NCAA is my seasonal hobby

The San Beda Red Lions were again victorious, and this time, over the University of Perpetual Help Dalta Systems - Altas yesterday with 24 point lead, 86-62.



FIRST GAME

First Quarter. I'd say twas a boring game, although both teams showed tight defense. However, the Red Lions were able to outwit the defense play of the Altas which was evident especially during the first quarter. 1-2-1-1 was the Red Lions' defense play. Until the 4 minute mark, the Altas remained scoreless, 12-0.

The Altas made their first 2 points at 3:06 mark. Last minute of the quarter, Tecson and Maggay each made 3-point shots as if twas an insult that the Altas were able to score. A buzzer beater was made by Marcelo with Hermida's assist at the end of the 1st quarter.

Second Quarter. Bauzon and Misa were indeed key losses and this was felt in this game. The Altas were dependent on Kong to at least lower the lead. However, after several attempts, the Altas made no points still. This is due to the Red Lions very tight defense play. At 7:53 mark, the Altas score remained 8.

I have to complain about the clock (which was brought by 83rd NCAA sponsor, Samsung). It's kind of annoying that it constantly disappears esp. that home viewers (like me) were keeping track of time. I hope, if ever I'd have to watch the game on TV again next time, the clock will show permanently to the lower left side of the screen so I won't have to always ask Pokeeh for the remaining time.

...and yeah, the score board too! Goodness! Hello! It's the score that we, viewers, are after so please, please have it posted right away after a team made a score. Duh!

Going back...Kong made three points at 2:45 on the clock, which I thought could've revived the team. Until two turn overs were called for theRed Lions after a time out. Kong, again, made another 3, which brought the Red Lions' lead down to 17.

Third Quarter. Samuel Ekwe was sent out of the game after kicking Lee who was standing in front of him. The former was lying on the floor on his back. This was in response to Lee's very dangerous move, which could've caused Ekwe a very bad injury or even death.

Ekwe was on the air when Lee positioned himself under him. Now, this should've been a technical or a deliberate for Lee. In fact, Lee was supposed to have been sent out of the game, too. In stead, only a foul was called for him.

(I know the committee was just trying to teach the young players to maintain composure, patience and self-control. But, no one has the right to blame him for reacting that way. It was indeed a dirty move by Lee.

Ok, I know I sound like defending Sam. And yes, I am. Not because I am pro - Lions. It was clear. There was a filthy tactic. I hope the NCAA commissioners would still look into it.)

This scene somehow made the rest of the Lions emotional, which caused most of them erratic. Now, the question would be, will Samuel Ekwe be out of the game ONLY for this game or til the next game? Next game will be versus MIT.

Lee was fouled out the same quarter. Of course, I was glad. Justice was done.

Liaz, however, fired up during the quarter's final minute as he released 2-3 point shots, which put the lead down to 15, 65-40.

Although, the Lions' defense weakened a bit, they were still able to end the quarter with a 22 point lead, 67-45.

Fourth Quarter. Ronald Reyes of the UPHD, started the quarter with a 3 point shot. Lead was down to 17 in favor of the Red Lions. They were specifically instructed by coach, Frankie Lim to focus the defense on Kong. Stop him before he even gets a hold of the ball.

At 6:15 mark, Reyes made another 3 points.

The Altas coaching staff forgot to keep track of their players' individual personal fouls, so for the secondth time, another player was fouled out and this time, it was Salanga. A free throw was given to Marcelo.

The lead was back to 20 in favor of the Lions after a jumper by Gamalinda and fast break-lay up by Rogemar Menor. Bad luck must have sticken the Altas in this game. Failed baskets, turn-overs and loss of key players. Kong was also fouled out.

The Altas were motivated to at least bring the lead down as winning was already impossible. However, the Altas had a hard time executing their coach's instruction.

Regomar Menor had a cut on his left eyebrow, which brought him to the bench. He was just ok but the cut needed a stitch. I only can hope that he'd be able to play in the next game.

Losing both Ekwe and Menor might do the Lions bad especially they will be playing against Mapua on July 4 (Wednesday).

The Red Lions wisely used their time when the clock was under 3 mins. Pong Escobal was chosen the Accenture's High Performer of the Game.

Quarter scores: 24-8; 43-24; 67-45; 86-62

SECOND GAME

Letran Knights had beaten the Blazers in the second game, 92-81.

I had a brief cat nap so I missed parts of the first half. I was able to take note Jazul's 3-point play at 3:30 mark, which took the Knights to a 4 point lead over the Blazers.

The Blazers were able to grab the lead (a 10-point lead) during the first half, but not for long. The Knights were resilient enough to take the lead back. Faundo was the leading scorer for The Knights and David for the Blazers.

CSB was able to bounce back when the scores tied at 51-51. But, the Knights won't really give it to the Blazers. Under 4 minutes on the clock in the 3rd quarter, the Knights got the lead again, 4 points.

Montecastro of CSB made a shot that made the scores tie once again, 64-64. Twas, indeed, a very interesting tight game.

CSB's coach, Caloy Garcia did a good job at keeping his players motivated despite the strength demonstrated by the Knights. However, the game is really in favor of Letran. Faundo was the leading scorer during the 3rd quarter with 18 points, which put the Knights ahead by 6 points.

The lead went up (10 points) at the start of the fourth quarter in favor of Letran. Faundo's 3-point play significantly helped with another 3 from Melegrito, which brought the lead to 15.

Quarter scores: 22-22; 44-42; 74-68; 92-81

83rd NCAA Stats

TEAM STANDING

Team Win Loss
CSJL - 2 0
SBC - 2 0
CSB - 1 1
SSC-R - 1 1
JRU - 1 1
UPHD - 0 2
MIT - 0 2


Next games:

July 04 (Wednesday)
at The Arena, San Juan
2PM CSB vs UPHD
4PM MIT vs SBC


Note: Sorry, I can't remember the first names. Hehe