MANILA — Lyceum of the Philippines University clinched the final spot in the NCAA Season 100 Final Four with a hard-fought 82-81 victory over College of Saint Benilde on Friday (15 Nov 2024) at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
John Barba was the standout performer for the Pirates, scoring 27 points, including five three-pointers, and adding three steals.
“Nag-extend kami ng practice kahapon, natapos kami halos 10 p.m.,” said Barba, whose stellar performance propelled LPU to a 10-8 record.
The Pirates surged to a 39-23 lead in the first half before CSB mounted a comeback to trim the deficit to 46-42 at the break.
Barba was supported by John Bravo, who contributed 12 points and eight rebounds. Renz Villanueva, Mclaude Guadana, and Jonathan Daileg each added 11 points in a balanced attack.
CSB’s Allen Liwag was dominant, finishing with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists, while Jhom Justine Sanchez also had a solid performance with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
With the victory, Lyceum will face top-seeded Mapua University in the Final Four. CSB, now second with a 14-4 record, will meet defending champion San Beda University in the other semifinal matchup.
LPU head coach Gilbert Malabanan credited Barba’s shooting, saying, “He’s been practicing that.” Malabanan also shared their strategy heading into the game: “Ang game plan namin, kung makakalimit kami kay Liwag, malaking chance na manalo.”
CSB now awaits the outcome of Mapua’s game against Arellano University on Saturday to determine their semifinal opponent.
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MANILA – Clint Escamis delivered a dramatic game-winning three-pointer with just four seconds left, lifting Mapua University to a thrilling 75-73 win over College of Saint Benilde in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball action at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday.
Escamis, the reigning MVP, finished with 26 points, five assists, four rebounds, and one steal. His clutch shot, his third triple of the game, capped off a comeback effort by the Cardinals, who improved to a 13-3 record alongside CSB.
“This was the biggest shot of my career so far,” Escamis said after the game. With two more elimination-round games remaining, Mapua needs one more win to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
The Cardinals trailed 39-54 at halftime but mounted a strong second-half rally, led by Escamis, who scored 10 points in a 21-9 run that brought Mapua within three, 60-63, heading into the final quarter.
Lawrence Mangubat added 12 points, while Yam Concepcion contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and three steals for the Cardinals, who are now gearing up for their final two elimination games: Wednesday against San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Saturday versus Arellano University.
For CSB, Allen Liwag led with a near-double-double, posting 15 points, 13 rebounds, five blocks, and three assists. Ian Torres, Gab Cometa, and Matthew Oli each chipped in 10 points, while Winston Ynot had nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
This victory avenged a 78-65 loss to the Blazers on September 7 and keeps Mapua’s hopes for a strong Final Four finish alive.
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MANILA – Emilio Aguinaldo College strengthened its bid for a Final Four spot with a 69-59 victory over Arellano University on Saturday (09 Nov 2024) in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Harvey Pagsanjan led the charge for the Generals with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. With the win, EAC moved into a tie for fourth place with Lyceum of the Philippines University at 8-8.
The Generals have two crucial games left in the elimination round: a showdown with Lyceum on Tuesday and a matchup against Jose Rizal University on Friday. Winning both would secure EAC’s first-ever Final Four appearance since joining the league 15 years ago.
College of Saint Benilde (13-2), Mapua University (12-3), and defending champion San Beda University (10-5) have already qualified for the semifinals.
King Gurtiza added 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Gelo Loristo contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. EAC also bested Arellano in an earlier encounter this season, 87-80 in overtime, on September 8.
For Chiefs (6-10), Tmac Ongotan posted 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Basil Valencia chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, and four steals, while Anthony Borromeo added 11 points and seven rebounds.
In another game, San Sebastian College-Recoletos defeated University of Perpetual Help, 83-72, in a no-bearing contest. Tristan Francisco led the Stags (5-11) with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Christian Pagaran scored 16 points for the Altas (4-12).
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MANILA – The University of Perpetual Help triumphed over the Lyceum of the Philippines University, 89-83, in an overtime showdown on Saturday (26 Oct 2024), boosting their chances for a semifinal berth in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Perpetual established its largest lead at 59-51 during the third quarter and was poised to win 77-75 when Lyceum’s Jonathan Daileg scored from the left corner with just over a second left in regulation. However, after a video review, the shot was determined to be a two-pointer rather than a three-pointer, leading to overtime.
In the extra period, Christian Pagaran, Jearico Nuñez, and Mark Gojo Cruz combined for 12 crucial points, securing the victory for the Altas.
Pagaran led Perpetual with 16 points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists, and two blocks. Nuñez contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, while Cruz added nine points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
With this win, the Altas improved to 6-8, avenging their earlier 62-64 loss to the Pirates on October 2. JP Boral topped the scoring with 18 points, complemented by six rebounds and three assists, while John Abis provided 12 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
For the Pirates, Renz Villegas led with 23 points, four assists, and two steals. John Barba contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two steals, while Daileg added 10 points. Mclaude Guadana and Neil Moralejo each chipped in nine points as Lyceum fell to 6-7, slipping half a game behind the Altas.
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MANILA – Arellano University relied on a stellar performance from Lorenz Capulong to secure a 91-86 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men’s basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday (19 Oct 2024).
Capulong shone with a remarkable 30 points and 16 rebounds, helping the Chiefs improve their record to 4-8.
“My coaches gave me the confidence,” Capulong stated after the game.
Arellano held a commanding 15-point lead late in the third quarter at 69-54, but Lyceum rallied to tie the game at 86-all with just 1 minute and 26 seconds left on the clock.
In a crucial moment, Ernest Geronimo scored a floater, followed by the Pirates failing to capitalize on their next possession. Renzo Abiera then converted a layup to put the Chiefs back in front at 90-86 with only 31 seconds remaining.
“We just got the breaks and chances in the endgame,” Arellano coach Chico Manabat commented.
Adding to Lyceum’s troubles, JM Bravo was knocked unconscious while battling for a loose ball in the final eight seconds of the game and was transported out of the venue on a stretcher.
John Barba led Lyceum with 18 points, four steals, three assists, and two rebounds. Bravo contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while Renz Villegas and Gyle Montano added 15 and 10 points, respectively.
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MANILA – The College of St. Benilde asserted its dominance in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament, defeating Arellano University, 100-77, at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Wednesday. This victory solidifies the Blazers’ position at the top of the league standings.
Gab Cometa delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 23 points, including three three-pointers, to lead St. Benilde to its ninth win in 11 games. Justine Sanchez supported the effort with a double-double, contributing 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Allen Liwag also made a significant impact, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The Blazers built their largest lead of the game at 88-54.
Other notable contributions came from Jhomel Ancheta, who added eight points, five assists, three rebounds, and a steal, while Ian Torres also chipped in eight points along with three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
“We focused on protecting the ball and playing solid defense. Gab Cometa and Justine Sanchez were exceptional tonight. Overall, it was a great team performance,” CSB coach Charles Tiu commented after the game.
For Arellano, Troy Valencia led the scoring with 25 points, including three triples, along with eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Jeadan Ongotan contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, while Ernest Geronimo added 10 points and three rebounds. With this loss, the Chiefs now hold a record of three wins and eight losses.
Mapua currently occupies second place in the standings at 8-3, followed closely by San Beda University at 7-4. Letran and Lyceum of the Philippines are tied for fourth at 6-5, while Emilio Aguinaldo College and the University of Perpetual Help share fifth place at 5-6.
elami/mnm
MANILA – In a thrilling finish, Vincent Cunanan delivered a clutch performance with two critical three-pointers to propel Lyceum of the Philippines University to a 64-62 victory over defending champion San Beda University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men’s basketball at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday (15 Oct 2024).
With this win, the Pirates improved to a 6-5 record, tying them for fourth place with the Letran Knights.
“Doon na lang, time is running out, open ako, nakita ako ni (John) Barba, so kahit 0 of 6 ako, pumasok,” said the 25-year-old Cunanan, who hails from Mabalacat, Pampanga. “Siyempre, iba pa rin pag San Beda ang kalaban mo, champion team. Lahat ng team gusto talunin ang San Beda.”
In the final moments, San Beda’s Bryan Sajonia lost possession of the ball as time expired, sealing the win for Lyceum.
Cunanan, who is in his final season, finished the game with 11 points, two rebounds, and one steal.
“Siya ang leader ko, captain ball ko. Sinasabi ko sa kanya na kapag andiyan siya sa court, coach na siya,” said Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan.
Gyle Montano led the Pirates with 12 points, two rebounds, and two steals. John Bravo added nine points and seven rebounds, while Jonathan Daileg and Renz Villegas chipped in with seven and six points, respectively.
For San Beda, Bismark Lima scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but the loss dropped their record to 7-4, placing them in third place.
In other action, Mapua University defeated Emilio Aguinaldo College, 82-79, to claim solo second place at 8-3, trailing College of Saint Benilde, which holds an 8-2 record. EAC is now tied for fifth with the University of Perpetual Help at 5-6. Jose Rizal University and Arellano University are both in joint sixth with identical 3-7 records, followed by San Sebastian College-Recoletos at 2-8.
elami/mnm
MANILA – College of Saint Benilde outlasted San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 91-85, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday (13 Oct 2024) to secure their eighth win.
Allen Liwag led the Blazers with 19 points and six rebounds, while Ian Torres added 13 points, including three triples. Matthew Oli contributed 12 points, also highlighted by three treys, and Justine Sanchez, Jhomel Ancheta, and Zenric Jarque chipped in nine points each. CSB led by as much as 87-74.
“Our bench stepped up today, a lot of them delivered,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu.
Rafael Are paced San Sebastian with 29 points, while Lauren Gabat and Tristan Felebrico scored 21 and 12 points, respectively. The Stags fell to 2-8.
In the other match, University of Perpetual Help snapped a four-game losing streak, beating Letran 71-61. Christian Pagaran led with 19 points as the Altas improved to 5-6, avenging their previous triple-overtime loss to the Knights.
Letran, now 6-5, fell just behind San Beda University and Mapua University, both tied for second at 7-3.
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MANILA — San Beda University continued their impressive run in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament, overpowering Arellano University, 79-65, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Saturday (12 Oct 2024).
Bismarck Lina, making his third appearance after recovering from a nine-month ACL injury, led the Red Lions with 20 points and seven rebounds. His stellar performance helped San Beda notch their seventh win in 10 games, solidifying their hold on second place.
“We rely on Bismarck for his presence in the post, which opens up opportunities for our shooters,” San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said.
Yukien Andrada contributed 15 points, including four three-pointers, while Jomel Puno posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Red Lions built a commanding 68-41 lead by the third quarter, avenging their narrow 70-72 first-round loss to the Chiefs last month.
“We respected our opponents more this time and defended them properly,” added Escueta.
Arellano, who fell to a 3-7 record, was led by Lorenz Capulong with 16 points and five rebounds.
Meanwhile, league leaders College of Saint Benilde (7-2) will face San Sebastian College-Recoletos (2-7) on Sunday, while Letran (6-4) takes on University of Perpetual Help (4-6).
MANILA — The Mapua University Cardinals outlasted the Arellano University Chiefs, 88-81, during Wednesday’s NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball game at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan. Clint Escarmis led the Cardinals with a crucial 12-point contribution in the fourth quarter, including two key triples, to secure their sixth win of the season.
Escarmis, the reigning MVP, finished with 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals. “I’m grateful to the coaches for trusting me despite my earlier misses. I’m glad I could deliver when it mattered most,” said Escarmis.
Other contributors included Chris Hubilla, who also scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Mar Cuenco added 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The Cardinals held a slim 41-37 lead at halftime but fell behind 51-54 at the end of the third quarter before rallying to victory.
The Chiefs’ standout performances came from Lorenz Capulong with 19 points and six rebounds, Renzo Abiera with 18 points, including four triples, and Jerico Camay who added 11 points. Despite their efforts, the Chiefs now sit tied at the bottom with a 2-6 record, alongside San Sebastian College.
In another game, Lyceum of the Philippines University narrowly defeated the University of Perpetual Help, 64-62. Renz Villegas led the Pirates with 18 points, while Neil Moralejo hit a decisive three-pointer in the final five seconds, improving both teams’ records to 4-4.
With this win, the Cardinals stay firmly in second place behind College of Saint Benilde (6-1).
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MANILA – Rookie standout Mark Gojo Cruz shone once again, leading the University of Perpetual Help Altas to a 73-67 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday (21 Sept 2024) at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Cruz contributed across the board with 18 points, including two three-pointers, alongside six assists, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. The Altas’ win improved their record to 3-2, securing them a share of third place in the standings.
Supporting Cruz, Christian Pagaran posted 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Cedrick Abis added 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block. Perpetual bounced back from an early deficit after trailing 18-21 at the end of the first quarter.
On the EAC side, King Gustiza paced the Generals with 17 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, followed by Gil Quinal with 16 points and Wilmar Oftana with 15 points, four rebounds, and three steals. The loss dropped the Generals to 2-3.
In another game, defending champions San Beda University dominated Jose Rizal University (JRU), winning 77-60 to tie Perpetual for third place. San Beda’s Yukien Andrada had a double-double performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, while Bryan Sajonia and James Payosing contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Shawn Argente stood out for JRU, scoring a game-high 27 points, though his efforts weren’t enough to lift the Heavy Bombers from their sixth-place position at 1-4.
At the top of the standings, the undefeated College of Saint Benilde remains in first place with a 4-0 record, followed by Mapua University at 3-1.
Letran, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and Lyceum of the Philippines are tied for fourth place with identical 2-2 slates.
Meanwhile, Arellano University is still searching for its first win after four games.
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MANILA – Paolo Javillonar’s stellar 28-point performance powered the Letran Knights to a hard-fought 86-79 victory over Arellano University in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday (17 Sept 2024) at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Knights notched their second consecutive win, improving to a 2-1 record and joining a four-way tie for second place with San Sebastian, Mapua, and Perpetual.
Returning from a two-game suspension, Javillonar also contributed eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Sherick Estrada added 14 points, eight rebounds, and key defensive plays, while James Miller chipped in with 11 points and five rebounds as Letran clawed back from a 12-point deficit in the third quarter.
“It’s all about trusting the players,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo. “We stayed focused and took it one point at a time.”
Arellano, still winless after three games, was led by Maverick Vinoya’s 16 points, while Cyril Hernal and Lorenz Capulong added 11 points each. Despite a strong start, the Chiefs couldn’t hold off Letran’s rally.
In the day’s second game, Emilio Aguinaldo College pulled off a surprising 68-55 win over defending champions San Beda University. Harvey Pagsanjan and JC Luciano led the charge, with Pagsanjan scoring 14 points and Luciano adding 13, including four three-pointers.
San Beda’s Yukien Andrada managed 12 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Red Lions from dropping to 2-2.
On Wednesday, College of Saint Benilde will seek its third consecutive win against Perpetual, while Jose Rizal University faces San Sebastian.
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MANILA — The Mapua Cardinals rallied to a 71-65 come-from-behind win over the University of Perpetual Help in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Clint Escamis led the charge for Mapua with 28 points, including four three-pointers, pushing the Cardinals to a 2-1 record, tying Perpetual for second place. Escamis, the reigning MVP, also contributed three steals, two rebounds, two assists, and one block.
“We’re coming, baby, redemption season,” Escamis declared, referencing their bid to avenge last season’s runner-up finish.
Supporting Escamis, Marc Cuenco added 12 points and six assists, while John Jabonete had eight points and five rebounds.
For Perpetual, Mark Gojo Cruz delivered 17 points and seven rebounds, with Christian Pagaran and Cedrick Abis contributing 12 points each.
In another game, Lyceum of the Philippines University pulled off a thrilling 97-92 comeback victory over Jose Rizal University, handing the Heavy Bombers their third consecutive loss. John Barba scored a career-high 28 points, including five three-pointers, alongside five rebounds and three assists. The Pirates, now at 1-2, tied with Emilio Aguinaldo College for fourth place.
Vincent Cunanan also shined for Lyceum with 20 points, five steals, four assists, and two rebounds. Jonathan Medina’s 22 points, six rebounds, and two blocks weren’t enough to prevent JRU from staying winless.
Perpetual faces the undefeated College of Saint Benilde (3-0) on September 18, while Mapua takes on Colegio de San Juan de Letran (1-1) on September 20.
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MANILA – San Beda University powered through San Sebastian College-Recoletos, securing an 85-75 victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday (14 Sept 2024) at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Rookie sensation Bryan Sajonia led the charge with a career-high 26 points, 14 of which came in the decisive fourth quarter. Sajonia also contributed eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block to help the Red Lions improve their record to 2-1.
Team captain Yulkien Andrada provided crucial support, sinking five three-pointers and finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The defensive effort of San Beda proved effective, limiting San Sebastian’s key players, Rafael Are and Tristan Felebrico, to just nine points each.
“We did a good job controlling their fastbreaks and second-chance points,” said San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta. Despite the victory, Escueta expressed concern over the team’s free-throw performance, as they converted only 15 of 38 attempts.
“We’ve been working on it in practice, but the pressure of a live NCAA game is different. You can’t replicate the atmosphere in practice where nobody’s watching,” Escueta added.
For the Stags, Reggz Gabat put up 19 points and three rebounds, while Raymart Escobido chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The loss drops San Sebastian to 1-1 after their thrilling 95-93 victory against Lyceum earlier in the week.
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MANILA — San Sebastian College-Recoletos surged in the fourth quarter to defeat Letran, 91-84, in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball, securing a share of the early lead alongside San Beda University and College of Saint Benilde.
Rafael Are led the Stags with a game-high 30 points, including 10 crucial points in the final quarter to erase a 12-point deficit. Harold Ricio and Tristan Felebrico added 14 points each, while Raymart Escobido contributed 13 points and five rebounds under the guidance of coach Arvin Bonleon.
For Letran, Kobe Monje and James Juma-os each tallied 16 points, with Sherick Estrada adding 14 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Despite a strong start, the Knights, now coached by Allen Ricardo, fell short in the end.
In other news, the NCAA Management Committee is investigating an alleged mauling incident involving a league referee following the CSB-Mapua game during the season opener on Saturday (07 Sept 2024) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Host Lyceum’s chair, Herc Callanta, stated, “Details are still being verified.”
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MANILA – The College of St. Benilde aims to secure the NCAA women’s volleyball title against Letran at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday (26 May 2024).
Game time is at 2 PM.
The Lady Blazers dominated Game 1 of the best-of-three series, winning 25-21, 25-15, 25-14 on May 19.
Standout players Michelle Gamit and Gayle Pascual each contributed 14 points, while Zamantha Nolasco added 12 points.
CSB is striving for a third consecutive title with an 11-game sweep.
“May isang game pa, trabaho pa rin. Bahala kayo kung sabihin ninyo this is (One more game, there’s still work to do. It’s up to you if you say it is) boring, mismatch or whatever, but we have to work and secure this,” said CSB coach Jerry Yee.
If necessary, a deciding match will be played on June 1.
Meanwhile, the University of Perpetual Help seeks its fourth consecutive men’s title against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 11:30 AM also on Sunday.
The Altas, led by reigning Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez, achieved a 24-26, 25-20, 27-25, 25-19 victory in Game 1, bringing them closer to a league-best 14th crown.
Ramirez tallied 23 points, including 21 from attacks, while Jefferson Marapoc added 20 points. Kobe Tabuga contributed 16 points, including five blocks.
EAC will rely on Ervin Patrick Osabel, who recorded 18 spikes and three blocks in Game 1.
(el Amigo/MNM)
Games on Sunday:
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
12 p.m. – EAC vs Perpetual (Men’s Finals)
2:30 PM – Letran vs Benilde (Women’s Finals)
MANILA — The College of Saint Benilde surged towards a potential three-peat with a commanding 25-21, 25-19, 25-14 victory over Letran in the opening Finals clash of the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Sunday (19 May 2024).
Despite Lady Knights’ resilience in the initial set, the Lady Blazers asserted dominance in the following two sets, clinching a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series.
Reflecting on the intense encounter, coach Jerry Yee emphasized the importance of focus and attention to detail, highlighting valuable lessons for the team. Benilde aims to secure their fourth title in Game 2, scheduled for 2:30 PM on Sunday (26 May 2024) at the San Juan Arena.
Speaking about the significance of Game 1, Gayle Pascual echoed coach Yee’s sentiments, acknowledging its role in setting the championship’s tone. However, she emphasized the team’s reset mindset, focusing on the challenges ahead.
Letran (1977-80), San Sebastian (1982-84, 1986-88, 1990-96, 1999-2002, 2005-11), University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (2012-14) and Arellano University (2017-19) were the schools which completed a three-peat.
Notably, their previous triumph in 2016 against the formidable Grethcel Soltones-led Lady Stags stands as a testament to their resilience.
Pascual, last season’s Finals MVP, showcased her prowess with 14 points, supported by Michelle Gamit’s commendable performance contributing 14 points as well.
Zam Nolasco’s defensive prowess with four crucial blocks and Clo Mondoñedo’s precise setting with 15 excellent sets further solidified Benilde’s dominance.
Meanwhile, Letran’s efforts were led by rookie Gia Maquilang and Judiel Nitura, who displayed resilience despite the formidable challenge posed by the Lady Blazers.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — In a thrilling showdown at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Wednesday (May 15, 2024), Letran’s women’s volleyball team, the Lady Knights, emerged victorious against Lyceum of the Philippines University, clinching a spot in the NCAA Season 99 finals.
The match saw Letran edging past Lyceum in a closely contested encounter, with a final score of 25-15, 25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 15-11.
Marie Judiel Nitura led the charge for Letran with an impressive 23-point performance, closely followed by Gia Marcel Maquilang, who contributed 22 points and 16 excellent receptions. Their stellar performance paved the way for Letran’s triumph, captivating the audience for two hours and 46 minutes.
The Lady Knights are now set to face the undefeated College of Saint Benilde in the championship series, scheduled to commence this Sunday (19 May 2024).
Game 2 is slated for May 26 and a potential decider on June 1, Letran aims to seize the coveted title.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Letran coach Oliver Almadro expressed his delight, emphasizing the players’ eagerness to learn and grow. Despite unexpected challenges, Almadro commended the team’s resilience and determination.
In the men’s division, Emilio Aguinaldo College secured a finals berth by defeating Letran, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown against the University of Perpetual Help. Led by standout performances from Jan Ruther Abor, Ervin Patrick Osabel, and Marvin Williams Romero, the Generals clinched their first finals appearance in nearly a decade.
Earlier in the day, Perpetual clinched the girls’ title in the high school division, prevailing over Arellano University in a hard-fought battle.
As the championship fever grips the NCAA volleyball scene, anticipation mounts for the exhilarating clashes ahead.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Lyceum of the Philippines University triumphed over Arellano University in a hard-fought battle during the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball stepladder semifinals on Sunday (May 12, 2024) at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan,
Displaying unwavering focus, Lyceum’s Johna Dolorito showcased her skills as she prepared to receive the ball during the intense match against Arellano University. The Lady Pirates emerged victorious with a score of 25-17, 24-26, 25-20, 25-19, capturing the essence of resilience and determination on the court.
Janeth Tulang led the charge for the Lady Pirates, delivering 16 powerful attacks, five blocks, and two aces. Her stellar performance propelled Lyceum to claim the win and advance to face the third-seeded Letran Lady Knights in the upcoming match on Wednesday.
Reflecting on her contribution to the team’s success, Tulang emphasized her dedication to continuously seeking opportunities to make an impact on the game. “The coaches told me to keep on asking for the ball,” she shared, underscoring the importance of assertiveness and initiative in volleyball.
Alongside Tulang, Dolorito showcased her prowess with 15 impactful attacks and two aces, while Heart Bio and Joan Doguna contributed eight and seven points, respectively, fortifying Lyceum’s offensive strategy.
Despite the formidable performance of Arellano, led by Fhaye Mangubat with 12 attacks and one block, and Pauline De Guzman with 11 attacks and one ace, Lyceum’s determination prevailed.
Coach Cromwel Garcia expressed his team’s resilient mindset, emphasizing a reset mentality despite previous setbacks.
“From the start of this game, we didn’t consider our three-game losing streak. Our mindset is, we’re back to zero,” he stated, highlighting the team’s focus on the present moment and their collective determination to succeed.
As Lyceum prepares to face Letran Lady Knights in the upcoming match, the stage is set for another thrilling showdown, with both teams poised to leave their mark on the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball stepladder semifinals.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — In a thrilling match at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday (20 April 2024), the Lyceum of the Philippines University staged a remarkable comeback against Perpetual Help, securing a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 15-11.
This win propelled them to a share of the lead in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament.
Janeth Tulang spearheaded the Lady Pirates’ charge with an impressive performance, delivering 18 powerful attacks and two aces.
Supported by Joan Doguna and Johna Denise Dolorito, who contributed 19 points each, as well as Hiromi Osada with eight points, including three crucial blocks, and skipper Venice Puzon, who showcased her defensive prowess with 16 excellent digs and 20 sets, the team displayed resilience and determination under the guidance of coach Cromwell Garcia.
Despite a stellar 35-point effort from reigning Most Valuable Player Mary Rhose Dapol, predominantly fueled by her 33 successful attacks, Perpetual Help couldn’t clinch the victory, leaving them with a 2-2 record.
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Perpetual Help asserted dominance over Lyceum, sweeping them aside with a commanding 25-16, 25-17, 25-15 win, maintaining their unbeaten streak alongside Emilio Aguinaldo College at 4-0.
The NCAA action will resume on Sunday, with San Sebastian College taking on Arellano University in both the men’s and women’s matches, scheduled for 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM respectively. Later in the day, Letran and Saint Benilde will collide in the women’s division at 2:00 PM, followed by the men’s showdown at 5:00 PM.
(el Amigo/MNM)