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)