Coverage for the Fourth Day of PABL 2010
Fourth Game Date:
August 22, 2010
Batch 1999 vs Batch 1997
Despite another monstrous scoring performance from Ingles, Batch 1997 was unable to defeat Batch 1999, 70-58.
Probably the most consistent scorer so far in this tournament, Ingles of Batch 1997 had 33 points that topped the points list for this game. Four players from Batch 1999 scored in double figures, with Magsuci leading them with 18 markers. Bartolome of Batch 1999 was strong in the glass, grabbing 12 rebounds for Batch 1999. Lumasag posted 8 boards for Batch 1997.
*Note
I would like to give my apologies to both batches, as I was not yet present in the game venue when this match happened, and thus could not provide an accurate game review.
Batch 90/93 vs Batch 2006
This was another classic example of an experience versus youth match-up as the merged batch of 1990 and 1993 prevailed over Batch 2006 where the infectious energy and enthusiasm was prevalent on the veterans, 74-41.
Artie, the starting point guard of the merged batch was quick to start on his arguments with the calls, first with a counted plus one play by Batch 2006. Early in the game, the 06 team found its way to the basket inside with their lay-ups and close jumpers. But the merged batch shot back-to-back three pointers and grabbed more boards. Artie was so animated in his complaints to the referee’s calls, even running towards the official’s table and dropping to the ground in his dismay. Nevertheless, the shots keep falling down for the older squad, both from inside and beyond the paint, and gave them a 31-21 lead at halftime.
An amusing moment at the end of the second quarter happened when Lester Palad rushed towards a fastbreak coming from a steal with Mano of Batch 90/93 trying his best to catch up with the faster runner from Batch 2006. In the end, he decided not to try and hamper Palad’s way to the basket, and elicited some smiles to the amused audience.
Batch 90/93 was quick to score baskets at the beginning of the second half, creating a 9-4 run. The merged batch’s energy was unmatched and their enthusiasm was visibly seen, even calling out to the referees to make sure that their points and assists were recorded correctly. At the end of the third quarter, the merged batch’s lead ballooned to 15.
The merged batch’s energy never wavered in the last quarter, with Artie and Mano exchanging teases with each other, and the team running fastbreaks to score some easy baskets. Arguably the best play of the game was when Mano of Batch ‘90/’93 caught a pass from Zed in the inside to score an impressive 180 reverse lay-up on the glass that wowed the entire crowd. Mano showed some spectacular English in that play. ‘90/’93 probably derived more energy from that magnificent play, and further extended their lead. Artie also provided another light-hearted moment when he was able to secure a fastbreak but missed three consecutive attempts on his own before finally nailing the shot. It was rather unfortunate that Ramos of ‘90/’93 suffered an injury that required him to be helped walk off the court.
Serrano of the merged batch had a game-high 20 points. Andrey scored 12 for the ’06 team. Batch 1990/1993’s Alvarez posted five assists. Matubis grabbed 10 rebounds for the merged batch, while Baladad had six for the ’06 team.
Batch 2005 vs Batch 2004
What seemed to be a low scoring and boring game at first turned out to be a very close, intense, and exciting battle between on-court rivals, the Cobras and the Ravens, which had to be decided in a lock-on duel in overtime and won by the heroics of the unexpected Mr. Sheen Gonzales, 61-52.
Both teams played at certain disadvantages, the Cobras were without key players Jamel Pangandaman and JB Aliling, while the Ravens only had six players at the start of the match. Batch 2005 had a very slow start in terms of offense, as the tight defense of the Ravens challenged attempts and passes by the Cobras consistently. But the Ravens weren’t able to capitalize on their defensive stops as well, as the first quarter ended with the Cobras having a 9-6 lead. But by the second quarter, the Batch 2004 team outscored the ’05 squad 14-9.
The second half became more exciting, as the game turned to be more of a gripping defensive performance delivered by both teams. The third quarter belonged to the Cobras in terms of scoring, 14-9. But the Cobras missed a lot of three-point attempts, and the Ravens were able to drive to the rim. The fourth quarter had the ’05 team holding a four point lead and seemed to have their pace slowed down, and the Ravens were able to take advantage and put the game on deadlock.
Batch 2005 could have won the game at the end of regulation, but stifling defense by the Ravens had the game clock expired. The game then had to be decided by an extended 5-minute period, where momentum shifted to the Batch 2005 game where Rollan of Batch 2004 incurred a technical foul for continuous complaining. Reece Hugo then shot the two crucial technical free throws, and gained possession where the Cobras fired back-to-back threes from Hugo and Gonzales.
It seemed that the title of ‘05’s game hero belongs today to Sheen Gonzales who nailed the game-changing and dagger threes. The most memorable shot for this game also belonged to Mr. Gonzales who scored a three pointer at the expense of his baller ID which was ripped off in the course of making the shot, adding drama and delight for his batch-mates.
Reece Hugo led the Cobras with 21 points, 7 of which were scored in overtime. Nadora scored 16 points for the Ravens. Alvin Tang led the inside presence of the Cobras with his eight rebounds. JC Nadora and Kirstoff Ocampo of the Ravens each had seven boards. Aro de Joya of Batch 2005 dished out four assists. Jeremy Reyes and Wilfred Fernandez each swiped two steals for the ’05 gunners. The Ravens had 10 steals completed. Dean Bueno and JC Nadora grabbed three steals for Batch 2004.
Batch 2001 vs Admin
Unfortunately, the Batch 2001 players weren’t able to form a starting five to start the game. They were given a leeway time to try and form their team, but they were not able to complete their lineup. Therefore, the victory was given to the Admin team by default. It was an unfortunate for this to happen, as some were keen in seeing how the Admin’s rugged and strong plays on the court.
Batch 2010 vs Batch 1991
Veterans versus rookies collided as the Rookie Class of 2010 matched up against hefty ’91 in a game where the athleticism, highlight moves, and quickness finally gave in at the last quarter to the taller and stronger Batch 1991, 56-50.
The rookies of Batch 2010 flashed their trademark speed and quickness, and formed a formidable 11-0 lead early. Despite being taller and heftier than their opponents, the ’91 team found it difficult to score inside the paint, as the rookies were soundly defending inside. The 1991 batch kept on missing point blank shots, but shot 7 straight quick points to start the second quarter. Alvin Luna of Batch 2010 showed his athleticism when he stumbled onto the ground and quickly got up - using his feet first which delighted the crowd. Cachuela also showed his fearlessness to drive to the lane, where he scored a difficult shot against two tall ’91 defenders. But the Batch 1991 kept on closing the gap, with them only trailing three points at half-time.
By the third period, the game became much closer, as both teams traded baskets and challenged the inside game of their opponents. Batch 91 started to get inside shots, but back-to-back threes by Justin Kwan a.k.a. Santino put the rookies leading 41-37 at the end of the quarter. But the momentum and energy suddenly shifted to the veteran batch as they slowly gained the lead and secured the crucial boards. Cristobal of Batch 2010 also fouled out at the 1:40 mark, as the rookies missed a lot of field goal attempts. The game ended at 56-50.
Lew scored 19 big points for the Batch 1991. Luna led all scorers of the rookies with 13 points, but was not able to score at the last period. The rookies again had a good thieving day, grabbing 17 steals. Both Baccaro and Cristobal each had 6 boards for the rookies, while Minoza led his team with 6 defensive rebounds. Luna was able to dish out 5 assists to his teammates.
Batch 2003 vs Batch 1995
In what could be described as the most intense and physical game of Day 4, the ’03 team was able to squeak in a 50-44 victory over the equally hustling Batch 1995 in an epic duel.
Early fouls and turnovers defined the beginning of this game, as whistles were perennially used in the first quarter. Things almost heated up at the end of the first when Richard of ’95 reminded Batch 2003’s Cervantes of his elbow at a drive-in play, which prompted some words from the ’03 player. It took some time for both teams to score after, where the pace became slower. Both teams shot poorly in that quarter, where the score tallied to only 24-17 in favor of the ’03 boys.
The game became much more physical in the second half, where players suddenly find themselves scrambling for the ball on the floor, and the score becoming much closer. After a three-point shot from Batch 1995, Palomo of Batch 1995 and Fernando of Batch 2003 almost got in a fight with both wielding closed fists before the referees and other players stepped in. Both were thrown out of the game as a result, and it also caused a slight delay to explain that ejected players had to be required to leave their respective benches. Bautista of Batch 2003 also argued heavily on two consecutive loose ball possessions. He was then thrown a technical foul for continuous complaining. The score was at a deadlocked 39 all at 4:19 in the fourth when a timeout was called. Due to the amount of fouls called, both teams were caught in penalty situations. But the fouls did not end there, as Batch ’95 and ’03 traded times at the free throw area. Loose balls and passes were continuously hustled over, but in the end, the ’03 squad managed to break away with their free throws and jumpers. Even Dizon of Batch 2003 sealed a buzzer-beating jumper at the end of the game, sweetening the victory even more for the yellow shirts.
Richard had a strong performance for Batch 1995, shooting 22 points. Batch 2003’s Dizon likewise had a good offensive game with 20 markers, 10 of which were scored in the fourth period. Mendoza posted 8 rebounds for ’03, while Richard had seven for ’95. Villame had a good stealing day, swiping 5 steals from his opponents.
*Note
I could have written more from this game, but Jerms’ netbook which I’m using suddenly hanged out of nowhere and I was unable to retrieve my fourth quarter notes. I extend my sincerest apologies to both batches.
Batch 1998 vs Batch 2008
In yet another veteran versus youth match up, the Batch ’98 won against a coached Batch 2008 team in a tightly battled duel with buzzer beating shots and contested calls. 53-45.
The bigger Batch 1998 started with a 7-0 run with their hot scoring and free throw attempts. Number 11 committed two early fouls, which added to the ‘98’s trips to the penalty line. 22-10 was the score for the first quarter with Ninety Eight leading.
Quitoy and Ocain committed a double foul at the start of the second quarter, with both teams struggling to convert their shots despite being both as intense. Both dipped a notch in their field goal percentages. 28-15 was the score at half-time in favor of the Red Ninety Eight. The third period featured a more inside game from both teams, especially with ’08 going to the basket more and not afraid to bang bodies with the bigger veterans. Several warnings for delay of game were also incurred in this quarter, along with a much more intense full court presses. Caparas of ’98 was also seen showing some steam to the referees to contest a foul. The 2008 boys were able to get as close to a 3 point deficit before ’98 was able to nail a buzzer beating 3-pointer at the end of the third.
The veterans were able to put down consecutive shots at the start, but the 2008 boys kept on fighting, nailing two back-to-back three-pointers, a hustling steal, and a solid block in consecutive possessions. Hombre Bueno of ’98 split his charities, but the veterans regained possession at the signal for the last two minutes. Tolentino of 2008 then shot a 3-pointer, and the lead was cut to 5. But Pinlac of Batch ‘98 scored an easy fastbreak. Agudo shot another 3 pointer, to cut the lead by 4. Batch ‘98’s Hombre Bueno got fouled and was able to convert both his penalty shots. A miss by Batch 2008 paved the way for Pinlac of Batch 1998 to score a lay-up before the buzzer sounded.
Karlo "Hombre" Hombrebueno led the points list for the entire game with 24 markers, 10 of which were crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. Batch 2008’s score list was topped by Agudo, who had 16. Arroyo had 8 boards to lead ‘08’s rebounding inventor, while both Hombre Bueno and Pinlac each had six for their batch. Hombre Bueno also had an impressive 3 blocks.
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Batch 1992 vs Batch 1996
The most horrendous scoring game of Day 4 belonged to the ’92 versus ’96 game, in a match to be described in its poor field goal percentages. 45-31 was the score, with the Batch 1996 surviving.
Batch ‘96 led early in the game, 12-6 which prompted the ’92 team to call an early timeout. A scoring drought then ensued where only two points were scored for the remaining time of the first quarter. The situation remained the same for the second, where both teams seemed unable to find the range they need to score shots. The halftime scored showed ’96 leading 24-13. Even during the third period, both teams continued to struggle offensively, but the Batch 1992 was extremely horrible on their offensive sets, despite trying different substitutions, and was only able to score two free throws at the 2:28 mark, and only two more before the end of the period.
The tempo never improved at all in the last period and Batch 1996 shot poorly, but the boys from ’92 could not take advantage of the misses of their opponents. Big Jan Espino of ’92 showed some flashes of his inside game and ’92 was able to trim down the lead to 8, but ’96 was finally able to halt the slow surge of their opponents with the free throws that they made.
Manlapaz of Batch ’96 had a game-high 19 points, with a team-high 8 boards to go along with it. Big John Espino of Batch 1992 had another monstrous rebounding game, grabbing a whopping 15 boards. He also had a double-double, with 14 points to lead Batch 1992. The ’96 team had more steals, 9-4, but the ’92 squad had 26 rebounds against 17 that was marked by their opponents.
Batch 1994 vs Batch 2007
Not having a lot of players definitely became a disadvantage for Batch 1994 in the last game which also featured a youth versus experience match-up, in which Batch 2007 completely out-hustled them, 68-30.
Batch ’94 played the game with only six players, while the ’07 team had more in numbers. The Batch 2007 team was pesky at the paint and on D in the beginning, but turnovers from both sides were committed early as well, and another low scoring first quarter output, 6-6 was listed. An 11-4 run was then initiated by the younger squad at the start of the second before Batch 1994 asked for a timeout. But the ’07’s intensity did not diminish as they continued to notch down baskets and run down the floor, while the older team couldn’t find its rhythm on their shots. Batch ’07 earned a formidable lead of 15 markers at the end of the first half.
The second half had the same up-tempo game that Batch 2007 employed, but was more courageous inside. Batch 1994 also kept on committing turnover after turnover, and being forced bad shots by the pesky defense of the youngsters. The veterans were able to shoot some consecutive baskets, but they were only able to get their deficit to 16 at the end of the third period. By the fourth period, the lack of energy and stamina clearly showed for the ’94 team, as they couldn’t contain the drives of their opponents and complete their passes to each other. The lead of the ’07 team ballooned to as much as 38 points until the end of the game. Batch 2007 incurred a useless technical foul while blocking Banta of Batch 1994 in his way to a fast-break, as the time was about to expire.
Fernandez of Batch 2007 led all scorers in this game with 21 points, with 4 steals to boot. Batch 2007 had 13 steals compared to ‘94’s mere 3 swipes. Banta had 13 markers for the ’94 squad, along with 7 rebounds.
Special Thanks:
The correspondent would like to thank Lester Palad of Batch ’06 for the shoes, and Erik of Batch ’07 for my ride home. Also, he would like to give thanks to Aro De Joya of Batch 2005 for treating his teammates to pizza and pasta as part of his birthday celebration, Happy Birthday again to you, man!
Found Item:
A Batch 2008 jersey was handed over to me after the games. It had the number 11 on it. Whoever owns this may approach me on the next game day to claim it.
Correspondent:
Wilfred Steven A. Fernandez
Batch 2005
August 22, 2010
Batch 1999 vs Batch 1997
Despite another monstrous scoring performance from Ingles, Batch 1997 was unable to defeat Batch 1999, 70-58.
Probably the most consistent scorer so far in this tournament, Ingles of Batch 1997 had 33 points that topped the points list for this game. Four players from Batch 1999 scored in double figures, with Magsuci leading them with 18 markers. Bartolome of Batch 1999 was strong in the glass, grabbing 12 rebounds for Batch 1999. Lumasag posted 8 boards for Batch 1997.
*Note
I would like to give my apologies to both batches, as I was not yet present in the game venue when this match happened, and thus could not provide an accurate game review.
Batch 90/93 vs Batch 2006
This was another classic example of an experience versus youth match-up as the merged batch of 1990 and 1993 prevailed over Batch 2006 where the infectious energy and enthusiasm was prevalent on the veterans, 74-41.
Artie, the starting point guard of the merged batch was quick to start on his arguments with the calls, first with a counted plus one play by Batch 2006. Early in the game, the 06 team found its way to the basket inside with their lay-ups and close jumpers. But the merged batch shot back-to-back three pointers and grabbed more boards. Artie was so animated in his complaints to the referee’s calls, even running towards the official’s table and dropping to the ground in his dismay. Nevertheless, the shots keep falling down for the older squad, both from inside and beyond the paint, and gave them a 31-21 lead at halftime.
An amusing moment at the end of the second quarter happened when Lester Palad rushed towards a fastbreak coming from a steal with Mano of Batch 90/93 trying his best to catch up with the faster runner from Batch 2006. In the end, he decided not to try and hamper Palad’s way to the basket, and elicited some smiles to the amused audience.
Batch 90/93 was quick to score baskets at the beginning of the second half, creating a 9-4 run. The merged batch’s energy was unmatched and their enthusiasm was visibly seen, even calling out to the referees to make sure that their points and assists were recorded correctly. At the end of the third quarter, the merged batch’s lead ballooned to 15.
The merged batch’s energy never wavered in the last quarter, with Artie and Mano exchanging teases with each other, and the team running fastbreaks to score some easy baskets. Arguably the best play of the game was when Mano of Batch ‘90/’93 caught a pass from Zed in the inside to score an impressive 180 reverse lay-up on the glass that wowed the entire crowd. Mano showed some spectacular English in that play. ‘90/’93 probably derived more energy from that magnificent play, and further extended their lead. Artie also provided another light-hearted moment when he was able to secure a fastbreak but missed three consecutive attempts on his own before finally nailing the shot. It was rather unfortunate that Ramos of ‘90/’93 suffered an injury that required him to be helped walk off the court.
Serrano of the merged batch had a game-high 20 points. Andrey scored 12 for the ’06 team. Batch 1990/1993’s Alvarez posted five assists. Matubis grabbed 10 rebounds for the merged batch, while Baladad had six for the ’06 team.
Batch 2005 vs Batch 2004
What seemed to be a low scoring and boring game at first turned out to be a very close, intense, and exciting battle between on-court rivals, the Cobras and the Ravens, which had to be decided in a lock-on duel in overtime and won by the heroics of the unexpected Mr. Sheen Gonzales, 61-52.
Both teams played at certain disadvantages, the Cobras were without key players Jamel Pangandaman and JB Aliling, while the Ravens only had six players at the start of the match. Batch 2005 had a very slow start in terms of offense, as the tight defense of the Ravens challenged attempts and passes by the Cobras consistently. But the Ravens weren’t able to capitalize on their defensive stops as well, as the first quarter ended with the Cobras having a 9-6 lead. But by the second quarter, the Batch 2004 team outscored the ’05 squad 14-9.
The second half became more exciting, as the game turned to be more of a gripping defensive performance delivered by both teams. The third quarter belonged to the Cobras in terms of scoring, 14-9. But the Cobras missed a lot of three-point attempts, and the Ravens were able to drive to the rim. The fourth quarter had the ’05 team holding a four point lead and seemed to have their pace slowed down, and the Ravens were able to take advantage and put the game on deadlock.
Batch 2005 could have won the game at the end of regulation, but stifling defense by the Ravens had the game clock expired. The game then had to be decided by an extended 5-minute period, where momentum shifted to the Batch 2005 game where Rollan of Batch 2004 incurred a technical foul for continuous complaining. Reece Hugo then shot the two crucial technical free throws, and gained possession where the Cobras fired back-to-back threes from Hugo and Gonzales.
It seemed that the title of ‘05’s game hero belongs today to Sheen Gonzales who nailed the game-changing and dagger threes. The most memorable shot for this game also belonged to Mr. Gonzales who scored a three pointer at the expense of his baller ID which was ripped off in the course of making the shot, adding drama and delight for his batch-mates.
Reece Hugo led the Cobras with 21 points, 7 of which were scored in overtime. Nadora scored 16 points for the Ravens. Alvin Tang led the inside presence of the Cobras with his eight rebounds. JC Nadora and Kirstoff Ocampo of the Ravens each had seven boards. Aro de Joya of Batch 2005 dished out four assists. Jeremy Reyes and Wilfred Fernandez each swiped two steals for the ’05 gunners. The Ravens had 10 steals completed. Dean Bueno and JC Nadora grabbed three steals for Batch 2004.
Batch 2001 vs Admin
Unfortunately, the Batch 2001 players weren’t able to form a starting five to start the game. They were given a leeway time to try and form their team, but they were not able to complete their lineup. Therefore, the victory was given to the Admin team by default. It was an unfortunate for this to happen, as some were keen in seeing how the Admin’s rugged and strong plays on the court.
Batch 2010 vs Batch 1991
Veterans versus rookies collided as the Rookie Class of 2010 matched up against hefty ’91 in a game where the athleticism, highlight moves, and quickness finally gave in at the last quarter to the taller and stronger Batch 1991, 56-50.
The rookies of Batch 2010 flashed their trademark speed and quickness, and formed a formidable 11-0 lead early. Despite being taller and heftier than their opponents, the ’91 team found it difficult to score inside the paint, as the rookies were soundly defending inside. The 1991 batch kept on missing point blank shots, but shot 7 straight quick points to start the second quarter. Alvin Luna of Batch 2010 showed his athleticism when he stumbled onto the ground and quickly got up - using his feet first which delighted the crowd. Cachuela also showed his fearlessness to drive to the lane, where he scored a difficult shot against two tall ’91 defenders. But the Batch 1991 kept on closing the gap, with them only trailing three points at half-time.
By the third period, the game became much closer, as both teams traded baskets and challenged the inside game of their opponents. Batch 91 started to get inside shots, but back-to-back threes by Justin Kwan a.k.a. Santino put the rookies leading 41-37 at the end of the quarter. But the momentum and energy suddenly shifted to the veteran batch as they slowly gained the lead and secured the crucial boards. Cristobal of Batch 2010 also fouled out at the 1:40 mark, as the rookies missed a lot of field goal attempts. The game ended at 56-50.
Lew scored 19 big points for the Batch 1991. Luna led all scorers of the rookies with 13 points, but was not able to score at the last period. The rookies again had a good thieving day, grabbing 17 steals. Both Baccaro and Cristobal each had 6 boards for the rookies, while Minoza led his team with 6 defensive rebounds. Luna was able to dish out 5 assists to his teammates.
Batch 2003 vs Batch 1995
In what could be described as the most intense and physical game of Day 4, the ’03 team was able to squeak in a 50-44 victory over the equally hustling Batch 1995 in an epic duel.
Early fouls and turnovers defined the beginning of this game, as whistles were perennially used in the first quarter. Things almost heated up at the end of the first when Richard of ’95 reminded Batch 2003’s Cervantes of his elbow at a drive-in play, which prompted some words from the ’03 player. It took some time for both teams to score after, where the pace became slower. Both teams shot poorly in that quarter, where the score tallied to only 24-17 in favor of the ’03 boys.
The game became much more physical in the second half, where players suddenly find themselves scrambling for the ball on the floor, and the score becoming much closer. After a three-point shot from Batch 1995, Palomo of Batch 1995 and Fernando of Batch 2003 almost got in a fight with both wielding closed fists before the referees and other players stepped in. Both were thrown out of the game as a result, and it also caused a slight delay to explain that ejected players had to be required to leave their respective benches. Bautista of Batch 2003 also argued heavily on two consecutive loose ball possessions. He was then thrown a technical foul for continuous complaining. The score was at a deadlocked 39 all at 4:19 in the fourth when a timeout was called. Due to the amount of fouls called, both teams were caught in penalty situations. But the fouls did not end there, as Batch ’95 and ’03 traded times at the free throw area. Loose balls and passes were continuously hustled over, but in the end, the ’03 squad managed to break away with their free throws and jumpers. Even Dizon of Batch 2003 sealed a buzzer-beating jumper at the end of the game, sweetening the victory even more for the yellow shirts.
Richard had a strong performance for Batch 1995, shooting 22 points. Batch 2003’s Dizon likewise had a good offensive game with 20 markers, 10 of which were scored in the fourth period. Mendoza posted 8 rebounds for ’03, while Richard had seven for ’95. Villame had a good stealing day, swiping 5 steals from his opponents.
*Note
I could have written more from this game, but Jerms’ netbook which I’m using suddenly hanged out of nowhere and I was unable to retrieve my fourth quarter notes. I extend my sincerest apologies to both batches.
Batch 1998 vs Batch 2008
In yet another veteran versus youth match up, the Batch ’98 won against a coached Batch 2008 team in a tightly battled duel with buzzer beating shots and contested calls. 53-45.
The bigger Batch 1998 started with a 7-0 run with their hot scoring and free throw attempts. Number 11 committed two early fouls, which added to the ‘98’s trips to the penalty line. 22-10 was the score for the first quarter with Ninety Eight leading.
Quitoy and Ocain committed a double foul at the start of the second quarter, with both teams struggling to convert their shots despite being both as intense. Both dipped a notch in their field goal percentages. 28-15 was the score at half-time in favor of the Red Ninety Eight. The third period featured a more inside game from both teams, especially with ’08 going to the basket more and not afraid to bang bodies with the bigger veterans. Several warnings for delay of game were also incurred in this quarter, along with a much more intense full court presses. Caparas of ’98 was also seen showing some steam to the referees to contest a foul. The 2008 boys were able to get as close to a 3 point deficit before ’98 was able to nail a buzzer beating 3-pointer at the end of the third.
The veterans were able to put down consecutive shots at the start, but the 2008 boys kept on fighting, nailing two back-to-back three-pointers, a hustling steal, and a solid block in consecutive possessions. Hombre Bueno of ’98 split his charities, but the veterans regained possession at the signal for the last two minutes. Tolentino of 2008 then shot a 3-pointer, and the lead was cut to 5. But Pinlac of Batch ‘98 scored an easy fastbreak. Agudo shot another 3 pointer, to cut the lead by 4. Batch ‘98’s Hombre Bueno got fouled and was able to convert both his penalty shots. A miss by Batch 2008 paved the way for Pinlac of Batch 1998 to score a lay-up before the buzzer sounded.
Karlo "Hombre" Hombrebueno led the points list for the entire game with 24 markers, 10 of which were crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. Batch 2008’s score list was topped by Agudo, who had 16. Arroyo had 8 boards to lead ‘08’s rebounding inventor, while both Hombre Bueno and Pinlac each had six for their batch. Hombre Bueno also had an impressive 3 blocks.
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Batch 1992 vs Batch 1996
The most horrendous scoring game of Day 4 belonged to the ’92 versus ’96 game, in a match to be described in its poor field goal percentages. 45-31 was the score, with the Batch 1996 surviving.
Batch ‘96 led early in the game, 12-6 which prompted the ’92 team to call an early timeout. A scoring drought then ensued where only two points were scored for the remaining time of the first quarter. The situation remained the same for the second, where both teams seemed unable to find the range they need to score shots. The halftime scored showed ’96 leading 24-13. Even during the third period, both teams continued to struggle offensively, but the Batch 1992 was extremely horrible on their offensive sets, despite trying different substitutions, and was only able to score two free throws at the 2:28 mark, and only two more before the end of the period.
The tempo never improved at all in the last period and Batch 1996 shot poorly, but the boys from ’92 could not take advantage of the misses of their opponents. Big Jan Espino of ’92 showed some flashes of his inside game and ’92 was able to trim down the lead to 8, but ’96 was finally able to halt the slow surge of their opponents with the free throws that they made.
Manlapaz of Batch ’96 had a game-high 19 points, with a team-high 8 boards to go along with it. Big John Espino of Batch 1992 had another monstrous rebounding game, grabbing a whopping 15 boards. He also had a double-double, with 14 points to lead Batch 1992. The ’96 team had more steals, 9-4, but the ’92 squad had 26 rebounds against 17 that was marked by their opponents.
Batch 1994 vs Batch 2007
Not having a lot of players definitely became a disadvantage for Batch 1994 in the last game which also featured a youth versus experience match-up, in which Batch 2007 completely out-hustled them, 68-30.
Batch ’94 played the game with only six players, while the ’07 team had more in numbers. The Batch 2007 team was pesky at the paint and on D in the beginning, but turnovers from both sides were committed early as well, and another low scoring first quarter output, 6-6 was listed. An 11-4 run was then initiated by the younger squad at the start of the second before Batch 1994 asked for a timeout. But the ’07’s intensity did not diminish as they continued to notch down baskets and run down the floor, while the older team couldn’t find its rhythm on their shots. Batch ’07 earned a formidable lead of 15 markers at the end of the first half.
The second half had the same up-tempo game that Batch 2007 employed, but was more courageous inside. Batch 1994 also kept on committing turnover after turnover, and being forced bad shots by the pesky defense of the youngsters. The veterans were able to shoot some consecutive baskets, but they were only able to get their deficit to 16 at the end of the third period. By the fourth period, the lack of energy and stamina clearly showed for the ’94 team, as they couldn’t contain the drives of their opponents and complete their passes to each other. The lead of the ’07 team ballooned to as much as 38 points until the end of the game. Batch 2007 incurred a useless technical foul while blocking Banta of Batch 1994 in his way to a fast-break, as the time was about to expire.
Fernandez of Batch 2007 led all scorers in this game with 21 points, with 4 steals to boot. Batch 2007 had 13 steals compared to ‘94’s mere 3 swipes. Banta had 13 markers for the ’94 squad, along with 7 rebounds.
Special Thanks:
The correspondent would like to thank Lester Palad of Batch ’06 for the shoes, and Erik of Batch ’07 for my ride home. Also, he would like to give thanks to Aro De Joya of Batch 2005 for treating his teammates to pizza and pasta as part of his birthday celebration, Happy Birthday again to you, man!
Found Item:
A Batch 2008 jersey was handed over to me after the games. It had the number 11 on it. Whoever owns this may approach me on the next game day to claim it.
Correspondent:
Wilfred Steven A. Fernandez
Batch 2005