MANILA — Far Eastern University (FEU) clinched a vital edge in the semifinals with a commanding 25-17, 25-22, 25-22 triumph over the University of the Philippines (UP) in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament held at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday (20 April 2024).
Maintaining their dominance, the Tamaraws extended their winning streak to eight games, solidifying their hold on the top spot with a 12-1 record.
Andrei Delicana led the charge with 11 points, eight of which came from powerful attacks. Zhydryx Saavedra contributed six spikes and two blocks, while Martin Bugaon added seven points, including two crucial blocks, for FEU.
The Tamaraws will conclude their elimination round campaign against defending champions National University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on April 24.
Reflecting on their performance, FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo emphasized the mental aspect, stating, “We are No. 1, which is a very challenging position. Aside from honing our skills, we will place a significant focus on our mental resilience.”
For UP, Louis Gamban led the charge with nine points and an ace, followed by Daniel Nicolas with six attacks and three blocks.
In another match, NU asserted their dominance by defeating Adamson University 25-19, 25-17, 25-16, reclaiming the second spot with a 10-3 record.
De La Salle, with a 9-3 slate, sits in third place and will square off against archrivals Ateneo de Manila University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
As the race for the remaining semifinal slots intensifies, Ateneo (6-6) and the University of Santo Tomas (7-5) are battling for the last position. A win by UST over University of the East (1-11) will eliminate Ateneo.
Leo Aringo led NU with 12 attacks and two blocks, supported by Angelo Almendras with 13 attacks.
Adamson, led by Ahmed Tahiluddin with eight spikes and John Anthony Yboa with six points, will face Ateneo in their upcoming match.
(el Amigo/MNM)
Mga laro bukas:
(Mall of Asia Arena)
10 a.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)
12 noon – FEU vs Ateneo (Men)
2 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)
4 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Women)
NAKOPO ng University of Santo Tomas ang kanilang ika-4 na sunod na Final Four appearance makaraang walisin ang Adamson, 22-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-20, sa UAAP women’s volleyball tournament nitong Miyerkoles sa Mall of Asia Arena.
Nagpakawala si sensational rookie Angge Poyos ng season-high 31 points, 6 digs at 5 receptions para sa Tigresses na umangat sa league-best record na 9-1.
Nauna rito ay sinandigan ni Bella Belen ang National University sa 25-14, 25-14, 25-12 pagbasura sa University of the East.
Sa straight-set victory, ang ika-8 sa 10 laro, ay lumapit ang Lady Bulldogs sa ika-3 sunod na Final Four appearance.
Ang scoring output ni Poyos ang pinakamataas ng isang Tigress magmula nang magtala si Eya Laure ng career-high 31 points sa 25-19, 25-21, 29-31, 33-31 panalo ng UST kontra Ateneo noong May 19, 2022.
“Thankful kasi comeback game nga for us kasi natalo kami last game against NU. Thankful kasi nakapag-contribute pa rin ako sa game. Thankful din ako sa mga ates ko kasi patuloy silang kumakapit at lumalaban para sa team,” sabi ni Poyos.
Sa kabila ng paglisan nina Laure, Imee Hernandez at Milena Alessandrini at pagkakaroon ng young roster, ang Tigresses ay balik sa Final Four.
“Yung hardwork ng mga bata, hindi matatawaran,” sabi ni UST coach Kungfu Reyes. “Well prepared naman yung team, may kasamang swerte at nakuha namin ‘yung dati naming inaasam na at least mapasama kami sa Final Four. Ngayon nandito na.”
Umiskor sina Jonna Perdido at Regina Jurado ng tig-12 points habang kumana si Bianca Plaza, pumalit kay Em Banagua, ng perfect 6-of-6 attacks upang tumapos na may 7 points para sa Tigresses.
Nakakolekta si Barbie Jamili ng 20 points at 13 receptions para sa Lady Falcons, na nahulog sa 2-7.
MANILA — National University Nazareth School (NUNS) clinched the UAAP Season 86 high school boys’ volleyball title by triumphing over the University of the East with a score of 20-25, 25-16, 27-25, 25-21 in Game 3 of the Finals held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Monday (12 Feb 2024).
“It’s truly one of our most gratifying victories considering the challenges we faced. After losing Game 2, we were shaken, but we rallied together to shake off the bad luck,” stated Bullpups head coach Edgar Barroga.
Following a victory in Game 1 (39-37, 26-24, 22-25, 25-22), NUNS encountered a setback in Game 2 (18-25, 17-25, 27-25, 26-24, 15-11) against a determined UE team.
“I implemented every suggestion from my coaching staff and players, and I focused on maintaining composure during the game to prevent any potential upsets,” Barroga added.
In the critical fourth set, the Bullpups capitalized on stellar performances from Season Best Middle Blocker Miguel Egger, Matthew Abut, and Kart Lascuña to secure the victory. Dave Lardizabal’s timely contribution, scoring three points when the Bullpups trailed 23-24 in the third set, proved to be decisive.
“I’m thankful for Coach Edgar’s unwavering trust in us. He’s been a pillar of support for the team. I reminded my teammates that our coach never gives up, and neither should we. The outcome speaks for itself,” remarked Finals MVP Jeffe Gallego Jr., one of eight graduating players this year.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
Games Saturday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
8 a.m. – UST vs UE (Boys)
10 a.m. – Ateneo vs FEU-D (Boys)
Noon – NUNS vs UPIS (Boys)
2 p.m. – AdU vs DLSZ (Boys)
MANILA — In a thrilling finale at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the University of Santo Tomas emerged victorious over National University, securing a 71-69 win and reclaiming the title of the most successful UAAP women’s basketball program.
UST sealed the best-of-three title series 2-1, putting an end to NU’s impressive seven-year championship streak.
The Tigresses demonstrated exceptional heart and composure throughout the match, culminating in their 12th overall title, surpassing Far Eastern University’s record of 11 championships.
Coach Haydee Ong commended the resilience of her team, acknowledging NU’s formidable program and praising her players for their well-deserved triumph.
Nikki Villasin’s game-changing fastbreak lay-up, giving UST a 71-69 lead with 11.8 seconds left, proved pivotal in sealing the victory.
Despite NU’s attempts to steal the win, Tin Cayabyab’s missed three-pointer in the final moments marked the end of their dominance that began in 2014.
The Lady Bulldogs, who once held a 15-point lead in the second half, faced a remarkable comeback orchestrated by Finals MVP Tantoy Ferrer. Ferrer scored nine of her 19 points in the crucial payoff period, outscoring the entire NU squad.
Coach Ong expressed her elation for the team’s comeback, emphasizing the players’ determination and teamwork.
UST’s success was further highlighted by their resilience in do-or-die games, overcoming challenges in the Final Four against the University of the Philippines to reach the championship stage.
Ferrer, who also contributed 14 rebounds and two assists, expressed her joy in helping UST reclaim the championship. The Tigresses’ victory was a long-awaited moment, with Ferrer recalling the commitment made in 2018 to bring the championship back to España.
Kent Pastrana and Nikki Villasin contributed significantly to the triumph, scoring 16 and 12 points respectively, with Villasin also providing four boards and two assists in her final game for UST.
The tightly contested series, with an average point difference of 2.33, saw the Tigresses take Game 1, 76-72, breaking a 20-game losing streak against the Bulldogs. NU forced a decider with a 72-70 victory in the second game.
In the juniors’ division, UST continued its success with a 75-62 win over La Salle-Zobel, securing a third straight victory after a season-opening defeat.
Defending champion FEU-Diliman also displayed resilience, clinching an 84-82 victory against UP Integrated School and moving into a tie for fourth place at 3-1.
The scores:
UST (71) – Ferrer 19, Pastrana 16, Villasin 12, Tacatac 9, Bron 4, Dionisio 4, Santos 4, Ambos 3, Maglupay 0, Soriano 0, Amatong 0, Serrano 0.
NU (69) – Cayabyab 18, Fabruada 13, Pingol 11, Berberabe 9, Surada 9, Canuto 5, Clarin 2, Konateh 2, Bartolo 0, Betanio 0, Solis 0.
Quarterscores: 19-19, 32-44, 47-61, 71-69
(ai/mnm)
Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
8 a.m. – UPIS vs FEU-D (Boys)
10 a.m. – DLSZ vs UST (Boys)
12 noon – NU vs UST (Women Finals)
6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men Finals)
MANILA — In a riveting face-off at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum, the University of the Philippines and La Salle are set to deliver a nail-biting conclusion to the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
The previous games witnessed intense action, with the Fighting Maroons securing a historic 97-67 victory in the opener, only to face a resolute Green Archers who leveled the series with an 82-60 rout.
La Salle, fueled by their largest championship series win since 1998, is eager to replicate their dominance, while UP is determined to clinch the title after a 36-year hiatus.
The Finals decider, scheduled for 6 p.m., promises a packed arena at the Big Dome, buzzing with anticipation.
In a parallel showdown, the National University and the University of Santo Tomas vie for the women’s crown at 12 noon. UP, standing at 1-1 in Game 3 seeks redemption after losing their reign to Ateneo last December.
Coach Goldwin Monteverde is optimistic, putting aside the setback in Game 2, and looks forward to seizing a second chance at championship glory.
“Well, it is what it is kung ano nangyari today (Sunday). We’re not gonna make any reasons kung ano turnout ng game today, rather we’re gonna look inside us, kung ano dapat namin ginawa. Ang importante dito may Game 3 pa so nandoon pa yung chance namin. Yun lang, learn from it lang,” said Monteverde.
“It will count how to face challenges not alone, but to face challenges working together, helping each other out,” he added.
The Fighting Maroons started strong, racing to a 12-2 lead before the Green Archers used a strong second quarter to take control and never looked back.
This will be La Salle’s ninth Game 3 in the Final Four era – the most by any team in the league. The Green Archers are 3-5 all-time, as their most recent Finals decider appearance ended in a loss to the Blue Eagles, 86-88, in 2017.
Gunning for his first collegiate coaching title, La Salle mentor Topex Robinson is bracing for what UP will throw at them in the finale.
“We know that it’s gonna be hard. Winning a championship is gonna be hard. Playing against the top college team in the country right now is gonna be hard. But sa amin, at the moment we just keep on enjoying that game, the game that we love, the game that has been good to us, and not shy away from the responsibility of the result of the ball game,” said Robinson.
The Green Archers hope to cash in that they are the only unbeaten team in Araneta Coliseum this season, winning all their six games. Game 3 is scheduled on December 6 at Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons hope to get aggressive on the glass. Newly-minted season MVP Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips combined for 26 of La Salle’s 58 rebounds, 12 more than UP.
Even graduating guard Evan Nelle also helped in rebounding to offset his poor four-point output by hauling down 12 boards.
“We ride on the saying that ‘no rebounds, no rings,'” said Robinson.
Camille Clarin, the Lady Bulldogs captain who dropped 18 points in the series-tying victory, is looking forward to the do-or-die match, where if the first two games were a gauge it will go down the wire.
“Playing in Game 3 is unfamiliar territory for us but fighting for a championship is not,” said Clarin.
“We’re just excited for the opportunity that we live to fight another day. We’re not gonna let it slip away from us and we’re gonna do everything we can to make sure we get that championship and it starts tomorrow,” she added.
Coach Haydee Ong, meanwhile, will use their Final Four duel with the Fighting Maroons as a motivation for the Tigresses to annex their first title since 2006.
“I told the players in the locker room that we’ve been here already,” Ong said.
“It’s the same scenario as against UP. This Wednesday is a do-or-die game, so let’s see what will happen,” she added.
(ai/mnm)
Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
8 a.m. – UPIS vs FEU-D (Boys)
10 a.m. – DLSZ vs UST (Boys)
12 noon – NU vs UST (Women Finals)
6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men Finals)
MANILA — The University of the Philippines remains plagued by the Game 2 curse.
La Salle asserted dominance in the second quarter and controlled the latter half, convincingly defeating UP, 82-60, Sunday (03 Dec 2023).
This victory forced another game in the UAAP men’s basketball Finals, captivating a crowd of 20,863 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite UP’s initial burst, securing a 12-2 lead with Malick Diouf’s consecutive baskets, La Salle adapted.
They weathered a 27-point onslaught in the first period, then strategically limited the Fighting Maroons to 11 points in each subsequent quarter, evening the series at one game apiece (1-1).
Once again, UP finds itself unable to clinch the series in Game 2, marking their fourth consecutive loss in such situations.
The decisive championship match is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the legendary Big Dome.
In the women’s division, National University disrupted the potential coronation of the University of Santo Tomas, winning 72-70 and pushing the series to a crucial Game 3. Camille Clarin’s stellar performance with 18 points and eight assists, along with Karl Pingol’s contribution of 14 points and five boards, thwarted the Tigresses’ bid to end a 17-year championship drought.
“Buhay pa kami. Buhay pa kami,” said NU coach Aris Dimaunahan. “Today’s mindset was just to stay alive, stay in the present. We don’t even think of Game 1, we don’t even think of Game 3. Our main focus is Game 2 only.”
Angel Surada scored the game’s biggest basket, a short jumper that gave the Lady Bulldogs a 72-68 cushion with 1:01 remaining.
Kent Pastrana, who was fouled in the next play and drilled both her foul line shots with 47.8 seconds left to cut UST’s deficit to 70-72, had a chance to become the hero but could not get the job done.
After Clarin uncharacteristically missed both free throws with 11.5 seconds left, the Tigresses had a shot of winning it all but Pastrana’s three-pointer from the left corner went short.
“We just had to remind ourselves why we do it, why we love the sport so much, and what’s really at stake. I think when we figured out why we’re doing it, that’s what gave us the heart to go out and execute until the last minute,” said Clarin.
In the high school boys’ basketball, Carl Manding scored the game-winning lay-up in the final 2.5 seconds as UST pulled off a narrow 82-81 win over Far Eastern University-Diliman.
The Tiger Cubs, who drew a game-high 25 points from Wacky Ludovice, survived a 37-point fourth quarter by the Baby Tamaraws to raise their record to 2-1.
Kieffer Alas posted his first triple-double of the season with 19 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists as La Salle-Zobel joined UST and NU-Nazareth at 2-1 with a 100-76 dismantling of UP Integrated School.
Manding, JB Lim, and Kurt Velasquez each scored 10 points for the Tiger Cubs.
Bonn Daja had a double-double of 18 points and 11 boards while Waki Espina (16), Charles Dimaano (14), and Andrei Pabellano (12) also logged double-digit scoring for the Junior Archers, who led by as much as 27 points.
(AI/MNM)
MANILA — In a spectacular showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday (25 Nov 2023), the University of the Philippines (UP) triumphed over Ateneo with a 57-46 victory, putting an end to the Blue Eagles’ remarkable six-straight Finals appearances.
The Fighting Maroons, led by reigning MVP Malick Diouf’s outstanding performance, sealed their spot in the championship for the third consecutive year.
The top-ranked Fighting Maroons showcased their defensive prowess in a thrilling Final Four encounter, dominating the No. 4 Blue Eagles with a resilient third-quarter surge.
Now, UP eagerly awaits the winner between La Salle and National University in the upcoming best-of-three title series next week.
Diouf, who contributed 12 points, 16 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, credited the team’s collective effort and solid preparation for their success against Ateneo.
The defeat marked the end of Ateneo’s era under coach Tab Baldwin, breaking a streak of four championships in six Finals appearances.
Reflecting on the roller coaster season, Baldwin expressed pride in his team’s resilience amid battles both on and off the court.
Despite a 7-7 record in the elimination round and various challenges, the Blue Eagles fought valiantly throughout the season.
In the women’s division, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) secured a thrilling 87-83 win over UP, setting the stage for an intense championship clash with eight-time defending champions National University.
UST’s victory marked their second Finals appearance in the last three seasons, and they will face NU in a highly anticipated showdown.
For UP’s distaff side, their resilient journey in the Final Four came to an end, finishing in third place. Despite the defeat, coach Haydee Ong commended her team’s hard work and acknowledged UP for putting up a strong fight.
The Tigresses’ path to the Finals was not without challenges, as they faced an overtime battle against UP last Wednesday.
With Kent Pastrana leading with 18 points and Brigette Santos scoring 14, UST exploded for 36 points in the first period.
Nigerian sensation Favour Onoh, who set a league record with 30 rebounds, continued her stellar performance with 21 points and 14 boards, while Kaye Pesquera contributed 20 points.
As the UAAP basketball season unfolds, the stage is set for thrilling championship clashes, promising intense competition and unforgettable moments on the court.
The scores:
UP (57) – Diouf 12, Lopez 12, Felicilda 10, Abadiano 9, Torculas 7, Cansino 3, Cagulangan 2, Alarcon 2, Pablo 0, Torres 0, Alter 0, Belmonte 0, Fortea 0.
Ateneo (46) – Koon 10, Ballungay 8, Espinosa 7, Amos 6, Obasa 4, Brown 3, Chiu 3, Credo 3, Quitevis 2, Lazaro 0.
Quarterscores: 7-11, 22-25, 42-37, 57-46
(ai/mnm)
Games Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
11 a.m. – UP vs UST (Women Final Four)
2 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (Men Final Four)
6 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (Men Final Four)
MANILA — The University of the Philippines and La Salle are set to leverage their twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four as they face lower-ranked opponents in Saturday’s UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The top-ranked Fighting Maroons will square off against defending champion Ateneo, currently in an unfamiliar position as the No. 4 squad, in another chapter of the “Battle of Katipunan” at 2 p.m.
On the other hand, the second-ranked Green Archers, on an impressive eight-game winning streak, will take on the No. 3 National University in the other Final Four matchup.
UP, boasting a league-best 12-2 record aims for its third consecutive Finals appearance and the fourth in the last five seasons.
La Salle, finishing with an 11-3 card highlighted by a second-round sweep, seeks to reach the championship stage for the first time since 2017.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs stumbled in the late stages of the eliminations, settling for third place at 10-4.
The Blue Eagles had a roller-coaster elimination round, concluding with an even 7-7 card. They secured their Final Four spot by defeating Adamson in a playoff last Wednesday, extending their streak to nine seasons.
Coach Goldwin Monteverde’s Fighting Maroons are on the verge of reclaiming the throne they lost in Season 85 late last year, continuing their journey with determination.
“I think sa start pa lang ng season, alam natin lahat ng teams very competitive,” said Monteverde, who steered UP in ending a 36-year title drought in Season 84.
“Getting here at this spot is just part of it pero alam naman natin na di pa tapos. Whatever we worked hard for, we just have to follow through on it. We just have to wait kung sino makakalaban namin and prepare for them.
“It’s just a result of yung hard work namin. Lahat naman nito, di naman ito nakaplano. Like I said, whatever comes through, we have to prepare just to fight over every challenge. Kung saan tayo nakarating ngayon, at least we’re thankful but it’s not yet done,” he added.
Jared Brown, who shone in the Blue Eagles’ 70-48 victory over the Falcons, remains upbeat in their matchup with the Fighting Maroons.
“We have momentum coming into Saturday, all we have to do is follow what our coaches want to do and execute it as well as we can,” Brown said.
The Green Archers’ quest to end a seven-year title drought was boosted by their impressive elimination campaign under new coach Topex Robinson.
But for Mike Phillips, La Salle’s journey has just begun with its 72-69 conquest of fabled rival Ateneo.
“Malayo na, pero malayo pa,” said the 6-foot-8 Phillips. “Hopefully, we can use this momentum going into the Final Four.”
Victories by the Blue Eagles and the Bulldogs will send the Final Four to a decider on Wednesday.
(ai/mnm)
The 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals commenced with a display of dominance as the UAAP champion, La Salle Lady Spikers and Enderun Colleges secured victories in straight sets in their respective opening matches at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Despite missing UAAP Rookie-MVP Angel Canino and libero Justine Jazareno, the Lady Spikers proved their status as heavy title favorites by overpowering the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Lady Altas with a convincing 25-11, 25-17, 25-12 victory in Pool A.
The match lasted a mere 81 minutes, and Thea Gagate, named UAAP’s Best Middle Blocker, led the way for La Salle with an impressive 12 points, combining eight hits and four blocks. Amie Provido also contributed 12 points, while Alleiah Malaluan and Shevana Laput added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
In another noteworthy match, Enderun Colleges from Luzon emerged victorious in Pool D by defeating Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) from General Santos City with a scoreline of 27-25, 25-22, 25-14. Althea Virnyce Botor and Erika Jin Deloria played pivotal roles, scoring 17 and 16 points, respectively, leading Enderun to an equally impressive win that lasted for 83 minutes.
The opening ceremony of the National Invitationals featured all 12 teams from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Led by ACES president Dr. Ian Laurel, Shakey’s general manager Jorge Concepcion, and CHED official Ana Dulce Yango, a simple parade introduced the participating teams.
Fans can catch all the SSL matches live and on-demand across various platforms, including Plus Network Digital Media Services, CNN Philippines, Solar Sports Entertainment, and TAP Sports, who are serving as media partners for the event.
The historic National Invitationals received support from various individuals and organizations, including Boy Tuikinhoy of Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc., Alex Adeva of Northern Mindanao Volleyball Association of Coaches and Referees, and the San Juan Red Cross chapter. Additionally, all Shakey’s branches nationwide are airing the matches live, allowing fans all over the country to be a part of this exciting sporting event.
(ai/mnm)