July 31st: SBC Red Lions vs. EAC Generals

NCAA games today were both exhilarating. First game between CSB and Arellano was truly exciting as both teams truly fought for the win. None seemed to want to take defeat taking the game to its 1st, 2nd and 3rd overtime. In the end, the Blazers successfully snatched the victory. (Wasn't able to take note of the scores. Sorry.)

Second game was between SBC and EAC.

1st quarter: The Lions started out slow with their highest point advantage only at 8. First quarter ended with 23-16 in favor of SBC.

2nd quarter: At over 4 minutes, the Lions' lead was down to 1 from their quarter's highest 9. JSantos' 3 pointer snatched the lead from SBC. "Baby Shaq" Taganas' inside shot tied the scores 33-33 at over 2 minutes on the clock. Taganas made 2 more consecutive inside shots (and nothing from the Generals) stealing the lead back for SBC. Marcelo made another inside shot for the failed 3 point attempt by Gamalinda making it 9 to nothing at over 1 minute. At the last second of the quarter, "Bambam" Gamalinda threw the ball 2 steps away from the 3 point line and was counted as basket after the halftime break deliberation. Qtr score: 49-38.

3rd quarter: The Red Lions were secured of a 10- pt advantage but their turnovers allowed the Generals to catch up a bit. Yet, the Lions were evidently still in control up to the last second of the quarter ending with 19-pt. advantage, 71-52.

4th quarter: SBC brought the lead as high as 24points during the first couple of minutes of the quarter until the Generals started cutting the lead with the help of the Lions' erratic ball handling and passing. Yaya made a 3-pointer answering Hermida's earlier 3-pt. attempt. Followed up by Jabaybay's 2-pointer & 1-pointer at 5:47 on the clock. Score was 78-63, in favor of SBC. More turnovers by SBC this quarter, but as expected of the mighty Lions, they were able to bounce back winning with a 24 point excess, 95-71.

Marcelo was the game's best player.

For me, everyone did their part. Taganas, Hermida, Lanete, Daniel, Gamalinda, Tecson... they all showed an exemplary performance for the team's triumph. Indeed, a game to watch. EAC gave a truly good fight.

Wasn't able to post last July 24th's (fri) game between SBC and CSJL. Twas also a very good game. Tight game, in fact. You can get the complete story here. Final scores were: SBC 79- CSJL 74.

SBC will be facing AUF on August 5 (game 36 of NCAA elimination) at 2PM. And on August 10, they will be facing the Heavy Bombers at 4PM. All games will be held at the FilOil Flying V Arena, San Juan.

Monday's game (Aug 3) is the much-awaited game as, finally, JRU and SSC-R will be facing each other, which will decide who stays on the top of the rank. Both teams are undefeated and game 35 is the deciding game for either of the teams to keep their ranking or to lose their 1st place position.

Til next game...