Ateneo Blue Eagles are the UAAP Champions

After a 6 year drought, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are now back in the top, defeating the long time nemesis La Salle Green Archers, 62-51. Stingy-defense was the key to the victory for the Blue Eagles, as they limited the Archers with only 51 points, its the lowest output by La Salle this season. Chris Tiu, after a 2 point output in Game 1,scored 16 points, 14 of them in the first half as he was responsible of spearheading the attack. After leading 20-17, Chris Tiu unleashes a 7-0 run on his won giving Ateneo the lead 27-17. The Blue Eagles controlled the game and was championship-ready, as they made the largest lead of 15 points 41-26 at halftime. The Green Archers just refused ot give up as they made a huge comeback behind JV Casio and Rico Maeirhofer. The 5th year guard Casio unleashes five of his three pointers in the third quarter pushes La Salle within striking distance. Rico Maeirhofer, also made the damage in the third quarter, the Green Archers gained the momentum. With 1:31 to play in the third quarter, Maeirhofer got the second technical foul of waving a "dirty finger" with the disagreement from the La Salle bench. He was ejected in the game, still the Green Archers cut the deficit to 3 points, 47-50 by the end of the third quarter. In the 4th quarter, the Blue Eagles use their swarming defense, as they held on the lead. With Nonoy Baclao, making key defensive stops, blocking PJ Walsmham's and the offensive foul on JV Casio,the Eagles are roaring for the championship. Baclao was named the Finals MVP. Ateneo also Sswept the Indiviudual awards of the UAAP, Ateneo's Rabeh Al-Hussaini bagging the MVP, Ryan Buenafe for the Rookie of the Year and Nonoy Baclao hailed as the Defensive Player of the year.

Quiñahan Traded to Air 21

Former University of the Visayas Green Lancer, behemoth center JR Quiñahan was traded to Air 21 in exchange for the 6th round pick Mark Borboran. Nickname as the "Baby Shaq", the Cebuano cager will be suiting up in a new team as the PBA resumes its games on October 4. Borboran, in the other hand, might be the good choice for Alaska. He can play both the no 2 and 3 positions, he can shoot from the outside, versatile and has the quickness of a guard. It will give the Aces more speed and agility. Recently acquiring former no 1 pick Joe Devance, the Aces will have a formidable line-up this season. Meanwhile, the Air 21 express will beefed up its front court with the addition of JR Quiñahan. The presence of a big man proved to be the most needed player in the team. Finishing first runner-up in the previous season, the Express will now be tested in this coming season without an import.

Blue Eagles edged Green Archers in Game 1 of the UAAP Finals

Ateneo Blue Eagles prove once again why they were the no 1 team in the UAAP, outlasting the La Salle Green Archers 69-61. Rookie Ryan Buanafe, provided the much needed firepower in the first half as he scored all of his 12 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists. With Chris Tiu and Nonoy Baclao sat out the most of the first half because of foul trouble, Jai Reyes came out blazing and provided the lift, hitting 3 3-pointers. Trailing 26-29 after a La Salle run, the Eagles closed out the first half with 10-to-0 spurt. Back-to-back baskets by their center Rabeh Al-Hussaini in the third quarter, the Eagles were ahead for good as they made the largest lead of 14 points. Al-Hussaini's dominance was the big thorn and problem for the Archers. He scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half and finishing the game with 10 rebounds.Chris Tiu was nowhere to be found as he was affected early by foul trouble and finishing the game with 2 points. Another unsung hero was Nonoy Baclao making 2 straight rejections on James Mangahas and Rico Maierhofer in La Salle's attempt to trim the lead. He finished with 7 block shots.. JV Casio still managed to score 20 points on 8 out of 24 shooting and Maierhofer finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. With a sellout crowd of 23000 in Game 1, and this would even be better in the next game this thursday. Ateneo Vs La Salle once again..

Its La Salle vs Ateneo!

The biggest,loudest and the popular rivalry in the UAAP will entertain the nation once again as the newest basketball showdown is coming. La Salle and Ateneo will again square-off in the finals at the 71st UAAP Mens basketball this September 21. Disposing their respective counterparts of Far Eastern University and University of the East in the semifinals,respectively, the two teams are aching for the much awaited and historic match-up in the UAAP Finals.
La-Salle was the first to enter in the finals with a squeaker of a win against the talented Far eastern University. The Tamarraws held off the lead and once led 10 points in the first half, only to lose the lead in the closing 2 minutes in the fourth quarter. James Mangahas provides the spark for the Archers in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his 20 points, including the go-ahead three point-play in the dying seconds of the game. FEU has the chance to send the game into overtime with Marc Baracael shooting 2 free throws. Under extreme pressure, Baracael missed the first and eventually missed the second. That was the last hope for the Tamarraws as they have missed the Finals once again. The Archers is 12 out of 12 when capturing the twice-to-beat advantage barging into the finals.
In the next game, Ateneo Blue Eagles showed why they are the number one team in the eliminations as they clobbered University of the East 70-50. It was a hard fought battle in the first quarter as the Red Warriors led by five points with James Martinez making 5 straight points. They even led by 6 points 11-5. That would be the last ditch effort for the Warriors as the Blue Eagles finally found their mark. Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat provide the explosion in the first quarter as they combined for 13 points in the first quarter alone. Back to back treys by Reyes and a basket by Salamat, brought the lead back to Ateneo 13-11 and eventually stretched their lead to 11 points 32-21 as Al-Hussaini provides the added lift for the Eagles. In the third quarter, Nonoy Baclao takes over. His all round performance was very evident in the third quarter, providing hustle points and key defensive stops as the Eagles have the lead of 28 points 56-28 bridging from the third to the fourth quarter. The Ateneo Blue Eagles never look back as they barged into the finals once again after a one year absence. They will face their long time nemesis La Salle University.
Ateneo de Manila University vs De La Salle University Green Archers will resume its finals showdown on September 21, 2008. This would be an exciting and grueling match-up!!!

Pennisi to San Miguel

Red Bull traded its big man Mick Pennisi to San Miguel in exchange for the 1st round pick in the 2010 PBA draft. With Samigue Eman fit to play in this coming PBA Season, San Miguel is expected to have a solid frontcourt. Only Danny Ildefonso will not play within 3 months. the two-time MVP undergo surgery in both knees. Pennisi will be teamed up with his former teammate Lordy Tugade.And he is expected to have a big impact on the team, not only in the court but also in teaching valuable lessons for the young players in the team. The experience that Pennisi will provide a plus factor for San Miguel. San Miguel also beefed up its lineup by signing rookie Bonbon Custodio in solidifying their backcourt.