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Youth movement: Cresta Verde Mountaineers lost to Kurizo Hoopers 92-109

Vulcan Arena, Quezon City -- Just like that, the Cresta Verde Mountaineers went from contenders to pretenders as they unveiled their end of season lineup following the departure of core players Rhyan Tersol, Rosauro Dela Cruz, Ananias Capuyan and Benigno Besa.

"First of all, I would like to say that the decision is not instant (referring to the transfer of their players that other managers felt that the Mountaineers will leave the league soon)," GM Nicolo Maro said. "we've been pondering for the longest time to rebuild but up to that point, we havent."

"Our team can compete. But because of injuries, we could not reach our potential. We felt that it's the best time to try something different and we are excited with what we are trying to achieve."

The Mountaineers started hot as Fillmore Sabangan scored 9 of their 13 points in 3 minutes that forced Hoopers to call the first timeout. Martin Cabugwason answered scoring five straight at one point to end the first 28-24 in favor of Hoopers.

In the second quarter, they traded baskets with June Soguilon and Fillmore scoring five straight and Amante started to make his presence felt as Hoopers ended the half leading 54-48.

The Mountaineers still managed to compete in the third as they only trail a point with Hoopers leading 80-73 entering the fourth. The Mountaineers inexperience gave-in as they were outscored 29-19 in the final quarter to a 109-92 defeat.

"With the whole world watching, we want to compete," GM Nicolo said. "we did in the first three quarters but couldn't hold up in the fourth."

Teodosio Amante led all scorers with 34 points as he asserted himself especially in the second half. Sabangan scored 31 but cooled off after scoring 22 in the first half. Santos Verano had a double-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the Mountaineers.

Alessandro Diversi led Hoopers with 28 points while Soguilon had a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Bernardo Nava also had a double-double with 15 points and 11 assists while Moises Mora notched 14 points and 10 rebounds.

"Nothing to be ashamed of, we will ride with Valle and Regala from now on."

Buzhan fires 41 as Blades make playoffs for the first time in two seasons

League III.13 Elimination Round
Bacoor Blades @ NuRSing_AvENgeRS
1:09

And they're back in the postseason.

Riding the shoulders of top-scorer Boris Buzhan, the Bacoor Blades thwarted NuRSing_AvENgeRS, 129-120, in their second straight road game in front of nearly 5000 fans in attendance as well as a national television audience.

At the very least, the victory could boost their chances of making the playoffs. But with chasing team Luna Thunders dropping their game against Theory of increased risK, 117-102, the Blades were given a free pass to the Big 8 Conference Semifinals facing a possible matchup with either JibangEr or Bugo HeadCrackers.

The Blades took control for most of the game, leading 32-24 in the first as well as being able to post a double-digit lead at the half, 65-54. But NuRSing_AvENgeRS bounced back in the third quarter through a newly-found well-balanced attack led by Anatoly Labutin and Baltras Batvinskas, the hosts kept the game close, 91-85, to set up a thrilling final quarter.

Labutin and Cyril Esmeralda connived to bring the home side back in the game. Their efforts paid off as they were able to tie the game at 96-all off of a Labutin jam. Blades center Antoine Fauvel shot a jumper to break the deadlock immediately, but a Batvinskas jumper tied them up once again at 98-all. This is where the Blades showed their late-game poise.

With the suddenly-hot hands of Regan Elizaga, the Bacoor Blades embarked on a 10-0 run to wrest the lead and the game for good from NuRSing_AvENgeRS, with Elizaga scoring seven of those 10. But just as the game looked to have been decided, NuRSing_AvENgeRS tried to mount a comeback, starting with a layup by Esmeralda just before the 2 minute warning sounded. They were able to trim the lead down to just five, 122-117, but they could not close in any further, even while playing the foul game, as Buzhan piled up his points from the freethrow line, scoring seven points off charities during the critical period.

"We were impressive tonight. We showed that we can still win games like these and that our poise late in the game is still as solid as ever." said team manager TheDogMan. "We will need this composure as well as all our key elements in our playoff run." he further added.

"We weren't rattled when they made runs at the start of the fourth quarter and at the last two minutes." said Buzhan, who finished with 41 points, silencing belief that his scoring touch is fading, along with 10 rebounds and five assists. "We stuck with each other. I was getting fouled since my teammates gave me the ball after the repossession and with time running out, they fouled the first man possible."

"Solid victory beating a team of this caliber." said Kelly Paul. "It doesn't show with their record. But it's obvious that their team has moved on from one era to another. They'll improve next season, no doubt." said the 6'9" American, who had 13 points and 11 rebounds in the game.

The Blades will face Theory of increased risK up next in their final home game of the Elimination round at The Bacoor Forum this coming December 3.

Blades eliminated by JibangEr in epic encounter

League III.13 Playoffs
Big 8 Conference Semifinals
#3 Bacoor Blades @ #2 JibangEr
(originally posted at) 13:37

Unfortunately for the Bacoor Blades, in a game where one mistake could cost the game, the blinked first.

JibangEr defeated the Cavite five in an overtime thriller, 129-126, at jibang in front of a sold out crowd of 11,232 to determine which team advances to the Conference Final for the right to book a seat in the League Championship round.

The game looked like it would be blown wide open by the home side as early as the first quarter, as the preliminary spirited attack overwhelmed Bacoor, 31-19. But the Blades battled back in the second quarter despite the resident frontcourt of the Blades yet to hit the mark consistently, effectively cutting the deficit to just five at halftime, 56-51.

The third period saw an aggressive Blades push early on. With Boris Buzhan at the helm facilitating, the Blades tore down the JibangEr defense, who were missing the services of second-leading scorer Pablo Zayas and reserve bigman Michaël Thirion due to an injury. The Blades finally won the lead entering the final minutes, notching an 83-79 lead, with Martin Federico Gancedo, who made his debut in the game along with Fryderyk Zima, nailing a triple before the third quarter horn sounded.

JibangEr opened the final quarter with an immediate 4-0 blast over a span of 30 seconds to tie the game at 83-all. By this time, Rafael Urigarri, JibangEr's top scorer for the game, picked up his sixth foul and had to leave the game. A high-octane exchange occurred throughout the fourth quarter, but despite the efforts of Regan Elizaga, Antoine Fauvel and Buzhan, JibangEr kept fighting back in the game. Finally a three pointer by McKinley Mann, the replacement for Urigarri, with 12 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter tied the game up and forced overtime as Genco cannot convert the inside incursion for a possible game-winner. 113-all it ended after regulation.

In the overtime period, the two teams basically exchanged the first 15 points, with JibangEr getting the extra point until they connected on two straight baskets to establish a three point edge, 123-120. Fauvel jams home a basket to make it 123-122. But with over a minute left, Oszkar Leindler fouled Leszlaw Bulski, who knocked his two charities to make it 125-122. Genco nailed a jumper to put them a point behind again. Then the Blades called for time after JibangEr missed a chance on the ensuing play.

Fauvel nailed a jumper with over 48 seconds remaining to wrest the lead at 126-125. That would end up being the Blades' last hurrah as they went scoreless the rest of the way. Beginning with Bulski's two foul shots followed by Mann's split, JibangEr held a 128-126 lead with 13 ticks remaining. After a full ceasefire, Bacoor went to Boris Buzhan, but the usually-clutch guard failed to convert on the jumper to tie the game. Bulski was fouled and only managed a split, which prompted team manager TheDogMan to call for a 30 second timeout with just two seconds remaining.

The play was supposedly a three pointer to tie the game and force a second overtime, but the play did not materialize as Gancedo turned the ball over, gifting the victory to the home side.

"This one's going to leave a mark." said the Blades' executive. "We wanted to win so badly, but I guess they wanted it more."

"It's a sad day for the Bacoor community, but it was a battle well-fought and a battle worth fighting for." said Kelly Paul, who had 16 points and 11 boards.

Fauvel had 24 points and 11 rebounds while Elizaga had 22. Genco had 20 and 14 boards.

The loss officially ends the Bacoor Blades' Season 25. Managing to win 14 games, they nabbed the #3 seed in the Big 8 for their first playoff appearance in Division III.

Season 26: Cresta Verde Mountaineers preview


Vulcan Arena, Quezon City -- Every new season is an exciting time for the fans, players and management as they look forward to winning games in their league.

However, things will be different as they don't have a clear-cut franchise star but instead will be bannered by promising guards Steve Valle and Claudio Regala.

Last season the Mountaineers were on pace to make the playoffs but were derailed by injuries midway that ultimately led to their decision to rebuild to a fifth place finish.

"The time is now to showcase the talent and unleash the potential of Steve and Claude," GM Nicolo Maro said. "we will support them to be the best they possibly can."

According to Maro, it was a 'bold' move on their part to feature the two as there will be "growing pains by giving them the keys to lead us to promise land." He added that they will give not less than two seasons to develop them and 'go from there.'

The two admitted that it will be a challenging year "as the fans are used to Sepu's and Besa's" but they will do their best and work hard to keep the buzz on their team.

They may not have been originally drafted by them but the management is committed in making them the premier guard in the league, if not the Philippines.

Holdover from the remade team are Teodosio Amante, Santos Verano, Melanie Gabo and Fillmore Sabangan.

The first two have played their entire career for the Mountaineers and experienced the winning tradition and culture of the team. In their prime, they have no qualms in supporting the management as its always for the 'best interest of the players.'

Saba is their de-facto 'top gun' that looks to finish his career on the team while Gabo is a good locker room guy overall.

They will be supported by Jimeno Tamban, Abelardo Lambatan and Wenresti Gravoso. 'JT' has all the potential but it looks like his window is closing in while Lambatan and Gravoso are two lottery picks from last season.

Plucked this offseason were veterans Renald Geonanga, Erben Maranon and Thaddeus Villacin. Thin from upfront, they decided to pick up experienced guys to 'hold their own.'

Maranon is expected to provide defense while Ren and Thad to contribute with their overall style of play -- all are to provide mentorship especially to Valle and Regala.

They 'scrambled' in this seasons draft and picked Eladio Calvez (9th overall), Gavienne Hamoy (25th) and Mitchell Oberas (41st).

Just like their sudden decision to rebuild - with some fans asking whether they will leave the league - their picks were questioned as they drafted three guards. GM Nicolo Maro was quick to point that they don't have something at their disposal that led to their acquisition.

As they open the season at home less than 24 hours against Zennings, all can't wait to see how this perennial contender fair with their new-look line-up.

Projected Starting Five:
C - Erben Maranon
PF - Jimeno Tamban
SF - Fillmore Sabangan
SG - Claudio Regala
PG - Steve Valle

Key reserves:
G/F - Teodosio Amante
F - Renald Geonanga
F - Thaddeus Villacin
F - Santos Verano

Cresta Verde Mountaineers defeats Zennings 88-74 in season opener

Vulcan Arena, Quezon City -- With the hype surrounding Steve Valle and Claudio Regala - arguably the youngest back-court league II.3 has to offer - Fillmore Sabangan willed his team to victory.

17,556 fans came in to watch the Mountaineers season opener and they weren't disappointed as 'Saba' notched 43 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists to lead them 88-74 against Zennings.

The Mountaineers held Zennings to an 11-point first quarter and never looked back from then. Steve Valle, handling the reins for team, had a dismal 1-9 field goal shooting but was disruptive on the defensive end with six steals in his debut while Regala scored nine points albeit with seven turnovers.

"They were nervous," GM Nicolo Maro said. "can't help it, handing them over the keys, it will be a long journey from here on."

Lassi Lepasti led Zennings with 26 points and 18 rebounds - one of the leftovers of the revamping team.

Newly acquired Vaidukas Antanynas scored 16 points while looking to improve his game shape moving forward.

The Mountaineers will face newly-promoted division III.10 champion Miscellaneous. Miscellaneous went to have a 21-1 record on their way to the championship.

They lost their first game against Manila All-Stars 107-88 away from home and is looking to bounce back against the Mountaineers on their home floor.

Player of the game: Fillmore Sabangan - 43 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
X-factor: Renald Geonanga - 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.
LVPs: Steve Valle going 1/9 from the field and Claudio Regala with 7 turnovers.

Wrong defense: Mountaineers lost against Miscellaneous 108-129


Etcetera Arena, Philippines -- Just before the New Year's eve, the Mountaineers visited Miscellaneous in a no-holds shooting match with the home team winning 129-108.

The Mountaineers put up a fight in the first quarter heading toe-to-toe against Miscellaneous scoring 29 to their 30 but the 'quarters in between' proved to be the difference as they were outscored 10 points in the second and 9 after intermission that sealed their defeat.

"Bad scouting on our part and I guess they want to go home early before the fireworks," GM Nicolo Maro said. "happy new year!"

Jacint Farres led all scorers with 37 points. Five players scored in double figures for Miscellaneous with Eric Medroso (24 points), Andrey Virki (21), Pedro Turini (16) and Branislav Obradovic with 21 points and 19 rebounds.

"It's good to win right before the new year," Farres said. "it gives us momentum moving forward."

Renald Geonanga led the Mountaineers with 28 points and 11 rebounds but was bothered with foul trouble the rest of the night. Fillmore Sabangan was his usual self with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

Claudio Regala came through scoring 19 points in 7-10 field goal shooting and played all 48 minutes.

According to GM Nicolo Maro, Regala 'had difficulty running the point' but sure wanted to win. The other half - Steve Valle - contributed 8 points and 6 assists.

The Mountaineers will try to get things right as they open the year against ranked 495 division IV RedRibbonArmy in the National Tournament.

Player of the game: Jacint Farres - 37 points.
X-factor: Branislav Obradovic - 21 points and 19 rebounds.

Cresta Verde Mountaineers pounded by So Awkward Players 78-94


Vulcan Arena, Quezon City -- The Cresta Verde Mountaineers bumped against a formidable opponent in So Awkward Players as they were defeated 94-78 - they are now 0-3 against them.

So Awkward Players zoomed in the first quarter scoring 29 points compared to the Mountaineers dismal 12 point quarter then never looked back.

"We came out flat," GM Nicolo Maro said. "we have yet to win a league game in 2014."

He added that 'the process is starting to unfold as we look to more rough patches in the coming games.' It is very much evident as this early of the season, they are playing catch-up or to put one analyst bluntly 'the Mountaineers are not of the same level with the rest of the team in the league.'

Six players scored in double figures for SAP led by Bandar Garganera with 22 points and 10 rebounds. He was ably supported by Arcadio Silva with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Fillmore Sabangan led the Mountaineers with 24 points and 11 rebounds while Marion Pacete and Renald Geonanga chipped in 20 points apiece.

Renald may have been the best player on the floor but it wasn't enough as, always, he was plagued with foul trouble getting five in 26 minutes.

"Part of it must have been his aggressiveness as he needs to do much with so litte" a fan observed.

Claudio Regala played all 48 minutes but only managed 7 points but Steve Valle was worse with zero points in 35 minutes.

The Mountaineers will now face Bugo HeadCrackers who managed to win away from home against Manila All-Stars during their match-up with a 89-78 victory.

Player of the game: B. Garganera - 22 points and 10 rebounds.
X-factor: A. Sila - 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Breaking news: Cresta Verde Mountaineers lost an all-time great player..


Vulcan Arena, Quezon City -- Sitting on his desk, sipping a cup of tea, wasting almost an hour that he could have used in other important matters, GM Nicolo Maro could not help but think he wasted precious time to give-up Inaki Dasilao(31225778) to J for Justin, a Hong Kong division III team.

"Oh my, I could not believe that someone would be as crazy as J to outbid us," GM Nicolo Maro with a grin on his face. "I mean, I can outbid him - no doubt - but I didn't see value in getting Inaki triple the price while other teams would use it for a top-flight player."

Dasilao is a 20 year old player with an all-time great potential and the Mountaineers would like to invest in his future the same way they are focusing on Steve Valle and Claudio Regala.

That is the reason why they appear to be not as competitive compared to previous seasons but they are looking at it long-term than a short-term haul.

On his part, Justin thought Inaki was the missing piece for his team "I've waited a long time to find someone like him, I wouldn't let this one slip past me."

GM Nicolo Maro, a staunch supporter of Filipino players with an All-Filipino lineup, tried to persuade him to 'let Inaki stay in his country' to no avail - J was equally determined to get him on his team.

As he decided to end the bidding war, Maro - the ever-diplomatic manager, congratulated J as the winning bidder. "I hope you can make him the best player not just on your team but for him to be part of the future of our National Team."

Such strong words, nationalism for the Mountaineers manager that he looked at the bright side on losing the bid "at least I was able to increase his value to be acquired by a foreign team."

Although a bit disappointed, clearly passionate on losing a bid that the organization made a press release, he didn't feel that bad and is still optimistic at the course of their team "when you're down, there's no way but to go up."

These kind of thoughts endear the Mountaineers GM not just among their players who appreciate the 'loyalty' but as well to his peers.

Crack the head: Cresta Verde Mountaineers pounds Bugo HeadCrackers 120-91


Bugo Basketball Gym, Philippines -- Weary from their previous outings, the Cresta Verde Mountaineers took advantage as their bruisers force the action inside as they pounded Bugo HeadCrackers 120-91.

Right at the start, Renald Geonanga scored 15 out of 37 points in the first quarter for the Mountaineers. They weren't through in the second quarter with a +7 advantage leading 63-43 to end the half.

Once again in the third, the onslaught continued as the Mountaineers scored 28 points compared to Crackers 12.

"Our opponent is undermanned but we'll take this as a win," GM Nicolo Maro said. "I am very pleased with Renald and Tamban's performance."

Renald led the Mountaineers with a career high 37 points with 15 rebounds in 34 minutes. "Finally got the respect I deserve?" Renald said. "the previous three outings the magic number is 5 (referring to his foul-troubled games)."

Jimeno Tamban had his first double-double of the season notching 18 points and 16 boards. It was very interesting as he was aggressive and even making perfect 10 at the stripe. "I just focused and took advantage of their 'sweet spot', JT said.

Jackson Mansfield led HeadCrackers with 18 points. However, bigman Emilio Calado was off-mark going 2-13 from the field scoring 5 points but with 16 boards.

"We're tired, we need rest, we'll bounce back," Jackson said.

The Mountaineers just missed three free throws making 31 (out of 34) while HeadCrackers just went to the line 14 times - a huge disparity. Defensively, all categories were dominated by the Mountaineers having twice what the Crackers got.

Surprisingly quiet was Fillmore Sabangan who was just happy scoring 12 points but getting the "W".

Player of the game: R. Geonanga - 37 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks.
X-factor: J. Tamban - 18 points and 16 rebounds.
LVP: E. Calado - 5 points in 2-13FGs with much expected from him.

New Oagas Society remains perfect, defeats Cresta Verde Mountaineers 112-99


Alconcel Sports Center, Philippines -- All eyes are glued in this matchup and the fans weren't disappointed. New Oagas Society looks the superior team on paper but the Cresta Verde Mountaineers were able to hold their ground in this televised game.

Society started strong scoring 29 points per quarter in the first half leading 58-44 against the Mountaineers. The Mountaineers tried to their best to match but they were still trailing 68-85 entering the fourth.

They made a rally in the fourth but ultimately succumbed to a loss as they couldn't make shots and Society made their free throws in a 112-99 score.

Carmelo Maciano led Society with 30 points. Allan Genzola and Bobby Montealto had 23 points apiece while Dexter Santos chipped in 22 points.

"We didn't walkthrough and earned this win," Tersol said. "man it's different going against your previous team but I'm happy with the situation I'm in."

Five players scored in double-figures for the Mountaineers led my Erben Maranon with 24 points. Jimeno Tamban - who is becoming a force - contributed 21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks is 8-11 field goal shooting.

Teo Amante, in his first league start filled the stat sheet with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists while Renald Geonanga had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Society had the upper hand but the Mountaineers were able to scout their opponent thoroughly. GM Nicolo said that 'losing against this team is expected but at least we were not blown out.'

Society is the only team with a perfect 5-0 record while the Mountaineers is currently in the 4th spot in Great 8.

The Mountaineers will face Kurizo Hoopers(2) in what will be an exciting matchup as well. They will also against ranked 384 Vans Philippines in the National Tournament on Thursday.

Player of the game: Carmelo Maciano, 30 points.
X-factor: Allan Genzola - 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.