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)

Simplified March Madness schedule for Filipino viewers: Round of 32 edition

Here is the official schedule of games for the NCAA Tournament's Third Round. (Although the diehards maintain that this is really the second round, due to their belief that the First Four does not constitute as the First Round, as what the NCAA insists)

March 23 (in Buffalo, Milwaukee, Orlando and Spokane)

12:15 a.m. (9) Pittsburgh vs (1) Florida
2:45 a.m. (5) Saint Louis vs (4) Louisville
5:15 a.m. (7) Texas vs (2) Michigan
6:10 a.m. (12) North Dakota St. vs (4) San Diego State
7:10 a.m. (11) Dayton vs (3) Syracuse
7:45 a.m. (7) Oregon vs (2) Wisconsin
8:40 a.m. (12) Harvard vs (4) Michigan State
9:40 a.m. (7) Connecticut vs (2) Villanova

March 24 (in Raleigh, San Antonio, San Diego and St. Louis)

12:15 a.m (2) Kansas vs (10) Stanford

2:45 a.m (1) Wichita State vs (8) Kentucky

5:15 a.m (3) Iowa State vs (6) North Carolina

6:10 a.m (11) Tennessee vs (14) Mercer

7:10 a.m (4) UCLA vs (12) Stephen F. Austin

7:40 a.m (3) Creighton vs (6) Baylor

8:40 a.m (1) Virginia vs (8) Memphis

9:40 a.m (1) Arizona vs (8) Gonzaga

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 23

2:45 a.m. (5) Saint Louis vs (4) Louisville (HYPER)

5:15 a.m. (7) Texas vs (2) Michigan (HYPER)

7:45 a.m. (7) Oregon vs (2) Wisconsin (HYPER)

9:40 a.m. (7) Connecticut vs (2) Villanova (TV5 & HYPER)

Starting 7:30 pm Texas vs Michigan & Connecticut vs Villanova (Aksyon TV)

March 24

2:30am: Kentucky vs Wichita St. (HYPER)

5:00 a.m. North Carolina vs Iowa St. (HYPER)

7:30am: Baylor vs Creighton (HYPER)

10:00 a.m: Gonzaga vs Arizona (TV5 & HYPER)

12:00 nn: Mercer vs Tennessee (HYPER)

2pm: Memphis vs Virginia (HYPER)

4pm: SF Austin vs UCLA (HYPER)

Starting 4:00 p.m. North Carolina vs Iowa St & Gonzaga vs Arizona (Aksyon TV)

Simplified March Madness schedule for Filipino viewers: Round of 64 edition

Here is the official schedule of games for the NCAA Tournament's Second Round. (Although the diehards maintain that this is really the first round, due to their belief that the First Four does not constitute as the First Round, as what the NCAA insists)

March 21 (in Buffalo, Milwaukee, Orlando and Spokane)

12 a.m. - (11) Dayton vs (6) Ohio State
12:30 a.m - (15) American vs (2) Wisconsin
1:30 a.m. - (9) Pittsburgh vs (8) Colorado
2:00 a.m. - (12) Harvard vs (5) Cincinnati
2:45 a.m. - (14) Western Michigan vs (3) Syracuse
3:10 a.m. - (10) BYU vs (7) Oregon
4:10 a.m - (16) Albany vs (1) Florida
4:40 a.m. - (13) Delaware vs (4) Michigan State
6:55 a.m. - (10) Saint Joseph's vs Connecticut
7:10 a.m. - (15) Wofford vs (2) Michigan
7:20 a.m. - (12) NC State vs (5) Saint Louis
7:27 a.m - (12) North Dakota St. vs (5) Oklahoma
9:25 a.m. - (15) Milwaukee vs (2) Villanova
9:40 a.m. - (10) Arizona State vs (7) Texas
9:50 a.m. - (13) Manhattan vs (4) Louisville
9:57 a.m. - (13) New Mexico St. vs (4) San Diego State

March 22 (in Raleigh, San Antonio, San Diego and St. Louis)

12 a.m. - (14) Mercer vs (3) Duke
12:30 a.m. - (11) Nebraska vs (6) Baylor
1:30 a.m. - (10) Stanford vs (7) New Mexico
2:00 a.m. - (16) Weber State vs (1) Arizona
2:45 a.m. - (11) Tennessee vs (6) Massachusetts
3:10 a.m. - (14) La.-Lafayette vs (3) Creighton
4:10 a.m. - (15) Eastern Kentucky vs (2) Kansas
4:40 a.m. - (9) Oklahoma State vs (8) Gonzaga
6:55 a.m. - (9) Geo. Washington vs (8) Memphis
7:10 a.m. - (16) Cal Poly vs (1) Wichita State
7:20 a.m. - (11) Providence vs (6) North Carolina
7:27 a.m. - (12) Steph.F. Austin vs (5) VCU
9:25 a.m. - (16) Coastal Caro. vs (1) Virginia
9:40 a.m. - (9) Kansas State vs (8) Kentucky
9:50 a.m. - (14) N.C. Central vs (3) Iowa State
9:57 a.m. - (13) Tulsa vs (4) UCLA

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

March 21 7 a.m. — (15) Wofford vs (2) Michigan (HYPER)
March 21 9:30 a.m. — (10) Arizona St. vs (7) Texas (TV5 & HYPER)
March 21 12 noon — (15) American vs (2) Wisconsin (HYPER)
March 21 2 p.m. — (10) BYU vs (7) Oregon (HYPER)
March 21 4 p.m. — (9) Pittsburgh vs (8) Colorado (Aksyon TV)
March 21 6 p.m. — (16) Albany vs (1) Florida (Aksyon TV)

March 22 3 a.m. — (14) Mercer vs (3) Duke (HYPER)
March 22 5 a.m. — (11) Tennessee vs (6) Massachusetts (HYPER)
March 22 7 a.m. — (16) Cal Poly vs (1)Wichita St. (HYPER)
March 22 9:30 a.m. — (9) Kansas St. vs (8) Kentucky (TV5 & HYPER)
March 22 7:30 p.m. — (9) Kansas St. vs (8) Kentucky (Aksyon TV)
March 22 10:30 p.m. — (16) Cal Poly vs (1) Wichita St. (Aksyon TV)

March 25 2 a.m. — (13) Delaware vs (4) Michigan St. (HYPER)
March 25 4 a.m. — (12) NC State vs (5) St. Louis (HYPER)
March 25 6 a.m. — (12) North Dakota St. vs (5) Oklahoma (HYPER)
March 25 10 a.m. — (13) Manhattan vs (4) Louisville (HYPER)
March 25 10 a.m. — (13) Delaware vs (4) Michigan St. (TV5)
March 25 12 noon — (13) New Mexico St. vs (4) San Diego St. (HYPER)
March 25 2 p.m. — (12) Harvard vs (4) Cincinnati (HYPER)
March 25 3 p.m. — (13) Delaware vs (4) Michigan St. (Aksyon TV)
March 25 10 p.m. — (12) North Dakota St. vs (5) Oklahoma (Aksyon TV)

March 26 6 a.m. — (16) Weber St vs (1) Arizona (HYPER)
March 26 8 a.m. — (9) Oklahoma St. vs (8) Gonzaga (HYPER)
March 26 10 a.m. — (11) Providence vs (6) North Carolina (TV5 & HYPER)
March 26 12 noon — (12) SF Austin vs (5) VCU (HYPER)
March 26 4 p.m. — (9) Oklahoma St. vs (8) Gonzaga (Aksyon TV)
March 26 6 p.m. — (11) Providence vs (6) North Carolina (Aksyon TV)

March 27 10 a.m. — (13) Tulsa vs (4) UCLA (TV5)
March 27 3 p.m. — (16) Weber St. vs (1) Arizona (Aksyon TV)
March 27 10 p.m. — (13) Tulsa vs (4) UCLA (Aksyon TV)

Clear Dream Match 3 now official

A few days ago, we got this on our emails.

March 10 turned out to be the date of the press conference for the third CLEAR Dream Match.

Now with both #TeamPhil and #TeamJames each with a win already under their belts, the third match aims to be the one to determine the supremacy of which Younghusband is better.

This time, the stakes get higher. No more celebrity cameos. All participants will be coming from the United Football League. The Top 50 players based on their statistics were placed in a pool from which fans can select the players from which both sides will pick from. All the fans need to do is to visit www.cleardreammatch.com.ph and register. By May, the pool will be finalized and the draft will be set.

Just like a year ago, a couple of legends will be joining Phil and James on the field, and thanks to CLEAR's tie-up with Manchester United in the region, a couple of iconic Red Devils will be coming in to participate.

Paul Scholes and Andy Cole has been enlisted to be a part of #TeamPhil & #TeamJames in the festivities.

As always, the Tuloy Sa Don Bosco Foundation will be the beneficiary of the event.

The Madness is Coming... to TV5

The greatest knockout tournament in American sports is coming to free tv.

The past few years, we have witnessed it on BTV. Now, TV5 wants in, after bringing in the Super Bowl (and getting Good Morning Club to cut an hour from its normal sked), we have the NCAA Tournament. Sports5 will air 44 of the 67 games in the Tournament on either TV5, Aksyon TV or HYPER, as well as streamed live and on-demand to PLDT Home Fibr subscribers via TVolution..

Selection Sunday just took place this past Monday morning here in Manila. From here, the road to Cowboys Stadium is set.

The tournament officially begins on Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila) at Dayton, Ohio with the First Four, or officially known as the First Round. The latest additions to the current NCAA format, the First Four are the play-in matches spread over two days, that whittles the 68-team field into 64, setting up the bracket. It used to be one game, but now evolved into four, with two games involving the lowest-ranked teams, and the other two teams being the "last four" teams that got in the tournament. Normally, this involves the 11th or 12th seed.

Here are the First Four games on Wednesday morning:

South 16th seeds: Mount St. Mary's (16-16) against Albany (18-14) - 6:40 am tip off LIVE on HYPER, 4pm replay on Aksyon TV. Winner plays overall top seed Florida.

Midwest 12th seeds: North Carolina State (21-13) against Xavier (21-12) - 9:10 am tip off LIVE on TV5 & HYPER, 6:30pm replay on Aksyon TV. Winner plays 5th seed Saint Louis.

Here are the First Four games on Thursday morning:

Midwest 16th seeds: Cal Poly (13-19) against Texas Southern (19-14) - 6:40 am tip off LIVE on HYPER, 3pm replay on Aksyon TV. Winner plays undefeated Wichita State.

Midwest 11th seeds: Iowa (20-12) against Tennessee (21-12) - 9:10 am tip off LIVE on TV5 & HYPER, 10pm replay on Aksyon TV. Winner plays 6th seed UMass.

Chiang Kai Shek & Hope Christian tip off Seaoil NBTC Finals

Chiang Kai Shek and Hope Chiristian resume their rivalry as they highlight the first day of hoops for the Seaoil-NBTC National High School Championships at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

The two schools have faced each other for a championship thrice in the past year, with Hope Christian claiming the last year's Tiong Lian title and Chiang Kai Shek claiming both the Fil-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation Championship last August and the recently concluded Seaoil Metro Manila Basketball League.

With San Beda missing out and not making it to the finals proper, it is a wide-open race to the title. Tournament Director Ato Badolato believes that is a good sign as it means there is a sign of improvement with regards to the quality of players and coaches across the country.

Seaoil-NBTC National Program Director Eric Altamirano is excited for the finals to begin, as for him, this is the culmination of the months of preparation that took place all across the archipelago. The Seaoil-NBTC Finals serve as the highlight of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' grassroots program.

The 24 schools who are participating in the finals have been bracketed into two divisions:

Div I

Group A: Chiang Kai Shek, Hope Christian, National University-B
Group B: St. Francis of Assisi-Cavite, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, National University-A
Group C: West Negros, University of San Carlos, Iloilo Central Commercial
Group D: Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori (Cagayan de Oro), Assumption College-Davao, Southern City College (Zamboanga)

Div II

Group A: Olongapo City National, Assumption-Pampanga, Divine World Academy (Dagupan)
Group B: University of the Cordilleras (Baguio), Jesus the Loving Shepherd (Naga), La Salle-Lipa
Group C: Reedley International School, Mandaue, Bethel Baptist Christian (Bukidnon)
Group D: San Benildo, Trinity University of Asia, Jubilee Christian Academy.


In addition to the Chiang Kai Shek vs Hope Christian match, the other matches to be played today at Ynares are Iloilo Central vs West Negros at 1pm, followed by NU-A vs Sacred Heart at 3pm.

At the CCF gym, Olongapo National plays Assumption-Pampanga at 12nn, followed by Reedley vs Bethel Baptist.

Format is relatively simple, each group will play a single-round elimination. Top two teams advance to crossover quarterfinals (Group A vs Group B & Group C vs Group D). QF winners will advance to the crossover semifinals. The QF & SF will be played on March 8. The Div I & Div II finalists will face each other on March 9, which will then be followed by the third-ever Seaoil-NBTC High School All-Star Game.

The Seaoil-NBTC National High School Championships is backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Meralco, Smart, NLEX, Maynilad, Philex, Philippine Star and Molten.

17-man SMART-Gilas Pilipinas pool revealed

Chot Reyes has revealed the composition of the pool from which the FIBA World Cup (where the team is grouped with (Argentina, Greece, Puerto Rico, Croatia and Senegal) and the Asian Games roster will be based on.

The team that played their way to second place in the FIBA-Asia Men's Basketball Championships at the Mall of Asia Arena comprises the bulk of the pool. (Jimmy Alapag, LA Tenorio, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, Ranidel de Ocampo, Marc Pingris, Japeth Aguilar, Junemar Fajardo and Marcus Douthit).

Three players familiar with the pool also make their return in Jared Dillinger, whose car accident took him out of consideration for the final roster last year, and the two players considered as the final cuts for the FIBA-Asia squad in Greg Slaughter and Beau Belga.

Marcio Lassiter, who was part of the first SMART-Gilas team under the reins of Rajko Toroman, and Paul Lee complete the call-up. The final piece of the pool, Brooklyn Nets big man Andray Blatche, still needs Congressional approval with regards to his naturalization.

Once-a-week practices began last Monday, and will continue until regular practices can commence.

Chot Reyes thanked the team owners and PBA Board of Governors for their continued partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas with regards to the national team, as well as the chance to make his selection.

Cheerleading Competition to end 89th NCAA Season

The Altas Perps Squad of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta seeks to defend its title at the NCAA Cheerleading Competition this Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The event will be broadcast LIVE on TV5 starting at 12NN.

The exciting Cheerleading Competition concludes the successful 89th Season of the NCAA which was hosted by De La Salle – College of St. Benilde.

The Altas Perps Squad is eyeing a five-peat of the competition and a historic eighth title in the past decade. The Las Pinas based school has lorded it over the nine other schools in the competition for the past ten years.

The other teams participating in this annual event are the: San Beda Red Corps, Golden Stags Cheerleading Squad, EAC Generals Pep Squad, Arellano University Chiefs Squad, LPU Pirates Pep Squad, JRU Bombers Pep Squad, the Letran Cheerleading Team All Stars and from 89th Season host school, CSB Pep Squad. 

“This season has been a tremendous one for the NCAA and Sports5. The collegiate league gave audiences thrilling sports action not just in basketball but also in other sports, especially volleyball. We’re looking ahead to another action-packed season in June,” Head of Sports5 Chot Reyes said.

Next up for Sports5, the sports division of TV5, is the much-awaited US NCAA March Madness starting March 17, then the PLDT HOME Asian Men's Volleyball Club Championships on April 8.  Of course, these are on top of Sports5's staple sports programs like the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), United Football League (UFL), and Pacific X-Treme Combat (PXC).#

Seaoil NBTC Finals and All-Star Game Finalized

This week, the best secondary school of the country will be determined, as 24 schools face-off in the Seaoil-NBTC National High School Championships.

Subdivided into Div I and Div II, the twelve schools were further separated into four groups of three teams. They will play a round-robin on March 6 and 7, with the top two teams moving on to the crossover quarterfinals. The top four teams will advance in the semifinals. Both the quarter and semis will be played on March 8, with the championships to be played on March 9.

Ynares Arena in Pasig will host the opening ceremonies (530pm on March 6) and finals (8am & 10am on March 9), as well as most of the games, while CCF, Treston, Meralco and Xavier will be the other venues for the fixtures.

DIVISION 1
A	B		C	D
CKSC	CAVITE		BACOLOD	CDO
HOPE	SHS (Ceb2)		USC (Ceb1)	DAVAO
NU-B	NU-A		ILOILO	ZAMBOANGA
DIVISION 2
A	B		C	D
OLONGAPO	BAGUIO		REEDLEY	S.BENILDO
PAMPANGA	NAGA		MANDAUE	TRINITY UNIV.
DAGUPAN	BATANGAS		BUKIDNON	JUBILEE

Meanwhile, 30 players who made the Seaoil NBTC High School All-Star Game will have scheduled training with Philippines U-16 team coach Jamike Jarin on March 7. The teams have been sorted already into the two teams, but no details have been available as to which team will JB Sison or Jeff Napa will handle.

Light (Seaoil Mako)

Mohammad SALIM (Chiang Kai Shek)
Ivan VILLANUEVA (Letran)
John APACIBLE (Hope Christian)
Jobert MERCADO (Hope Christian)
Arjan DELA CRUZ (Hope Christian)
Janhubert CANI (National University)
John Paul CAUILAN (National University)
Lorenzo BATTAD (National University)
Javee MOCON (San Beda)
Ranbill TONGCO (San Beda)
Michael CALISAAN (San Sebastian)
Jarell LIM (Xavier)
Allen DELOS SANTOS (Claret School - Zamboanga)
Glenn GALLARDO (Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori - Cagayan de Oro)
Keith Lowell PIDO (West Negros)

Dark (Seaoil Extreme)

Thirdy RAVENA (Ateneo)
Rashleigh Paolo RIVERO (La Salle Greenhills)
Richard ESCOTO (Far Eastern University)
Justin SERRANO (Malayan HS)
Manuel MOSQUEDA (National University)
Adven DIPUTADO (San Beda)
Arvin TOLENTINO (San Beda)
Alfren GAYOSA (San Sebastian)
Ryan Paule COSTELO (San Sebastian)
Renzo SUBIDO (La Salle-Zobel)
Diego Miguel DARIO (UPIS)
Isaac GO (Xavier)
Arnie PADILLA (Sacred Heart School - Cebu)
Joshua EDJAN (Hua Siong College - Iloilo)
Allyn BULANADI (Assumption College - Davao)

NBTC bares its Seaoil-NBTC National Finals, All-Star Game

On Monday, the National Basketball Training Center, the official grassroots program of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), revealed its cast for the 3rd edition of the Seaoil-NBTC High School All-Star Game.

Led by a stellar cast that includes those who have already played for the Philippines in international competitions, the All-Star Game is arguably the showcase of the best high school senior talent in the country.

From over 60 high school standouts, the selection committee (led by legendary head coach Ato Badolato) pruned that down to 30 players to be divided into the Blue and White teams. No details were available as to the composition of the Blue Team and the White Team, but the committee has been tasked to handle the filtering process to ensure parity of talent with both teams.

JB Sison and Jeff Napa are tasked to be the coaches for this all-star game, which will take place on March 9 at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

Gracing the press conference were Arvin Tolentino of San Beda, Hubert Cani and John Paul Cauilan of National University, and Mohammad Salim of Chiang Kai Shek. The high school standouts express confidence that they are going to put on a show and at the same time impress the college coaches and scouts that are expected to flock to the venue.

NBTC Program Director (and more known as the head coach of National University) Eric Altamirano believes that this is the best batch of All-Star participants, given its national pedigree. Tolentino, Thirdy Ravena and Paolo Rivero were part of the FIBA 3x3 team, while Richard Escoto, Diego Dario and Arnie Padilla were part of the team that finished 2nd in the FIBA-Asia U-16 tournament in Iran.

Here are the 30 players participating in the event:

Ateneo de Manila - Thirdy Ravena
Chiang Kai Shek - Mohammad Salim
Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Ivan Villanueva
La Salle Greenhills - Paolo Rivero
Far Eastern University - Richard Escoto
Hope Christian - John Apacible, Jobert Mercado, Arjan dela Cruz
Malayan HS - Justin Serrano
National University - Hubert Cani, Manuel Mosqueda, John Paul Cauilan, Lorenzo Battad
San Beda - Javee Mocon, Adven Diputado, Ranbill Tongco, Arvin Tolentino
San Sebastian - Michael Calisaan, Alfred Gayosa, Ryan Costelo, Ranzelle Yong
University of the Philippines - Diego Dario
Xavier School - Jarell Lim, Isaac Go
Claret School - Zamboanga - Allen delos Santos
Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori - Cagayan de Oro - Glenn Gallardo
Hua Siong College of Iloilo - Joshua Edjan
West Negros University - Keith Pido
Assumption College - Davao - Allyn Bulanadi
Sacred Heart School - Cebu - Arnie Padilla

Meanwhile, before the All-Star Game, the Seaoil-NBTC National Finals is scheduled to take place from March 6-9. 24 of the best high school teams in the country slug it out to see which is the best.

Among those highly fancied to win are National University, Hope Christian and former champions Sacred Heart School-Cebu.

NASCAR gets Seaoil boost

This past Monday, NASCAR returned to Philippine television with the season-opening race, the Daytona 500. This is, in part, thanks to Fox International Channels and FOX Sports, who will have the LIVE and EXCLUSIVE telecast of all 38 Sprint Cup races, as well as highlights of the Nationwide Series.

For this year, though, the broadcast gets a boost with the entry of Seaoil as the fuel partner of NASCAR on Fox Sports. Seaoil has links to NASCAR thanks to its relationship with STP, which it uses its additives to enhance its fuel performance. STP has been linked with NASCAR since 1972.

To celebrate the collaboration, FIC, FOX Sports and Seaoil held a NASCAR Quiz Night at Skinny Mike's on Monday night.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the 2014 Daytona 500, in a race that had been delayed for six hours due to rain. He ended a 55-match winless run, and at the same time has earned eligibility in the Chase for the Sprint Cup "postseason".

TV5 secures rights to 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

After bringing in the biggest one-game sporting spectacle in the United States with Super Bowl XLVIII, Sports5 has now secured the rights to arguably the best knockout tournament in the US, the NCAA Tournament.

TV5, along with Aksyon TV, Hyper and Cignal PPV, will be showing select NCAA Tournament matches, from the opening round until the NCAA Title Game, which will be held inside the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

According to Sports5 Head (and more recognized as the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas head coach) Chot Reyes, “The airing of March Madness further solidifies TV5 as the leader in providing the biggest sports event to Filipinos, truly bringing to the Filipino public sports that matter. Our basketball-crazed nation will surely get wild watching this electrifying basketball event. Imagine the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final 4, and the NCAA Championship game live on free TV! I don't think this has ever happened before in local television history.”

The past few years has seen the tournament being shown on Basketball TV, but it is hard to recall the tournament being shown on local free TV.

The tournament is expected to showcase 68 of the best collegiate squads from all over the United States, as picked by a Selection Committee. In a bracket-style knockout format, the 68 will be whittled down to 64 (through what is called the First Four), then it will be cut down into 32, then to the Sweet 16 (which means you get to play a second weekend) and then the Elite Eight. The winners will be in the Final Four.

We can expect drama like nothing else in sports, from buzzer-beaters to highlight-worthy plays, to favorites and of course, the Cinderellas. Many of the current and future NBA stars first carve their basketball legacy in front of fans in this tournament, like Stephen Curry, Derrick Rose and Kemba Walker. Of course, the much-hyped bumper crop of NBA draft prospects dot the field, like Kansas' Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins, as well as Duke's Jabari Parker.

Stay tuned for more details for this event.

FEU-Diliman launches Sports Center

Far Eastern University, in its ambition to produce the best student-athletes in the country, last week inagurated its Sports Center at its Diliman campus, complementing the football pitch that is currently serving as the host of the UAAP football tournament.

It aims to be the home for basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, chess, fencing and the pep squad, while also providing administrative and support services for their athletes, with room for a dorm, locker rooms, therapy area. There is also room for a conference room and an Athletics Office.

The facility contains a world-class maple wood sports floor from Connor USA as its basketball court, the same court that is used by some NBA teams and the NCAA. It also has a customized basketball goal system, volleyball net and aluminum bleachers and protective court cover from Porter, a Philips gym lighting, Gerflor Taraflex and a UNICC digital scoreboard.

FEU is also looking into adding a flexible floor tile system for outdoor basketball or volleyball or futsal court, a fitness facility for strength and conditioning, as well as a sports resource center / library.

With a minimalist and simplistic exterior, the FEU-Diliman Sports Center aims to develop homegrown talents for the Tamaraws, with the vision of being at the caliber of a San Beda or UST, as expressed by UAAP Board Representative / school trustee Anton Montinola. He also adds that there is a likelihood of shifting the sporting activities from Morayta to Diliman, given the accessibility of the facility and absence of possible distractions. 

NCAA Season 89 Football Schedule for 2nd round

Venue will be at ASCOM unless otherwise stated: Schedule is as of February 8.

February 10

8am: Arellano vs Perpetual (Jrs)
10am: San Beda vs Lyceum (Jrs)
12nn: CSB-La Salle Greenhills vs EAC (Jrs)
2pm: San Beda vs Lyceum (Srs)

February 12

8am: Lyceum vs Arellano (Jrs)
10am: Perpetual vs EAC (Jrs)
12nn: San Beda vs CSB-La Salle Greenhills (Jrs)
2pm: Arellano vs CSB (Srs)

February 14 at San Beda

8am: Perpetual vs San Beda (Jrs)
10am: CSB-La Salle Greenhills vs Lyceum (Jrs)
12nn: Arellano vs EAC (Jrs)

February 15

12nn: Lyceum vs Arellano (Srs)
2pm: CSB vs San Beda (Srs)

February 16

9am: EAC vs San Beda (Jrs)
11am: Lyceum vs Perpetual (Jrs)
1pm: Arellano vs CSB-La Salle Greenhills (Jrs)

February 17

8am: CSB vs Lyceum (Srs)
10am: San Beda vs Arellano (Srs)

February 18

8am: EAC vs Lyceum (Jrs)
10am: CSB-La Salle Greenhills vs Perpetual (Jrs)
12nn: Arellano vs San Beda (Jrs)

February 20 - if there is a need for a playoff

TV5 airs the Sochi Games

Last Saturday, TV5, as the official Philippine Olympic Network, opened its extensive coverage of the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia with the Opening Ceremonies.

40,000 spectators attended the ceremonies at the Fisht Olympic Stadium, where a grand fireworks display accompanied the entrance of athletes as well as a number of Russian music performers.

Coverage is expected for our lone participant, Michael Christian Martinez. The 17-year old will take to the rink for the men's figure skating on Thursday for the short program and Friday for the free skate. Both events will start at 11pm Philippine Standard Time.

They will also have coverage of the other athletes of Filipino descent, like US speed skater JR Celski, in addition to showing the other events like hockey, snowboarding and skiing on their different networks (TV5, Aksyon TV & HYPER) over the sixteen days, with the help of PLDT Home Fibr, SMART and CignalTV

On Marcus Smart

Yesterday, Oklahoma State guard (and well-known NBA prospect) Marcus Smart decided to do this when his Cowboys were about to be upset by Texas Tech.

c/o SB Nation

In light of the Malice at the Palace, this is a no-no, and the Big 12 is expected to send a harsh penalty. I expect the talking heads (like the infamous Ok State alumnus Skip Bayless) to pillorize him for many a reason. However, Colts punter Pat McAfee wrote an interesting set of tweets that needs to be considered.

#MarcusSmart...I have the very fortunate opportunity to be on the sidelines and listen to the things that fans think they can say to players
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2014

1 of the things that makes sports so amazing is the feelings that it gives people.. From anger & anxiety all the way to elation.. It's a
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2014

Roller coaster of emotions that fans within the venue get to openly experience.. We all know as players that fans are what make our sports
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2014

Tick.. Those feelings are what have kept sports relevant for so long.. BUT, just like in any aspect of life, there is a line.. & sometimes
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2014

That line gets crossed in the heat of the moment.. I think we should take what happened last night and use it as a learning situation.. A
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2014

Front row ticket is not a golden pass to say whatever you want to somebody.. Just like Twitter and social media isn't one either.. We should
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2014

Learn that our words can be powerful, and remember that no matter the setting we should be nicer to eachother
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2014

By the time this will be posted, the school and Smart will be saying something to the media in Stillwater. He'll be grilled on this by NBA coaches and GMs on this, and his draft stock might fall. But that may just be a good idea, as he would be on a team that is winning and would be surrounded by individuals who can mentor him right.

Also a good read: Dave Zirin's piece on this matter at the Nation.

I write this, knowing how this is sort of like how the Bo Perasol incident happened.

Trequartista Sweeper - The Final Week for UAAP Season 76 eliminations

The eliminations portion of UAAP Season 76 Football will end this weekend (at least for the collegiate portion), with the postseason still has yet to be finalized for both the men and women. The possibility of a playoff still looms in the horizon.

What we know is that there is some compelling action still left to be accomplished on the turf at FEU-Diliman.

Men's Football.

FEU has already clinched the top seed, and last Sunday, UP sealed the second seed and the other twice-to-beat advantage. All that needs to be determined is who will they face in the Final Four.

UST is sitting comfortably at 17 points. The rookie-laden Golden Booters will make the postseason, they just do not know who they will face yet.

There are two schools left in the running for the last open spot:

The University of the East is the one on the outside looking in, with 12 points. The Red Booters have yet to secure a victory since their surprising three-match winning run to open the season. That also happens to be the last time Fitch Arboleda was healthy. Arboleda did not dress in their 2-0 loss to UP last Sunday due to a MCL issue, but he aims to be ready to help first-year mentor Ryan Marinay. They will have to beat Far Eastern University on Thursday to even have a chance of putting some sort of pressure on the other school.

De La Salle University totes 14 points, just two ahead of UE, and will make the postseason if the Red Booters fail to claim a victory against the Tamaraws. However, a UE win means the Green Booters cannot afford to lose against National University on Sunday.

They, however, have an incentive to win against the Bulldogs. A win will enable them to be level on points with UST for third place, and based on how previous UAAP seasons work, there will be a playoff to break the tie. A draw (and a hypothetical UE win) means La Salle and UE will have a playoff to determine FEU's Final Four opponent.

Remaining eliminations schedule (all games at FEU-Diliman):

February 6: 3PM: FEU vs UE* televised
February 9: 1PM: Ateneo vs UP & 3PM: DLSU vs NU

Women's Football.

All eyes are on this Saturday's matchup between Ateneo and UST.

With only five participating schools, only the top two teams advance. UST and FEU each have 12 points. Ateneo has 10 points and can only overtake the two teams above them with a win. A draw won't be enough.

The Lady Booters from Loyola Heights suffered a costly 2-1 loss against UP last Sunday that could have afforded them entry into the finals without having to sweat it out on the final day of the eliminations. At least this year, they will be on the field as they dictate their postseason fate. A year ago at Ocampo Field, they were witnesses to Karla Pacificador's free kick goal against UP that sent La Salle to the finals.

Remaining eliminations schedule (all games at FEU-Diliman):

February 8: 3PM: UST vs Ateneo
February 9: 10AM: UP vs DLSU

The year in American Football

Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks for finishing the season on top of the NFL food chain. They were definitely all about dat action, boss.

See if you can discern everything about the just concluded season on this photo from Fox Sports.

TV5 to air Super Bowl XLVIII

The biggest one-game sporting spectacle in the world will be shown LIVE to Filipino viewers this Monday morning.

TV5 will be showing Super Bowl XLVIII between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the first time the event will be outdoors in a cold-climate location. Coverage begins at 7:30am.

The Broncos are seeking to replicate their success in the late 90s, with the newly-minted Offensive Player of the Year in Peyton Manning. Manning is seeking a second Super Bowl ring after winning one in Indianapolis.

The Seahawks are the top-ranked defensive team in football, anchored by their "Legion of Boom" secondary. Most Filipino fans, however, will recognize the team based on this photo.

c/o Seahawks team site

That is Doug Baldwin, Jr.. The wide receiver from Stanford has a grandmother who is a Tacloban native, and in the aftermath of the events of Haiyan / Yolanda, he provided us with an indelible image.

In addition to the game, at halftime, Bruno Mars will be headlining the festivities. The 2014 Grammy winner for Best Pop Vocal album and 2013 Billboard Artist of the Year will collaborate with soon-to-be Manila visitors Red Hot Chili Peppers.