OLYMPIANS beat SHARKS 80 - 63

The Olympians on center court

The STI College Olympians started the 10^th NAASCU season with a bang as they beat last year’s third placed team the Lyceum of Subic Bay 80 – 63 in the opening of the 10^th NAASCU Basketball tournament. NAASCU 9^th Season Mythical 5 selectee Jerald Bautista carried the fight for the Olympians as he came off the bench to score 21 points . Ever since the 2005 season, the Olympians have never lost an opening game and the team kept that streak alive as they got back at their tormentors last year who relegated the perennial contenders to 4^th place.

Bryan Daguplo on a jumper

The Lyceum of Subic Bay Sharks started strong as troika of their newcomers Donn Ronquillo, Brad Johnson and Anjo Torres put the Sharks ahead in the first quarter 15 -6 as the slow starting Olympians found it hard to hit their mark. Veteran center Maclean Sabellina had a hard time adjusting to the calls and was eventually whistled for two personal fouls which made him go to the bench early. The two other veterans had a hard time hitting their mark as Bryan Daguplo was also whistled with two consecutive fouls while Norman Ihalas had a hard time finding his mark and turned the ball over twice. After much troubles and woes by the Olympians, Coach Vic Ycasiano called in the energetic Jerald Bautista who eventually got things going.

Norman Ihalas scores

The Sharks were still leading 18 – 7 with 2:18 left in the period and was about to expand their lead when Bautista combined with former junior center Ivan Moreno to ignite a paralyzing 10 – 1 run to cut the Shark’s lead 17-19 after 10 minutes of play. Coming from that explosive first quarter end, the Olympians courtesy of Bautista scored on a basket with 7:50 left to take a 21 -19 lead that they never relinquished.

Henri Atanga-Betayene shows his might

For the first time in recent years the Olympians have eight veterans coming back with eight new faces but one of them was a former Olympian Junior center, Ivan Moreno. The rookie that most STIers want to see is Cameroon native Henri Atanga-Betayene who at 6’6 is the heart and soul of the Olympians interior defense. Another set of rookies are the point guards of the Olympians who is led by former San Sebastian Stag RK Morales and ably backed up by former Junior stand outs Keno Alcantara who was once a Junior Falcon, Storm Riva who is a former Tiger Cub and Hessed Gabo. In the third quarter Morales dished the ball to a cutting Betayene who used all his might to dunk the ball into the basket. By that time it was all over.

Ivan Moreno was all hustle

and contributed 9 points

The lead has ballooned to 19 points by the fourth quarter but the Sharks simply did not give up as rookie guard Donn Ronquillo sank three three pointers to cut the gap to 9 points which was the nearest the sharks could manage to cut. The Olympians called time, regrouped and poured on another barrage of points to win the game. The win is also a wake up call to the Olympians who thought it was going to be a walk in the park. The Sharks have already lost 5 veterans including Mythical 5 selectee Jessie James Collado who burned us last year. But this time its about time the Olympians time to drown the Sharks.

Second year forward Cedric Ablaza also came through with a nice complement to Bautista’s game as he scored 15 points. Betayene and Moreno finished with 11 and 9 points respectively to underscore the height and might of the Olympians inside the paint. Ablaza who together with Betayene and Moreno got lots of offensive rebounds and put the other team's center into foul trouble. Billy Ray Labadan had a hard time pushing and containing Betayene who exploded in the second half.

Bautista was all business

The scores

STI COLLEGE OLYMPIANS (80)

Bautista 21, Ablaza 15,Betayene 11, Gabo 9, Moreno 9, Ihalas 5, Po 5, Melano 3, Alcantara 1, Chavez 1, Morales 0, Villadoz 0, Sabellina 0,

Lyceum of Subic Bay Sharks (65)

Ronquillo 21 Velasco 14, Torres 13, Bilog 7, Labadan 5, Valencia 2, Rosales 2, Castillo 1, Ignacio 0, Buenaflor 0, Remorin 0, Timpog 0,

17-19, 34-29, 57-43, 80-65

Rookie Guard Hessed Gabo

had a solid job quarterbacking the team

10th NAASCU Opening

SBP Executive Director

Noli Eala shares his thoughts

Amidst a sea of humanity, the 10^th National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities opened this morning at the jam packed red hot Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Twelve Schools paraded their basketball teams which is the centerpiece of the NAASCU. Second semester sports also include Volleyball, Cheer Dance, Chess, Table Tennis, Badminton, Taekwondo, Swimming and Track and field. Highlights from the 10th NAASCU Opening.

Gov. Oscar Moreno, SBP Chairman

was inspirational speaker

Former PSC Commissioner

Harry Angpin lauded

former PBA Star Paul Alvarez

graced the occasion

A thing to watch during

the event is the Search for

Mr. and Ms. NAASCU 2010

Sarah Corpus and Charlon Untalan

represented STI College

A powerful performance from

Our Lady of Fatima University

San Sebastian College's

Raymond Alcasabas leads

the Oath of Sportsmanship

Guest of Honor Gina Lopez

of the ABS-CBN wowed the crowd

Ms. NAASCU 2010

from Our Lady of Fatima

10th NAASCU Season Preview:SSC & UM

Back to Back Baycats

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE RECOLETOS DE CAVITE BAYCATS

9^TH SEASON: CHAMPION , won over University of Manila 2-0 in the finals

HEAD COACH: EGAY MACARAYA, 5^TH Season as SSC-R Head Coach

HOLDOVERS: (9)

Bryan Filio, Raymond Alcasabas, Lloyd Pono, Rhey ATANGAN, Carlo Reyes, Jem Callado, Howard Pantonia, Jeoff Acain, Aeron Dela Cruz

NEW FACES: (7)

Al Francis Tamsi, June Nistal, Ephraim Monzon, Cliford Castro, Bryan Dagohoy, Ivan Yurong,Emmanuel Pupos,

NOT RETURNING: (7)

Kris Lucernas, Jun Gracillas, Jeric Basa, Lyle Antipuesto, RJ Escobal, Josef Pasagui, Rommel Alcasabas,

KEY CHANGES

The Past two years saw the Baycats Lord it over as their unselfish style of play and merciless defense took the league by storm. Gone are 2008 MVP Kris Lucernas and 2009 MVP Jun Gracillas. To lead the team is senior guard Raymond Alcasabas who is a Jun Gracillas clone and is ready to take the team to its third straight title. The middle is suspect but adequate since the Baycats have loads of inexperienced big men to clog the middle- this year will be a learning experience for them.

FORECAST

The Baycats have an abundance of able guards who will pressure you for you to commit a turnover and for their team to score easy points off the break. The main issue for the Baycats is their quite young frontline. Veterans Howard Pantonia and Jeoff Acain are role players but could be forced into the limelight once needed.

Defense was the key to the Baycats back to back title romp and defense will still be the key for them to move forward since a lot of their veterans have graduated. Since the departure of the two league MVPs of the team, Coach Egay Macaraya has made sure that the expectations for each player to play solid ball pressure for 40 minutes remain unchanged.

the return of the Hawks

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA HAWKS

9^TH SEASON: 2^nd PLACE, lost to San Sebastian College 2-0 in the finals.

HEAD COACH: Jojo Castillo, 2^nd Season as UM Head Coach

HOLDOVERS: (8)

Jayson Ibay, Reigner Macasaet, JayAr Manuel, Jhunrhe Patricio, Justin Sanguyo, Kevin Rabalo, Edwin Tamayo, Jeff Viernes

NEW FACES: (9)

Alvin Almario, Jerry Ancheta, Alain Bonleon, Nuevo Bonchurno, Rhandelle Colina, Janno Nuñez,Edmar Pateño, , Juan Tan, Eugene Torres,

NOT RETURNING: (10)

John Matubang, Ryeon delos Trinos, Reyner Sadsad, Fernando Jacob, Francis Jacob, , Kendrick Basan, , RJ Mallada, Aldwin Ferrer, Richard Angeles, James Castillejos

KEY CHANGES

The Hawks are big, strong and fast. When driving to the lane when they are on defense is just like bumping to a big tree – it’s next to impossible to make a basket. Their brand of play is reminiscent of the Detroit Pistons. Strong and sturdy nonsense brand of play with excellent defense specially in the post. Gone is do it all forward John Matubang and in his place are rookie veterans who are ready to strut their wares. Look for the Hawks to be impenetrable for forty minutes.

FORECAST

The Hawks are one of the favorites this year and they are out to seek lost glory. The team will be led by second year point guard Jeff Viernes who was the rookie sensation last year who man handled all the veteran point guards. If not for cramps, he might have lifted the Hawks to the title last year as he scattered 35 points as he single handedly revived the hopes of the Hawks in the finals. Helping him out are a string of big men in Jay-R Manuel, Edwin Tamayo and Jayson Ibay. Look for the Hawks to clear up the skies once more.

10th NAASCU Season Preview: LSB & STI

2 Years and 2 3rd place finish

not bad for Coach Kerwin McCoy and his Sharks

LYCEUM OF SUBIC

9^TH SEASON: 3^rd Place, lost to SSC-R in a rubber match in the final four

Beat 8^th Season Runner up STI College for 3^rd Place

HEAD COACH: Kerwin McCoy, 3^rd Year as Head Coach in the NAASCU

RETURNEES: (5)

Billy Ray Labadan, Arvee Valencia, Jommel Bilog, Mark Ignacio, Richard Velasco

WILL NOT RETURN: (9)

Jessie James Collado, Raymund Ellano, Cezar Carey, Aron Bote, Vergel Baydo, Jayson Espinelli, Max Fuentebella, Steven Carter, Jovelo Postrado

NEW FACES: (11)

Reynaldo Buenaflor, Robert Remorin, Lester Javier, Dhonn Ronquillo , Brad Johnson, Raniel Rosales, Armando Villarin, Anjo Torres, Ian Castillo, Armando TImpog, Mark Manalili

KEY CHANGES

Jessie James Collado was the sole reason why the Shark’s attack was hard to contain. He towered over the whole NAASCU and everything passed through his offense and defense. Now that era is over and the Sharks are quite rebuilding with a blend of unproven veterans and promising rookies. Look for Coach Kerwin McCoy to pound the inside with his patented shark attack

FORECAST

This year Billy Ray Ladaban, Arvee Valencia and Richard Velasco are out to lead the Sharks back to see and improve on their third place finish. This is the second year that they have finished third and they are hoping that they are ready to go the distance. The only drawback for the Sharks is that they have 11 new faces which gives them more time to gel. They are hoping that they gel in the course of the tournament. Look for their two Filams (Dhonn Ronquillo and Brad Johnson) to contribute right away. This year they are rebuilding and might experience rough sailing this year.

Jerald Bautista is out to lead the Olympians

STI COLLEGE OLYMPIANS

2009 record: Fourth, lost to UM in Final Four, lost to Lyceum in battle for 3rd

HOLDOVERS (8):

Jerald Bautista, Norman Ihalas, Maclean Sabellina, Bryan Daguplo, Jebson Carl Po, Cedric Ablaza, Paolo Villadoz, Lester Bocablo,

NEW FACES (8):

Nicolo Alcantara, Storm Riva, Abegail Chavez, Jasper Melano, Rama Krisna Morales, Hessed Gabo, Ivan Moreno, Henri Atanga-Betayene

NOT RETURNING (8):

Martin Antonio, Macky Macabasco, Thomas Washington, Raffy Waminal, Mark Orias, Renz Cruz, Vergilio Cariño, Jen Reyes

Head coach: Vic Ycasiano (7^th Season)

KEY CHANGES:

The Olympians lacked solid point guard play last year as veteran guard Macky Macabasco’s season was a let down. Back up point guard Renz Cruz did an adequate job of leading the team and but had his share of rookie mistakes.

This year, the Olympians are back with four different point guards to lead the team. RK Morales is the team’s do it all point guard while Nico Alcantara is the scorer. Fresh from High School are two run and gun type of point guards in Storm Riva and Hessed Gabo. Look for great point guard play for the Olympians in the coming years.

Aside from that, the Olympians have four to five sturdy forwards who can man the slot and play solid defense. Add to that the 6-6 Cameroon import Henri Atanga-Betayene who is a demon in defense and adequate on offense. He will definitely dictated the defensive rhythm of the NAASCU.

OUTLOOK:

2009 NAASCU Mythical 5 selectee Jerald Bautista is one of two selectees who is back this season and he is ready to own the NAASCU once again. Now the veterans of the team, Norman Ihalas, Bryan Daguplo and Maclean Sabellina will show the way for their youngsters to improve and their team to peak during the final four enroute to the finals.

If the Olympians do not win the championship then it will be a big disappointment for the them this season. They are complete in every position and look for them to dominate this season.

2009 NAASCU Mythical Team

Jerald Bautista (STI), John Matubang (UM)

Dr. Jay Adalem, Atty. Ernesto delos Santos,

Jessie James Collado (LSB), Kris Lucernas (SSC),Jhun Gracillas (SSC)

ITS THE NAASCU SEASON

ONCE AGAIN!

LET'S SUPPORT

THE STI COLLEGE OLYMPIANS

SENIORS and JUNIORS

Basketball Teams

Eagles collapse lose to Archers

The Blue side of things

Payback. Twenty two years ago De La Salle ‘s main gun wearing jersey # 10 lost the ball to sophomore guard Olsen Racela in the waning seconds of the championship game and his Green Archers eventually lost to their archrival Ateneo’s 76 -70. It was the end of a distinguished amateur career but unfortunately it had to end in a loss against the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Today, Dindo Pumaren had that game in mind as he waited that long to get back at the very team that denied him of UAAP Glory as his young Green Archers beat the Blue Eagles 66 – 63 at the jam packed Araneta Coliseum.

Paredes skies high

Joseph Marata sank two triples in a span of 30 seconds as the Green Archers erased a 62 -53 Ateneo lead in the last four minutes of play with to close the game with a masterful 13 – 1 run to clip the wings of the Blue Eagles . The monumental collapse is reminiscent of the Blue Eagles first round loss to the FEU Tamaraws in 2008 where they squandered a 10 point lead in the fourth quarter after Rabeh Al-Husaini failed to convert in the endgame after scoring 32 points. This time, the Blue Eagles did not know what hit them. It was evident that their feet were too tired to run after the Green Archers who outhustled them and showed them a lot about heart.

The rookie's fist ADMU-DLSU game

Coach Dindo Pumaren has now won two straight games against the Blue Eagles this year with the first one coming from the summer league. He eventually knew what was lacking in the game of the Blue Eagles and how to stop their big guns. Nico Salva played below par today as he only managed to score 5 points which was way below his normal capacity since he scored in double figures in his first three games. Eric Salamat has not gotten back to the form that made him the most feared defender last year while Bacon Austria is in the mold of another Ken Barracoso – the High School MVP that never made a mark in College hoops.

Chua, from career high to consistent scorer

The Green Archers stopped the Ateneo run of six consecutive wins that spanned two years. The last time the Green Archers beat the Blue Eagles was in the final game of the final four in 2007. This is the first time since the 1986-87 season that the Eagles have beaten the Archers for two consecutive seasons. The Archers won their first round encounter in 1988 by one point, a game that Pumaren vividly remembers for it was the first win of DLSU against Ateneo. In the future Ateneo – La Salle games, more Ryan Buenafe vs. Joshua Webb rivalries will be forged while other rivalries will be renewed with Art de la Cruz taking on HS rival Jarelan Tampus and JP Erram rekindling the old flame against Papot Paredes, a rivalry all the way from Cagayan de Oro.

Emman shot well

The Archers are now 3 -1 while the Blue Eagles are now 2 – 2, a position that is quite unfamiliar for them the past two years.

DLSU (66)

Webb 12, Marata 12, Atkins 9, Tampus 6, Andrada 6, de la Paz 5, Tolentino 5, Mendoza 5, Vosotros 3, Villanueva 2, Ferdinand 1, Paredes 0.

Ateneo (63)

Chua 16, Monfort 11, Long 9, Buenafe 7, Salamat 6, Salva 5, Golla 3, Escueta 2, dela Cruz 2, Austria 2, Tiongson 0, Gonzaga 0.

Quarter scores: 14-15, 26-30, 46-42, 66-63

Halikinu Radio Season 6

What was just an idea before has now come down to the sixth year of the Halikinu Radio. The show actually started two weeks ago but since I was so busy I did not make it and had a hard time joining the crew. This time I was just happy to be back with the crew. Back with me last night was Rick Olivares who has become a sports writer celebrity with his interviews, column and Blog posts which are all blockbusters.

To me the biggest surprise this year for Halikinu Radio is the timeslot and one of our newest co-emcees Ivee Simon. Well Ateneans are known to be such good talkers so Ivee who was a former "student assistant" of Ralph Aligada and Trina Alejo. Now she is one of the co hosts and I believe she did well considering the fact that she is with such talkative personalities like me and Rick. Just like what I say...its great to have more airtime!

The new time slot sucks since its 8 pm to 9 pm. But like what I have always said, its better than no Radio show at all. Problem with the new time slot is that most of the time the players are still in their practices. That is why we just had to air some interviews on Justin Chua, Kirk Long and Jason Escueta. It was a blast and I hope the Blue Eagles win more games so that it would be fun to talk about the team! For everything blue, plug in to Halikinu.