Cobras downs Tigers, Ateneo to renew UST rivalry after Beda rout
Photo by Maxine S. Serafica
Randolph B. Leongson
The Journalese
With their hopes of a stint at the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) finals already dashed, Southwestern U Cobras leaned by Cameroonian center Benoit Mbala to score one for the Southern Islands champion.
The towering Mbala had a 41-point onslaught to give the Cobras the overtime victory over the UST Growling Tigers, 93-91, at the Arena in San Juan Sunday.
Mbala was sensational in the game, scoring 10 in the extra period in a 48-percent shooting clip, to go with his 16 boards, four blocks, an assist, and a steal. Guard Monbert Arong also helped in the Cobras' cause, adding 17 points, including the three-pointer with 29.7 seconds remaining in overtime to give SWU the lead, 92-89.
"This is our first time to win (against) UAAP teams," said SWU Coach Yayoy Alcoseba. “The PCCL is an additional experience, very good exposure not just for the players, but also for the school. We play with the best schools."
Jeric Teng finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Tigers, while Aljon Mariano had 20 markers and eight boards. Karim Abdul (knee) and Kevin Ferrer (back) was rested for the game.
"Habol talaga namin dito yung championship," said UST coach Pido Jarencio. "Buti nga natalo na ngayon kaysa sa championship pa. At least kahit wala yung dalawa, makikita talagang lumalaban yung team."
Mariano and birthday boy Jeric Fortuna, who had seven points and five boards in the game, missed potential game-winning three-pointers as the game buzzer sounded.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles blasted NCAA titlists San Beda Red Lions, 66-49, to set a UAAP rematch at the PCCL Championship round against UST.
Nico Salva had 16 points and six boards, while Greg Slaughter had a double-double of 11 markers and 12 rebounds to lead the Eagles to their fifth straight PCCL finals appearance.
"The whole game we were near perfect on our defense," said Ateneo interim coach Gabby Severino. "That's hats off to all the players."
NCAA Finals MVP Baser Amer was the lone bright spot for Coach Ronnie Magsanoc's boys as he had 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
With the victory, the Eagles and Tigers will renew their rivalry with the Game 1 of the PCCL Finals set at the Filoil Flying V Arena on Tuesday, 4 p.m., right after the battle for third place curtain-raiser at 2 p.m. between San Beda and SWU. J
The Scores:
First Game:
SWU 93 - Mbala 41, Arong 17, Guillena 11, Bregondo 11, Nalos 6, Aboude 5, Dedace2, Goloran 0, Ortuyo 0.
UST 91 - Teng 20, Mariano 20, Bautista 14, Afuang 10, Pe 8, Fortuna 7, Lo 4, Vigil 3, Garrido 3, Hainga 2, Villar 0, Daquioag 0.
Quarters: 16-22, 40-39, 57-56, 77-77, 93-91.
Second Game:
Ateneo 66 - Salva 16, Slaughter 11, Tiongson 11, Gonzaga 9, Ravena 8, Sumalinog 3, Elorde 3, Pessumal 2, Chua 2, Capacio 1, Golla 0, Porter 0, Lim 0.
San Beda 49 - Amer 15, J. Pascual 10, K. Pascual 8, Caram 8, Dela Rosa 3, Abarcar 3, Koga 2, Bonsubre 0, Moralde 0, Villaruz 0, Mendoza 0, Ludovice 0.
Quarters: 15-12, 28-26, 48-31, 66-49.
The Journalese
With their hopes of a stint at the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) finals already dashed, Southwestern U Cobras leaned by Cameroonian center Benoit Mbala to score one for the Southern Islands champion.
The towering Mbala had a 41-point onslaught to give the Cobras the overtime victory over the UST Growling Tigers, 93-91, at the Arena in San Juan Sunday.
Mbala was sensational in the game, scoring 10 in the extra period in a 48-percent shooting clip, to go with his 16 boards, four blocks, an assist, and a steal. Guard Monbert Arong also helped in the Cobras' cause, adding 17 points, including the three-pointer with 29.7 seconds remaining in overtime to give SWU the lead, 92-89.
"This is our first time to win (against) UAAP teams," said SWU Coach Yayoy Alcoseba. “The PCCL is an additional experience, very good exposure not just for the players, but also for the school. We play with the best schools."
Jeric Teng finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Tigers, while Aljon Mariano had 20 markers and eight boards. Karim Abdul (knee) and Kevin Ferrer (back) was rested for the game.
"Habol talaga namin dito yung championship," said UST coach Pido Jarencio. "Buti nga natalo na ngayon kaysa sa championship pa. At least kahit wala yung dalawa, makikita talagang lumalaban yung team."
Mariano and birthday boy Jeric Fortuna, who had seven points and five boards in the game, missed potential game-winning three-pointers as the game buzzer sounded.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles blasted NCAA titlists San Beda Red Lions, 66-49, to set a UAAP rematch at the PCCL Championship round against UST.
Nico Salva had 16 points and six boards, while Greg Slaughter had a double-double of 11 markers and 12 rebounds to lead the Eagles to their fifth straight PCCL finals appearance.
"The whole game we were near perfect on our defense," said Ateneo interim coach Gabby Severino. "That's hats off to all the players."
NCAA Finals MVP Baser Amer was the lone bright spot for Coach Ronnie Magsanoc's boys as he had 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
With the victory, the Eagles and Tigers will renew their rivalry with the Game 1 of the PCCL Finals set at the Filoil Flying V Arena on Tuesday, 4 p.m., right after the battle for third place curtain-raiser at 2 p.m. between San Beda and SWU. J
The Scores:
First Game:
SWU 93 - Mbala 41, Arong 17, Guillena 11, Bregondo 11, Nalos 6, Aboude 5, Dedace2, Goloran 0, Ortuyo 0.
UST 91 - Teng 20, Mariano 20, Bautista 14, Afuang 10, Pe 8, Fortuna 7, Lo 4, Vigil 3, Garrido 3, Hainga 2, Villar 0, Daquioag 0.
Quarters: 16-22, 40-39, 57-56, 77-77, 93-91.
Second Game:
Ateneo 66 - Salva 16, Slaughter 11, Tiongson 11, Gonzaga 9, Ravena 8, Sumalinog 3, Elorde 3, Pessumal 2, Chua 2, Capacio 1, Golla 0, Porter 0, Lim 0.
San Beda 49 - Amer 15, J. Pascual 10, K. Pascual 8, Caram 8, Dela Rosa 3, Abarcar 3, Koga 2, Bonsubre 0, Moralde 0, Villaruz 0, Mendoza 0, Ludovice 0.
Quarters: 15-12, 28-26, 48-31, 66-49.