Kansas comeback stuns North Carolina for US college crown

NEW ORLEANS -- The University of Kansas staged the biggest comeback in the history of the US collegiate basketball national championship game to defeat North Carolina on Monday.

The top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks had trailed, 40-25, at half-time against the eighth-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

But a superb second-half performance saw Kansas reel in North Carolina to claim a dramatic 72-69 victory.

David McCormack and Jalen Wilson dragged Kansas over the line with 15 points apiece as North Carolina were outscored 47-29 in a pulsating second half.

Kansas had trailed by 16 points at one stage, and seemed to be heading towards defeat against a fired-up North Carolina team who were chasing a seventh title after wins in 1957, 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009 and 2017.

But Kansas star McCormack revealed the Jayhawks had never lost hope despite a daunting half-time deficit.

"I was in the locker room at half-time smiling to my teammates, they thought I was crazy. I just said 'Yo, we come out here in the second half and have fun, do what we was born to do, do what got us to this moment,'" McCormack said. "And we just executed."

McCormack nudged Kansas into a 70-69 lead after hauling in a rebound with 1:16 remaining, and then added another two-point basket to put the Jayhawks 72-69 ahead with 22.3 seconds on the clock.

There was still time for North Carolina's Caleb Love to attempt a game-tying three-pointer on the buzzer, but the air ball drifted harmlessly wide of the target as Kansas erupted in celebrations.

The Kansas comeback eclipsed the previous biggest mark from 1998, when Kentucky overturned a 10-point deficit to defeat Utah.

Agence France-Presse

'Coach K' says goodbye as North Carolina downs Duke in NCAA Final Four

LOS ANGELES -- North Carolina beat Duke University 81-77 on Saturday to reach the US collegiate basketball national championship game and bring the curtain down on Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's storied career.

The Final Four matchup at the Superdome in New Orleans between the fierce in-state rivals didn't disappoint.

University of North Carolina's Caleb Love scored the Tar Heels' last eight points in the final 24.8 seconds to end a game that featured 18 lead changes and 12 ties.

North Carolina booked a championship clash with the University of Kansas on Monday. 

The Jayhawks dominated Villanova, leading wire to wire in an 81-65 victory in the other semi-final.

Kansas snapped Villanova's nine-game winning streak and avenged a brutal 95-79 loss to the same team in a 2018 Final Four matchup.

They will play for the national title for the first time since 2012, when they lost to Kentucky in the championship. The Jayhawks last won the title in 2008.

North Carolina coach Hubert Davis could join Michigan's Steve Fisher in 1989 as the only first-year head coaches to win the national crown.

But the pre-game focus was on Krzyzewski, the 75-year-old veteran who had already announced this would be his last season and had hoped to lead the Blue Devils to the sixth NCAA title in his 42 years at the helm.

"Coach K," who also guided the United States to Olympic gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2016, was emotional toward the end of a 10-minute video tribute that played before the contest.

It featured a number of his former Duke players along with USA players including James Harden and Kevin Durant.

Krzyzewski departs with a record 1,202 coaching victories. He led Duke to titles in 1991, 1992, 2001, 2010 and 2015, and the five championships trail only the 10 won by legendary UCLA coach John Wooden.

His Blue Devils were up 74-73 with 1:24 to play after Wendell Moore's three-pointer.

But North Carolina's RJ Davis was fouled on the ensuing possession and hit both free throws to give the Tar Heels a one-point lead. Love drained a three-pointer to put North Carolina up by four with 28 seconds left.

"I wanted it bad," Love said after scoring 21 second-half points. "Playing Duke for the chance to get the national championship ... it's crazy that we're here right now."

Agence France-Presse

Baylor dominates Gonzaga to win NCAA crown

LOS ANGELES -- The Baylor Bears ended the Gonzaga Bulldogs' quest for an unbeaten NCAA championship season on Monday, clinching the US college basketball title with a 86-70 victory.

The Waco, Texas-based Baylor University team sealed their first ever "March Madness" title with a dominant performance against the Bulldogs, who were aiming to crown an undefeated season with a championship.

Monday's defeat at Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium came just two days after Gonzaga's exhilarating semi-final victory over UCLA on Saturday, when Jalen Suggs' buzzer-beater sealed a 93-90 win.

For long periods on Monday, it looked as if Gonzaga were still nursing a hangover from that win, with Baylor dominating in all departments to build a comfortable lead well before the end.

Jared Butler led the Baylor scoring with 22 points, seven assists and three rebounds, while MaCio Teague had 19 points with two rebounds.

Baylor laid the foundations for success with a blistering start, jumping into a 9-0 lead that they never relinquished.

The Bears had surged into a 19-point lead midway through the first half and also led by 20 points at one stage in the second.

Baylor Bears coach Scott Drew said the fast start reflected his team's "culture of joy."

"They came out and fed off of each other and got off to a great start, and defensively we're pretty good," Drew said.

"Our guys have been motivated all year. It's a player-led team. We're so blessed to have unbelievable leadership. We play with a culture of joy.

"If you're going to war and I'm coaching, then I'm taking these guys."

Gonzaga, meanwhile, were left shattered in defeat, with Saturday's hero Suggs -- who led the Bulldogs' scoring with 22 points -- in tears.

"We just couldn't get anything going, you have to give credit to Baylor," said Gonzaga coach Mark Few.

"They were just so aggressive defensively we couldn't get anything going on the offensive end. Hats off to them. They dominated both ends of the ball all night."

Few had words of solace for his players, who had won 31 straight games this season by an average of 22.4 points.

"You can't go 31-0 and get to the last night and get beat and feel bad about it," Few said. "It was an unbelievable run we've been on. I just said to them this will pass, and they've got to remember what an amazing accomplishment it was just getting to this point."

Agence France-Presse

La Salle Green Archers, CSB Blazers lend facilities to the homeless

MANILA, Philippines -- De La Salle University's Enrique Razon Sports Complex is best known as the training facility for their sports teams, and has hosted many UAAP events.

The covered courts of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB), meanwhile, is the stomping grounds of the Blazers.

In the face of the crisis, however, both venues have been transformed into shelters for the homeless amidst the enhanced community quarantine that is currently in place in Metro Manila. 

Both schools are working with the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center in providing a haven for the less fortunate.

"The AJ Kalinga Center is serving the homeless regularly. Their main ministry is providing food and free showers for the homeless," said La Salle's vice president for Lasallian mission Fritzie De Vera.

"But now that we are under quarantine, they are looking for shelters for them. They worked with several schools to give them a safe space during the community quarantine."


As of Monday, there are 79 guests staying at Razon, and 80 in the CSB covered courts. Nearby St. Scholastica College in Manila also houses a number of guests.

There are volunteers from AJ Kalinga Center handling the guests on all sites.

To provide for the daily needs of the guests and the volunteers, the school is asking for donations either in kind or in cash.

"We are requesting for donations in kind or in cash. For donations in kind, we would appreciate cooked meals for them. The center is also providing meals which they get from the cash donations. We provide three meals a day," De Vera said.

Many have responded including a couple of donors who provided mattresses and protective gear, Chooks-to-Go who provided 50 packs of chicken for them, and La Salle's student government who provided vitamins which will last for 14 days.

In urgent need for the guests are pillows; two industrial rice cookers; two percolators for coffee; packs of garbage bags; medicines for first aid; small bath towels; clothes for men, women, and children; toiletries; and alcohol.

Donations are accepted through:

Cash donations can be deposited to the ff:

1) AJ KALINGA FOUNDATION INC.
 ASIA UNITED BANK 
 PESO SAVINGS ACCOUNT NO. 082-11-000496-2

2) PayPal 
 info@ajkalingafoundation.org

3) BPI (Congressional Road Branch)
 Savings Account No. 1959-3450-46

The Philippines has reported 501 cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday morning, with 33 fatalities.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

California governor moves to allow college athletes to be paid

LOS ANGELES -- The governor of California Gavin Newsom is spearheading a move to allow American college athletes be paid despite pushback from the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Newsom signed a bill Monday to allow US athletes to hire agents and make money from endorsements but the California bill won't come into effect for 27 months.

Newsom is hoping the bill, called Fair Pay to Play Act, has a domino effect.

"It's going to initiate dozens of other states to do similar legislation. And it's going to change college sports for the better by having now the interest, finally, of the athletes on par with the interests of the institutions," said Newsom. "Now we're rebalancing that power arrangement."

The bill, which comes into effect in January 2023, threatens to disrupt the business model of American college sports and in June, NCAA President Mark Emmert said if the bill became California law, schools in the state could be prohibited from participating in NCAA championships.

"As a membership organization, the NCAA agrees changes are needed to continue to support student-athletes, but improvement needs to happen on a national level through the NCAA's rules-making process," an NCAA spokesman said on Monday.

"Unfortunately, this new law already is creating confusion for current and future student-athletes, coaches, administrators and campuses, and not just in California."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

NCAA: Zion Williamson wins Naismith Player of Year award

LOS ANGELES -- Duke University star Zion Williamson was honoured with the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year award on Sunday after a dazzling freshman season in college basketball that is likely to make him the top pick in the NBA draft.

The 18-year-old Blue Devils phenom is only the third freshman to win the prestigious award, which has been handed out to the best player in men's college basketball every year since 1969.

"It is truly an honor to receive this and join such an elite list of former Blue Devils to have also won the award," Williamson said in a statement. 

"There were so many great players who could have won this award this year. I can't thank my teammates, coaches and family enough for helping me. This is a team award, and it's an honor for me to accept this on behalf of my brothers."

The only other players to win the Naismith in their first season of college basketball were Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant and New Orleans Pelicans ace Anthony Davis.

Previous winners of the trophy include Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Larry Bird, Bill Walton and Lew Alcindor.

Williamson averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season. Duke were knocked out of March Madness in the Elite Eight round of competition.

However the teenager's performances mean he is almost certain to be chosen as the top pick in this year's NBA Draft.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Fil-Am sets sights on NCAA finals in historic campaign

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- A rising college hoop star is aiming to be the second Filipino-American to win an NCAA championship in nearly half a century.

Virginia Cavaliers freshman point guard Kihei Clark hopes to tie with compatriot Raymond Townsend, whose UCLA Buins won the US collegiate basketball crown in 1975.

Clark has been a vital cog for the Virginia Cavaliers in this NCAA tournament, playing a crucial role in the final minutes with excellent defense and hitting clutch shots.

In the Cavaliers' last game in the Elite Eight vs Purdue, Clark made the game-tying assist to send the match into overtime and made the final two free throws that the sealed win.

"It's really exciting... There's no words that can explain the emotions as we're going through," Clark's Filipina mother, Sharon Simeon-Clark, told ABS-CBN News.

Clark's mother said she was praying for a miracle before her son made the game-tying assist.

"We're very proud of him. But oh my gosh, it was amazing! We couldn't even believe what just happened," she said.

Addressing Filipino fans, Clark said: "Thank you for the support I really appreciate the support I get out there, it means a lot to me to get so much support from the Philippines."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LaVar Ball launches league for players to skip college

LOS ANGELES -- Controversial NBA dad LaVar Ball told ESPN on Wednesday that he is starting a basketball league for high school graduates who don't want to attend college before launching an NBA career.

Ball says his Junior Basketball Association will be fully funded by his Big Baller Brand and seeks 80 players to fill 10 teams he hopes will play at NBA arenas in Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and New York.

"Getting these players is going to be easy," Ball told ESPN. "This is giving guys a chance to get a jump start on their career, to be seen by pro scouts and we're going to pay them because someone has got to pay these kids."

NBA rules say a player must wait one year after their high school class graduates before they can be taken in NBA draft, which has led to many top players going to college for only a single season before making the most to the NBA.

While colleges make millions of dollars from basketball television rights, players receive only tuition and scholarships from colleges under National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules.

Ball says his league's top player would make $10,000 a month and his lowest-ranked player would make $3,000 a month while displaying their skills for NBA scouts.

"Kids who are one-and-done, they shouldn't be there with the NCAA trying to hold them hostage, not allowing them to keep the jersey they wear while selling replicas of them in stores," Ball said. "So our guy isn't going to go to Florida State for a year. He's going to come to our league."

Ball says the league's logo is his son, Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, who played one year at the University of California, Los Angeles, going to the hoop for a dunk.

The league will not include LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball, who have signed with a Lithuanian club.

Players will wear uniforms and shoes with the Big Baller Brand.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

North Carolina beat Gonzaga for NCAA collegiate crown

LOS ANGELES -- The University of North Carolina Tar Heels, who fell agonizingly sort of the goal last year, beat the Gonzaga Bulldogs 71-65 on Monday to claim the coveted US collegiate basketball crown.

The Tar Heels won their sixth national title with the triumph at the University of Phoenix Stadium, where center Kennedy Meeks's block of a shot by Gonzaga's Nigel Williams-Goss set up a fastbreak dunk by North Carolina's Justin Jackson with 12 seconds to play that sealed the win.

Last year the Tar Heels' title bid was sunk by a last-second shot by Villanova's Kris Jenkins in the title game.

"They wanted redemption," said North Carolina coach Roy Williams, who became the sixth coach to win three or more NCAA championships.

"One of the things we had to be tonight was tough enough. I think this group was tough enough."

This year's championship showcase featured a welter of fouls and missed shots by both teams.

But it offered plenty of drama, with the outcome in doubt in the final minute.

Forward Isaiah Hicks's jump shot with 26 seconds left gave North Carolina a 68-65 lead before Williams-Goss, who had scored eight straight points for Gonzaga, was blocked on the other end.

North Carolina point guard Joel Berry made two free throws with seven seconds remaining to finish with a game-high 22 points.

Berry, who sprained both ankles during the tournament, made all four of North Carolina's three-pointers and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

"My teammates believed in me," he said. "My teammates said just keep on pushing. I couldn't do it without them. I wasn't 100 percent but I gave it my all."

Gonzaga, the small-school perennial contender who had made it to the Final Four for the first time in their 19th straight appearance in the national tournament, missed nine consecutive shots in the second half, going more than eight minutes without a basket.

North Caroline still couldn't deliver a decisive run, and it was a one-possession game for much of the second half, when foul trouble dogged both teams.

Meeks was whistled for his fourth foul with 9:42 remaining.

Gonzaga's Polish center Przemek Karnowski picked up his fourth with 8:20 remaining and finished the game just one of eight from the field for nine points.

Gonzaga's Zach Collins, hero of a semi-final win over South Carolina, fouled out with 5:03 left in the game.

Jackson scored 16 points, but missed all nine of his three-point attempts.

Williams-Goss finished with 15 points, but connected on just five of 17 from the field.


- 'National champs now' -

Gonzaga led 35-32 at halftime, but North Carolina hit them hard after the break.

A steal led to a layup for Berry, and two free-throws by Jackson had the Tar Heels in the lead 35 seconds into the second half.

Gonzaga coughed up two turnovers and missed their first five shots before coach Mark Few called a timeout with his team trailing 40-35.

The Bulldogs responded with an 8-0 scoring run of their own that included Karnowski's first points of the game, setting the stage for the tense battle to the finish.

"We came out here and we competed," Berry said. "It came down to the last second, but we're national champs now."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Kobe Paras to play for Creighton after UCLA exit

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino basketball star Kobe Paras will play NCAA Division 1 basketball for Creighton University after pulling out from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Paras announced on Twitter that he will "take my talents to Omaha, Nebraska" to play for the Blue Jays.

I would gladly want to announce that I am taking my talents to Omaha Nebraska.#17000Strong pic.twitter.com/dv7k6LTvLc

— Kobe™ (@Im_Not_Kobe) July 18, 2016

Paras originally committed to UCLA but had academic deficiencies according to the school's admission's department, despite passing the NCAA eligibility requirement.

The son of PBA legend Benjie Paras previously committed himself to UCLA after he was recruited by the university's program in 2014 while playing for the LA Cathedral.

But UCLA, which has produced NBA stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Reggie Miller, Zach LaVine and Kevin Love, announced in June that the young Paras has pulled out from the program.

A three-star recruit according to Rivals and ESPN, Paras played for Cathedral High School and the Compton Magic AAU team.

Creighton last made the NCAA Tournament in 2014. Among their alumni who have made it to the NBA are Kyle Korver of the Atlanta Hawks, Doug McDermott of the Chicago Bulls, and Anthony Tolliver of the Sacramento Kings.

The Blue Jays, who play in the Big East, open their 2016-2017 campaign on November 4 against Wayne State.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

CSB coach: 'We did the impossible'

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (CSB) head coach Michael Cariño could not hide his delight after his Lady Blazers completed an upset of San Sebastian College in the NCAA Season 91 women's volleyball Finals.

The Lady Blazers were the underdogs in the series as the Lady Stags entered the Finals with a 9-0 record and a thrice-to-beat advantage, a bonus given to them after their elimination round sweep. They had two-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones, who was determined to win her first NCAA crown after two failed tries.

Yet the Lady Blazers, using every inch of their height advantage and following their game plan to the letter, bucked the odds as they took the first two games of the series, recovered quickly from a four-set loss in the third game, and completed their mission with a four-set win in the do-or-die game.

"Finally, finally," Cariño told reporters after the game.


It was CSB's first indoor volleyball championship since entering the NCAA in 1998, having lost in the Finals in 2008 and 2009 – to San Sebastian.

Cariño said his team had to go through the so-called "eye of the needle" just to get to the Finals. As the fourth-seeded team in the semis, they had to beat University of Perpetual Help and defending champion Arellano University to set up a clash against San Sebastian.

"Sabi ko sa mga players ko kanina, maraming pwedeng mangyari sa araw na ito. Either uuwi tayo na luhaan, or gagawa tayo ng pinakamagandang history sa larangan ng volleyball sa NCAA at sa CSB," he said.

"Nagawa ng mga players ko. Sobrang tiyaga nila, sobrang lahat binigay ng mga players ko. Sobrang happy ako sa kanila."

It was not an easy win as San Sebastian battled hard even with Soltones having an off game. The Lady Blazers hacked out a 25-22, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22 win, but not before going through some nervous moments in the fourth set when the Lady Stags took a 20-18 lead.

"Sobrang tiwala ako, kasi first two sets pa lang, alam na namin na kaya namin ang kalaban," Cariño said. "Medyo nag-relax lang kami ng third set."

"After nag-timeout ni Coach Roger (Gorayeb late in the fourth set), nasabihan ko sila. Maganda ang pagkaka-deliver ko ng advice ko, na kailangan ma-control natin ang game para manalo tayo, at nagawa naman ng mga players ko," he added.

With San Sebastian threatening at 22-23, the Lady Blazers remained composed. San Sebastian's Jonah Corpuz committed a crucial service error, and off a scramble in the next play, it was CSB's Ranya Musa who had the presence of mind to take care of an over-received ball that dropped right between two San Sebastian players.

Cariño has made no secret of the fact that his team was inspired by the achievement of the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in the 2014 UAAP season, which saw them overcome De La Salle University in the Finals for their first title. Like San Sebastian, La Salle had a thrice-to-beat advantage after sweeping the eliminations.

Now, they have emulated Ateneo's feat and Cariño could not be happier.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe Paras gets scholarship offer from UCLA

MANILA, Philippines – Former La Salle Greenhills standout Kobe Paras has received a scholarship offer from NCAA Division 1 university UCLA, the most high-profile school to express interest in the young Filipino player so far.

Paras, through his Twitter account, retweeted tweets from @VerbalCommits, @Compton_Magic and @Team_Bayless saying he had picked up an offer from UCLA.

The report was later confirmed by the Los Angeles Times, who quoted Paras' coach at LA Cathedral as saying, "Kobe was very excited."

Paras starred for La Salle Greenhills in the junior division of the NCAA before moving to Los Angeles, where he will make his debut for LA Cathedral next month.

He first made waves for his stunning leaping ability, famously dunking past LeBron James during the NBA superstar's visit to Manila in 2013. Since then however he has grown to 6-foot-6 and improved his outside shot.

Aside from UCLA, Paras has also received offers from Arizona State, University of California-Berkley, UC Irvine, Portland State, Fresno State, and Texas Arlington.

Paras has yet to make official visits to any of the schools.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Van Opstal doubtful for La Salle's PCCL opener

MANILA, Philippines – Center Arnold Van Opstal may not be able to suit up for UAAP champions De La Salle in their first game of the 2013 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) against the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras on Monday.

The Green Archers, already seeded in the Final Four of the tournament after winning the UAAP crown, will take on the Southern champions in the first game of the round-robin semi-finals.

But they may have to do so without Van Opstal, who suffered an injury in practice and is considered day-to-day.

“He got bumped or hit by (fellow La Salle big man) Norbert (Torres) in his hip, so he’s recovering from that,” said DLSU head coach Juno Sauler. “He’s day-to-day.”

Van Opstal did not participate in Saturday’s charity game, “Champions for a Cause,” against NCAA champions San Beda – much to the disappointment of Red Lions center Ola Adeogun.

“I was looking forward to my match-up with Van Opstal, but he didn’t play in the game,” said Adeogun. “So maybe next time.”

San Beda and La Salle will face off again on Thursday, December 12 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Letran's Almazan named MVP, top defender

MANILA, Philippines -- Letran center Raymond Almazan has been named Most Valuable Player as well as Defensive Player of the Year of the NCAA Season 89 men's basketball tournament.

Almazan, who led Letran to a 14-4 record and the second-seed, had a total of 55.61 statistical points (SPs) to top the league.

Joining Almazan in the Mythical Five are: San Beda's Ola Adeogun (50.33 SPs), Perpetual's Harold Arboleda (46.78 SPs), Emilio Aguinaldo's Noube Happi (46.56 SPs) and Perpetual's Nosa Omorogbe (44.71 SPs).

Almazan also beat out Adeogun and Happi to win the Defensive Player of the Year award after averaging 7.83 defensive rebounds, a league-leading 2.72 blocks, and 0.61 steal per game for the Knights.

Almazan is in his final year for Letran and was recently selected by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft.

Perpetual Help's Juneric Baloria won the Rookie of the Year award, while Michael Mabulac of Jose Rizal University was named Most Improved Player.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Michigan, Louisville advance to NCAA Finals

MANILA, Philippines – The top-seeded Louisville Cardinals will battle the Michigan Wolverines for the national championship after they beat separate opponents in the Final Four of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

Tournament favorite Louisville rallied from a 12-point second half deficit to beat ninth-seeded Wichita State, 72-68, at the Georgia Dome.

It was the 15th victory in a row for the Cardinals, who were led by Russ Smith (21 points) and Luke Hancock (20 points).

Hancock fired a corner triple with 6:30 to go that gave Louisville their first lead of the second half. He hit another three-pointer with two minutes left to put the Cardinals on top.

He then found his way to the rim on two drives, part of a 25-9 Louisville run to end the game.

Cleanthony Early finished with 24 points for the Shockers, who were making their first appearance in the Final Four since 1965.

Meanwhile, Michigan reached the national championship game after beating Syracuse, 61-56.

The Wolverines, which feature national player of the year Trey Burke as well as several players with NBA lineage, advanced to the finals for the first time since 1993.

Tim Hardaway Jr. led Michigan with 13 points, while Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III both scored 10 points. Burke was limited to seven markers.

CJ Fair scored 22 points for the Orange.

Injured Louisville guard Kevin Ware, who broke his leg during the Cardinals’ Elite Eight win over Duke, made his way to the bench as time ticked down.

The Cardinals, who were making their 10th appearance in the Final Four, have won the national championship twice, in 1980 and 1986.

Meanwhile, Michigan is seeking its first national title since 1989. -- Reports from Reuters, Agence France-Presse

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Letran cruises to easy win over Lyceum

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights easily dumped the Lyceum Pirates, 76-60, in their second round meeting in Season 88 action of the NCAA at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Letran improved their record to 7-6 and kept their hopes for the final four alive. The Pirates, who are already out of contention, absorbed their eleventh loss, and their eighth straight, against just two wins.

The Knights were able to sweep their season series with the Pirates, even forcing their Intramuros neighbor to finish with the same output in their first meeting.

Right from tipoff, the Knights already asserted their domination over the Pirates after a hot 15-1 start in the first period, with 10 points coming from the feisty Kevin Alas.

Letran continued to toy with the Pirates in the second period, to the dismay of Lyceum coach Bonnie Tan. The ninth-year head tactician of the Pirates, who will be celebrating his birthday on Sunday, Sept 9, reportedly left the venue after the intermission due to undisclosed reasons.

Assistant coach Chris Brower took over the coaching chores in the second half for the Pirates, who were down by eighteen points at the end of two quarters.

The Knights continued their onslaught in the second half, even pushing their lead to its biggest at 27, 57-30, late in the third.

John Azores of the Lyceum Pirates was slapped with a disqualifying foul early in the third for throwing a punch on a Letran Knight.

“We had excellent defense in the first half. Ang problem lang namin is how to sustain it. Hindi pa ganun ka-deep ang bench ng kalaban, hindi kami pwedeng dumepensa ng ganun lang sa first half alone,” said Letran mentor Louie Alas.

“Sinabi ko kay Kevin, hangga’t hindi ka nag-e-error ng madami, dyan ka lang,” added Alas about his son Kevin, who finished the game with a game-high 30 points, alongside six boards and six assists.

The younger Alas had already scored career-highs of 31 points twice this season, first against San Sebastian on opening day and another in their 101-83 loss to JRU in the first round.

“Treatment nalang namin is per game. Yung fate namin, di kontrolado ng kabila. Ang goal na lang is to improve every game. Yung sa mga makakalaban namin na kaya namin talunin, dapat kaya din nila talunin yung mga nasa itaas na tinitrail namin,” added the Letran coach.

Raymond Almazan, who did not suit up in their first meeting with the Pirates finished the game with 15 points and nine rebounds. Kevin Racal chipped in nine points and eleven boards to Letran’s cause.

Dexter Zamora topscored for the Pirate with 16 followed by Shane Ko and Chris Cayabyab who contributed 14 apiece.

The Scores:

Letran (76) — K. Alas 30, Almazan 15, Cruz 10, Racal 9, Cortes 5, Lituania 2, Gabawan 2, Gabriel 2, Belorio 1, Luib 0.

Lyceum (60) — Zamora 16, Ko 14, Cayabyab 14, Garcia 2, Laude 2, Edding 2, Martinez 2, Guevarra 2, Mallari 2, Azores 2, Francisco 2, Ambohot 2, Pascual 0, Alanes 0.

Quarterscores: 17-10, 38-20, 59-36, 76-60.

source: interaksyon.com

Perpetual outlasts Saint Benilde to force tie for second place

The Perpetual Altas played one notch higher and completed a two-game season sweep on the Saint Benilde Blazers, 78-74, in Season 88 action of the NCAA at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

It was a far cry from the Altas’ 84-64 demolition job of the Blazers last July 19, but the result forced a triple tie between Perpetual, idle San Sebastian and JRU, who all have similar 7-3 slates.

Perpetual had the game in their favor right at the opening tip, with the Blazers playing with a crippled lineup sans Joel Tolentino, who will be serving a three-game ban, and Rhoel Maconocido, who is out for one game.

A strong team effort from the Altas in the third period gave them a 15-point lead over the Blazers.

In the final period, heroics from Saint Benilde’s Paolo Taha and the returning Carlo Lastimosa paved the way for the Blazers to come back into the game.

Down 73-61, an 11-0 spurt from Lastimosa and Taha brought the Blazers back within one, 73-72 with 1:33 left.

In the ensuing play, Chris Elopre committed a five-second inbound violation at midcourt. The ball went back to Saint Benilde but the struggling Blazers failed to convert on their end. As soon as Perpetual regained possession, veteran guard Jett Vidal pulled up from beyond the arc and connected on a triple that gave Perpetual a 76-72 lead with 43 ticks left.

Lastimosa quickly scored on their offensive end. With the match down to a two-possession game, Vidal launched another shot from long range but sorely missed. Femi Babayemi, though, happened to be at the right place that time as he won the loose ball over two Blazers.

“Lagi kong sinasabi, kahit lamang, wag magpapabaya. Tingnan nyo ang nangyari. Yung mga nasa ibaba na teams naghahabol yan. Ok lang siguro matalo sa top two teams, wag lang sa mga nasa ibaba,” said Perpetual coach Aric Del Rosario.

“Ayaw namin isipin ang final four kaagad dahil mawawala kami sa focus,” said Vidal, who is playing in his last collegiate year.

The Blazers dropped their seventh game against just three wins.

Late in the fourth, Ralph Deles of Saint Benilde was taken out of the venue in a stretcher. He was reportedly hit near the stomach, causing him pain.

The Scores:

Perpetual (78) — Vidal 21, Jolangcob 14, Omorogbe 11, Paulino 8, Thompson 7, Arboleda 7, Babayemi 4, Alano 4, Allen 2, Elopre 0.

Saint Benilde (74) — Lastimosa 23, Taha 14, Tan 10, Romero 9, Sinco 6, Bartolo 5, Grey 3, Altamirano 2, Deles 2, Ongteco 0, Garcia 0.

Quarterscores: 13-14, 41-31, 65-51, 78-74.

source: interaksyon.com

Saint Benilde survives overtime thriller against Arellano

Saint Benilde relied on the steady hands of their guards during crunchtime in order to survive the gritty Arellano Chiefs in overtime, 80-73, in the second out-of-town game of Season 88 of the NCAA at the Gov. San Luis Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Carlo Lastimosa and Paolo Taha provided clutch baskets as they avoided dropping their third straight assignment.

“It was an ugly win, we’re coming off two straight losses so the confidence of the boys are down, but ugly or not, we’ll take it,” said Blazers coach Richard del Rosario.

With Saint Benilde leading by three, 67-64, with 11 ticks left, Arellano guard Vergel Zulueta raced down court and connected on a long-distance shot with four seconds to go, sending the game into overtime.

But the fatigue factor took a toll on the Chiefs in the overtime period. The Blazers got some breathing space following a Carlo Lastimosa jumper and a Paolo Taha lay-up which pushed Saint Benilde’s lead up to six, 77-71. A Julius Cadavis lay-up brought Arellano back in the game but the Chiefs eventually missed three free throws to seal the deal for the Blazers in the extra period.

Lastimosa nailed three of his four free throws to close the game and to officially halt their two-game losing streak.

Lastimosa had 17 points while Paolo Taha had 12 points and 9 rebounds for the Taft-based Blazers. Seldom used Dexter Garcia also came in and gave the Blazers quality minutes as he posted 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, including 5 points in the crucial stretch of the fourth quarter.

“It’s all about getting the confidence of the boys back, right now we’re at the crossroads, it will determine if we’re going up in the standings or down at the standings,” del Rosario said. “We’re on survival mode right now.”

Levi Hernandez and Rocky Acidre led the Chiefs with 13 points apiece while Vergel Zulueta added 11 points 6 rebounds in a losing effort.

With the win, the Blazers move up to 3-4 while the Chiefs fell to 2-4.

The Scores:

Saint Benilde (80) – Lastimosa 17, Taha 12, Tolentino 10, Romero 8, Garcia 8, Grey 6, Sinco 6, Tan 6, Maconcido 2, Ongtenco 2, Altamirano 2, Bartolo 1, Deles 0, Carlos 0

Arellano (73) – Hernandez 13, Acidre 13, Zulueta 11, Forrester 10, Pinto 9, Cadavis 6, Caperal 5, Bangga 4, Salcedo 2.

Quarterscores: 18-18, 32-27, 42-44, 67-67(OT), 80-73 (final).

source: interaksyon.com

UAAP, NCAA cancel games due to bad weather

MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP and the NCAA cancelled today's collegiate basketball games due to heavy rains brought by tropical storm Ferdie.

Fr. Victor Calvo O.P. of NCAA host school Colegio de San Juan de Letran said the game between the Knights and the San Beda Red Lions, and the game between the Mapua Cardinals and the Arellano Chiefs are cancelled.

The Letran vs. San Beda and the Mapua vs. Arellano juniors basketball games have also been cancelled.

Calvo made the announcement around 9:40 a.m. Saturday. The games were supposed to be held at The Arena in San Juan.

Meanwhile, UAAP President Nilo Ocampo of the National University also cancelled today's afternoon games between the Adamson University and the University of the East, and between the University of Sto. Tomas and the University of the Philippines.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Perpetual cruises to rout of Saint Benilde

It was a walk in the park in the second half for the Perpetual Altas, who crushed Saint Benilde, 84-64, to gain a share of the lead with San Beda in Season 88 of the NCAA at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Sophomore Scott Thompson finished with a near triple-double, with 16 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and five steals across his name.

“Di ko inexpect na mararating namin ang ganito. Kasi sa FilOil, sa FMC nababasa kami. Sabi ko lang laro lang tayo baka sakali makatsamba,” said Perpetual coach Aric Del Rosario, who has turned the Altas into a contender.

“Sinabi ko din sa kanila na pag pinakawalan natin ang game na to, mababalewala ang ibang panalo natin.”

After a tight contest in the first two quarters, and a 36-all deadlock at the 7:48 mark of the third, the Altas found themselves getting easy baskets that pushed them to a 17-0 run that left the Blazers scoreless for over five minutes.

Thompson, alongside their reinforcements Femi Babayemi and Nosa Omorogbe, teamed up for that game-turning run.

The former doormat of the league led by as many as 19 before the end of the third. Perpetual’s biggest margin stood at 27, 80-53 with less than two minutes left in play.

Leading scorer Jett Vidal only had two points in the first half but erupted for 14 points in the second half, 12 of which came in the fourth.

“Hard-working ang batang ito at maganda ang ugali. Para siyang hindi napapagod, laging nag-weights at tumatakbo sa track,” said Del Rosario about the 19-year-old Thompson.

“Nagsisipag lang ako lagi, yung shooting lagi, and madalas, ako nauuna sa court and ako din huling umaalis,” said the Davao native Thompson, who makes it a point to join their Team B practice in the morning of a game day.

Jonathan Grey led the Blazers, who dropped their fourth game, with 13 points. Joel Tolentino and Mark Romero added 10 apiece.

The scores:

Perpetual (84) — Thompson 16, Vidal 16, Omorogbe 14, Paulino 11, Elopre 10, Babayemi 7, Arboleda 6, Asuncion 2, Allen 2, Cenita 0, Jolangcob 0, Alano 0.

St. Benilde (64) — Grey 13, Tolentino 10, Romero 10, Taha 7, Bartolo 6, Lastimosa 5, Sinco 4, Altamirano 3, Ongteco 2, Garcia 2, Carlos 2, Maconocido 0, Deles 0.

Quarterscores: 17-18, 29-32, 57-39, 84-64.

source: interaksyon.com