D8: GK Warriors are Champs in 35 and Over Years Old Division, stops Titans, 55-47

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors achieved history by becoming the first 35 and Over Years Old Division champion of the PAAD basketball league with a resounding win over the Delaware Titans, 55-47 in their championship game. Dennis Balagtas with 19 points and Tony Astoveza with 11 points provided the offense while Jim Reynolds provided the rebounds and defense in the Warriors triumph.

Early on the Delaware Titans fought toe to toe with the Warriors in the first half with no teams enjoying a double digit lead. The trio of Balagtas, Astoveza and Reynolds provided the 1-2-3 punch for the Warriors while the Titans countered with the quartet of Karl Ebron, Ed Ortega, Jeorge Corotan and Willie Fontano. Ebron had two three point shots, while Ortega, Corotan and Fontano had one each. It was a tight first half with the Warriors enjoying only a one point lead at 25-24.

In the second half, the Warriors and the Titans kept the game close until halfway in the second half. At the 11th minute mark, the Warriors made their move and took advantage of the cold shooting spell of the Titans, specially from its big man, Jason Del Rosario. With Balagtas and Astoveza leading the way, several players moved in for the kill in annexing the Warriors championship crown. Ed Padilla (Baltimore Dragons Coach) who plays for the Warriors, made his contribution through clutch free throw shooting while Felix Vergara and Sonny De La Torre hit a crucial three point shot as the Warriors built an insurmountable 8 point lead with half a minute remaining in the game. It was a lead which they preserved until the end of the final buzzer.

Big man Jim Reynolds, who provided the muscles in the boards and who anchored the defense of the Warriors was adjudged as the Division’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). It was a sweet win for the Warriors against a team which provided them with all they could handle and a good battle for the championship. For the Titans, the basketball gods were not on their side as they missed several easy baskets and crucial free throws down the stretch. A basket here and there could have swung the momentum in the Titans way. The Warriors proved steadier at the end to seal their first ever 35 and Over Years Old Division crown to the delight of their adoring cheering fans.

Box Scores:
55 – GK Warriors: Dennis Balagtas, 19; Tony Astoveza, 11; Felix Vergara, 7; Jim Reynolds, 6; Sonny De La Torre, 5; Ed Padilla, 5; Nestor San Diego, 2

47 – Delaware Titans: Karl Ebron, 11; Ed Ortega, 9; Jeorge Corotan, 9; D Tapel, 4; Joel Villamor, 3; Egui Alafriz, 3; Willie Fontano, 3; Jason Del Rosario, 3; Arnel Lalicon, 2

D7: Delaware Titans Enters Finals, Sinks No Way, 58-40 (35 and Over Division)

By Jun Rana

The Delaware Titans, playing inspired basketball, put their game together superbly in the second half to defeat No Way, 58-40 in their knockout match for a seat in the championship of the 35 and Over Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro. With the win, the Titans will meet the GK Warriors in the championship game on August 14.

Before the game, the Titans team captain, Ed Ortega, stressed that it's a win or go home game and he doesn't want to go home. No Way, led by El Persons, took the early lead at 11-6 in the first half. However, the Titans, led by Jeorge Corotan, tied the game at 16-all. At this juncture, Jason Del Rosario, converted a three point shot and Jomar Ugarte added two free throws to gave the Titans a 21-16 lead, time down to four minutes in the first half.

Persons and Marlowe Ulit answered back for No Way to cut the lead of the Titans to 2, at 24-22. That last basket of the Titans before half-time was a three point shot by Karl Ebron. It was also a battle of the cheering fans of the Titans and No Way, especially during the closing minutes of the first half.

In the second half, the Titans then played better defense, better ball movement and fluid offense. Led by Del Rosario, Ed Ortega, Joneil Garcia, Luis Alvarez, Joel Villamor and Ramon Agui, the Titans went on an 18-6 scoring binge to pad their lead to 14, at 42-28, midway in the second half. Villamor, Ortega and Alvarez had one triple each during that span, while Del Rosario provided the muscles inside the shaded area. It was the spurt that the Titans needed, as they were able to resist the counter attack of No Way led by Ulit, Persons and Jay Lizardo.

The closest that No Way was able to reduce the deficit was by 11, when they were trailing 51-40, with 1 minute and 18 seconds remaining. At that point however, it was all over as No Way could not buy a basket while the Titans continued to hit their shots, especially at the free throw line.

Villamor put an exclamation point on the Titans victory with a last second 3-point shot vindicating himself for his missed game-winning basket during their first meeting with No Way. And after the dust of the battle cleared, the Titans emerged victorious, 58-40.

It was a sweet win for the Titans who will battle for the championship against the GK Warriors on Saturday, August 14. After several years of not being in the finals, the Titans will relish the rare opportunity to become a champion once again.

Box Scores:

58 – Delaware Titans: Jason Del Rosario, 14; Ed Ortega, 12; Jeorge Corotan, 9; Ramon Agui, 6; Karl Ebron, 5; Luis Alvarez 3; Joneil Garcia, 3; Joel Villamor, 3; Jomar Ugarte, 2; Willie Fontano, 1

40 – No Way: El Persons, 13; Marlowe Ulit, 13; Jay Lizardo, 6; Mike Vergara, 3; Norman Aquino, 2; Ramil Magpantay, 2, Riki Makasakit, 1

D6: GK Warriors wins by default over Delaware Titans (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors had an easy day in the office as they won by default over the Delaware Titans in Day 6 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. The entire Titans team was a no show during the day. The Warriors did scrimmage games as their players played with one another in one of the basketball courts in the arena.

Per the Rules and Regulations of the PAAD 2010 Palaro, the official score will be 20-0 for the GK Warriors. It was the fifth straight win for the undefeated GK Warriors. The Titans bowed out from the 2010 PAAD Palaro with a 1-5 win loss record.

D5: Delaware Titans rips No Way, 56-36 (35 and Over Division)

By Jun Rana

The Delaware Titans seem to be peaking at the right time. The Titans displayed superb team effort, fluid offense and balanced scoring as they defeated No Way, 56-36 in Day 5 of the 35 and Over Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the second win for the Titans in four outings that put them back with a mathematical chance to capture an automatic finals berth, in the event that all teams in the Division finish with identical 2-2 win-loss record.

Bolstered by the return of its three key players, Ramon Agui, Edward Ortega, and Karl Ebron from vacation, the Titans took advantage of the offensive woes of No Way right from the start of the game. Luis Alvarez, Ortega and Jeorge Corotan had five points a piece to power the Titans to a 25-13 halftime lead.

No Way’s offense was nowhere to be found in the first half as it could only muster 13 points led by 4 points from El Persons, and 3 points each by Alex Alday and Mike Vergara. Luis Alvarez of the Titans made a running 3 point shot for the Titans as time expired in the 1st half to the delight of the Titans fans.

In the second half, the Delaware Titans continued their scintillating game. Agui found his vintage form to lead the offense in the second half with 9 points, including exceptional free throw shooting (making 5 out of 6). Teammate Jason Del Rosario, provided his rebounding and shooting prowess and contributed 6 points in the second half.

No Way however did not flinch in the second half as Alday and Persons traded baskets with the Titans. Alday had 8 points and Persons had 5 points in the second half. However, those points were not enough as No Way were not able to put a dent on the Titan’s lead. The Titans went on to outscore No Way 31-23 in the second half, which put the final score at 56-36 in Titan’s favor.

The loss dropped No Way to third place in the standing with a 1-2 win loss record. The second and third place teams at the end of the elimination round will play on August 7 to determine the team who will meet the first place team in the finals on August 14.

Box Scores:
56 - Delaware Titans: Ramon Agui, 9; Luis Alvarez, 8; Jason Del Rosario, 8; Jeorge Corotan, 7; Edward Ortega, 7; Eggie Alafriz, 5; Arnel Lalicon, 4; Karl Ebron, 2; Jomar Ugarte, 2; D Tapel, 2; Joneil Garcia, 2;

36 – Alex Alday, 11; El Persons, 9; Ramil Magpantay, 4; Jay Lizardo, 4; Mike Vergara, 3, Paul Micarsos, 3, Riki Makasakit, 2

D5: WSA routs Delaware Titans, 84-44 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

Wala Sa Ayos (WSA) triumvirate of Paul Nicdao, Alex Santos and Jeff Verneza combined for 67 points to rout the depleted team of the Delaware Titans, 84-44 in Day 5 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the third win for WSA to share second place with Baltimore Dragons with a 3-1 win loss record, and establish themselves as a contender for the championship crown.

Early in the first half, the trio along with Andre De Lara engineered a blistering attack to take an early 22-9 lead with 8 minutes to go in the first half. At the outset, the Titans clearly missed the services of its key players, team captain Steve Antonio, Jesse Fabian and JC Destreza as they could not keep up with WSA pace. WSA was in cruise control in the first half to build a commanding 35-17 halftime lead. Nicdao led the first half assault with 12 points including 3 three pointers. Santos, Verneza and De Lara also added one three pointers each. For the Titans, Dexter Quezon, Paul Valencia and Jeff Holcomb tried to parry the threats of WSA with little success.

In the second half, WSA continued its masterful performance against the Titans.
This time the WSA triumvirate was joined by Lester Dabu as they further padded the lead to 67-37 with 9 minutes remaining in the game. With only six men in its line-up for the day, the Titans led by Quezon, Valencia and Arnel Lalicon, did not provide much resistance in the second half. WSA further increased the lead to 84-44 until the final buzzer.

Nicdao led the WSA scorers with 26 points, followed by Santos with 23 points and Verneza with 18 points. For the Titans, Quezon was the high point man with 18 points, followed by Valencia with 13. With the loss, the Titans formally vowed out of the semi-finals contention by absorbing it fourth loss in five outings.

Box Scores:
84-WSA: Paul Nicdao, 26; Alex Santos, 23; Jeff Verneza, 18; Lester Dabu, 10; Andre De Lara, 7

44-Delaware Titans: Dexter Quezon, 18; Paul Valencia, 13; Arnel Lalicon, 6; Jeff Holcomb, 5; Jason Del Rosario , 2

Cortez, Defending Champ Borres, 4 others are Three Point Shoot Out Finalists

After the conclusion of the elimination rounds of the Three Point Shooting Competition, five finalists emerged to challenge defending champion Noel Borres in the finals on August 14. These five finalists are:

Player and Team                                                Points
1. Jake Cortez – Red Bulls                                    16
2. Luis Alvarez – Delaware Titans (35 and over)       12
3. Ryan De Gracia – GK Warriors                          12
4. Ken Santos – WSA                                            8
5. Herb Monsalud – GK Warriors                             8

Noel Borres gets an automatic entry in the finals for being the defending champion.

D4: Dynamic edges Delaware Titans 55-53 in a Thriller (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

Chris Rivera drove in for a layup with 6 seconds to go, and teammate Justin Mercado blocked the game tying jump shot of Steve Antonio as Dynamic edged the Delaware Titans 55-53 in a thrilling game in the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was a heart breaking loss for the Titans who led in majority of the game.

The Titans led by four to six points in the early goings on the strong inside plays of Jesse Fabian and Dexter Quezon. However, Mercado and Valera provided the much needed baskets through layups and jump shots to keep Dynamic dangerously closed to the Titans. With 6 minutes to go in the first half, the Titans were still enjoying a 24-20 lead. And after trading baskets for baskets with Dynamic, the Titans emerged with a 6 point lead at halftime 32-26. Leading the cause for the Titans are Fabian, Quezon and Antonio who had 8 points, 7 points and 4 points each in the first half, while Mercado and Valera had 8 points and 6 points apiece for Dynamic.

In the second half, Dynamic players Rivera, Louis Hortaleza and Mark Pr’Out ignited a 25-19 attack to tie the count at 51-51, with 2 minutes remaining in the game. Antonio led the Titans with eight points in that stretch to keep the score close. He was helped by Fabian, Paul Valencia and Quezon.

Antonio then slipped under the basket for a layup to grab the lead for the Titans, 53-51, with just a minute remaining. However, Rivera eluded his guard and drove in for the tying basket, 53-53, 45 seconds to go. The Titans then missed in the next possession. And with 6 seconds remaining, Rivera drove and scored on a layup to grab the lead for Dynamic, 55-53. In the ensuing play, Antonio took a jump shot that could have sent the game in overtime. However, Mercado blocked the shot to preserve the win for Dynamic.

It was the first win in three outings for Dynamic. However, the win vaulted Dynamic from 7th place to a 4th place tie with No Way in the team standings. They are also back in contention for a semi-finals berth. The Titans absorbed their third loss in four outings and they now only hold a slim mathematical chance to capture a semifinals berth.

Box Scores:
55 – Dynamic: Justin Mercado, 10; Chris Rivera, 10; Louis Hortaleza, 10, RJ Valera, 9, Mike Sanchez, 6; Mike Pr’Out. 6; Rey Mann, 4

53 – Delaware Titans: Steve Antonio, 14, Jesse Fabian, 13; Dexter Quezon, 9; Paul Valencia, 7; Arnel Lalicon,3; Jeff Holcomb, 3; Glen De Luna, 2; Jason Del Rosario, 2

D3: Delaware Titans avenges loss, stops GK Warriors, 63-34 (35 and Over)

By Jun Rana

Displaying its finest form yet in the tournament, the Delaware Titans scored an impressive 63-34 thumping of the GK Warriors in Day 3 of the 35 and Over Division. The Titans avenged their loss against the Warriors in their first meeting and put themselves back in contention for an automatic finals berth in the 35 and Over Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 basketball tournament. It was the Titans first win in three games in the double round robin preliminary rounds, but another win could earn the team a mathematical chance to capture an automatic finals berth.

The juggernaut quartet of Jason Del Rosario, Jeorge Corotan, Jomar Ugarte and Luis Alvarez buckled down to work in the early goings in the first half to secure a 23-11 lead with just 3 minutes and 26 seconds remaining in the first half. The GK Warriors clearly missed the services of its big men Jim Reynolds, Tony Astoveza and Dennis Balagtas as the quartet penetrated the lanes time and time again for easy baskets. This time it was the Titans who had the big man in Jason Del Rosario who asserted himself in the boards and proved to be an intimidating force in defense. Del Rosario also had two three pointers in the first half. The Titans further increased their lead to 17 at the half, 35-18.

The Titans continued to dominate the Warriors in the second half. The score was not close but the intensity of the game was high throughout. The Warriors fought very hard but the Titans was simply the better team during the day. Sonny De La Torre, Doc Mel Madarang and Felix Vergara tried to rally the Warriors in order to reduce the Titans double digit lead. However, they were frustrated time and time again by Corotan, Del Rosario, Ugarte, and D Tapel. Del Rosario scored two more three pointers in the second half, and Corotan penetrated the lanes at times for easy layups.

“It was a great win, a badly needed win,” said a jubilant Ugarte of the Titans.

Box Scores:
63 - Delaware Titans: Jeorge Corotan, 18; Jason Del Rosario, 18; Jomar Ugarte, 14; D Tapel 7; Luis Alvarez, 6

34 - GK Warriors: Sonny De La Torre, 16; Felix Vergara, 7; Doc Mel Madarang, 5; Ed Padilla, 2; James Hoeffliger, 2; June Andres, 2

D3: Delaware Titans in a walkover win over Red Bulls (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The Delaware Titans scored its first win in the Open Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 Basketball tournament with a walkover win over Red Bulls. The inclement weather brought havoc to Red Bulls bid for victory, as majority of its players were not able to make it in time for the start of its 10:30 AM game with the Titans. The Titans win further threw the race wide open for one of the four semifinal slots in the Open Division. All the teams are still in contention in the semi-finals.

The Delaware Titans and Red Bulls are now tied for 5th place in the Open Division with a 1-2 win-loss cad behind the fourth place No Way with a 1-1 win-loss record.

D2: NoWay Shades Delaware Titans in Thriller, 41-40 (35 and Over)

by Jun Rana

Veteran player Marlowe Ulit converted two crucial free throws with 15 seconds remaining in the game and saw Joel Villamor missed a heavily defended layup in the dying seconds to lift NoWay (Maricas) to a thrilling 41-40 win over the Delaware Titans, in Day 2 of the 35 and Over Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 basketball tournament. It was the first win of NoWay Team to share the lead with idle GK Warriors in the 35 and Over Division. The Titans, who led most of the way in the second half and by as many as seven points, absorbed their second loss in as many outings.

It was a tight first half as the teams were only separated by one or two points and with several lead changes during that half. At the end of the first half, it was the Titans leading by two at 22-20. At this point, Jason Del Rosario, Ed Ortega,Willie Fontano and Karl Ebron led the assault for the Titans, while El Persons, Ulit and Alex Alday traded baskets with the Titans. Titans top scorer in its first game Ramon Agui did not play for the Titans.

Heads up plays by Del Rosario and Ortega triggered a 9-4 run to pad the Titans lead to seven at 31-24, with 14 minutes to go in the second half. However, back to back baskets by Ramil Magpantay and Ulit reduced the lead of the Titans to four, 32-28. However Del Rosario answered back with a three point shot to increase the Titans lead to seven once again, 35-28, with 9 minutes remaining in the game.

But each time the Titans threatened to pull away, NoWay would come up with each own scoring spree. This time, Alex Alday, Ulit and Persons led an 11-4 burst to tie the game at, 39 all, with 33 seconds in the game. During that run, Persons delivered a crucial three point shot to help NoWay cause.

In the ensuing possession, Fontano was fouled and hit one of two free throws to grab the lead for the Titans, 40-39, time down to 20 seconds in the game. With both teams in the penalty situation, the Titans committed a costly foul on Ulit with 15 seconds remaining. Ulit calmly sank the two free throws, to finally take the lead for NoWay for good, 41-40 after a missed layup by Titan’s Villamor in the dying seconds. El Persons led No Way with 13 points, while Del Rosario of the Titans led all scorers with 16 points.

“It was an exciting win,” said a jubilant Alday of NoWay. “We did not execute well in the final possession, it was a tough loss, “said Luis Alvarez of the Titans.

Box Scores:
41 - NoWay (Maricas): El Persons, 13; Marlowe Ulit, 9; Alex Alday, 8; Jay Lizardo, 4;Mike Vergara, 3; Arnold Dawinan, 2; Ramil Magpantay, 2

40 – Delaware Titans: Jason Del Rosario, 16; Ed Ortega, 12; Willie Fontano, 7; Karl Ebron, 3; Luis Alvarez, 2

Jake Cortez is the Three Point Shootout Leader

by Jun Rana

Sharp shooter Jake Cortez of Red Bulls leads the elimination round of the Three Point Shootout Competition in PAAD 2010 Basketball Tournament as he scored a sizzling 16 points in the Day 1 of the elimination. The maximum points that one can reach is 26 points on perfect 10 out 10 shooting. There are three money balls worth 4 points and Cortez hit two of them.

Luiz Alvarez of the Delaware Titans 35 years old and over Team is second with 12 points. Alvarez hit one money ball. A far third is Arnel Lalicon of the Delaware Titans Open team with 4 points. Three players are tied for fourth place with two points each, namely, Marlowe Ulit of NoWay (Maricas) 35 years old and over Team, Dave Setters of NoWay (Maricas) Open Team, and Jeff Holcomb of the Delaware Titans
Open team.

Each team in the Open Division and 35 and Over Division has two entries in the competition which makes a total of 20 contestants. The top four players in the elimination rounds will join defending champion Noel Borres in the finals on the last day of PAAD Palaro 2010 tournament which is August 14.

D2: NoWay notches first win in Open Division, stops Titans 65-55 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

No Way (Maricas) used balance scoring, three point shooting, and superior rebounding to bounce back from its opening day loss and topple the Delaware Titans, 65-55 in Day 2 of the Open Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 basketball tournament.

Under the watchful eyes of Coach Paul Micarsos, NoWay took the initiative right from the start with a 22-12 onslaught led by Marlowe Ulit and Dave Setters during the first 16 minutes of the game. At that point, eight NoWay players have already scored for the team. With its fans cheering and encouraging them however, The Titans refused to yield as they cut the lead of NoWay, 26-18 at the half with barrage of baskets from Will imperial and Dexter Quezon. A big factor for NoWay in maintaining the lead at the half were the 4 three pointers contributed by Rudy Mallari, Ulit, El Persons and rookie Bryan Stevenson.

The Titans caught fire in the second half, as team captain Steve Antonio combined forces with Quezon and Imperial as the Titans slowly gained on NoWay’s Lead. However, BJ Advento of NoWay suddenly came alive and together with Persons, Setters and Stevenson parried the threats of the Titans. With 6 minutes remaining in the second half, NoWay’s lead was reduced to five points, 52-47. However, No Way found another stride and unleashed a 13-8 barrage with the help of Alex Alday, Advento and
Persons to ice the win for NoWay, 65-55. Advento scored all of his 14 points in the second half. Meanwhile, Antonio and Quezon of the Titans scored 10 points each in the second half.

NoWay was helped with their superior rebounding which limited the second chance points of the Titans. NoWay outrebounded the Titans with a 2 to 1 ratio. Also, NoWay has five three pointers in the game as compared to zero for the Delaware Titans. The effective distribution of playing time to majority of the players by Coach Micarsos enabled NoWay to finish strongly in the closing minutes of the game.

“This is a very good win for the team,” said No Way Coach Micarsos.

Box Scores:
65 - NoWay (Maricas): BJ Advento, 14; Dave Setters, 10; El Persons, 10; Bryan Stevenson, 9 ; Alex Alday, 8; Marlowe Ulit, 5; Rudy Mallari, 3; Arnold Dawinan, 2; Kenneth Savella, 2; Rod Campalan, 2

55 – Delaware Titans: Dexter Quezon, 15; Will Imperial, 14; Steve Antonio, 13; Paul Valencia, 4; Ian Orbeta, 3; Arnel Lalicon, 2; Jason Del Rosario, 2; Andrew Ronde, 2

D1: Baltimore Dragons escapes Delaware Titans' upset bid, 47-39 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana / Photo By Poochie Roldan

Even playing with only five players would not stop the Baltimore Dragons to gut out a hard fought win over the Delaware Titans, 47-39 in Open Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 tournament. And the Dragons had to do it with Coach Ed Padilla playing for the first time in any PAAD tournaments. The scoring trio of RJ Bazon, Joshua Marasigan and Justin Marasigan combined for 45 points to power the Dragons over the Titans.

It was a match of attrition as the Delaware Titans were also missing the services of team Captain Steve Antonio and key player Jason Del Rosario who were on vacation in the Philippines. With nine players however, the Delaware Titans suddenly had a good chance of beating the Dragons who showed up with only five players.

The match was a very close one with the teams exchanging leads in the first half. The Dragons were only leading 16-13 midway in the first half. Rowell Quezon and Paul Valencia however kept the Titans in the thick of the fight. Quezon and Valencia had 12 points in the first half. But RJ Bazon, Joshua Marasigan and Justin Marasigan always had answer for every Titans run as the half ended 24-18 in favor of Baltimore.

The second half was a tight contest. The Dragons countered the Titans basket for basket and at the same time managed to stay away from crucial fouls to avoid fouling out of one of its players. It was Quezon and Valencia carrying the scoring load for the Titans against the Baltimore scoring trio. When the smoke of the battle cleared at 3 minutes and 45 seconds remaining in the second half, the Dragons managed to have a breathing room with 42-33 lead. It was a good enough to carry the Dragons to their first win in the Open Division of the tournament.

“A lot of my players are playing in other tournaments in Virginia/ Washington DC areas at the same time with the PAAD tournament. That’s why we only have five players today,” said Coach Ed Padilla who had a sense of relief with the win.

“We’re okay,” said losing player JC Destreza of the Titans with a smile indicating they will be ready in the coming games. The Titans will be reinforced by Jesse Fabian, the Titan’s top scorer last year in its next games.

BOX SCORES:
47 – Baltimore Dragons – RJ Buzon, 19; Justin Marasigan, 14; Joshua Marasigan, 12; Ed Padilla, 2

39 – Delaware Titans – Rowell Quezon, 17; Paul Valencia, 11; Arnel Lalicon, 6; Ian Orbeta, 3; Glen De Luna, 2

D1: GK Warriors beats Delaware Titans, 66-46 (35 and Over)

By Jun Rana / Photo by Poochie Roldan

Tony Astoveza, Sonny De La Torre, Dennis Balagtas and Jim Reynolds combined for 61 points to power the GK Warriors to a rousing win over the Delaware Titans in the first ever PAAD 35 Years Old and Over Division, 66-46. The Warriors height advantage proved to be a decisive factor, as the Warriors outrebounded the Titans 25-14 and made easy baskets inside the paint.

The Warriors took control of the game early in the first half as they raced to an early 19-10 lead with baskets from Astoveza, De La Torre and Balagtas. Jim Reynolds had at least 3 rebounds during that span and his towering presence disrupted several plays of the Titans. The Warriors padded the lead to 33-15 at half time.

Egged on by its fans, the Titans played better in the second half. Ramon Agui, Karl Ebron and Luis Alvarez dropped a 15-10 bomb to reduce the Warriors lead to 13, at 43-30 midway in the second half. Agui made a jump shot and a three point play on a layup in that crucial stretch. However, De La Torre answered back with a basket to make it 45-30. Ebron however countered with a 3 point shot, to make it 45-33. That proved to be the last stand of the Titans, as De La Torre, Astoveza, Balagtas and Reynolds unleashed a 21-13 salvo to end the game with a final score of 66-46. Reynolds continued his dominance in the boards in that stretch hauling down 2 crucial rebounds to halt the Titans run.

In the dying seconds of the game, the crowd cheered on for Doctor Mel Madarang to convert a free throw. Madarang, who is also the Team Manager of the Warriors, obliged as he made his final free throw to put his name in the scoreboard.

“The height advantage is too much to overcome,” said Titans player Joneil Garcia. “Yes, we have the height advantage. However, they may have their big player as well in our next meeting with them,” said De La Torre, team captain of the GK Warriors. De La Torre is referring to Jason Del Rosario who is still in vacation in the Philippines.

Scores:
66 - GK Warriors: Tony Astoveza, 17; Sonny De La Torre,17; Dennis Balagtas, 14; Jim Reynolds, 13; Felix Vergara , 2; James Hoeffliger, 2; Doc Mel Madarang, 1

46 – Delaware Titans: Ramon Agui,13; Karl Ebron, 8, Luiz Alvarez, 7; Ed Ortega, 5; Eggie Alafriz, 4; Jorge Corotan,3; Dodjie Allarey, 2; D Tapel, 2, Joel Villamor 2