FEU forces decider against La Salle in women's basketball

Far Eastern University unearthed another come-from-behind bid to force a winner-take-all in their UAAP Season 77 stepladder semifinal against La Salle on Thursday, escaping with a 61-56 victory at the San Juan Arena.

Trailing by as large as fifteen points in the third period, April Siat led the charge in the comeback, scoring seven in the quarter, and followed that up by matching the defending champions' eleven-point output in the final canto.

Even with the offensive struggles, the Lady Archers managed to be just down two points, 58-56, with 103 seconds remaining after a Camille Claro layup. However, Jacq Tanaman nailed a jumper with under a minute left to provide the

Siat would finish with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Tanaman fell just one assist short of a triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Nikki Garcia led La Salle with 15 points, while Cass Santos added eleven and four rebounds.

The do-or-die matchup will take place later today at the Mall of Asia Arena, acting as the curtain-raiser for their male counterparts who will also play at the same venue later that afternoon.

Games tomorrow:
(Mall of Asia Arena)
1:30 p.m. – FEU vs La Salle (women semis)
4 p.m. – FEU vs La Salle (men semis)

The scores:FEU (61) - Siat 21, Tanaman 16, Valenzona 7, Arellado 6, Gabriel 4, Ventura 4, Castro 2, Chan 1, Baldonado 0.
La Salle (56) - Garcia 15, Santos 11, Piatos 8, Ong A. 6, Claro 6, Melendres 3, Vergara 3, Ong M. 2, Castillo 2, Corcuera 0, Scott 0, Lumba 0.
Quarterscores: 6-7, 17-29, 37-45, 62-56

Ateneo, FEU secure wins in UAAP women's basketball eliminations

Ateneo and Far Eastern University kept themselves in contention for a postseason spot with their respective victories on Wednesday morning at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Eagles of Erika Dy defeated the University of the East, 70-56, in the second game of the doubleheader.

A 31-point first quarter was all that Ateneo needed, aided by a stifling defense that held UE to 20% shooting.

Danica Jose, Ther Aseron, Sara Bo-ot, and Franchesca Tantoco each scored ten points in the win, while Jose added a game-high fifteen rebounds and swatted the Lady Warriors five times.

Nicole Mendina and Eunique Chan led UE with fifteen points each, sending them to their eighth loss in ten matches.

The first game of the doubleheader saw Far Eastern University preventing the University of the Philippines from nabbing their first win, 59-54.

Claire Castro's basket with 96 seconds remaining gave the Lady Tamaraws a 56-53 lead, and the Lady Maroons were unable to make a field goal in the dying seconds to make a dent. Castro would finish with twelve points and fourteen rebounds.

Bea Daez finished with a game-high 25 points.
 Ateneo and FEU joined idle Adamson and University of Santo Tomas in a tie for third place with a 5-5 record, trailing pace-setting National University at 10-0 and defending champions La Salle at 8-2.

The scores:

First Game (Women)

FEU (59) - Castro 12, Siat 10, Chan 10, Valenzona 9, Gabriel 8, Arellado 6, Tanaman 2, Ventura 2, Baldonado 0, Balleser 0.

UP (54) - Daez 25, Tatel 8, Bautista 7, Isip 5, Aurellado 4, Wong 3, Medina 2, Delmoro 0, Franco 0, Rodas 0.

Quarterscores: 14-15, 29-26, 41-41, 59-54

Second Game (Women)

Ateneo (70) - Aseron 10, Bo-ot 10, Jose 10, Tantoco 10, Javier 9, Tomita 7, Belarmino 5, Nitorreda 5, Buendia 3, Posadas 1, Cancio 0, Dogong 0, Go, Lamar 0, Yam 0.
UE (56) - Mendina 15, Chan 15, Sto. Domingo 10, Tacula 6, Llosala 5, Bale 3, Sampaga 2, Ano-os 0, Gayacao 0, Nama 0.
Quarterscores: 31-10, 45-26, 63-41, 70-56

NU continues women's basketball domination

Standings:

NU 10-0
La Salle 8-2
UST 5-5
Adamson 5-5
Ateneo 4-5
FEU 4-5
UE 2-7
UP 0-9

Matches scheduled today:

8 a.m. – UP vs FEU (women)
10 a.m. – ADMU vs UE (women)

National University sealed the first postseason spot up for grabs this past weekend for the women's basketball tournament of the UAAP.

The Blue Eagle Gym played host to the Lady Bulldogs' tenth straight victory, a 67-50 dismantling of Far Eastern University, creeping closer to an undefeated eliminations and the reward of an automatic finals seat.

Shelly Gupilan and Afril Bernardino combined for 29 points and 15 rebounds for the win.

Chasing down the pacesetters are La Salle Lady Archers. The defending champions disposed of their rivals Ateneo, 53-37, for their eighth win of the season. Trisha Piatos led the charge with 15 points, while Cass Santos added 14 and 7.

Losses by the Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Eagles moved them behind in the race for postseason spots, as both the University of Santo Tomas and Adamson moved ahead of FEU and Ateneo win wins over their respective opposition.

The Tigressess pounced on the University of the East, 54-36, with Maica Cortes netting 10 and 10, while Adamson kept UP winless this season on the efforts of Jingky Balasta's twenty points.

FEU and Ateneo have a chance to get themselves back on level terms with UST and Adamson with wins in their matches today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Tamaraws face off against the Lady Maroons to kick off the basketball action today at 8am, while the Lady Eagles face the Lady Warriors at 10am.

Comprehensive UAAP Second Round Schedule for Collegiate Basketball

Here are the combined schedules for the UAAP collegiate basketball games for the second round: (women's games are italicized)

August 16 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am La Salle vs Adamson
10am NU vs UST
2pm Adamson vs UST
4pm UE vs UP

August 17 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am Ateneo vs UP
10am FEU vs UE
11am FEU vs NU
4pm Ateneo vs La Salle

August 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

8am Adamson vs NU
10am UST vs La Salle
2pm NU vs Adamson
4pm UE vs Ateneo

August 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

8am UST vs UE
10am Adamson vs UP
2pm La Salle vs UP
4pm UST vs FEU

August 24 at the Blue Eagle Gym (for women) and SMART-Araneta Coliseum (for men):

9am NU vs FEU
11am La Salle vs Ateneo
2pm Adamson vs UE
4pm Ateneo vs NU

August 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

8am UP vs FEU
10am Ateneo vs UE
2pm UP vs UST
4pm FEU vs DLSU

August 30 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am NU vs Ateneo
10am UE vs La Salle
2pm UP vs FEU
4pm UST vs Ateneo

August 31 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am UP vs UST
10am FEU vs Adamson
2pm DLSU vs Adamson
4pm NU vs UE

September 3 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am La Salle vs UP
10am UE vs NU
2pm UP vs Ateneo
4pm Adamson vs FEU

September 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

8am FEU vs UST
10am Adamson vs Ateneo
2pm Ateneo vs Adamson
4pm La Salle vs UST

September 7 at the Blue Eagle Gym (for women) and the SMART-Araneta Coliseum (for men):

9am NU vs UP
11am FEU vs La Salle
2pm NU vs UP
4pm FEU vs UE

September 10 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am UE vs Adamson
10am Ateneo vs UST
2pm UE vs La Salle
4pm NU vs UST

September 13 at the UST Gym (for women) and the SMART-Araneta Coliseum (for men):

9am UP vs UE
11am Ateneo vs FEU
1pm UST vs Adamson
2pm Ateneo vs FEU

3pm La Salle vs NU4pm La Salle vs NU

September 14 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum = UAAP Cheerdance Competition

September 16 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

2pm UST vs UE
4pm UP vs Adamson

NU sweeps first round of UAAP women's basketball

It won't fully make up for their Season 76 Finals defeat, but National University avenged last year's loss against La Salle with a dominant 77-55 victory at the Blue Eagle Gym to close out the first round play in women's basketball.

The Lady Bulldogs started off strong, scoring the first seven points of the game, and although the Lady Archers would cut that lead down to one point at 14-13, with 3:21 left off an Inna Concuera putback, NU would break the game open with a 23-3 run and erect a 21-point lead with 4:45 left in the first half. La Salle would never get that lead down to single digits for the rest of the game.

Gemma Miranda finished with twenty points, fourteen rebounds, and two assists for the win, while Afril Bernardino added seventeen and eight boards. Camille Claro led the defending champions with eleven points and three rebounds. Concuera added nine points in under 9 minutes of action.

La Salle had beaten NU in three games last year to secure the crown, with the game this past Sunday being their first elimination round meeting since then.

In a battle to determine who will finish in third place after the first round, the University of Santo Tomas beat Adamson, 59-47.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair between the Tigresses and the Lady Falcons, but after Jingky Balasta converted a three-pointer to give Adamson a 43-41 lead with 8:22 remaining, UST scored eight straight points in a span of almost three minutes, erecting a 49-43 lead. Jolly Ballaso's putback cut the deficit to 49-45 with 5:10 remaining, but UST closed the game out with a 10-2 run to secure their fourth win of the season.

Lore Rivera led all scorers with fourteen points and twenty rebounds, while Maica Cortes contributed eight of her thirteen points in the final period. Balasta would finish with twelve points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Far Eastern University kept the University of the Philippines winless after one round of play, hanging on to a 65-61 result.

Jacqueline Tanaman broke a 61-all tie to give the Lady Tamaraws a 63-61 lead with 82 seconds remaining. The Lady Maroons had their chance tie the game or take the lead, but Patricia Pesquera and Bea Daez missed their shots, with a 24-second violation in between the two possessions.

April Siat capped her fourteen-point performance with two free throws with 22 seconds left for the final score. She would add six rebounds. Claire Castro would also have fourteen points, while adding a game-high eighteen rebounds and four swats. Angel Arellano scored a team-high eighteen points.

Daez led UP with 21 points.

Completing the slate of Sunday matches is Ateneo ending its four-game tumble with a 50-35 win over the University of the East.

The Lady Eagles shut down the Lady Warriors in the second half, limiting them to just thirteen points on five field goals in the final twenty minutes.

Danica Jose's sixteen points, eighteen rebounds, two assists, a steal, and two blocks allowed her to bounce back after a stretch of sub-par results.

Wins from Ateneo and FEU, coupled with Adamson's loss, formed a three-way tie for fourth place with a 3-4 record, with UE one game back at 2-5 for solo seventh.

The scores

First Game

FEU (65) – Arellado 18, Siat 14, Castro 14, Tanaman 8, Valenzona 5, Ventura 5, Baldonado 1, Hortaleza 0, Gabriel 0, Chan 0, Abat 0.
UP (61) – Daez 21, Wong 17, Tatel 10, Bautista 9, Pesquera 2, Delmoro 2, Esplana 0, Isip 0, Aliermo 0, Aurellado 0.

Quarterscores: 16-19, 30-34, 50-46, 65-61

Second Game

UST (59) – Rivera 14, Cortes 13, Siapoc 11, Penaflor 10, Reyes 4, Felisarte 4, Magdaluyo 2, Isanan 1, Angeles 0, Gandala 0.

AdU (47) – Balasta 12, Ballaso 7, De Castro 6, Amper 6, Mateo 5, Osano 5, Avila 4, Generoso 2, Ong 0, Ido 0, Durens 0.

Quarterscores: 8-11, 22-20, 38-36, 59-47

Third Game

NU (77) – Miranda 20, Bernardino 17, Tongco 11, Antiquiera 11, Gupilan 5, Abriam 4, Nabalan 4, Escoto 3, Sison 2, Paig 0, Castro 0, Layug 0, Seno 0, Layug 0, Seno 0, Villegas 0, Maghibon 0.

DLSU (55) – Claro 11, Corcuera 9, Ong A. 7, Piatos 6, Garcia 5, Ong M. 4, Oyao 4, Santos 3, Melendres 2, Vergara 2, Scott 2, Roxas 0, Castillo 0, Lumba 0.

Quarterscores: 23-14, 41-25, 59-41, 77-55

Fourth Game

ADMU (50) – Jose 16, Buendia 8, Tomita 8, Aseron 7, Javier 5, Bo-ot 2, Go 2, Yam 1, Nitorreda 1, Belarmino 0, Dogong 0, Cancio 0, Posadas 0, Tantoco 0, Lamar 0.

UE (35) – Tacula 7, Sto. Domingo 5, Llosala 5, Sampaga 5, Ano-os 4, Mendina 4, Bale 3, Chan 2, Gayacao 0, Bobis 0, Francisco 0.

Quarterscores: 11-11, 27-22, 37-26, 50-35

La Salle, NU extend unbeaten women's basketball run to six matches

Games on August 10 (Sunday) at the (Blue Eagle Gym)
9 a.m. – FEU (2-4) vs UP (0-6)
11 a.m. – UST (3-3) vs Adamson (3-3)
1 p.m. – NU (6-0) vs La Salle (6-0)
3 p.m. – UE (2-4) vs Ateneo (2-4)

Standings:

La Salle 6-0
NU 6-0
Adamson 3-3
UST 3-3
Ateneo 2-4
FEU 2-4
UE 2-4
UP 0-6

The first round of UAAP women's basketball on Sunday will close with a collision of undefeated teams, as UAAP Season 76 finalists La Salle and National University took contrasting routes on Wednesday to take their respective sixth wins this season, setting the stage for their first meeting since the finals this coming Sunday afternoon.

The Lady Bulldogs send the University of the Philippines to their sixth straight defeat, 57-44. Shelley Gupilan poured ten of her 25 points in the third quarter, outscoring the Lady Maroons, who only could muster nine by themselves.

UP held a 30-28 lead with over 3.5 minutes left in the period, before NU uncorked sixteen unanswered points, mostly from the efforts of Gupilan and Andrea Tongco, to erect a 44-30 lead with over nine minutes left. UP never recovered from the run, as they could only manage to whittle the deficit to as low as eight, 50-42, before NU closed out the game on a 7-2 burst.

Tongco would finish with seven points, six rebounds and two assists, while Afril Bernardino contributed with sixteen points, eight rebounds, three assists and four blocks.

Bea Daez led UP with 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

In contrast, the Lady Archers survived a fourth-quarter comeback from Far Eastern University to hold on to a 46-43 victory.

Trailing by eight points with under 6.5 minutes remaining at 39-31, the Lady Tamaraws scored nine straight points to take a 40-39 lead with 3:40 remaining.

However, the defending champions retook the lead, this time for good at 42-40 with a Trisha Piatos triple with 3:23 left. FEU had a chance to creep closer, but free throw issues plagued them in the dying minutes, going 1/8 from the stripe. In addition, April Siat missed a basket with 13 seconds left that could have given them the lead.

The Lady Tamaraws had an opportunity to force an extension, after Piatos' free throws made it a three-point game with 3.3 seconds left. Unfortunately, Angelica Gabriel committed a turnover with one second left to send them to their fourth loss in six games.

Nicole Garcia led La Salle with fifteen points and eleven rebounds, while Piatos finished with ten points, five rebounds and three assists.

Claire Castro led FEU with twelve-points and a game-high sixteen rebounds.

UST used a strong close to the first quarter to secure their third win of the season against UE, 69-54. Tied at 14-all with over 2.5 minutes remaining, the Tigresses uncorked a 12-1 run to end the period up, 26-15. UST continued to hold their ground, never allowing the Lady Warriors to get closer than five points for the rest of the game. They also closed out strong, finishing the match on a 10-2 burst to prevent UE from taking their third win.


Closing out the quadruple-header at the Blue Eagle Gym, Ateneo slumped to their fourth straight defeat, losing to Adamson, 59-47. The troika of Jingky Balasta, Janille de Castro and Jolly Ballaso combined for 36 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Lady Falcons to their third win of the season.

The Lady Eagles got a subpar performance from Danica Jose, who was limited to just four points and eight rebounds. Caramia Buendia and Claire Aseron each had twelve points and six rebounds to take charge for the Erika Dy-coached group.

The other matchups in the Sunday quadruple-header sees Adamson and UST break their tie to see who will finish the first round in solo third place at 11am, UP seeking to secure that elusive victory against FEU at 9am, and Ateneo and UE closing out the first round at 3pm.

The scores:
First Game
NU (57) – Gupilan 25, Bernardino 16, Tongco 7, Miranda 4, Antiquiera 3, Paig 2, Abriam 0, Nabalan 0, Escoto 0, Seno 0, Castro 0, Villegas 0, Layug 0, Sison 0, Maghibon 0.
UP (44) – Daez 14, Wong 9, Bautista 5, Isip 5, Pesquera 5, Aliermo 4, Tatel 2, Esplana 0, Lapid 0.
Quarterscores: 10-6, 19-21, 41-30, 57-44

Second Game
La Salle (46) – Garcia 15, Piatos 10, Ong M. 6, Santos 5, Melendres 3, Ong A. 2, Roxas 2, Castillo 2, Corcuera 1, Vergara 0, Scott 0.
FEU (43) – Castro 12, Arellano 10, Tanaman 9, Siat 8, Valenzona 2, Ventura 2, Baldonado 0, Hortaleza 0, Chan 0, Balleser 0, Gabriel 0.
Quarterscores: 12-6, 24-14, 34-24, 46-43

Third Game
UST (69) – Siapoc 16, Cortes 14, Rivera 12, Angeles 11, Magdaluyo 4, Penaflor 3, Felisarte 3, Reyes 2, Isanan 2, Nartates 2, Mandilag 0, Gandala 0, Capilit 0, Pernia 0.
UE (54) – Sto. Domingo 12, Ano-os 8, Mendina 8, Llosala 7, Sampaga 7, Tacula 5, Chan 4, Gayacao 3, Francisco 0, Bale 0.
Quarterscores: 26-15, 38-29, 49-43, 69-54.

Fourth Game
Adamson (59) – Balasta 14, De Castro 12, Ballaso 10, Avila 8, Osano 5, Mateo 4, Amper 4, Ong 2, Ido 0, Generoso 0, Durens 0, Sulit 0, Alcoy 0.
Ateneo (47) – Buendia 12, Aseron 12, Yam 6, Jose 4, Javier 3, Tomita 3, Go 3, Bo-ot 2, Nitorreda 2, Belarmino 0, Posadas 0, Lamar 0, Tantoco 0.
Quarterscores: 15-9, 23-19, 42-31, 59-47.

La Salle, NU win 5th straight in UAAP women's basketball

Games on Wednesday, August 6 at the Blue Eagle Gym:

9 a.m. – UP vs NU
11 a.m. –La Salle vs FEU
1 p.m. – UST vs UE
3 p.m. – Ateneo vs Adamson


Standings:

La Salle 5-0
NU 5-0
Ateneo 2-3
Adamson 2-3
FEU 2-3
UE 2-3
UST 2-3
UP 0-5.

La Salle and National University took care of business on Sunday to maintain their hold atop the standings in the women's basketball tournament of the UAAP.

The defending champions coasted to a 48-39 victory over rivals Ateneo, while last season's runners-up handled Far Eastern University, 56-40.

The Archers rode on a strong first half, limiting the Lady Eagles to just 17 points in the first half and erected a lead as large as twenty points in the third quarter. The ladies of Erika Dy did manage to whittle down the lead, but the margin was too large to overcome, sending them to their third straight defeat.

Cass Santos led the balanced scoring attack for DLSU with eight points, with Trisha Piatos and Nicole Garcia each adding seven markers.

Danica Jose led Ateneo with 17 points and 22 rebounds, but got little help offensively from her teammates, who shot a combined 7/38 from the field.

The Lady Bulldogs overcame a four-point halftime deficit with a strong second-half performance. Highlighting that performance was a 19-4 third quarter output, with NU forcing the Lady Tamaraws to go 2/14 from the field and forcing eleven turnovers.

Kristine Abriam led the charge with sixteen points, while Afril Bernardino contriubted a double-double with twelve points and ten boards.

Claire Castro led FEU with thirteen markers, alongside eight rebounds and five rejections.

The other two games featured one-point victories for UE and UST to set up a five-way tie at 2-3.

The Lady Warriors needed five more minutes to stun Adamson, 54-53, while the Tigresses kept UP winless this season, 44-43.

Ruthlaine Tacula managed to steal the ball from Zhalyn Mateo to preserve the victory, seconds after missing the second free throw. Tacula would finish with thirteen points, twelve rebounds and seven assists to lead the Lady Warriors, who had the chance to complete the comeback in regulation had Eunique Chan made the putback attempt before the buzzer.

Mateo and Jingky Balasta led the Lady Falcons with fourteen points each and a combined total of fifteen rebounds. Adamson led by seven with under three minutes left before UE's comeback.

The Tigresses remained steady as they survived a comeback attempt from the Lady Maroons. Lore Rivera preserved the victory with the steal off Antonia Wong with four seconds remaining. 

Rivera would finish with a game-high thirteen rebounds along with seven points and three steals. Kim Reyes topscored for UST with eleven points, while Maica Cortes provided a double-double with ten points and eleven boards.

Bea Daez led UP with a game-high thirteen markers.

NU takes out UE in women's basketball

Standings:

La Salle 4-0
NU 4-0
Ateneo 2-2
Adamson 2-2
FEU 2-2
UE 1-3
UST 1-3
UP 0-4

August 3 at the Blue Eagle Gym:

9am - Adamson vs UE
11am - UP vs UST
1pm - Ateneo vs La Salle
3pm - FEU vs NU  

National University joined La Salle on top of the UAAP women's basketball standings on Wednesday, after taking care of business against the University of the East at the Mall of Asia Arena.

A 24-6 second quarter provided NU with the necessary margin needed to cruise their way for the victory, which had been originally scheduled last week but was postponed due to a slippery floor at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Afril Bernardino led the charge for the Lady Bulldogs with 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Gemma Miranda added twelve and eight to keep themselves undefeated after four games.

The Lady Warriors dropped their third game out of four matches to join idle University of Santo Tomas in sixth place.

Games are to resume this Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym, with both Ateneo and FEU seeking to provide La Salle and NU their first losses of the season. UE seeks to bounce back against Adamson, while UP tries to snatch its first victory of the season against UST.

The UAAP also on Wednesday announced the new scheduled of games that had been postponed due to Glenda.

The women's basketball matches that had been pegged on July 16 will be played on August 6 at the Blue Eagle Gym. (UP vs NU, La Salle vs FEU, UST vs UE, and Ateneo vs Adamson).

Meanwhile, the men's basketball matches that had been pegged on July 16 will take place on August 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena. (EDIT: UAAP has since released a memo noting the venue change to the SMART-Araneta Coliseum) (UST vs UE, and Adamson vs FEU)

The scores:
NU (81) - Bernardino 19, Miranda 12, Nabalan 9, Escoto 8, Gupilan 6, Paig 6, Castro 5, Abriam 4, Layug 3, Tongco 3, Antiquiera 2, Maghibon 2, Seno 2, Sison 0.

UE (59) - Chan 15, Sampaga 13, Ano-os 10, Mendina 7, Sto. Domingo 6, Tacula 4, Bale 2, Degan 2, Gayacao 0, Francisco 0, Llosala 0.

Quarterscores: 15-13, 37-21, 63-36, 81-59

La Salle, NU continue their undefeated match in UAAP women's basketball

Standings:

La Salle 4-0
NU 3-0
Ateneo 2-2
Adamson 2-2
FEU 2-2
UE 1-2
UST 1-3
UP 0-4

July 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena: 10am - NU vs UE

August 3 at the Blue Eagle Gym:

9am - Adamson vs UE
11am - UP vs UST
1pm - Ateneo vs La Salle
3pm - FEU vs NU 

UAAP Season 76 finalists remained unbeaten after dispatching their respective opponents in the latest UAAP Season 77 women's basketball matches at the Blue Eagle Gym on Sunday.

The defending UAAP champions took care of things against the University of the East for their fourth straight win, 64-56, while the losing finalists won their third straight by taking out Ateneo, 59-50.

After a slow start where they trailed by five points with over six minutes remaining in the first quarter, La Salle rode on Inna Corcuera to set forth a 15-3 run to take control of the game by the second quarter. They would then uncork an 11-0 run in a span of under three minutes midway in the third quarter to put away the Lady Warriors. Nicole Garcia scored eight of those eleven markers, eventually finishing with a team-high fourteen, as well as eight rebounds and two assists to send UE to their second loss in three games.

Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs stifled the Lady Eagles in the second quarter, limiting them to just five points to give them a 36-22 halftime lead as they cruised towards the win. The ladies of Erika Dy struggled, committing ten turnovers in said quarter, sending them to back-to-back defeats after winning their first two games.

Shelly Gupitan led NU with fifteen points and eight rebounds, while Claire Aseron led Ateneo with eleven points and two assists.

NU will have the chance to be on level terms with La Salle on Wednesday morning, as the UAAP revealed that their postponed match with UE will take place at that time in the Mall of Asia Arena. Tip-off is expected to be at 10am. Their match had been deferred previously because of a slippery floor at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The other two games on Sunday saw Far Eastern University and Adamson join the Lady Eagles at 2-2 with respective victories over UST (57-56) and UP (57-44).

The Tigressess of coach Chris Cantonjos held a lead as large as eight points in the first half, but the Lady Tamaraws managed to crawl back, going on a 13-2 run to retake the lead in the 3rd quarter. What happened afterwards is a nip-and-tuck game, with no team holding a lead as large as six points.

Angel Arellano score the game-winning basket with over two minutes left, off an assist from Loraine Ventura. UST would have chances to take the win, but Maica Cortes, Jen Angeles, and Lore Rivera all missed their attempts in the final 107 seconds of the game.

Arellano would finish with a game-high 23 points FEU, while Rivera led UST with a double-double performance, netting seventeen and twelve in over 28 minutes of action.

The Soaring Lady Falcons relied on a strong defensive start, limiting UP to just two points in the opening quarter on 1/12 shooting. Although the Lady Maroons managed to fight back in the second and third quarters, the final quarter was all about Jingky Balasta.

Playing virtually all but 40 seconds of the final ten minutes, Balasta netted eighteen points in the period, outscoring the entire UP team by three points. She did so by making all six of her free throws and going 4/6 from beyond the arc.

The defeats send the Tigresses and the Lady Maroons form the basement of the league as of the moment with an 1-3 and 0-4 record respectively.

La Salle maintains hold atop UAAP women's basketball

UAAP women's basketball standings:

DLSU 3-0
NU 2-0
ADMU 2-1
UE 1-1
UST, Adamson & FEU 1-2
UP 0-3

Season 76 women's basketball champions La Salle continue their winning form into Season 77 with a couple more victories this week at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Lady Archers bested the Adamson Lady Falcons, 50-42 last Saturday. Afterwards, they manhandled the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 66-31, on Thursday.

Overcoming a slow start that saw them only scoring five points in the first ten minutes, DLSU answered by almost tripling that output in the next period. Ana Castilio led the charge by scoring all eight of her points in the quarter, matching the Lady Falcons' output as a team in the period. Camille Claro and Trisha Piatos combined to score all 15 of their points in the second half to preserve the win.

In contrast to their struggles on Thursday, La Salle had an easier time against winless UP, opening a 17-7 lead and cruising to a 66-31 blowout. Alyanna Ong and Steph Vergara combined to score 21 markers to ensure the defending champions are spotless after three games.

The Lady Falcons did bounce back from their loss to DLSU on Saturday with a narrow 48-47 victory over Far Eastern University.

Ana Valenzona missed what would have been the game-winning triple for the Lady Tamaraws with 3 seconds left to give Adamson their first win of the season. They had taken the lead with 44 seconds remaining in the game, thanks to a couple of free throws from Jingky Balasta that turned out to be the final points of the match. The Lady Falcons stifled FEU's offense, limiting them to just seven points in the final ten minutes to send them into a back-to-back tailspin this week.

FEU had previously lost to Ateneo, 58-55 on Saturday, giving the Lady Eagles their second win of the season, already surpassing last season's total. The Lady Tamaraws also had a similar disappointing performance in the final period, allowing Ateneo to score 23 points while only mustering 12 of their own.

Danica Jose contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Ther Aseron added 14 of her own.

Unfortunately for the ladies of Erika Dy, they were unable to join La Salle atop the standings, falling late to UST, 55-54. The Tigresses relied on Mariella Isanan's game-winner with 15.7 seconds remaining to snatch their first victory of the season, after Sara Bo-ot missed what would have been the clinching lay-up for the Lady Eagles.

The Tigresses had been close to snagging that first win earlier in the week, but they fell short against National University, 62-60. The Lady Bulldogs could have joined the defending champions on top of the leaderboard, but a slippery court forced their match against the University of the East to be called off.

The next set of matches will take place on July 27 at the Blue Eagle Gym:

9am - UST vs FEU
11am - NU vs Ateneo
1pm - La Salle vs UE
3pm - UP vs Adamson

Title-retention bid for DLSU Lady Archers off to a bright start

Reigning UAAP women's basketball champions La Salle opened their title defense with a 56-50 victory over the UST Tigresses on the first day of action at the Blue Eagle Gym last Sunday.

Trisha Piatos made five triples on her way to 23 points to lead the Lady Archers, who return most of the players from the title-winning group.

Kim Reyes led the Tigresses with fourteen points and six rebounds, while Lore Rivera had a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

DLSU used an 18-9 run in the third period to overcome a one-point halftime deficit into an eight-point lead heading into the final canto, where they withstood a charge from UST in the final minutes.

Last season's runners-up National University aims to be one step better this time around, opening their season with a 62-46 victory over Adamson.

Afril Bernardino led the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Risa Paig and Andrea Tongco each contributing nine markers.

Jingky Balasta had 14 points for the Lady Falcons, who could only muster eight points in the third quarter, allowing NU to pull away.

Former champions Far Eastern University, whose quest for a three-peat was derailed by a controversy involving one of its players participating in an unsanctioned league, beat the University of the East, 52-37.

Bucking the absence of Season 76 MVP Camille Sambile due to graduation, the Lady Tamaraws overwhelmed the Amazons, particularly in the 3rd period, doubling up their opponents, 20-10.

April Siat scored 15 points for the win, while grabbing eight rebounds. Jacqueline Tanaman and Claire Castro each contributed eight markers. UE were led by Chery Joy Ano-os and Eunique Chan, who each netted twelve apiece, while combining for eighteen rebounds and three steals.

The other game saw Ateneo match its winning total from last season, securing a 54-42 triumph over the University of the Philippines.

Danica Jose delivered an 18-point, eight-rebound peformance to give her coach Erika Dy her first win as their new head coach.

The next set of women's basketball matches will be played again at the Blue Eagle Gym on Saturday, July 19. This was after the games scheduled on July 16 were postponed as a result of weather conditions brought about by Typhoon Glenda.

9am - Adamson vs La Salle
11am - UE vs UP
1pm - NU vs UST
3pm - FEU vs Ateneo

Meanwhile, making its first semester debut this season on Saturday as well is the juniors volleyball tournament.

To be played at the Adamson Gym, reigning champions UST and UE will attempt to extend their title reign in spite of key losses, in particular EJ Laure for the UST girls, and Edward Camposano for the UE boys.

Ateneo de Manila University Ticketing Guidelines

The Ateneo de Manila University has released its ticketing guidelines for the upcoming UAAP season. Please abide by these procedures.

Ticket Selling Schedule:

Wednesday Game: Monday, 9 am until supplies last.
Saturday Game: Wednesday, 9 am until supplies last
Sunday Game: Thursday, 9 am until supplies last

Tickets sold at the Blue Eagle Gym will be sold only to the following:

1. Ateneo de Manila University alumni. (Those studying in the Loyola Schools (SOH, SOSS, JGSOM and SOSE), whether in college or post-college, have their own ticketing system via the College Athletics Office.)
2. Ateneo Grade School or Ateneo High School students, parents representing said student, faculty, and staff.
3. Ateneo Professional Schools students, faculty, and staff.
4. Central Administration staff of the university.

No PROXIES will be entertained in the line.

The College Athletics Office will also handle ticket selling for the Loyola Schools faculty and staff.

The University Atheltics Office (UAO), who manages the ticket selling at the Blue Eagle Gym, will ask for prospective buyers to provide any of the following ID cards:

Grade School/High School/ Ateneo Professional Schools student, faculty and staff: Ateneo I.D.
Grade School/High School parent representing a child: Child’s Ateneo I.D. and your own government issued I.D.
Central Administration Staff: Ateneo I.D.
Ateneo alums: Alumni Card or Any government issued I.D.

ONLY 2 tickets will be sold per person.

Ticketing Guidelines for Ateneo-La Salle games and postseason games are the same as above with the following additions: 

Ticket selling will take place at 7pm, but numbers that will be honored for that ticket selling will be released at 7am.

Ticket buyers need to be at the venue by 6pm to prevent complications when tickets will be released at the time prescribed.

Same ID used for the 7am release will be needed for the 7pm release.

MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SALES.

Here is Ateneo's schedule for collegiate basketball (men and women) in the first round. Women's matches are italicized and will be played at the Blue Eagle Gym.

July 13:

1pm - UP vs Ateneo
2pm - Ateneo vs Adamson at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

July 16:

3pm - Ateneo vs Adamson

July 19:

3pm - FEU vs Ateneo

July 20:

11am - La Salle vs Ateneo at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

July 23:

2pm - Ateneo vs UP at the Mall of Asia Arena

July 24:

11am - Ateneo vs UST

July 26:

4pm - Ateneo vs NU at the Mall of Asia Arena

July 27:

11am - NU vs Ateneo

August 3:

1pm - Ateneo vs La Salle
4pm - FEU vs Ateneo at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

August 6:

4pm - Ateneo vs UST at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

August 10:

2pm - UE vs Ateneo at the Mall of Asia Arena
3pm - UE vs Ateneo

Comprehensive UAAP Season 77 1st Round Schedule

Here is the Season 77 schedule for collegiate basketball (men and women). Juniors has since been moved to the second semester. Women's matches are italicized and will be played at the Blue Eagle Gym.

July 12 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

12nn - Opening Ceremonies
2pm - UE vs UP
4pm - La Salle vs FEU

July 13 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

9am - FEU vs UE
11am - NU vs Adamson
1pm - UP vs Ateneo
2pm - Ateneo vs Adamson
3pm - La Salle vs UST
4pm - NU vs UST

July 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

9am - UP vs NU
11am - La Salle vs FEU
1pm - UST vs UE
2pm - UST vs UE
3pm - Ateneo vs Adamson
4pm - Adamson vs FEU

July 19 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

9am - Adamson vs La Salle
11am - UE vs UP
1pm - NU vs UST
2pm - NU vs UP
3pm - FEU vs Ateneo
4pm - Adamson vs UE

July 20 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

11am - La Salle vs Ateneo
4pm - UST vs FEU

July 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena

2pm - Ateneo vs UP
4pm - NU vs La Salle

July 24:

9am - UE vs NU
11am - Ateneo vs UST
1pm - UP vs La Salle
3pm - Adamson vs FEU

July 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

2pm - UST vs Adamson
4pm - Ateneo vs NU

July 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

9am - UST vs FEU
11am - NU vs Ateneo
1pm - La Salle vs UE
2pm - UP vs FEU

3pm - UP vs Adamson
4pm - UE vs La Salle

July 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

2pm - FEU vs UE
4pm - Adamson vs NU

August 2 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

2pm - UP vs UST
4pm - La Salle vs Adamson

August 3 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

9am - Adamson vs UE
11am - UP vs UST
1pm - Ateneo vs La Salle
2pm - NU vs UE
3pm - FEU vs NU
4pm - FEU vs Ateneo

August 6 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

2pm - UP vs La Salle
4pm - Ateneo vs UST

August 9 at the Mall of Asia Arena

2pm - Adamson vs UP
4pm - NU vs FEU

August 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena

9am - FEU vs UP
11am - UST vs Adamson
1pm - NU vs La Salle
2pm - UE vs Ateneo
3pm - UE vs Ateneo
4pm - La Salle vs UST

The lowdown of Sports5's NCAA coverage

The NCAA opened their collegiate basketball season last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, opening with San Beda and San Sebastian taking victories.

Here is how Sports5 will handle the coverage:

1. The first three weekday gamedays (today, July 2 and 4) will have their telecast start at 12nn for the first game and 2pm for the second. (Both games will be shown LIVE on AksyonTV, with TV5 only showing the second game LIVE. 

2. The normal schedule (starting this weekend) will be Saturdays at 2:30pm, MWF at 2pm and 4pm. Same weekday protocols as seen on 1.

3. Livestreaming of games will take place. Details are on here, while encore telecasts can be seen on HYPER..

4. Handling play-by-play duties will be either of these guys: Magoo Marjon, Aaron Atayde, James Velasquez, Chiqui Reyes and Nikko Ramos.

5. Handling analyst duties: Ronnie Magsanoc, LA Mumar, Xavier Nunag, Don Allado, RenRen Ritualo, Eric Reyes, Richard del Rosario and Dominic Uy.

6. Doing courtside work: Justin Sulit, Mara Aquino, Denise Tan, Apple David and Ai dela Cruz.

I hope that covers all that.

NCAA Season 90 1st round schedule

Schedules are as of June 15. Games noted in italics are Juniors games:

June 28, Saturday, MOA Arena

1130am - Opening Ceremonies
1pm - JRU vs San Beda
3pm - San Sebastian vs Letran

June 29, Sunday, San Juan Knights Gym

12nn - JRU vs San Beda
2pm - San Sebastian vs Letran

June 30, Monday, San Juan Arena

10am - UPHSD vs Mapua
12nn - UPHSD vs Mapua
2pm - Arellano vs Lyceum
4pm - Arellano vs Lyceum

July 2, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

10am - EAC vs LSGH
12nn - EAC vs DLSU-CSB
2pm - San Sebastian vs JRU
4pm - San Sebastian vs JRU

July 4, Friday, San Juan Arena

10am - Letran vs Lyceum
12nn - Letran vs Lyceum
2pm - San Beda vs Mapua
4pm - San Beda vs Mapua

July 5, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - UPHSD vs San Sebastian
230pm - UPHSD vs San Sebastian

July 7, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Arellano vs EAC
2pm - Arellano vs EAC
4pm - JRU vs DLSU-CSB
6pm - JRU vs LSGH

July 9, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Lyceum vs San Beda
2pm - Lyceum vs San Beda
4pm - Mapua vs Letran
6pm - Mapua vs Letran

July 11, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - LSGH vs San Sebastian
2pm - DLSU-CSB vs San Sebastian
4pm - UPHSD vs EAC
6pm - UPHSD vs EAC

July 12, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - San Beda vs Arellano
230pm - San Beda vs Arellano

July 14, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Letran vs JRU
2pm - Letran vs JRU
4pm - Lyceum vs Mapua
6pm - Lyceum vs Mapua

July 16, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - LSGH vs UPHSD
2pm - DLSU-CSB vs UPHSD
4pm - San Sebastian vs EAC
6pm - San Sebastian vs EAC

July 18, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Arellano vs Mapua
2pm - Arellano vs Mapua
4pm - JRU vs Lyceum
6pm - JRU vs Lyceum

July 21, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - EAC vs San Beda
2pm - EAC vs San Beda
4pm - DLSU-CSB vs Letran
6pm - LSGH vs Letran

July 23, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - UPHSD vs JRU
2pm - UPHSD vs JRU
4pm - San Sebastian vs Arellano
6pm - San Sebastian vs Arellano

July 25, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Mapua vs LSGH
2pm - Mapua vs DLSU-CSB
4pm - EAC vs Lyceum
6pm - EAC vs Lyceum

July 26, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Arellano vs UPHSD
230pm - Arellano vs UPHSD

July 28, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - San Beda vs LSGH
2pm - San Beda vs DLSU-CSB
4pm - Mapua vs San Sebastian
6pm - Mapua vs San Sebastian

July 30, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - UPHSD vs Lyceum
2pm - UPHSD vs Lyceum
4pm - Letran vs EAC
6pm - Letran vs EAC

August 1, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - San Sebastian vs San Beda
2pm - San Sebastian vs San Beda
4pm - Letran vs EAC
6pm - Letran vs EAC

August 2, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Lyceum vs LSGH
230pm - Lyceum vs DLSU-CSB

August 4, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Arellano vs Letran
2pm - Arellano vs Letran
4pm - EAC vs Mapua
6pm - EAC vs Mapua

August 6, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - San Beda vs UPHSD
2pm - San Beda vs UPHSD
4pm - Lyceum vs San Sebastian
6pm - Lyceum vs San Sebastian

August 8, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - EAC vs JRU
2pm - EAC vs JRU
4pm - DLSU-CSB vs Arellano
6pm - LSGH vs Arellano

August 9, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Letran vs UPHSD
230pm - Letran vs UPHSD

August 11, Monday, San Juan Arena

2pm - JRU vs Mapua
4pm - JRU vs Mapua

August 13, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

2pm - San Beda vs Letran
4pm - San Beda vs Letran

NCAA Season 90 Seniors rosters

Arellano University:

Keith Jasper Agovida
Nichole John Bangga
Julius Salvador Cadavis
Prince Renmer Caperal
Isiah Ciriacruz
Allen Enriquez
Donald Gumaru
Levi Hernandez
Dioncee Holts
Jiovani Jalalon
Zachary James Nicholls
David Ortega
Christian Mari Palma
Nard John Pinto
Ralph Chrysler Salcedo

Colegio de San Juan de Letran:

Felix Apreku, Jr.
John Paul Calvo
Fidel Albert Castro
Mark Cruz
Chrisantoni De La Pena
Jamil Joseph Gabawan
McJour Luib
Rey Benedict Nambatac
Reynaldo Publico, Jr.
Kier John Quinto
Kevin Kent Racal
Reneford Ruaya
Reuben Chester Saldua
Daryl Singontiko
John Von Jovi Tambeling

De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde:

Anton Louis Altamirano
RJ Edward Argamino
Roberto Bartolo Jr.
Ralph Jeffrey Deles
Ervin Justin Flores
Jonathan Grey
Travis-Jerome Jonson
Jose Lorenzo Mercado
Raphael Romeo Nayve
Jeffrey Ryan Ongteco
Freddy Pajarillaga, Jr.
Mark Andre Romero
Jose Alfonso Saavedra
Luis Antonio Miguel Sinco
Juan Paolo Taha

Jose Rizal University:

Abdul Razak Abdul Wahab
Jaycee John Asuncion
Kristian James Astilla
Marco Paulo Balagtas
Schever Anthony Benavides
King Benemerito
John Ervin Grospe
Michael Mabulac
Genesis Manuel
Clint Munez
Gio Nicolo Lasquety
Philip Criszam Paniamogan
Juan Edilfierto Salaveria
Dave Richard Sanchez
Bernabe Teodoro

Mapua Institute of Technology:

Exeqiel Biteng
Jerome Canaynay
Jeson Ray Cantos
Joseph Emmanuel Eriobu, Jr.
Andrew Estrella
Hesed Leo Jose Gabo
James Galoso
Carlos Isit
Raphael Joesh Layug
Darrel Dave Magsigay
Jobert Medina
Jessie Saitanan
Justin Oliver Serrano
Jomari Tubiano
Ronnel Villasenor

San Beda College:

Van Adam Abatayo
Lancelot Mikhail Abuda
Oladie Jubril Adeogun
Baser Amer
Jeramer Cabanag
Arthur De La Cruz
Ryusei Koga
Jaypee Mendoza
Javee Mocon
Kyle Pascual
Roldan Sara
Anthony Paul Semerad
David John Semerad
Michole Sorela
Ranbill Angelo Tongco

San Sebastian College-Recoletos:

Eulo Ryan Aquino
Earvin Oliver Alvarez
Bobby Balucanag
Michael Calisaan
Israel Ivan Camasura
Ryan Paule Costelo
Jovit Dela Cruz
Jerick Fabian
Bradwyn Guinto
Justine Louie Mercado
Jon Kervin Ortuoste
Jaymar Perez
Spencer Pretta
Jeffrey Santos
Rhanzelle Yong

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta:

Justine Matthew Alano
Harold Miguel Arboleda
Juneric Baloria
Nestor Bantayan, Jr.
Gabriel Dagangon
Gerald Dizon
Ric Gallardo
Joel Jolangcob
Kervin Lucente
Kevin Oliveria
Kieth Llowel Pido
Flash Gordon Sadiwa
Antonio Romulo Tamayo
Earl Scottie Thompson
John Genmar Ylagan

Emilio Aguinaldo College:

Ariel Aguilar
Jack Lord Arquero
Jozhua Macdaniel General
Cedric Benjamin Happi Noube
Al-Rashid Indin
Igee Bobbie King
Jan Niccolo Jamon
Christ Fernan Mejos
Sidney Nelson Onwubere
Faustine Pascual
Mannelle Jinsen Quilanita
Edsel Roy Saludo
John Lenyer Santos
Jerald Serrano
John Marco Tayongtong

Lyceum of the Philippines University:

Wilson Baltazar
Jebb Bulawan
Seraj Aldin El-Mejrab
Joseph Angelo Gabayni
Shane Albert Ko
Tirso Lesmoras, Jr.
Rhoel Maconocido, Jr.
Allyn Mark Malabanan
Guy Mellon Mbida Essono
Aziz Faycal Mbomiko Issah
Christian Paul Pamulaklakin
Paul John Soliman
Jeremiah Taladua
Dexter Wilbur Zamora

Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup tinkers groupings, sets opening

The Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup tinkered with its groupings just before the start of competition proper on April 23.

The organizers moved San Beda and Letran from Group A to Group B, with Perpetual and JRU taking their place in what had originally been noted as the "group of death:."

The NCAA Season 89 finals protagonists replace the Altas and EAC in Group B, with the Generals moving over to Group C to replace the Bombers.

Revised Filoil Groupings below:

Group A: La Salle, UE, Perpetual, JRU, UV, SWU, and San Carlos
Group B: San Beda, Letran, FEU, Lyceum, Mapua, St. Clare, and RP Youth U-18
Group C: San Sebastian, NU, CEU, EAC, CSB, UP, and Holy Trinity College

The tournament is scheduled to tip off on April 23 with the first game of the quintipleheader being the juniors matchup of the San Sebastian Staglets and the UST Tiger Cubs at 10:45 am. Following that is the first women's matchup of the day, between CEU and UST, at 12:30pm.

Gamedays are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays.

The seniors won't start their action until April 26, with San Sebastian facing UP at 9:30am. The first televised matches of the tournament will be later in the afternoon, with the NCAA finals rematch between the Knights and the Red Lions at 2pm, followed by the skirmish of the Green Archers and the Red Warriors at 4pm.

Any televised games (which right now consists of the opening double-header and the seniors' semifinals and finals, which will be on June 6 & 7) will be shown on Sports+Action.

La Salle team manager Raffy Villavicencio views the Premier Cup as an opportunity to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the reigning UAAP champions. They are expected to field a lineup that is to include newcomers like Abu Tratter, Julian Sargent, Prince Rivero and Renzo Subido.

Letran head coach Caloy Garcia sees the tournament as a chance for exposure and to develop team chemistry, as they move forward without last season's MVP (and 3rd overall draft pick) Raymond Almazan. Mark Cruz is expected to lead the charge for the Knights, along with last year's newcomer Rey Nambatac.

UV Lancers head coach Donbel Belano also sees this tournament as an exposure, as the MBA legend believes that facing the best collegiate teams in Manila will help them as they defend their CESAFI title. He adds, “You will learn a lot more from playing the top teams than teams na kayang kaya mo.”

Five newcomers highlight 8th Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup

43 teams will be participating in the eighth season of THE preseason tournament for the basketball student-athletes, the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.

Slated to tip off on April 23 at the San Juan Arena, the Filoil tournament will have six non-NCAA & UAAP schools participating in the 21-team seniors division, four of which are from the provinces.

Southwestern University makes their return after their debut last year, this time bringing the CESAFI champions University of the Visayas and the University of San Carlos for their first Filoil preseason foray. Joining the three Cebuano institutions are Mindanao powerhouse Holy Trinity College from General Santos City.

Completing the cast of newcomers are St. Clare College and NAASCU champions Centro Escolar University.

The addition of the provincial-based schools is, according to tournament director Joey Guillermo, a part of a plan to expand the tournament nationally. Last year, they invited the Cobras, who had been the second-ever Visayan team to crash the Final Four of the PCCL, to participate. This year, not only are they adding participants, but also they are bringing the games to the provinces.

On May 22-25, reigning Filoil champions University of the East and UAAP champions La Salle will play USC, UV and SWU in Cebu. DLSU team manager Raffy Villavicencio quipped that if the Cebuano schools are excited to play in Manila, the other way around is also true.

UV head coach and MBA legend Donbel Belano also expressed excitement in being able to participate in the tournament, acknowledging the idea of being able to gain exposure and gauge their competitiveness both as players and as a team against the other schools will help the team in the long run. He will count on CESAFI Finals MVP John Abad and 2012 CESAFI rookie MVP Wowie Escosio to carry the load for the Lancers.

Agreeing with the sentiment is Holy Trinity head coach Pol Torrijos, whose Wildcats were the PCCL Mindanao champions for the last two editions.

In addition to the 21 teams in the seniors' competition, ten women's and twelve juniors teams will participate in the Premier Cup, which is sponsored by Flying V, Filoil, Total, Hanes, San Miguel Corporation, Starmobile, Timex, Silverworks, Gatorade, LGR and in part by Meralco, BDO, Reyes Barbecue, Douwe Egberts, Gerry’s Grill, Brothers Burger, Molten, Bayo, Oxycan, BPI, PBCom, RFM, San Marino, Red Logo, and Bacchus Energy Drink.

Simplified March Madness schedule for Filipino viewers: Elite Eight

Here is the official schedule of games for the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight.

March 30:

6:09 a.m. (11) Dayton vs (1) Florida

8:49 a.m. (2) Wisconsin vs (1) Arizona

March 31: 

2:20 a.m. (4) Michigan State vs (7) Connecticut

5:05 a.m. (2) Michigan vs (8) Kentucky

Sports5 has acquired the rights to telecast the games here in the Philippines, and here is their schedule of games as of the moment. If game is italicized, game is to be shown LIVE here.

March 30 (Sunday)

6am-8:30am – Dayton vs Florida (TV5 & HYPER)

8:30am-10:30am – Wisconsin vs Arizona (TV5 & HYPER)

7:30pm-11:30pm – Dayton vs Florida & Wisconsin vs Arizona (Aksyon TV)

March 31 (Monday)

2:10am: Connecticut vs Michigan St. (HYPER)

4:55am - Michigan vs Kentucky (HYPER)

9:30am – Michigan vs Kentucky (TV5)

3:30pm: Connecticut vs Michigan St. (Aksyon TV)

8pm: Michigan vs Kentucky (Aksyon TV)

Simplified March Madness schedule for Filipino viewers: Sweet 16 edition

Here is the official schedule of games for the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16.

March 28 (in Memphis and Anaheim)

7:15 a.m (11) Dayton vs (10) Stanford
7:47 a.m. (6) Baylor vs (2) Wisconsin
9:45 a.m. (4) UCLA vs (1) Florida
10:17 a.m. (4) San Diego State vs (1) Arizona

March 29 (in New York and Indianapolis)

7:15 a.m. (11) Tennessee vs (2) Michigan
7:27 a.m. (7) Connecticut vs (3) Iowa State
9:45 a.m. (8) Kentucky vs (4) Louisville
9:57 a.m. (4) Michigan State vs (1) Virginia

Sports5 has acquired the rights to telecast the games here in the Philippines, and here is their schedule of games as of the moment. If game is italicized, game is to be shown LIVE here.

March 28

7:00 a.m. — (11) Dayton vs (10) Stanford (HYPER)
9:30 a.m. — (4) UCLA vs (1) Florida (HYPER & TV5)
12 noon — (6) Baylor vs (2) Wisconsin (HYPER)
2:00 p.m. — (4) San Diego St. vs (1) Arizona (HYPER)
4:00 p.m. — (11) Dayton vs (10) Stanford (Aksyon TV)
6:00 p.m. — (4) UCLA vs (1) Florida (Aksyon TV)

March 29

7:00 a.m. — (11) Tennessee vs  (2) Michigan (HYPER)
9:30 a.m. — (8) Kentucky vs (4) Louisville (HYPER & TV5)
12 noon — (7) Connecticut vs (3) Iowa St. (HYPER)
2:00 p.m. — (4) Michigan St. vs (1) Virginia (HYPER)
7:30 p.m. — (11) Tennessee vs (2) Michigan (Aksyon TV)
10:30 p.m. — (8) Kentucky vs (4) Louisville (Aksyon TV)