6 Points: AdMU vs. UP

Ateneo 77, UP 55

-It's surprising that by the end of the first quarter, the struggling Fighting Maroons found themselves ahead by two points against the league's best team. It's a good thing that the Blue Eagles woke up in time to bury them, therefore securing their fifth win by playing their usual fast ball.

-To admit, the Blue Eagles were really shooting bad from beyond the arc since the start of Season 74, but for today, they had ten three-point attempts with six of them getting in. Kirk Long swished both of his treys, Emman Monfort found his groove with 2 out of 3, and Kiefer Ravena and Zags Gonzaga had 1 of 2 each.

-All starters scored double figures, and played their "usual best." However, it was a really bad day for the bench, who scored only 11 total points. Justin Chua has not yet found his groove from the outside, save for his one and only basket. Juami Tiongson was unable to set plays for easy shots. And worst of all, Bacon Austria continually made mistakes and bad choices, even not chasing the ball in one possession. Ateneo bench, when will you come and step up? If they keep on playing like this, they will just waste the efforts of the first five in keeping Ateneo afloat.

-All of UP's games bear a common pattern: they start strong and energetic, but once the second half kicks in and the opponents chip away at their lead, they lose their focus and return to their old shooting ways. Now, they should find a way to conserve their energy and at the same time not lose their poise late in the game and when the going gets tough.

-The boards were bad for the Eagles, who got outrebounded by the Maroons by one, 40-39. While Ateneo had the edge over defensive rebounding, 34-26, they only had 3 offensive boards compared to UP's 14. Again, what happened?

-This game showed that the Blue Eagles are a fourth quarter team. The boys can finish near the end. Similarly, the crowd goes wild near the end. When will the Sixth Men be alive for the whole game? Anyway, the Ateneo community had a really long UAAP break, and it's time for them to get ready for tougher matches, as the UST Growling Tigers and the FEU Tamaraws, both with serious agenda in mind, are up next to end the first round.

The Scores:

Ateneo 77 – Ravena 15, Slaughter 14, Long 14, Monfort 13, Salva 10, Gonzaga 6, Chua 2, Golla 2, Tiongson 1, Pessumal 0, Cipriano 0, Capacio 0, Erram 0, Sumalinog 0, Austria 0

UP 57 – Silungan 8, Manuel 8, Gamboa 8, Mbah 7, Maniego 7, Romero 6, Montecastro 6, Gomez 5, Pascual 2, Wierzba 0, Fortu 0, Juruena 0

Quarter scoring: 19-21, 42-31, 57-43, 77-57

Photo from Fabilioh.com and box from Inboundpass.com

Rafe Bartholomew on the Ultimate All-Star Weekend

Here is another splendid article from Rafe Bartholomew, the author of "Pacific Rims," that discusses how the whole Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend was cooked and served by MVP, former RP Coach Chot Reyes, and those responsible for speaking and negotiating for Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, et al. Here are some of the highlights of the article:

• Assuming that MVP has the best interests f the public in mind, we can safely say that it's not entirely about the money. C'mon around eight hundred bucks to be in Upper B?
• Kobe not only got game. He's game for these events. Thankfully, the rest were, too, and did not act like demanding divas.
• There you go, the bright side of the NBA lockout.
• Finally, imagine the ecstasy that this event brought to all fans, whether they're watching live or on T

And here's the video from the article:

(Exhibition) Game Notes: Smart Ultimate All Star Weekend (Smart All-Stars vs. PBA All-Stars) Sunday, July 24, 2011

Smart NBA All-Stars 131, PBA All-stars 105

-Such a rare sight to see Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose play together. Even though we have seen the usual Kobe Bryant moves (his dunks and his shake-n-bake jumper over Arwind Santos), one of that night's highlights was the play he set in order to give space for Derrick Rose and dish it to the MVP for a dunk. This is one thing that one wouldn't see in an All-Star game, assuming that Rose wouldn't cross borders and go over the West.

-Heads up to Arwind Santos who did most of the scoring throughout the game, as he played as a two or three and tried to match the energy level of the NBA players. Sol Mercado should be given credit as well, who did a few splendid plays when NBA Union president Derek Fisher was guarding him. Were they trying to catch the eyes of the team scouts who went along with Bryant and the rest of the Smart All- stars? Hmm.

-Despite the fact that it is an exhibition game, it was quite satisfying that the locals aren't totally intimidated with the NBA stars. The 5'10" L.A. Tenorio even tried to drive past three Smart All-Stars for a lay-up, which unfortunately missed. Although taken lightly, this event somehow suggests that we can really match the intensity of the NBA games, despite the fact that Filipino players will just be totally owned by the guys from the NBA when taken seriously.

-For one night, JaVale McGee became an in-game dunker for real. He had a lot of jams in the game, thanks to the likes of Chris Paul and James Harden who gave him alley-oop passes. Late at the game, he delivered a huge tomahawk and ran from one end to another, just in time to block Rabeh Al-Hussaini. Magnificent. Hopefully, he can do this in the NBA.

-Kobe, to a certain extent, took seriously the job of a player-coach. He became more of a distributor than primary scorer, and he was the one who worked out the substitution scheme for the Smart All-Stars.

-Derrick Williams is a real talent, and the Filipino basketball community is lucky enough to have witnessed a sneak preview of what he can do in the NBA. He can shoot. He can do flash passes. He can score from the inside. Will he be the showtime player of this year's batch of rookies? Well, we haven't seen top draft Kyrie Irving yet, so it's too early to judge.

-In the middle of the second quarter, the lineup of the PBA All-Stars was composed of the following: Ryan Reyes, L.A. Tenorio, Larry Fonacier, JC Intal, and Rabeh Al-Hussaini. Perhaps it's not surprising that there are four former Blue Eagles alums playing together against NBA stars. Wasn't there any Lasallian? But then again, we're talking about an MVP Foundation-sponsored event, so it's not totally surprising at all. It feels good to go back to the struggling yet glorious days of the Blue Eagles, post-2002 championship, and here were those who proudly donned the white and blue, bringing out their best against America's finest ballers.

-It was an amazing night for everyone, most especially for the PBA stars who had the great honor of playing against these great players. They even had to stop their warmup to watch the Smart All-Stars have their own (with a few of them putting on a show with their dunks). Al-Hussaini was spotted entering the court with a large illustration board, where he asked the Smart All-Stars for an autograph and trotting like a seven year old kid in the court before the game.

Photo from the Chicago Tribune

6 Points: AdMU vs. UE

Ateneo 73, UE 61

-There will be bad days, and it better be the last. It was a lazy rainy afternoon for the Blue Eagles, with everything just partially working. There were lots of bad shots and flashy passes that do not connect, and there were those who lost their groove. Is it a case of complacency? Or of fatigue? Yes, a win is still a win, but the Blue Eagles should give no area for relaxation, especially with cellar dwellers who can be potentially dangerous (remember their match against the UST Growling Tigers?).

-Credits, however, go to Kiefer Ravena, Emman Monfort, and Kirk Long, who, in a way sensed the need to put the game away. Long was able to make the difficult shots down the stretch. Monfort maintained his energy and still go for steals and easy baskets when possible. Finally, Ravena kept his calm when everyone was tired and uneasy, even managing to run down the court after a turnover and finish the play with a one-hand jam to electrify a crowd that was quire lazy as well.

-Ateneo basketball is all about seizing opportunities, and Slaughter's presence amidst a sea of undersized Red Warriors spelled the difference. But then, he also had his misgivings as he had a lot of attempts to shoot the ball from the outside rather than taking it in and forcing fouls on the Warriors' frontcourt. Good thing there was the second half to make up for it.

-The bench, save for Juami Tiongson, was nowhere to be found again. Oping Sumalinog had his chances but missed them. Frank Golla played good defense but still was in his old fouling ways. Same goes for Bacon Austria, who has not found his groove since the end of Season 73. Finally, the real Justin Chua was still nowhere to be found. Tiongson, on the other hand, still managed to make plays for himself; however, if he wants to be the first-option point guard after this season, he has to learn to make plays for his teammates as well.

-The Sixth Men have been spoiled too much, and it's nigh time to remind them that the game is all about winning, and not Greg Slaughter dunking. There was little crowd noise compared to the struggling but vivacious UE crowd. Everyone has to keep on cheering for the Blue Eagles even with those small things that count, and the Blue Babble Battalion has to double their efforts to liven up the crowd.

-This was the second game that new eagle (not yet a Blue Eagle) Nico Elorde has been sighted. It would be good for him to observe the plays that Monfort and Tiongson make especially during fastbreak opportunities, because if he has to suit up for the blue side, he will soon take on their roles. Also, we have seen how Chris Javier can bring (without forcing) Greg Slaughter outside the painted area during defense. He will definitely be UE's next Ken Acibar, given the proper training and motivation.

The Scores:

Ateneo 73 – Slaughter 18, Ravena 13, Salva 10, Monfort 9, Long 9, Tiongson 8, Chua 2, Erram 2, Austria 2, Pessumal 0, Sumalinog 0, Gonzaga 0, Golla 0

UE 61 – Zamar 13, Noble 11, Javier 9, Santos 7, de Leon 6, Sumang 5, Enguio 5, Chavez 2, Tagarda 2, Flores 1, Montelibano 0, Sumido 0, Duran 0

Quarter scoring: 16-14, 28-25, 51-39, 73-61

Pic from ChinoyHoopsFan and box from inboundpass.com

6 Points: AdMU vs. NU

Ateneo 86, National U 62

-The Ravena-Parks match up and the multitude of upgrades the Bulldogs made in their basketball program just makes the final score unimaginable, for everyone thinks that the Bulldogs will be the Eagles' formidable foe this season. But then, this game was reminiscent of the past three seasons' matchups against the Bulldogs, with the Blue Eagles earning their third and most spectacular win for the season. The final score wasn't even telling the whole thing, as the game was practically over after Juami Tiongson's trey gave Ateneo a 32-point lead over NU after the third quarter, 69-37.

-In this game, unselfish ball prevailed. While the games against Adamson and De La Salle were that of Slaughter's and Ravena's respectively in terms of scoring, this was the Blue Eagles' game. Almost everyone got a piece of the score including nine from the third stringers, namely JP Erram (6), Gwynne Capacio (2), and Von Pessumal (1). The Blue Eagles also recorded a league-high 30 dimes, most of them from plays off NU turnovers.

-Height might be a big factor, as Slaughter was able to once again own the paint, while Mbe, at times, outhustled the Ateneo big men on the O, but it's not entirely about it. Eman Monfort played big down the stretch, as he was able to crash the boards, make crucial steals, and draw fouls from the NU guards. Despite finishing with just 10points (without getting his momentum in shooting threes), he was a key player especially during transition plays. Hopefully, the next bunch of guards (Mark Tallo, it could have been you!) can take on his role.

-The bench relatively played better today, compared to the last few games. Juami Tiongson was able to sink in two treys, Oping Sumalinog did very well on both ends, and Golla and Chua kept the NU bigs outside the paint while Salva and Slaughter rested. However, Justin Chua needs to find his touches quick in order to be a dangerous player once again.

-Taking away the garbage points he had during the fourth, Ray Parks only had eight points at the end of three quarters, many thanks to Kirk Long, who did the job of slowing Ray Parks down and denying him open spots and easy jumpers. This proves that if opponents want to score against the Blue Eagles, they have to take it the hard way. With Parks slowed down and Mbe in foul trouble, the Bulldogs have to practically consider third options. But then, it seemed that Gelo Alolino was the only to take on the scoring responsibilities, as veterans Joseph Terso and Glenn Khobuntin were nowhere to be found on both ends.

-Three games have already revealed that the way Ateneo wisely uses plays over turnovers makes them the most dangerous team in the UAAP, set to win their fourth straight championship. The Blue Eagles' scoring spurts started and kept rolling through fastbreak opportunities. Once again, fast ball became the key.

The Scores:

Ateneo 86 – Slaughter 15, Ravena 13, Salva 12, Long 11, Sumalinog 7, Monfort 7, Erram 6, Tiongson 6, Capacio 2, Gonzaga 2, Chua 2, Austria 2, Pessumal 1, Cipriano 0, Estrada 0, Golla 0

NU 62 – Parks 20, Alolino 11, Mbe 10, Celda 7, Javillonar 6, Celiz 2, Khobuntin 2, Magat 2, Labing-isa 1, Terso 1, Villamor 0, Roño 0, Eman 0, Ignacio 0
Quarter scoring: 16-11, 38-20, 69-37, 86-62

Photo and box from inboundpass.com

6 Points: AdMU vs. dLSU

Ateneo 81, de La Salle 72

-All summer, the Blue Eagles have become a dominant team, boasting a lot of talents that meld together to combine a perfect chemistry in the works. One team they have not beaten in the pre-season (twice) was the De La Salle Green Archers, who have put pressure as much as the media and the involved communities have put upon the team. Furthermore, it is a given that every Ateneo-La Salle fight is different, simply because this is a rivalry forged between the two best schools in the Metro. Despite all of these, the Blue Eagles have held their ground and asserted their dominance with this round one win.

-At one point in the game, Kiefer Ravena dribbled the ball in his foot, which brought the ball out of bounds and back to the Green Archers. But fans would forgive him of this error, because after being held scoreless last time against the Adamson Falcons, the most sensational rookie of college basketball chipped in 24 points to give the win to Ateneo, running past DLSU guards and making wise shooting decisions, including an and-one over veteran guard Simon Atkins in a spectacular fastbreak play.

-The new Green Archer Arnold Van Opstal was able to hold his ground against the Ateneo big men, but this did not stop Greg Slaughter from attacking the paint. The seven-foot monster made timely passes to his teammates when he is doubled. He also managed to score eight points including one early dunk to fire up the Ateneo crowd early in the game.

-Fast ball and balance decided the outcome of the game. The Blue Eagles were able to garner points off turnovers, thanks to stellar backcourt defense led by Ravena, Emman Monfort, and Kirk Long. Ateneo was also able to benefit largely from the bench, with Justin Chua and Frank Golla giving the De La Salle bigs a hard time to cover the paint, while the backcourt bench were able to set up plays for themselves as well. Green Arches coach Dindo Pumaren might be famous for putting in so much of his men all through out the game, but bench efficiency in this game goes to the blue side.

-The final numbers do not tell much about the game, as Ateneo was able to build a huge 19-point lead that was cut to as close as five due to hotly contested fouls. Almost sixty percent of the time, both teams have been in the penalty. Three Blue Eagles were in foul trouble, while De La Salle had two of their men ejected late in the game (namely, Simon Atkins and L.A. Revilla). Referees ought to call the shots more wisely, especially in down-the-wire situations where everyone can only glimpse the little details which include unnecessary body contacts, of their presence or lack thereof.

-Earlier that day, the Adamson Falcons buried the Far Eastern U Tamaraws, with both splitting their first two games. Having said that, Ateneo's win gave the team an early solo lead in the season, with La Salle slumping below, 0-2.

One Big Fight.

The Scores:

Ateneo 81 – Ravena 24, Salva 18, Monfort 10, Long 10, Slaughter 7, Golla 6, Tiongson 2, Gonzaga 2, Chua 2, Capacio 0, Sumalinog 0, Austria 0

De La Salle 72 – Revilla 22, Tampus 10, Torres 9, de la Paz 9, Marata 9, Van Opstal 5, Villanueva 4, Mendoza 2, Atkins 2, Sara 0, Gotladera 0, Vosotros 0, Paredes 0, Webb 0

Quarter scoring: 23-16, 41-30, 62-49, 81-72

Photo courtesy of fabilioh.com, box scores from inboundpass.com

6 Points: AdMU vs. AdU

Ateneo 55, Adamson 51

-Season 74's first game confirmed that Adamson is one of those teams that could get Ateneo when caught red-handed. Applying the lessons learned in summer camps and tournament, Coach Leo Austria of the Falcons seemed to find holes and made the most out of the situation, which in turn was a call for the Blue Eagles to play at their best, especially in the final minutes of the game. Luckily, Ateneo was able to focus on what is at hand to escape with their first win of Season 74.

-It's quite surprising that against a team this threatening, Coach Norman Black opted to mix and match twelve men to match that of Coach Leo's ten, which features five experienced Falcons who are familiar with the Eagles' ways last year. The results were fruitful, as Ateneo was able to see individual strengths and weaknesses, and how they can be blended in various game situations.

-The Blue Eagles were also maximized their advantage in the person of Greg Slaughter, who has the height and the hoops to own any Adamson big man who presents himself as an obstacle to the basket. He led the Eagles both in scoring (23 markers) and rebounds (8) for this game, and add two blocked shots (the other being the crucial one as he was able to stop a driving Lester Alvarez whose attempt could have tied the game and sent it to overtime). Now, who wouldn't want to have someone like that when push comes to shove in the next thirteen games?

-What kept Adamson up in the game was the way they set up plays for Cañada, Alvarez, Cabrera, and Nuyles to make their shots from beyond the arc. They made 9 three-pointers out of 22, most of them in the third quarter when they stole Ateneo's six-point lead after the half and even extended their lead up to seven. Unfortunately, one who lives by the three dies by the three, and with these guys firing blanks, they were not able to score in the last five or so minutes of the game.

-Another surprise here was the sudden (but hopefully, brief) disappearance of Kiefer Ravena, with Coach Black commenting after the game that he was being posted up by the Falcons' guards, leaving him helpless on the D. Hopefully, Ravena will make the necessary adjustments to up his game on both ends.

-This first game definitely said a lot (of course not all) about the essential things that the Blue Eagles need to improve on before they face DLSU next week. And I hope that The Sixth Men do their job, not just after Greg Slaughter dunks.

Scores:

Ateneo 55 – Slaughter 23, Long 10, Salva 8, Monfort 6, Erram 3, Gonzaga 3, Austria 2, Ravena 0, Tiongson 0, Sumalinog 0, Golla 0, Chua 0

Adamson 51 – Nuyles 11, Alvarez 8, Cañada 6, Camson 6, Cabrera 6, Manyara 5, Lozada 3, Etrone 2, Brondial 2, Colina 2

Quarter scoring: 16-12, 33-27, 43-44, 55-51

Credits to inboundpass.com for both the photo and the box scores.