BuzzerBeater Forums

1st JOSE RIZAL CUP CHAMPIONS

Jubas Astrodome - Exactly one week after defending their Philippine Cup title, the Jubas Beasts added another hardware to their trophy case. They have championed the first ever Jose Rizal Cup tournament in a convincing 171-94(6055344) victory over the Pilipinas Nationals. It has been a rough week for the Beasts coming into this game. Having been handed back-to-back league losses really got them thinking again.

"It's always good to get beaten by good teams in the league. We look at it as a reminder that we have to train harder to achieve out ultimate goal, which is to get the PPL trophy. That's why we came out hard tonight to get us motivated again." says tri-captain Liang Wai Cheng.

Although the Beasts defense was there, it was their offense and rebounding that has been the story of the night. They scored a franchise-record 171 points in a League Game(previous record was 166 in a Scrimmage Game). What made this possible was their 76 rebounds. All of the players grabbed loose balls like, well, Beasts! Expecially Jorge Olivares who grabbed a game-high 19 REB, one short of his career high of 20 REB. Wingmen Amir Cabalquinto and Liang Wai Cheng scored 33 and 31 respectively.

Blue Eagles silence the Kings

Blue Eagle Gym, Quezon City - In what seemed to be the most important game of the season for the Blue Eagles, they have surely delivered. And what better way for them to head to the playoffs than to beat the top-seeded Bgy. Ginebra Kings. With the win over the Kings, and a Letran Knights loss, the Blue Eagles have clinched a playoff spot.

"Well, the hard work doesn't end here for us, we could still grab the 3rd seed for the playoffs assuming that the Kiamba Sharks lose the next game, and we win against the Letran Knights", said high point man German Nader. German Nader scored 19 points and 4 steals for the Blue Eagles.

The Eagles hounded the backcourt duo of Aday and Brichacek who were a combined 10 out of 35 from the field (28%).

"We knew they would be going to Aday and Brichacek, and we put our defensive specialists to make sure their points were limited", said Coach Norman Black.

The Ginebra Kings fought their way back in the third quarter and were able to grab the lead from the Eagles. The Kings, however, were not able to sustain their run going into the fourth as they collapsed both on offense and defense.

Cojuangco un-human in JRC Quarterfinals

It was a classic display of a one-man team playing against a team-oriented ball club. Ubaldo Nudalo Memorial Stadium however will forever be remembering the 68-point, 11 three-pointer performance of team Polydozel second stringer Herminio Cojuangco, who gave the TrailBlazer fans, even the team itself, a nail-biting situation in the second half.

Herminio Cojuangco had the hot hand early in the first quarter, where he scored 13 of team Polydozel's 18-point first quarter score. However, in the second quarter, Cojuangco was limited to a point, and their 2nd quarter score was provided by Magoncia, and Cuaresma.

"I wasn't as aggressive as the first quarter in the 2nd, and I will try my best to give my all in the following quarters." says Cojuangco.

"His best" indeed. As he scored 29 points in the third quarter alone, and then scored 20 on the fourth, en route to his 68 point performance.

"He has the caliber to do this open, he still is young, but with good experience, he will have a good direction." says the Polydozel coach.

Cojuangco was the 3rd round pick in the season 4 draft by the team Polydozel, some consider this as a steal, but with mixed emotions, as he was battling the position with his fellow draftees Hipolito Guarnes and Mike Hontoria.

The three had big potentials and considers can one day be a solid core addition to the squad, however, team Polydozel thinks otherwise and decided to sell Mike Hontoria, to the Italian League, before his passing in Febuary.

Cojuangco is usually a Power Forward, but his speed, athleticism and shooting ability enables him to play the 2, 3, and 4 position. However, he never had a good run in two seasons because of position battles and his role in the team, yet, he was never out of the team.

"He has the talent that nobody wants to give away to. He is part of team Polydozel's future, but he has to figure out his role to the team, as he can always be put in play."

PPL Playoffs on it's way

The stakes are now higher. It has come down to eight teams, battling out for the spot with the most limelight, a BBB opportunity, and most importantly, for the PPL Trophy.

Welcome to the PPL playoffs guys!

New rivals awaken, destinies are formed and new bloods take a chance. This is the new theme in the PPL playoffs. 8 teams, 4 from each conference, 2 will battle it out for the 1 trophy and a season long of brag rights.

It all started on Season 3. 16 teams fight it out for the most elite, and coveted trophy in sports in the country. The pure 24-Karat, Chinese-inscripted trophy was up for grabs. 8 teams reached the playoffs, including Devil Bats Deimon, Jubas Beasts, Air21 Express, and Red Robins. Jubas Beasts and Red Robins has been fighting for the finals spot right from the very start of the league, and it is no different until now.

However, Air21 Express cruised the stage and went 4-0 en route to their first PPL trophy against the Red Robins. After their fantastic performance in season 3, they were disappointing in season 4, wherein they finished 5th in the league.

Rivals Red Robins and Jubas Beasts ignited their flare early as they faced off in the quarterfinals. One win means goodbye to the other, and in this series, The Beasts got the upper hand.

This playoff series was filled with controversy, as two newly promoted teams, Celestial Fury and Ateneo Jologs (now named TrailBlazers United) reached the epitome of the playoffs, Ateneo Jologs winning in three games.

Now, under it's new name but still the same stature, TrailBlazers United came to the 5th season trail-blazing, and reaping the critics with their amazing feats. They were the first team to beat the then-undefeated Jubas Beasts, they end the 5th season with an astounding 20-2 mark. And, led by Ubaldo Nudalo, the team are sure-fire favorites to win the trophy.

The league are plagued again with new comers, taking their chances to steal away the trophy are team Polydozel, who is currently 4th in the league, CPP-NPA, and Pampanga Dragons. These three teams are also former league II champions, so they are surely to be watched out for.

The Beasts and Robins are in a comfortable position to advance in the semi-finals, so expect another bad blood splashing over in the Great 8 Semi-finals. In the Big 8 Semi-finals, TrailBlazers may be anxious to see on who will they face with. As both team Polydozel and Devil Bats Deimon had surely some game for people to watch with.

Season 5 Playoffs can be one of the more competitive against past seasons, if not, the most competitive. But with all the glitz and drama, Season 5 playoffs is surely to be watched for.

#1 vs. #2

PPL Playoffs couldn't be more hotter than this, a classic match-up of the conference's bests and second bests. Semi-finals scheduled on a Saturday could mean fan chaos throughout the country.

Big 8's TrailBlazers United and Team Polydozel has been playing against each other since the 4th season, wherein Team Polydozel made the first win. After that, the Blazers has been leaving team Polydozel in the dust.

The difference? The Mammoth Ubaldo Nudalo has been a force to be reckoned by the Polydozels, with poor PF defense, Nudalo can easily put out his trademark shots and force double teams to create chances from the perimeter or the outside area.

"Nudalo has been our problem since we had the chance to face them. It was always hard work whenever we play against them. We had been very critical in training our inside defense ever since, and today will be the final judgment, wherein everything is at stake." says Julio Jenkins, Polydozel trainer.

To the Great 8 conference, it's about brining back the memories. The Conference dynasty is back.

Jubas Beasts has been very impressive in the first half of the season, not having a single loss, it seems that they are sure favorites to win the PPL trophy. However, at the second half, TrailBlazers United came up with a convincing win, and the Beasts were very vulnerable, having 3 more losses after the mishap.

To the Red Robins, they have been relatively quiet this season, despite not leaving in the top 4 spots this season. They are also an easy prediction to playoffs,as they are one of the familiar faces in PPL Playoffs. But, having 17 wins is no easy feat. Red Robins obtained that, plus the fact that they ended the season with a 7-game winning streak, including a win in the playoff against Queen's Coast, another PPL powerhouse.

With all the hype on who's going to win, or who will face in the playoffs, one thing is for sure, that this playoffs will be one to be added to the archives. In one side, you will see a match-up of a defending champion, trying to face a team who plans to win the consecutive championships in different divisions. Team Polydozel has been a champion in all leagues they joined, and PPL may be no different from the others. Let's just see what can they do against a very formidable defending champion.

In the other side, dynasty revamped, all are slated, they are recorded 1-1 on the playoffs, and both are pumped up for the game. Jubas Beasts once recorded a flawless run. They once seem inevitable, until a push of luck and determination changed their game shape. and the road seems rocky for them ever since. Red Robins had a perfect chance to hawk up a win, with a win in their hand, the other may have to wait for next season's playoffs to tie the record. The Robins have the streak now, but for how long?

All these questions may be answered in Saturday. Wherein the match-up would be, again, #1 vs. #2.

ADMU Blue Eagles upset Brgy. Ginebra Kings

Katipunan, Quezon City - It was a showcase of defense as the Blue Eagles routed the Kings 76-65. The #4 seeded ADMU Blue Eagles were again able to manage top scorers Alfonso Aday and Jan Brichacek. They only combined for 11 out of 43 attempts. In what seemed to be a sure Finals spot in the Division II.2 for the Brgy. Ginebra Kings, the ADMU Blue Eagles were first pressured to get into the playoffs, and now have silenced critics as they blow past the top-seeded Brgy. Ginebra Kings.

"It wasn't easy for us to come up with the win. They exploited our lack of defense in the inside, but we were able to manage to hold them back in the fourth quarter", said rookie star Roberto Catalano.

Norman Black, who came working for the ADMU Blue Eagles in the latter half of the season had some words to say.

"Well, there's still a lot we can still do and improve on. The Kings had too many offensive rebounds, and I guess our big guys have to learn how to position themselves better", commented by Norman Black.

Despite going 3 for 15 from the field, Hurley Senese impressed coach Norman Black as he was able to rack up 3 steals and 4 blocks to go along with his 6 assists.

"Well, he was never meant to be our main option for offense, he's more of the 'pure' point guards who will make sure that the ball is distributed well and that the outside is well-covered", said team captain Arsenio Villalino.

Next up for the ADMU Blue Eagles is the Naga Flyers. They won earlier against the Kiamba Sharks 92-75 with Eliab scoring 38 points.

"We won't forget the time Eliab dropped 50 points on us in a season game. We'll be back for revenge, and we'll make sure he doesn't get 50 points again", said Theodore Hubmaier. Recently acquired Zemgus Bunte was said to have been hired by the team specifically for his outside and inside defense.

"We believe that the SF position has been underestimated in the league, when in fact it remains to be one of the most, if not the most important positions in the team", said coach Norman Black.

"We'll make sure we win the next game, but I don't think it would be as hard as the Brgy. Ginebra Kings game", jokingly said by guard German Nader.

*Notes: The ADMU Blue Eagles were the only lower-seeded team to upset a team in the Playoffs. Lia Cruz of Division II.1 almost came with the upset as the lost to Mandaue Selection 126-127.

Blue Eagles Set Up for David and Goliath Matchup

Katipunan, Quezon City - The Div II.2 finals matchup are out, and it seems like a classic David and Goliath match between shortie's Hoes and Norman Black's ADMU Blue Eagles. With a 22-0 record up team manager shortie's repertoire, the odds are heavily stacked against the Eagles.

"Masyadong bubot pa 'tong Blue Eagles. Hoes will simply outplay and outperform them. Kulang pa sa experience itong team na 'to, and they still lack the depth that Hoes already has. Hoes is simply ready for the PPL", said sports critic Dr. J.

It was a smooth-sailing ride to the finals for Hoes as they first routed The Creators 102-61, and then Mobster United 111-85. In what most people thought would be a close match between Mobster United and Hoes turned out to be a blowout by Hoes. Earlier in season 4, Mobster United was known for upsetting Hoes in the Quarterfinals to end the Hoes' dreams of coming into the PPL.

The Blue Eagles on the other hand had to really work their way through to the finals.

"Having to play against good teams and without the crowd on our side, it was really a tough task for us", said coach Norman Black.

The question remains as to whether the Blue Eagles have enough fuel in their system to put up a good fight against Hoes.

"WE BELIEVE! That has always been our motto. And we simply won't give up out there though we have a few strategies that hopefully will work against Hoes. They have too many good players and a good balance of offense and defense", said team captain Arsenio Villalino.

"Alam mo pards dapat yung Blue Eagles mag-focus nalang sa season 6, nakaabot narin sila ng ganito kalayo considering na bagong team palang 'to. Pero ang umasang matalo mo ang Hoes? ALAHOY! Suntok sa buwan yun", said critic Chino Trinidad.

Who will win the coveted championship of season 6? David or Goliath? We'll have to wait and see.

Odds are out for Game 1 of Div. II.2

ADMU Blue Eagles +18
Hoes -18

Finals Predictions (Jon Loomer style)

Most of the time, the outcome of the finals series is that whoever wins the first game, they usually are the home team. But, this was proven wrong last season when visiting teams out-run the home teams for the first game win. It just goes to show that the competition has changed dramatically. Which makes the finals prediction job more difficult.

So, how could one categorize the prediction? Will it be winning the whole series, or will it be based on the first game only?

The majority believe that even though anyone could win it, the first game would be still be a big advantage. It would take a whole lot of heart and will power to win an away game, and it would be no easy feat. So, these predictions will be based upon the first game predictions, and not the whole series.

PPL

TrailBlazers may win the first game, they had the home court, they had the best record. But, I could be wrong, as the competition level was raised a bar higher than last season and everything may happen in the first game. "di mo din malalaman, pero malakas ang hinala ko na TrailBlazers may get it." says one team executive.

That may be the case, or not. As Jubas Beasts are capable of bringing the house down. They are the JRC champs, Philippines cup champs, and B3 representatives all in the same season, and also a household name. So must be closely watched.

Prediction: nah, I'll watch TrailBlazers win this one.

League II.1

This is not the first time that the two teams met each other. Their matchup was mostly remembered when the Loyola Hits BC won against ribonucleic acid in triple overtime, 124-129, at the Loyola Gymnasium. ribonucleic acid, the team which is fresh of the boat, played against the number one team in the league. And yet, they displayed fabulous display of basketball, leaving the home team out in the open. The home team won the game, but respect is rightfully earned by RNA's team, and also considered one of the most feared teams in the country. They will meet again in a 3-game series. And ribonucleic acid take redemption back.

Prediction: Loyola only had 3 defeats at home... all of them from scrimmage. I'll take Loyola on this one

League II.2

The League standings had an error when they input Naga Flyers to advance to the finals, wherein, ADMU Blue Eagles won against the Flyers for the finals spot. ADMU came big in this game winning against a number 2 seed in the Great 8 conference. And a big boost in confidence in ADMU Blue Eagles could mean a chance for promotion.

Prediction: Whether ADMU or Flyers came up with the win, Great 8 conference is too weak of a conference to win against a prominent Big 8 team, let's go, Hoes!

League II.3

TGIF MANILA came as close as reaching the finals in obtaining promotion. However, they were stopped by Team Polydozel, who came from a Cinderella story from his previous season (League III.1, now with PPL). Roberto Alfonso led the team with 19 points and 20 rebounds as they beat the Big 8 number 1 LA_LAKERS28. And they seem more ready for the PPL than the Batangas Blades, who also have the same season record as TGIF.

Prediction: Roberto Alfonso is really ready for the PPL, and so does the PPL.

League II.4

Vitor Carvalhosa erupted for 46 points, with 8 threes in the confrence finals match against Kims Lover. The Wet Web Arena chants the familiar "M-V-P" chant. Kims Lover couldn't trim the Spider lead, and when the buzzer sounded, everybody were so sure that the home team would bring the trophy and will fly off to promotion. In which, Gin Kings did the same when they beat Team Flight Brothers. "I can feel it, promotion will be ours now!" says Raphael Catapang, Gin Kings guard.

Prediction: Spider Forest had their chance in the Philippine cup, but it will be different in the League Finals. Gin Kings win, very close

Sarabia not enough to make Beasts a winner

Game 1 of the season 5 PPL Finals came with a blast. Fans were howling and screaming as The Ubaldo Nudalo Memorial Stadium screams for their savior to come out of the court.

Ubaldo Nudalo came out along with cheers and screams. And as expected, the Jubas Beasts lineup were introduced along with boos from the crowd.

However, that didn't change their focus and determination. Jubas Beasts had pressure meddling on them, not the crowd. The pressure of being the team to win The Treble! winning the cup, the league final, and the JRC cup all in the same season. Jorge Sarabia came playing the Finals barring an injury, and tired from his NT game last Monday.

Jorge Sarabia scored 20 points, all from three-point range and free throws, along with 10 assists and 10 steals. He was the very core in obtaining the blow out redemption game against Hanguk (Korea). And in this series, Ubaldo Nudalo witnessed again Sarabia's prowess on the court.

Jorge Sarabia again scored all of his points on threes and free-throws. ending the game with 21 points, 6 three pointers, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, in 40 minutes playing time. The Beast's outside game tried to counter the TrailBlazers stunning big inside game. Playing Full Court press al throughout the game to slow down the Blazers offensive play.

Despite the wonderful performances of the Philippine Cup champions, they were heavily dealt with full Blazers force. As their bigs rammed the Beasts into a final score of 77-95. TrailBlazers United took the first game of the series and is now in the lead. 1-0.

Ubaldo Nudalo started the game at the 3 position, and was very effective in flash drives and inside shots. "He was very comfortable in the 3 position. He converts good jumpers and excellent drive plays. He even defends SF's well." says the Blazers coach.

Rebounding and good defense has been the factor in the Blazers win. Blazers end the first quarter with a lead, and they were nuking it out in the first half. Beasts came with a run in the third quarter, but they were hold perfectly in the fourth by the Blazers and they finished the game with the W.

"[Sarabia] was very good in this game, and I thought we never gonna doanything about it." says Ubaldo Nudalo. "Our coach just told us to relax and focus more on our inside game. Eventually all turned out fine at the end."

"It's always fun to play against a friendly rival." says Jorge Sarabia. "Whenever a good team plays against you, you play better. It's that we play against a former champion that we lost." He says with a smile.

"It will never be this way, come Saturday!" Sarabia added.

Hoes says 'Hello' to PPL

Katipunan, Quezon City - After two convincing wins against the ADMU Blue Eagles, the Hoes long wait is finally over. Hoes is now granted a ticket to the PPL. Following a 50-point game 1 rout over the ADMU Blue Eagles, Hoes shut down any more hopes of the Blue Eagles in prolonging the finals with a 87-79 game 2 win at the Blue Eagle Gym. They were simply in a league of their own, and it just goes to show how much Hoes deserve to be in the top league.

Ivan Ricamona led the way for Hoes with 14 points. Rookie Francis Redondiez had a stellar performance pulling in 12 rebounds and grabbing 7 steals. Star player for the Blue Eagles Roberto Catalano struggled with only 15 points and 10 rebounds, but also turning the ball over 10 times.

The Blue Eagles were within 4 to end the third quarter, but Hoes simply pulled away to begin the fourth quarter. The amount of experience that team manager and coach shortie has in such crunch time situations played a big role in closing out the game.

Once again, congratulations to a well-deserved season 5 Div II.2 champion Hoes!

Season 6 Preview

Congratulations for Jubas Beasts and TrailBlazers United for giving an impressive game3 performance. Jubas lead almost the whole game, yet the Blazers never said that it's over, making run after run in a quarter and managing to scope an exciting climax.

TrailBlazers won the PPL championship for the second time in a row. Jubas Beasts won the Philippine cup back-to-back, and they will, again, represent the country for the coveted B3 (more known as the BuzzerBeater's Best)

The Blazer's Ubaldo Nudalo won the prestigious MVP award. Nudalo's finals performance came as a shock to all the Blazers fans, playing in a different position and in a different Nudalo fashion. In terms of defense, and in offense. Thus, giving him unanimously the MVP award.

When a new season is approaching, teams get different movements in order to prepare for what's coming. With new players, and new teams, all will adjust to their environment. And as expected, every season won't be as easy as it comes.

For the PPL champs, it seems that a Dynasty will be made early for them, as they acquired rookies Charlie Guimbarda and Jomar Saavedra, both are under-heightened gunners, yet they contain unlimited potentials. Many were guessing if they are up to par with the TrailBlazer standards, and will be tested probably when they face the visiting diMarko Ballers on Thursday, wherein they will play in the first open scrimmage.

For Jubas Beasts, luck wasn't on their side when they are one game shy for being the first team to win the JRCup, Philippine Cup, and PPL Finals in a season. Pressure was high, and so was Sarabia's injury. They still have a tough conference by the names of Red Robins, Rynzer Force, Queens Coast, and FOB's Loyola hts BC, and Gin Kings. Shall we witness another flawless run by the Beasts? Will they be more Beastly as ever? Along with their new acquisitions, Bimbo Juliano, Gregor Paglumotan, and Gaviene Verida, many will be excited to comeand watch hoe these new players will blend to the impenetrable system of the Jubas Beasts.

Great 8's number 2 seed Red Robins has always been quiet in the standings, when you realize that they're having a run, you're already too late. A veteran team, and masters of team-oriented offense. Red Robins developed a system that innovates a new kind of basketball and leaves other teams in wonder and awe. Up to the point where guards post up and big men shoots forced threes. They already made movements with their new players as they retained the services of the 2 rookies. And they seem to be ahead of the pack, which is essential for PPL glory and capturing the trophy, despite of the jungle conference that they're in.

Team Polydozel in the 4th overall has been a constant surprise in the PPL, surpassing Sta. Lucia, Air21, and Rynzer standards, one thing that may question about this team is if they can do it again. A bunch of scandals and controversies (along with a few more good games) galloped their status from relegation contender, to finals contender. And one thing that halted their dream of being the first team to win championships in 3 different leagues, is when they faced the defending (and current) champions, TrailBlazers United.

One thing is sure, that these teams have pride in the league, and that pride will make them stand out against the new course of the tide. New bloods come and may try to earn respect, by beating the respected ones. And these "respected" folks may give all that they can, just to tell the new ones "Welcome to the PPL".

(Part 2 to be continued...)

Last edited by Katchafire Collie at 8/12/2008 11:55:49 AM