missing all their desperate 3-point attempts from then on. The Tamaraws iced the contest at the stripes to complete the comeback from several deficits that went as high as 12 points.

Garcia went 3-of-5 from long distance and added 8 rebounds and 5 assists in another sterling effort that drew raves from the Tamaraws’ coach Glenn Capacio.

“Kumpleto ang laro ni RR (Garcia). Matalino, ini-involve ang mga teammates niya at higit sa lahat, maganda ang attitude,” Capacio said of his prized guard from Zamboanga.

True enough, Garcia and 4 more other Tamaraws hit in double figures to underscore their collective effort to finally redeem themselves from a disappointing third place finish in the UAAP.

Paul Sanga pumped in 15 points while Reil Cervantes, who sprained his ankle midway in the third period, still wound up with 14 markers.

Pipo Noundou turned in a double-double effort of 12 points and 11 rebounds to fill up the slack of Smart Gilas standout Aldrech Ramos, who was out-of-sync with only a basket in 25 minutes. Another Smart Gilas player JR Cawaling chipped in 10 points to the Tamaraws’ well-balanced attack.

“After three years, nakikita ko na ang dapat kong makita. Magandang character ang nakikita ko ngayon sa team at sana tuloy-tuloy na,” said Capacio, who is in his third year with the team.

Outgoing senior Jai Reyes led the Eagles with 18 points, 12 coming in the first half but went cold in the closing minutes that hastened his team’s downfall.

The Eagles have only less than 24 hours to mount a comeback as Game 2 of t7he series will be played tomorrow (Thursday) 3:30 p.m. in the same venue.

Tickets are being sold for P200 at ringside while P50 at general admission. The games will be telecast live on Studio23 while replays will be aired on Balls Channel at 10 p.m.

The Scores:

FEU 75 – Garcia 22, Sanga 15, Cervantes 14, Noundou 12, Cawaling 10, Ramos 2, Guerrero 0, Exciminiano 0, Vinluan 0, Knuttel 0, Manalo 0.

ADMU 70 – Reyes 18, Salva 14, Sumalinog 11, Baclao 7, Golla 6, Buenafe 6, Salamat 6, Long 2, Chua 0, Austria 0, Monfort 0.

Quarters: 12-24, 37-39, 54-60, 75-70.

Tamaraws take Game 1 of PCCL finals

Another epic comeback by the Tamaraws. Another heroic effort from RR Garcia. This seems to be the script Far Eastern University (FEU) is following in its magical ride in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

The Tamaraws took Game One of the best-of-three Finals, 75-70, against Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Garcia reprised his “savior” role as he unloaded 12 of his game-high 22 points in the fourth period to lead the FEU Tamraws to the come-from-behind win.

Playing decoy for the first 3 periods, Garcia exploded when it mattered the most, hitting 3 triples and 2 dagger treys to break the hearts of the UAAP back-to-back champion Ateneo Blue Eagles.

His last basket – a triple – in the last 2:03 mark gave the Tamaraws a 5-point cushion, 72-67, after starting the payoff period down by 6.

The Eagles never recovered, missing all their desperate 3-point attempts from then on. The Tamaraws iced the contest at the stripes to complete the comeback from several deficits that went as high as 12 points.

Garcia went 3-of-5 from long distance and added 8 rebounds and 5 assists in another sterling effort that drew raves from the Tamaraws’ coach Glenn Capacio.

“Kumpleto ang laro ni RR (Garcia). Matalino, ini-involve ang mga teammates niya at higit sa lahat, maganda ang attitude,” Capacio said of his prized guard from Zamboanga.

True enough, Garcia and 4 more other Tamaraws hit in double figures to underscore their collective effort to finally redeem themselves from a disappointing third place finish in the UAAP.

Paul Sanga pumped in 15 points while Reil Cervantes, who sprained his ankle midway in the third period, still wound up with 14 markers.

Pipo Noundou turned in a double-double effort of 12 points and 11 rebounds to fill up the slack of Smart Gilas standout Aldrech Ramos, who was out-of-sync with only a basket in 25 minutes. Another Smart Gilas player JR Cawaling chipped in 10 points to the Tamaraws’ well-balanced attack.

“After three years, nakikita ko na ang dapat kong makita. Magandang character ang nakikita ko ngayon sa team at sana tuloy-tuloy na,” said Capacio, who is in his third year with the team.

Outgoing senior Jai Reyes led the Eagles with 18 points, 12 coming in the first half but went cold in the closing minutes that hastened his team’s downfall.

The Eagles have only less than 24 hours to mount a comeback as Game 2 of t7he series will be played tomorrow (Thursday) 3:30 p.m. in the same venue.

Tickets are being sold for P200 at ringside while P50 at general admission. The games will be telecast live on Studio23 while replays will be aired on Balls Channel at 10 p.m.

The Scores:

FEU 75 – Garcia 22, Sanga 15, Cervantes 14, Noundou 12, Cawaling 10, Ramos 2, Guerrero 0, Exciminiano 0, Vinluan 0, Knuttel 0, Manalo 0.

ADMU 70 – Reyes 18, Salva 14, Sumalinog 11, Baclao 7, Golla 6, Buenafe 6, Salamat 6, Long 2, Chua 0, Austria 0, Monfort 0.

Quarters: 12-24, 37-39, 54-60, 75-70.

Ateneo arranges all-UAAP final in Champions League

Two-time defending UAAP champion Ateneo bucked the absence of its star players finding enough strength in the fourth quarter to trounce bitter NCAA rival San Beda in the other semis match in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

The Blue Eagles went on a shooting clinic in the payoff period to defeat undermanned San Beda, 81-69, Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City to arrange an all-UAAP title showdown with Far Eastern University for the PCCL national title.

Reserve Oping Sumalinog combined with starters Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat in a big fourth quarter three-point shooting rampage as the Blue Eagles broke the game wide open to reach the national finals for the third consecutive season.

Ateneo won despite playing sluggish two months after its UAAP title conquest over University of the East and playing minus star big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

The 6-foot-6 Al-Hussaini, who bagged the 2008 UAAP Most Valuable Player and this season's Finals MVP honors, is currently concentrating on his commitments with the Smart Gilas RP national team.

"We're still not complete but we'll just do the best we can in the championship," said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Sumalinog, Reyes and Salamat led the Loyola-based squad with 14 points apiece while Ryan Buenafe added 13 markers, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in 19 minutes on the floor.

They combined to hit all of the team's nine three-pointers off 24 attempts and was glad to win despite committing 21 turnovers.

"We turned the ball over 21 times but good thing San Beda committed 26 turnovers," Black added.

Ateneo was ahead by just six points, 65-59, with less than six minutes left before Reyes nailed a three-pointer. Salamat followed suit with two treys while Buenafe completed the rout with a triple for a 79-64 lead with just 1:40 to go.

The best-of-three title series between the Eagles and Tamaraws will begin on Wednesday with the former seeking their second title overall while the latter going for a record third championship.

Garvo Lanete led the way for San Beda with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting while Bam Gamalinda nearly had his third straight double-double finishing with 13 points and nine boards.

Rookie Rome Dela Rosa came off the bench scoring 12 points in 24 minutes of action.

The Mendiola-based squad actually led 30-22 in the second quarter only for Ateneo to mount a comeback to trail 39-34 at the half.

But San Beda pulled within 48-46 with 3:35 left in the third on a Dela Rosa lay-up before Ateneo pulled away for good.

The Red Lions suited up with just 10 players and missed the services of American import Sudan Daniel (right foot) and Borgie Hermida (deep cut above his right eye).

San Beda and San Sebastian will play in a one-game showdown for third place, also on Wednesday, in a rematch of the NCAA finals won by the Stags.

Scores

Ateneo 81 – Sumalinog 14, Reyes 14, Salamat 14, Buenafe 13, Baclao 11, Salva 8, Long 5, Golla 2, Gonzaga 0, Chua 0, Austria 0, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0.

San Beda 69 – Lanete 15, Gamalinda 13, dela Rosa 12, Caram 8, Marcelo 7, Tecson 5, Villanueva 3, Solera 2, Lim 2, Pascual 2.

Quarter scores: 12-18; 39-34; 58-53; 81-69.

Games on Wednesday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — San Sebastian vs San Beda (3rd Place)
4 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (Finals Game 1)

Ateneo arranges all-UAAP final in Champions League

Two-time defending UAAP champion Ateneo bucked the absence of its star players finding enough strength in the fourth quarter to trounce bitter NCAA rival San Beda in the other semis match in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

The Blue Eagles went on a shooting clinic in the payoff period to defeat undermanned San Beda, 81-69, Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City to arrange an all-UAAP title showdown with Far Eastern University for the PCCL national title.

Reserve Oping Sumalinog combined with starters Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat in a big fourth quarter three-point shooting rampage as the Blue Eagles broke the game wide open to reach the national finals for the third consecutive season.

Ateneo won despite playing sluggish two months after its UAAP title conquest over University of the East and playing minus star big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

The 6-foot-6 Al-Hussaini, who bagged the 2008 UAAP Most Valuable Player and this season's Finals MVP honors, is currently concentrating on his commitments with the Smart Gilas RP national team.

"We're still not complete but we'll just do the best we can in the championship," said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Sumalinog, Reyes and Salamat led the Loyola-based squad with 14 points apiece while Ryan Buenafe added 13 markers, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in 19 minutes on the floor.

They combined to hit all of the team's nine three-pointers off 24 attempts and was glad to win despite committing 21 turnovers.

"We turned the ball over 21 times but good thing San Beda committed 26 turnovers," Black added.

Ateneo was ahead by just six points, 65-59, with less than six minutes left before Reyes nailed a three-pointer. Salamat followed suit with two treys while Buenafe completed the rout with a triple for a 79-64 lead with just 1:40 to go.

The best-of-three title series between the Eagles and Tamaraws will begin on Wednesday with the former seeking their second title overall while the latter going for a record third championship.

Garvo Lanete led the way for San Beda with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting while Bam Gamalinda nearly had his third straight double-double finishing with 13 points and nine boards.

Rookie Rome Dela Rosa came off the bench scoring 12 points in 24 minutes of action.

The Mendiola-based squad actually led 30-22 in the second quarter only for Ateneo to mount a comeback to trail 39-34 at the half.

But San Beda pulled within 48-46 with 3:35 left in the third on a Dela Rosa lay-up before Ateneo pulled away for good.

The Red Lions suited up with just 10 players and missed the services of American import Sudan Daniel (right foot) and Borgie Hermida (deep cut above his right eye).

San Beda and San Sebastian will play in a one-game showdown for third place, also on Wednesday, in a rematch of the NCAA finals won by the Stags.

Scores

Ateneo 81 – Sumalinog 14, Reyes 14, Salamat 14, Buenafe 13, Baclao 11, Salva 8, Long 5, Golla 2, Gonzaga 0, Chua 0, Austria 0, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0.

San Beda 69 – Lanete 15, Gamalinda 13, dela Rosa 12, Caram 8, Marcelo 7, Tecson 5, Villanueva 3, Solera 2, Lim 2, Pascual 2.

Quarter scores: 12-18; 39-34; 58-53; 81-69.

Games on Wednesday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — San Sebastian vs San Beda (3rd Place)
4 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (Finals Game 1)

FEU, Ateneo duel for title

Ateneo and Far Eastern University hammered out contrasting victories to arrange an all-UAAP finals Monday in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The back-to-back UAAP titlists Eagles dumped San Beda College, 81-69, while the Tamaraws came from behind to oust NCAA champion San Sebastian College in overtime, 86-83.

The best-of-three championship starts tomorrow at 4 p.m. after the 2 p.m. battle for third place between the Stags and the Red Lions, also at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Despite the absence of Smart Gilas mainstay Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the Blue Eagles went on a shooting spree in the fourth quarter to win pulling away.

"We're hoping to play a little bit better unlike this game. We're still not complete but we'll just do the best we can in the finals," said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Oping Sumalinog, Jai Reyes, and Eric Salamat fired 14 points each, with Ryan Buenafe adding 13 points to lead the Eagles. They combined for all the nine treys converted by the Eagles, most of them in the payoff period.

But while the Eagles had an easy sailing in claiming the second finals berth, the Tamaraws needed a late comeback anchored behind 5-foot-11 guard RR Garcia to hammer out the victory.

Garcia banged in 17 points in the fourth and extra periods to bring back life to the Tamaraws, who trailed the Stags by as much as eight points late in regulation period.

Garcia finished with 28 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals in 40 minutes of action.

“Grabe ang pinapakitang character ng mga players ko. Down kami ulit pero hindi pa rin sila bumigay at natutuwa ako at nagma-mature sila,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio, whose team is looking to win the national championship for a record third time.

FEU, which came back from a six-point deficit in the final two minutes of its game against University of the East in the Elite Eight, exploded a 10-0 bomb to turn a 61-69 deficit to a 71-69 lead with 20 second remaining in regulation.

Ronald Pascual sent the game into extra period with an alley-oop from a pass by Jimbo Aquino.

The Tamaraws, with Garcia hitting back-to-back treys and Cawaling adding another one, raced to an 82-77 lead with 2:27 left in overtime.

San Sebastian fought back with three straight baskets to grab the lead anew, 83-82, 1:24 to go.

But as fate would have it, the Stags failed to but another basket from there allowing the Tamaraws to come through with a 4-0 windup for the win.

Reil Cervantes added 18 points and seven rebounds while Smart Gilas mainstay JR Cawaling contributed 14 points despite a 4-of-11 shooting.


First Game

FEU 86 — Garcia 28, Cervantes 18, Cawaling 14, Ramos 7, Exciminiano 7, Knuttel 4, Noundou 4, Vinluan 2, Sanga 2, Guerrero 0.

SSC 83 — Aquino 23, Pascual 16, del Rio 12, Raymundo 12, Abueva 9, Sangalang 7, Maconocido 4, Semira 0, Najorda 0, Bulawan 0.

Quarters: 20-11, 33-31, 53-55, 71-71 (Reg.), 86-83 (OT).

Second Game

ATENEO 81 — Sumalinog 14, Reyes 14, Salamat 14, Buenafe 13, Baclao 11, Salva 8, Long 5, Golla 2, Gonzaga 0, Chua 0, Austria 0, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0.

SAN BEDA 69 — Lanete 15, Gamalinda 13, dela Rosa 12, Caram 8, Marcelo 7, Tecson 5, Villanueva 3, Solera 2, Lim 2, Pascual 2.

Quarters: 12-18, 39-34, 58-53, 81-69.

Games on Wednesday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — San Sebastian vs San Beda (3rd Place)
4 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (Finals Game 1)

FEU, Ateneo duel for title

Ateneo and Far Eastern University hammered out contrasting victories to arrange an all-UAAP finals Monday in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The back-to-back UAAP titlists Eagles dumped San Beda College, 81-69, while the Tamaraws came from behind to oust NCAA champion San Sebastian College in overtime, 86-83.

The best-of-three championship starts tomorrow at 4 p.m. after the 2 p.m. battle for third place between the Stags and the Red Lions, also at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Despite the absence of Smart Gilas mainstay Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the Blue Eagles went on a shooting spree in the fourth quarter to win pulling away.

"We're hoping to play a little bit better unlike this game. We're still not complete but we'll just do the best we can in the finals," said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Oping Sumalinog, Jai Reyes, and Eric Salamat fired 14 points each, with Ryan Buenafe adding 13 points to lead the Eagles. They combined for all the nine treys converted by the Eagles, most of them in the payoff period.

But while the Eagles had an easy sailing in claiming the second finals berth, the Tamaraws needed a late comeback anchored behind 5-foot-11 guard RR Garcia to hammer out the victory.

Garcia banged in 17 points in the fourth and extra periods to bring back life to the Tamaraws, who trailed the Stags by as much as eight points late in regulation period.

Garcia finished with 28 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals in 40 minutes of action.

“Grabe ang pinapakitang character ng mga players ko. Down kami ulit pero hindi pa rin sila bumigay at natutuwa ako at nagma-mature sila,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio, whose team is looking to win the national championship for a record third time.

FEU, which came back from a six-point deficit in the final two minutes of its game against University of the East in the Elite Eight, exploded a 10-0 bomb to turn a 61-69 deficit to a 71-69 lead with 20 second remaining in regulation.

Ronald Pascual sent the game into extra period with an alley-oop from a pass by Jimbo Aquino.

The Tamaraws, with Garcia hitting back-to-back treys and Cawaling adding another one, raced to an 82-77 lead with 2:27 left in overtime.

San Sebastian fought back with three straight baskets to grab the lead anew, 83-82, 1:24 to go.

But as fate would have it, the Stags failed to but another basket from there allowing the Tamaraws to come through with a 4-0 windup for the win.

Reil Cervantes added 18 points and seven rebounds while Smart Gilas mainstay JR Cawaling contributed 14 points despite a 4-of-11 shooting.


First Game

FEU 86 — Garcia 28, Cervantes 18, Cawaling 14, Ramos 7, Exciminiano 7, Knuttel 4, Noundou 4, Vinluan 2, Sanga 2, Guerrero 0.

SSC 83 — Aquino 23, Pascual 16, del Rio 12, Raymundo 12, Abueva 9, Sangalang 7, Maconocido 4, Semira 0, Najorda 0, Bulawan 0.

Quarters: 20-11, 33-31, 53-55, 71-71 (Reg.), 86-83 (OT).

Second Game

ATENEO 81 — Sumalinog 14, Reyes 14, Salamat 14, Buenafe 13, Baclao 11, Salva 8, Long 5, Golla 2, Gonzaga 0, Chua 0, Austria 0, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0.

SAN BEDA 69 — Lanete 15, Gamalinda 13, dela Rosa 12, Caram 8, Marcelo 7, Tecson 5, Villanueva 3, Solera 2, Lim 2, Pascual 2.

Quarters: 12-18, 39-34, 58-53, 81-69.

Games on Wednesday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — San Sebastian vs San Beda (3rd Place)
4 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (Finals Game 1)

Eagles, Stags out to forge title clash

Ateneo and San Sebastian seek to arrange a title clash between the UAAP and NCAA champions as they take on San Beda and Far Eastern U in the Final Four of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City today.

But to forge a dream showdown, the Eagles and the Stags need to hurdle two tough rivals out to spoil their bid and bolster each other’s drive for the championship.

The reigning back-to-back UAAP champion Eagles battle the Red Lions, whose four-peat bid in the NCAA was foiled by the Stags, in the main game at 4 p.m.

The Stags, on the other hand, face off with the Tams, backstopped by a couple of members of the Smart Gilas developmental team, in an equally interesting semis duel set at 2 p.m.

Victories by Ateneo and San Sebastian will set the stage for the collision of the season’s best squads in a best-of-three series expected to go down-to-the-wire starting Wednesday.

The Eagles rode on American guard Kirk Long’s 19-point effort in turning back the Santo Tomas Tigers, 81-72, while the Stags leaned on NCAA finals MVP Jimbo Aquino’s 18-point explosion in blasting the Letran Knights, 84-65, in Friday’s quarterfinals.

Led by American behemoth Sudan Daniel, the Lions edged the Mapua Cardinals, 77-75, to clinch the first semis berth while the Tams, headed by Smart Gilas Pilipinas veterans Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling, edged the University of the East Warriors, 86-85.

PLDT, Smart, The Philippine STAR, ABS-CBN, Pagcor and Molten are the tournament’s chief backers.

Ateneo and San Beda were actually tipped to clash in last year’s title duel but La Salle came in to spoil the championship clash by beating the Lions then trouncing the Eagles for the crown.

Eagles, Stags out to forge title clash

Ateneo and San Sebastian seek to arrange a title clash between the UAAP and NCAA champions as they take on San Beda and Far Eastern U in the Final Four of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City today.

But to forge a dream showdown, the Eagles and the Stags need to hurdle two tough rivals out to spoil their bid and bolster each other’s drive for the championship.

The reigning back-to-back UAAP champion Eagles battle the Red Lions, whose four-peat bid in the NCAA was foiled by the Stags, in the main game at 4 p.m.

The Stags, on the other hand, face off with the Tams, backstopped by a couple of members of the Smart Gilas developmental team, in an equally interesting semis duel set at 2 p.m.

Victories by Ateneo and San Sebastian will set the stage for the collision of the season’s best squads in a best-of-three series expected to go down-to-the-wire starting Wednesday.

The Eagles rode on American guard Kirk Long’s 19-point effort in turning back the Santo Tomas Tigers, 81-72, while the Stags leaned on NCAA finals MVP Jimbo Aquino’s 18-point explosion in blasting the Letran Knights, 84-65, in Friday’s quarterfinals.

Led by American behemoth Sudan Daniel, the Lions edged the Mapua Cardinals, 77-75, to clinch the first semis berth while the Tams, headed by Smart Gilas Pilipinas veterans Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling, edged the University of the East Warriors, 86-85.

PLDT, Smart, The Philippine STAR, ABS-CBN, Pagcor and Molten are the tournament’s chief backers.

Ateneo and San Beda were actually tipped to clash in last year’s title duel but La Salle came in to spoil the championship clash by beating the Lions then trouncing the Eagles for the crown.

Ateneo rips UST, enters PCCL Elite 8

The Ateneo Blue Eagles utilized championship experience in beating the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers, 81-72, in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champion’s League (PCCL) Elite Eight at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Eagles turned the heat in the second half to repeat over the Tigers, whom they easily eliminated in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Final Four.

The game saw both teams leaning on their rising stars as UAAP Finals MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini (Ateneo) and UAAP Season MVP Dylan Ababou (UST) missed this match, due to a conflict with the Smart Gilas-RP Team schedule.

American guard Kirk Long and big man Justin Chua, who is tipped to fill in Al-Hussaini’s spot, combined for 34 points, including 9 in the fourth period where the Eagles broke away from a tight 58-56 lead.

Long hit 19 points while Chua had a double-double to the tune of 15 markers and 14 boards.

UST tried to stage a comeback behind Bantay Bata All-Star Slam Dunk king Allein Maliksi, who poured in 10 of his career-high 25 points in the payoff period, but fell short.

It was a sorry loss for the Tigers, who led in the first half, with the UAAP Rookie of the Year Jeric Teng piling up 10 points.

The Eagles, however, put the clamps on Teng and Khasim Mirza in the second half.

Teng was held scoreless while Mirza only hit a single three-pointer in the last two periods. Mirza, who played his last game as a Tiger, wound up with only 9 points, a far cry from his 23-point and 11-rebound performance against the JRU Heavy Bombers in Ormoc City.

The Eagles, back-to-back champions in the UAAP, moved on to the Final Four and will meet NCAA runner-up and former three-time champion San Beda Red Lions on Monday.

The Scores:

ADMU 81 – Long 19, Chua 15, Salamat 13, Sumalinog 10, Baclao 9, Gonzaga 8, Salva 4, Reyes 3, Monfort 0.

UST 72 – Maliksi 25, Bautista 12, Teng 10, Mirza 9, Mariano 5, Fortuna 5, Afuang 4, Camus 2, Marquez 0, Felix 0.

Quarters: 19-23, 38-42, 58-56, 81-72.

Ateneo rips UST, enters PCCL Elite 8

The Ateneo Blue Eagles utilized championship experience in beating the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers, 81-72, in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champion’s League (PCCL) Elite Eight at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Eagles turned the heat in the second half to repeat over the Tigers, whom they easily eliminated in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Final Four.

The game saw both teams leaning on their rising stars as UAAP Finals MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini (Ateneo) and UAAP Season MVP Dylan Ababou (UST) missed this match, due to a conflict with the Smart Gilas-RP Team schedule.

American guard Kirk Long and big man Justin Chua, who is tipped to fill in Al-Hussaini’s spot, combined for 34 points, including 9 in the fourth period where the Eagles broke away from a tight 58-56 lead.

Long hit 19 points while Chua had a double-double to the tune of 15 markers and 14 boards.

UST tried to stage a comeback behind Bantay Bata All-Star Slam Dunk king Allein Maliksi, who poured in 10 of his career-high 25 points in the payoff period, but fell short.

It was a sorry loss for the Tigers, who led in the first half, with the UAAP Rookie of the Year Jeric Teng piling up 10 points.

The Eagles, however, put the clamps on Teng and Khasim Mirza in the second half.

Teng was held scoreless while Mirza only hit a single three-pointer in the last two periods. Mirza, who played his last game as a Tiger, wound up with only 9 points, a far cry from his 23-point and 11-rebound performance against the JRU Heavy Bombers in Ormoc City.

The Eagles, back-to-back champions in the UAAP, moved on to the Final Four and will meet NCAA runner-up and former three-time champion San Beda Red Lions on Monday.

The Scores:

ADMU 81 – Long 19, Chua 15, Salamat 13, Sumalinog 10, Baclao 9, Gonzaga 8, Salva 4, Reyes 3, Monfort 0.

UST 72 – Maliksi 25, Bautista 12, Teng 10, Mirza 9, Mariano 5, Fortuna 5, Afuang 4, Camus 2, Marquez 0, Felix 0.

Quarters: 19-23, 38-42, 58-56, 81-72.

Eagles, Stags reach Final 4

MANILA, Philippines - UAAP champion Ateneo and NCAA titlist San Sebastian lived up to their billing as favorites, asserting their might versus Santo Tomas and Letran to make the Final Four of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Arena in Pasig yesterday.

The Blue Eagles pounded the Tigers in the final period and hacked out an 81-72 victory that sent them to the semifinal round against the San Beda Red Lions.

The Stags, meanwhile, buckled down to work early and dominated a badly crippled Letran side for an 84-65 win that lined them up for a semis duel with the FEU Tamaraws.

The semifinal matches are slated Monday, determining the two schools which will slug it out for the national crown and the cash prize of P.5 million in the event sponsored by PLDT, Smart, ABS-CBN, Pagcor, The Philippine STAR and Molten.

Kirk Long put in 19 points on six-of-11 field-goal shooting while Justin Chua had double-double numbers with 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Eagles walloped the Tigers even in the absence of two key players in Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Ryan Buenafe.


Minus Al-Hussaini and Buenafe, the Eagles still lorded it over the boards, getting 16 more rebounds and 10 more fast break points than the Tigers.

Allen Maliksi made a game-high 25 points while Dylan Ababou was also out, joining Al-Hussaini, Buenafe and the rest of the Smart Gilas team in a game versus Alaska Milk in the PBA over at the Araneta Coliseum.

San Sebastian, with an intact lineup, had an easy time disposing off Letran in their own quarters tiff.

The Knights hardly got a chance versus the Stags as they played minus key players RJ Jazul, Rey Guevarra and Junjun Alas.

After yielding the first basket to the Knights, the Stags answered with a 10-0 roll, closed the opening quarter at 31-10 and refused to slow down till the end.

The Stags rediscovered their form after struggling for a 76-68 overtime win over the San Carlos Warriors in Ormoc, Leyte Monday.

Jimbo Aquino, the NCAA MVP awardee, personally set the tone of the rout early as he went 6-of-6 for 14 points in the opening quarter.

Aquino and his teammates stayed hot and composed throughout the match marred by seven flagrant fouls.

“We really wanted to win that’s why we kept our composure and never retaliated even as we’re hit by our opponents,” said SSC center Ian Sangalang.

First Game

Ateneo 81 – Long 19, Chua 15, Salamat 13, Sumalinog 10, Baclao 9, Gonzaga 8, Salva 4, Reyes 3, Monfort 0.

UST 72 – Maliksi 25, Bautista 12, Teng 10, Mirza 9, Mariano 5, Fortuna 5, Afuang 4, Camu 2, Marquez 0, Felix 0.

Quarterscores: 19-23, 38-42, 58-56, 81-72

Second Game

San Sebastian 84 – Aquino 18, Sangalang 16, Pascual 11, Abueva 8, Semira 7, Del Rio 6, Raymundo 6, Maconocido 4, Najorda 3, Gatchalian E. 2, Marquez 2, Bulawan 1, Gatchalian j. 0.

Letran 65 – Belencion 18, Del Rosario 14, Foronda 11, Alas 8, Gutilban 5, Taplah 4, Cortez 3, Malabago 2, Tantin 0, Ang 0.

Quarterscores: 31-10, 52-23, 67-43, 84-65

Eagles, Stags reach Final 4

MANILA, Philippines - UAAP champion Ateneo and NCAA titlist San Sebastian lived up to their billing as favorites, asserting their might versus Santo Tomas and Letran to make the Final Four of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Arena in Pasig yesterday.

The Blue Eagles pounded the Tigers in the final period and hacked out an 81-72 victory that sent them to the semifinal round against the San Beda Red Lions.

The Stags, meanwhile, buckled down to work early and dominated a badly crippled Letran side for an 84-65 win that lined them up for a semis duel with the FEU Tamaraws.

The semifinal matches are slated Monday, determining the two schools which will slug it out for the national crown and the cash prize of P.5 million in the event sponsored by PLDT, Smart, ABS-CBN, Pagcor, The Philippine STAR and Molten.

Kirk Long put in 19 points on six-of-11 field-goal shooting while Justin Chua had double-double numbers with 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Eagles walloped the Tigers even in the absence of two key players in Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Ryan Buenafe.


Minus Al-Hussaini and Buenafe, the Eagles still lorded it over the boards, getting 16 more rebounds and 10 more fast break points than the Tigers.

Allen Maliksi made a game-high 25 points while Dylan Ababou was also out, joining Al-Hussaini, Buenafe and the rest of the Smart Gilas team in a game versus Alaska Milk in the PBA over at the Araneta Coliseum.

San Sebastian, with an intact lineup, had an easy time disposing off Letran in their own quarters tiff.

The Knights hardly got a chance versus the Stags as they played minus key players RJ Jazul, Rey Guevarra and Junjun Alas.

After yielding the first basket to the Knights, the Stags answered with a 10-0 roll, closed the opening quarter at 31-10 and refused to slow down till the end.

The Stags rediscovered their form after struggling for a 76-68 overtime win over the San Carlos Warriors in Ormoc, Leyte Monday.

Jimbo Aquino, the NCAA MVP awardee, personally set the tone of the rout early as he went 6-of-6 for 14 points in the opening quarter.

Aquino and his teammates stayed hot and composed throughout the match marred by seven flagrant fouls.

“We really wanted to win that’s why we kept our composure and never retaliated even as we’re hit by our opponents,” said SSC center Ian Sangalang.

First Game

Ateneo 81 – Long 19, Chua 15, Salamat 13, Sumalinog 10, Baclao 9, Gonzaga 8, Salva 4, Reyes 3, Monfort 0.

UST 72 – Maliksi 25, Bautista 12, Teng 10, Mirza 9, Mariano 5, Fortuna 5, Afuang 4, Camu 2, Marquez 0, Felix 0.

Quarterscores: 19-23, 38-42, 58-56, 81-72

Second Game

San Sebastian 84 – Aquino 18, Sangalang 16, Pascual 11, Abueva 8, Semira 7, Del Rio 6, Raymundo 6, Maconocido 4, Najorda 3, Gatchalian E. 2, Marquez 2, Bulawan 1, Gatchalian j. 0.

Letran 65 – Belencion 18, Del Rosario 14, Foronda 11, Alas 8, Gutilban 5, Taplah 4, Cortez 3, Malabago 2, Tantin 0, Ang 0.

Quarterscores: 31-10, 52-23, 67-43, 84-65