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Instant classic: Memongs stays atop defeats Dahlia Mavericks 126-115

Q. Arena, Fairview, Philippines -- It was a rainy night afternoon but that didn't deter more than 15 thousand fans to flock the Q. in what would be a thrilling down-to-the wire game between the Dahlia Mavericks and Memongs. Dahlia Mavericks, coming from a crushing defeat against Zennings, vowed to come out stronger in this game than their last outing threatening Memongs bid at the top to start their respective PPL campaign.

During the first quarter, the Mavs roared and scored 29 points compared to Memongs 22. They were leading at the half (60-54) until the tide favored Memongs in the latter part of the fourth.

For almost 10 minutes, the Mavs and Memongs exchanged baskets back and forth. With 2:41 left, Memongs Nicolas Lopez-Jaena hit a jumper (his 5th in a row) that gives Memongs a two-point lead, 113-111. The Mavs weren't able to convert a basket in more than a minute until Santos Verano hits a layup with 1:09 left that makes it 116-113 in favor of Memongs.

In the ensuing possession, Jaena wasn't done as he hit a crucial three from the wing to make it 119-113 that forced the Mavs to call a full timeout. After the timeout, it was a nicely done play as Capuyan converts a pass from Verano to make it 119-115.

National Team player Pete Montallana calmly hits the free throw to make it 121-115 - it was a free throw contest by then for Memongs. AJ Magoncia attempted back-to-back three pointers to no avail. He was also charged with an offensive foul that seals the win for Memongs.

"I thought our guys did a pretty decent job up to the last minute," GM Nicolo Maro said. "the night is crying as Magoncia had a bad night hitting just 4-18 FG's, 1-7 in 3pts."

Lopez-Jaena led the visitors with 29 points in 11-16 shooting. He was ably supported by NT player Pete Montallana (28 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) while being aggressive in the lane hitting 11-12 from the line. Rotem Blum had a double-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks while Jan Belesic was efficient with 20 points and 8 assists in 9-15 shooting.

Edralin Chiong scored 13 points in 10 minutes while Chinese center Qian Chaoxiong grabbed 18 boards.

"We know that the Mavericks didn't want to lose this one so we came out aggressive," Don Manoah said. "the fourth-quarter was outstanding and I couldn't be happier with our guys."

What's left of the 33-year old Ananias Capuyan, he layed it in this game as he scored a game high 37 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 15-21 shooting with no turnovers. He was even cited by counterpart Jaena and Montallana in his gutsy play but it wasn't enough to lead the Mavs with a W.

Fillmore Sabangan chipped in with 22 points while Apolonio Sepulveda had a double-double with 20 points and 10 boards. Scott Famaran had a dubious night as he was supposed to be the most effective player scoring 9 points and 6 rebounds but was fouled out in only 15 minutes of play.

The team was most critical with AJ Magoncia as he miss shots after shots. Was it just a bad night or the team is looking for that elite guard to put them over the top?

On a night like this, the players weren't available for comment but it was evident that they were frustrated with the 22% shooting of their 'shooting' guard. It didn't help that the refs gave more free throws attempt to Memongs 42 (making 31) compared to Mavs 20 (hitting 15).

Next game: Dahlia Mavericks at Celestial Wrath. Surely JSmoove will bounce back from a humiliating defeat against Arcanix Men. How will the Mavs react against them coming from a tiring loss as well?

Blades get hot from three; quell Black fox

League III.13 Elimination Round
Bacoor Blades @ Black fox
20:11

Using a fourth quarter surge that saw them drain multiple key three-point bombs, the Bacoor Blades get their third straight victory at the expense of hosts Black fox at the Cuneta Astrodome, 103-91.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair for the first three quarters and even in the opening moments of the fourth. In the first quarter, sophomore Blades guard Regan Elizaga and Black fox forward Gianfranco Cupitò lit up the scoreboard for 10 points each in the period as the Blades led, 24-23.

The second quarter saw more of the same furious exchanges as they traded leads. But the second chance points created by Nello Rapaccioli and Constante Pedreira gave the home team a lift that pushed them up by three, 47-44, entering the second half.

After the break, the crossfire ensued, as neither team gave the other a slight chance to take a huge lead. Elizaga torched the scoreboard again, receiving passes from guard Boris Buzhan, with the latter finally beginning to convert from the perimeter. This development shot them back in the lead by five, but a defensive lapse saw the hosts take two points off the deficit as they had to settle with a three point edge, 72-69 entering the final period.

Clutch baskets from beyond the arc, primarily by Elizaga and Buzhan, saw them extend the lead to as much as 11 points. But the hosts would make fightbacks and close the gap to at least six points. But a barrage of three pointers from their starting backcourt, along with a triple by Kelly Paul and even center Antoine Fauvel, translated to a larger gap as the possessions passed.

A key development for Black fox was the fouling out of starting center Rapaccioli, which gave Eugenio Genco a chance to assert himself underneath. Black fox tried to play the foul game but ceased to as the gap widened.

Elizaga scored a season-high 29 points, improving not only his previous high of 19 from the last game againts JORDANZ, he was also more efficient from the field with an 11-for-17 clip, and 2-for-6 from beyond the arc compared to a miserable 1-for-12 the last time around. Buzhan backed him up with 21 points and 11 assists. Kelly Paul had 16 and 10 rebounds while Genco had 11 and 10 for the Cavite ballclub.

"It was a nice game for me. But I would not have done what I did if not for Boris's passes, especially early in the first quarter. He got me going and I was able to put myself in a position to make good shots." said the 6'4" Filipino ward.

"It was like a boxing match featuring two prized fighters in the first three and a half quarters." said Kelly Paul. "But in the end, we were able to find that little extra to take control of the game."

But despite the win, the Blades slide back to seventh place due to baracuda team tying up the point differential of the Blades at -56, which was broken by the fact that they won against Bacoor on opening day.

"We're not concerned about that for now. We just want to build on this run we're having and hope we can make the most out of it." said team manager TheDogMan.

"We've won our last four games. We have a Cup game ahead and we hope to make more waves there." the Blades gaffer added, referring to their next Cup assignment, going up against In Your Face Tinambulan, a Division V team. The game shall be on the 11th of July at 5:30 pm.

Blades end first round on a losing note

League III.13 Elimination Round
Pilipinas Katipuneros @ Bacoor Blades
20:13

Both teams brought their A-game, both teams used their strong suits. But a better team prevailed in the end.

The Bacoor Blades hosted Great 8 #2 seed Pilipinas Katipuneros with the hope of finally notching their second home win for the season, but ultimately falling short in a high-octane showdown, 130-126.

Trying to follow-up their win over fellow Princeton patronizer Pilipinas Agilas, the Blades actually made a surprise shift by establishing their frontcourt early in the game. But that would not materialize until later in the game as the hosts trailed the Katipuneros, 33-22 at the end of the period.

And just as it looked like the running game of the Katipuneros would take the game away from the Blades, they respond in the second quarter by reeling in 40 points off mostly inside forays from Kelly Paul and Boris Buzhan, cutting the lead to just seven points, 69-62, at the interval.

In the third canto, Eugenio Genco continued the inside connections for the Cavite side. They allowed 25 points during the period in a game wherein not scoring in the 30s per quarter is unacceptable. They took a 97-94 edge entering the final 12 minutes.

The final period saw an exchange that mostly figured Li Shunming and Ziemowit Rochmiński for the Katipuneros and the Blades' Paul and Antoine Fauvel. Entering the last two minutes, the Blades were down four, 123-119. Buzhan find Paul for the open dunk underneath to cut the lead down. A Nicolas Iglesias split from the free throw line put them up three, 124-121. Then a Buzhan lay-up followed by an Ugo Maratea jumper made it 126-123 for the visitors. Off a 30-second timeout by the Blades, Fauvel finds sophomore guard Regan Elizaga open for the three-point swish to tie the game at 126-all.

It turned out to be the final hurrah for the Blades as they cannot stop Apolinaras Kalvedys from converting on the other end to immediately break the deadlock just ten seconds later.

A final try for the Blades to win the game came after the Kalvedys shot. As time was winding down, Buzhan tried to mimic his heroics in their first win vs. Bugo HeadCrackers. But the go-ahead three pointer missed the mark to the display of sheer disbelief by the hometown crowd with just two ticks left. Shunming's two freebies off an Elizaga foul pegged the final score.

A big offensive night for long-time duo Paul and Genco, who had 33 and 30 points respectively. Buzhan's game-long brilliance of 25 points, 10 assists and five rebounds was just not enough to get the Blades the W. While on the other side, seven of the eight players for the Katipuneros in the game scored in double-figures, with Kalvedys leading them with 29 markers, followed by Shunming's 26.

"It was a must-win. We didn't make it. But I am really proud in the fight they brought in this game." said team manager TheDogMan. "For some reason, we don't win at home that much. We want to change that the next round." he further added.

"This was just a tough game against a top-notch opponent. We wanted to bring the win for our fans and we fell short again." said the 6'3" Buzhan.

The Blades fall to a 4-7 record at the end of the first round of the Eliminations. They open the second round by going on the road against Peaceteh on the 23rd of July then facing Great 8 #1 seed Pampanga Dragons on the 27th, all of which before the entire BB world pauses for their respective League's All-Star break.

Buzhan jumper punches Blades comeback victory

League III.13 Elimination Round
Bacoor Blades @ Formula Shell
20:46

The Bacoor Blades used a second half turnaround capped off by a clutch performanc in the fourth quarter to complete a come-from-behind victory over Formula Shell at South of Heaven, 104-103, to improve to 6-8 for the League this season so far.

The Blades were flat to begin the game, being pounded from the inside by the All-Star frontcourt of Philipp Gulba-Engel and Cãlin Jitaru, with the latter proving to take advantage of the porous inside defense of the Blades to begin the game. The first quarter ended, 29-18.

The second quarter proved to be more of the same as the Blades notched the same number of points as in the previous quarter, as the continuing pounding on the inside by Gulba-Engel and Jitaru became the deciding factor as the two bigmen both had double-doubles to end the half as the score read 53-36 after 24 minutes.

In the third, Boris Buzhan came alive. He, Antoine Fauvel and Kelly Paul scored key baskets and made key stops to pull within 12 points of the hosts. The third quarter ended with the Blades still trailing, 79-67.

After a quarter-long struggle to climb back in the game, a Buzhan assist to Antoine Fauvel tied the game a 98-all. On the ensuing play, a Dragan Bojadžić conversion put the hosts back up 100-98. A Buzhan pull-up jumper tied the game a 100-all. A freethrow line split by Macedonian Fisnik Shehu off an Antoine Fauvel foul temporarily put Formula Shell in the lead, 101-100. Off a Blades timeout, Antoine Fauvel converted underneath to put them up again 102-101.

Two freethrows from Ricardo Reteracion proved to be the last stand by Formula Shell. By this time, Philipp Gulba-Engel suffered an injury and may not return to the ballgame for the final moments. After two possessions the came up empty on both sides, Boris Buzhan came up with the biggest shot of the game. Off a Jitaru miss, Blades forward Kelly Paul secured the rebound with 14 ticks remaining. The Russian guard found himself open at the top of the key as he received the pass from Paul. And he made the shot with just two seconds remaining in the game.

Off a timeout, Jitaru missed the possible game-winner as the Blades completed the comeback win on the road.

Buzhan ended up with 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Fauvel had 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Jitaru led the home squad with 39 points and 21 rebounds while Gulba-Engel ended up with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

"We just didn't quit. We kept fighting when we saw that the opportunity to win the game was still there." said Buzhan, whose team went down by as much as 20 points during the game.

"They showed heart today. I'm proud that they were able to respond to the challenge of coming back." said team manager TheDogMan.

The Blades are to face Grandes Consumidores up next as they host them at The Bacoor Forum on the 6th of August.

Going to round ten of National Tournament (Final 8)

Back in season 19, I was fortunate enough to reach the last 8 of the cup but unfortunately lost to the better team. Good match ups this season brings my team back to the quarterfinals.

Congratulations to memongs, Fleiaz, Burning Legion, Santong Kabayo, Zebu Mayas, Vintage and Zennings for completing the last 8! There are 6 PPL teams left while the other 2 are from Division 2, at this stage bilog ang bola anything goes...Good luck sa atin lahat sana walang injuries to all of our players. Peace!!!

Good luck sa lahat ng natitirang teams maliban na lang sa team ni lolo. Haha

Last edited by PH-Don Manoah at 8/10/2013 12:44:42 AM

Blades win another game, lose another player

League III.13 Elimination Round
East Town @ Bacoor Blades
00:10

It was another resounding victory, notching their highest point total for the season so far to the tune of 133 points as they win over their bitter rivals, East Town, 133-116 atoning for their first round loss as they hosted their adversaries at The Bacoor Forum.

The win put them above .500 for the first time this season, it gave them a legitimate shot at making the playoffs as well as overtaking the team they conquered prior, baracuda team, following their loss on the same day. They were able to reap incredible performances from four key players. The win also defined the effort by the Blades to take on the challenge despite losing starting point guard Regan Elizaga for the season.

But amidst all the other factors that could legitimize a claim of happiness by the team with the victory, still a looming concern is over the Cavite camp as they lose yet another key player to an injury.

Just mere moments after entering the court with less than four minutes to play in the first quarter, Blades reserve swingman Marcos Paulo Petry got hit hard in an attempt to score at the rim as he was fouled by defender Josué Ibarrola at the 2:35 mark of the same period. Petry could not shoot the free throws given to him and have to leave the game as he passed the torch to Kelly Paul, who knocked both charities.

The Blades went on to win the quarter 37-32 through a scintillating display by Paul. At the second canto, a more balanced attack borne out of Kelly Paul's earlier success in the first quarter coupled by the impressive court vision of Gavienne Savillo widened the gap at the half, 78-66.

The blitz intensified in the third, Paul and Boris Buzhan would continue connecting from the perimeter, giving its frontcourt men an opportunity at the basket. They already scored triple-figures midway through the quarter. They went up by 26, 113-87 as the final 12 minutes was about to begin.

Any East Town comeback attempt were easily thwarted as although East Town won the quarter, the lead was just too big to handle as the final margin was being determined.

As mentioned, four key players for the Blades notched double-doubles. Paul led the way for Bacoor with 41 points and 11 rebounds while Boris Buzhan had 33 points and 15 assists. Rookie Gavienne Savillo more than made up for Regan's absence with 18 points and 14 assists while center Antoine Fauvel had 13 and 10 boards for the home team.

"Talk about getting bit by the injury bug." said team manager TheDogMan. "This is not a good situation to be in this late in the season. We're trying to make a playoff run and we can't make good progress without a full, healthy roster." he admitted.

"This is another test for the team. To try and buck the odds and win." said the 6'9" Paul. "This was a good win but unfortunately, the dynamics of the team's rotation is altered again because of this instance."

Petry is expected to return to action next week as the Blades try to play the next two games without him. Regan Elizaga is out with an injury which is expected to heal in at least five weeks.

The Bacoor Blades face #4 seed NuRSing_AvENgeRS on August 17 to continue their suddenly-steep climb to a playoff berth.

Last edited by TheDogMan at 8/13/2013 12:11:29 PM

malabo na chances ko sa cup na injure pinakamahal kong player

Deja vu: Mavs end season 24 with 7-15 record, bids PPL goodbye

Q. Arena, Fairview, Philippines -- So what to report? The Dahlia Mavericks was able to stay in the ultra-competitive Philippine Premier League for three consecutive seasons - the first two survived in a relegation match - and finally succumbing in an automatic ouster this season.

"We tried our best to stay in the league but fielding an All-Pinoy lineup surely is a factor," GM Nicolo Maro said. "but we are proud that we are the only PPL team to do so."

Fans and beat writers who attended the press conference were in a gloomy state and asked owner Yo Chi his assessment on what went wrong, "that's one good point by our GM. Another, we tried to prioritize many things such as training our players, competiting in Cup and not solely in staying in the Premier League. Of course, the competition is very stiff that there is very little error for mistakes."

It's been eight long season (season 16) since the Mavs made it to the Top 32 in the National Tournament which they achieved this season 24. best showing for them was in season 9 being in the Top 16. If not for their seasonal mid-injuries to crucial players that forced them to adjust their game plan, they might have as well remained in The League.

GM Nicolo Maro was asked regarding their plan moving forward, and the family-owned organization is planning to rebuild. And what does rebuild mean to them? "We are looking to be younger. Heck, we might not be competitive in the coming seasons to build our foundation."

Asked to further elaborate: "We are now 50-50 in infusing foreign talent as it is really hard to have an All-Pinoy team. But, precisely the reason we are planning to rebuild for us to maintain that All-Pinoy team with young blood."

The 'core' players of the Mavs is getting old that we will not be surprised if they put their players in the market. As for who will they let go or stay? We don't have a clue. But change is inevitable that the coming season 25 in Division II will be as exciting for their fans just as they were in supporting the team in the Premier League.

Thank you all for your continued support!

New beginning: Cresta Verde Mountaineers notch first win, defeats Spaghetti Sauce 106-93

Vulcan Arena, Q.C. -- After two seasons in the Philippine Premier League (PPL) the Cresta Verde Mountaineers (previously Dahlia Mavericks) moved in Division II League 3. Dubbed as the "Brooklyn Nets" of Division II with a sky-high payroll, the Mountaineers did not disappoint as they trampled 'rival' CleMeNZas Spaghetti Sauce 106-93.

They set the pace early in the game outscouring the Sauce 31-20 in the first quarter. They paced themselves from there that coming out of the 1st half, CleMeNZas gunned them 36-22 in the 3rd leading 72-69 entering the 4th.

They got back in their senses that they 'dominated' the final quarter 37 to 21 en route to a convincing 106-93 victory.

"We are confident in our chances but we got to get our groove back!" GM Nicolo Maro exclaimed citing that their execution wasn't that crisp as they were expecting.

The Mountaineers opted to rebuild in the offseason acquiring 19y/o Steve Valle and 24y/o Jimeno Tamban. They sold previous lottery picks Usamah Vidal, Glenn Gulfan, Jomar Montallana and Pete Carim.

In this year's draft, they were able to snag with the 2nd overall pick hotshot Abelardo Lambatan and solidified their bench with Wenresti Gravoso. "Our philosophy is to give our draft picks a chance," Maro said. "we are happy with their performance in our first scrimmage that we will evaluate them further."

The Mavs first press conference focused on what they did (in the offseason), will do (moving forward) that there wasn't much interest on their first game. One noticeable difference between the two is that the Mountaineers crashed the boards (68 compared to 35) but the Sauce dialed from the outside (15-38 3FG) led by Marion Sedigo with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists (6-10 from 3FG).

Rosauro de la Cruz led them with an all-around performance with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. "I am now given the opportunity to lead this team," he said. "precisely why they added me mid-way last year."

National Team Player Apolonio Sepulveda and Rhyan Tersol had a double-double with 14 (points) & 14 (rebounds) and 14 & 13, respectively.


Player of the game: Rosauro de la Cruz - 27 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.
Up next: at Balawis Elite

Rumors: The Mavs are not yet done with their roster. "Conyo" is still available and team captain Ananias Capuyan is not happy in the bench.

Breaking news: National Team player Apolonio Sepulveda sold for $950k

Vulcan Arena, Q.C. -- As of yesterday, there was no bidder for the 28 year old Apolonio Sepulveda. Despite the 'sky-high' payroll of the Cresta Verde Mountaineers, their philosophy is they are willing to absorb losses just to sell their beloved players for the right price.

Early this morning, GM Justme from Suomi of RakBa called and informed they will acquire the versatile big man. "We hope to improve our team with the acquisition of "Conyo"," GM Justme said. "we think he will fit seamlessly with our current players."

Team Rakba is no pushover as they're ranked 483 in the Worlds and 9th in their country. "For a foreign team to appreciate what Sepu brings to the table, that is something." GM Nicolo Maro said.

Sepu debuted for the Mountaineers and had a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds in 29 minutes. They didn't expect it will be the last time they will see him as they understand it is a process to transfer a player.

Regardless, the Mountaineers are looking forward to a new era. "We feel that we are almost finished with our 'rebuild'," Nicolo said. "new players will lead this team to greater heights!"

Player to watch out for: It is no secret that Benigno Besa will be given the keys to steer the Mavs to victories. He is looking forward to the challenge and is just waiting for the right opportunity to perform.