D8: GK Warriors Three Peats, rips Dragons, 85-57 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors, with its strongest team yet in the history of the league, achieved a historic three peat by beating the Baltimore Dragons, 85-57 in the championship game of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD basketball tournament. Mario Lancioni who top scored with 30 points in the game was adjudged as the championship Most Valuable Player (MVP). The win preserved the unbeaten streak of the Warriors dating back to the 2008 PAAD Palaro.

The Warriors however were made to sweat in the first half as the Dragons gave them a scare in the early going. With RJ Buzon connecting on his rainbow shots, the Dragons led by as much as six points after 10 minutes of play in the first half. Coach Ed Padilla of the Dragons appeared to pull a rabbit out of his hat early on. However, the Warriors running game came into perfection as they erased the deficit and spurted into a 45-38 halftime lead. Mario Lancioni’s 17 points along with brother Santini Lancioni’s 9 points and Dustin Coloso’s 7 points in the first half provided to be decisive in overhauling the Dragons early advantage. It was the first time however that the Warriors were threatened by a team who could match their shooting prowess in the early going. Buzon had four triples for the Dragons in the first half.

In the second half however, playing Coach Herb Monsalud stressed defense to his Warrior’s team. And as the Warriors tightened their defense and prevented the three point shots of the Dragons, they slowly built a double digit lead. It was once again Mario Lancioni who provided the offensive spark with a barrage of three point shooting that doused the hopes of the Dragons. Mario’s three rainbow shots along with the superb play making of Leo Yanogacio, Santini Lancioni, Coloso and Yogi Veranga proved too much for the Dragons, as the Warriors built a 20 point cushion with about 5 minutes to go in the game. And with their cheering fans, the Warriors further padded the lead to 28 at the final buzzer, winning 85-57.

In the end, it was the depth of the Warriors lineup that carried them to victory as majority of their players are scoring threats. In the second half, the Dragons became weary and could not kept up with the fast paced game of the Warriors. And for Coach Monsalud, Team Manager Doc Mel Madarang and their players, a dynasty similar to the Celtics, Lakers and the Bulls in the NBA is possibly in the horizon.
Prior to the championship game, the Warriors clobbered Dynamics, 139-78, and the Dragons defeated No Way, 55-42 in their respective semifinal matches.

Box Scores:
85 – GK Warriors: Mario Lancioni, 30 ; Santini Lancioni, 15; Dustin Coloso; 12; Yogi Veranga, 8; Leo Yanogacio, 8; Curtis Clemente, 4; Ian Clemente, 3; Ryan De Guzman, 3; Herb Monsalud, 2

57 – Baltimore Dragons: RJ Buzon, 16; Frank Concepcion, 12; Sebastian Cabrera, 11; Souk Gumatay, 6; Julio Concepcion, 6; Anthony Curtiz, 4; Jake Cortez, 2

D7: Dynamic Wins by Default Over Red Bulls, Enters Semifinals (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

Dynamic Physical Therapy won by default over Red Bulls in Day 7 of Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the third win by Dynamic against three losses. With the win, Dynamic entered the semifinals of the 2010 PAAD Palaro which will be played on August 14.

Red Bulls, a semifinalist last year, was a no show during the game and as a result, it placed last among the 7 teams in the Open Division with a 1-7 win-loss record. For Dynamic, this will be the second straight year that they will be playing in the semifinals.

D6: Dynamic tops No Way, 65-60 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana / Photo by Ed Ortega

In one of the most intense battle in the tournament, RJ Valera delivered the knock-out punch through clutch three point shooting and free throws in the closing minutes of the games to help Dynamic to a 65-60 hard fought win over No Way (Maricas) in Day 6 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the second win for Dynamic in five outings to tie No Way for the fourth and last spot in the semifinals.

In a must win game to stay alive for the hunt for a semifinals seat, Dynamic proved steadier in the end game of a tightly contested game. The game was so intense that in the final three minutes of the game, double technical fouls were called on Justin Mercado of Dynamic and Dave Setters of No Way who both incurred hard fouls with each other. The two were both ejected by the referees. At that point, with Dynamic leading by only four at 50-46, Valera hit a triple to give Dynamic more breathing room at 53-46, time down to two and a half minute.

No Way kept fighting on as they cut the lead to three at 58-55 on a three point shot by BJ Advento with a minute remaining. However, two free throws by Valera and a basket by Mark Pr’Out put the lead back to seven for Dynamic at 62-55, with 40 seconds remaining. Advento hit another triple to cut the lead to 62-58 but with 25 seconds remaining. Then came Valera’s heroics who was intentionally fouled twice. Valera made three crucial free throws to seal Dynamic’s win at 65-58 with five seconds to go. No Way made the final basket of the game to make the final score 65-60.

In the first half, No Way was off to a good start with a 22-15 lead with their offense led by Advento and Dave Setters who combined for 15 points at the half. However, Valera, Mercado, Butch Sanchez and Ray Mann launched a 26-15 salvo to give the lead for Dynamic at 41-37. Advento, Setters and Alex Alday provided offense to No Way during that span. However, it was a lead which Dynamic did not relinquish until the end of the game.

Box Scores:
65- Dynamic: RJ Valera, 27; Butch Sanchez, 11; Justin Mercado,10; Ray Mann, 10; Mark Pr’Out, 7

60- No Way: BJ Advento, 26; Dave Setters, 15; Alex Alday, 10; El Persons, 5; Kenneth Savella, 2; Riki Makasakit; 2

D5: GK Warriors pounds Dynamic, 96-40 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors vaunted firepower proved too much against Dynamic, as they pounded the latter, 96-40 in Day 5 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the fourth straight win for the Warriors as they formally clinched the first semi-finals berth in the Division. Dynamic had only five players during the day who fought valiantly but simply those five players were not able to match the awesome firepower of the Warriors.

Mario Lancioni and Santini Lancioni led the charge of the Warriors brigade in the first half with 11 and 10 points. They were ably supported by Yogi Veranga, Ryan De Gracia, Ryan De Guzman and Coco Clemente. With those players hitting on all cylinders, the Warriors built a 44-20 halftime lead. RJ Valera tried to carry the fight for Dynamic with 14 points in the first half, including 4 three pointers, but received little support from his other team mates.

In the second half, MVP candidate Santini Lancioni stepped up his game, and along with Dustin Coloso, Veranga, Chris Clemente and Herb Monsalud continued to pad the Warriors lead. The Warriors did not let up as they erupted for 52 points in the second half against only 20 points by Dynamic, putting the final score at 96-40 win by the GK Warriors. Mark Pr’Out, Valera and Mike Sanchez did all they could but could not stop the Warriors avalanche of baskets.

Santini Lancioni top scored for the Warriors with 26 points, followed by his brother Mario Santini with 13 and last year’s MVP Veranga with 10 points. RJ Valera led Dyamic with 21 points followed by Mark Pr’Out with 12 points.
Dynamic suffered its third defeat in four outings. However, they are still in contention for a semi-finals berth if they win their last two preliminary round games.

Box Scores:
96 – GK Warriors: Santini Lancioni, 26; Mario Lancioni, 13; Yogi Veranga, 10; Ryan De Guzman, 9; Chris Clemente, 8; Herb Monsalud, 8; Dustin Coloso, 7; Ryan De Gracia, 5; Coco Clemente, 4; Sonny De La Torre, 4, Ian Clemente, 2

40 – Dynamic: RJ Valera, 21; Mark Pr’Out, 12; Mike Sanchez, 5; Francisco Palance, 2

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: Baltimore Dragons outlasts Dynamic, 60-52 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The Baltimore Dragons and Dynamic fought toe to toe in the entire game, but the Dragons proved steadier in the clutches towards the end of the game, to outlast Dynamic, 60-52 in Day 3 of the Open Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 Basketball tournament. The win gave the Dragons a share of second place with WSA, with a 2-1 win-loss record. Dynamic absorbed its second loss in as many outings.

Dynamic gave the Dragons all they could handle in the first half which ended 34-32 in favor of the Dragons. It was the trio of RJ Buzon, Jackie Brosoto and Paco Estrada who combined for 21 points in the first half that helped the Dragons to a two point halftime edge. Dynamic had all the answers in the first half coming from Justin Mercado, Mark Pr’out, playing coach Mike Sanchez and Louis Hortaleza that kept the game close. Mercado and Pr’out had eight points apiece in the first half.

The second half saw both teams exchanging baskets and are in a virtual tie throughout the second half. However, in crucial possessions in the last 3 minutes of the game, Dynamic went cold. The Dragons took advantage of the cold shooting spell of Dynamic. Urged on by its coach, Ed Padilla and Led by Brosoto and unheralded Marti Olayvar, the Dragons were able to build a 54-49 lead with 51 seconds remaining. After several desperation attempts by Dynamic, the Dragons went on to pad the lead and won the game with the final score of 60-52.

“We tried, but our efforts were not enough. It was a good game, though,” said losing playing Coach Mike Sanchez.

Box Scores:
60 - Baltimore Dragons : Jackie Brosoto, 15; RJ Buzon, 12; Marti Olayvar, 12; Paco Estrada, 8; Ian Reyes, 7; Paul Angelo, 3; Anthony Curtiz, 3

52- Dynamic: Justin Mercado, 15; Mark Pr’Out, 10; Louis Hortaleza, 9; Mike Sanchez, 8; Reese Pr’Out, 7; Jeff Jirkovsky, 3

D2: WSA Stuns Dynamic, 65-45 (Open Division)

by Jun Rana

Wala Sa Ayos (WSA) continued to impress basketball fans and aficionados via a stunning win over Dynamic Physical Therapy, 65-45 in Day 2 of the Open Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 basketball tournament. Paul Nicdao, Jeff Verneza and Alex Santos combined for 52 points to powerWSA to a resounding win that put them at the top of the standings in the Open Division with a 2-0 win-loss record. Idle GKWarriors is second with a 1-0, win-loss record.

It was a tight first half as Dynamic took the early lead, 13-11, on baskets by RJ Valera, Rich Bandoy and Ray Mann. However, the scoring trio of Santos, Verneza, and Nicdao buckled down to work and ignited an 18-10 blast to grab the lead at halftime, 29-23. Each of the scoring trio had one three point shot in the first half.

In the second half,WSA’s running game and well executed plays took its toll on Dynamic which only showed up with six players and missed several key players including playing coach Mike Sanchez, Will Barnes, Justin Mercado and Joe Miranda.

Sensing that fatigue was setting in on Dynamic players, Nicdao, Verneza, Santos and Charles Peart delivered the knock-out punch with a 32-22 attack, to put the game away at 61-45 with 1 minute and 40 seconds remaining. The foursome delivered with a combination of layups and rainbow shooting (one each by Verneza and Peart). However, it was Nicdao’s 13 points and 5 assists that were crucial in that most decisive stretch. The only guy who kept answering the call for Dynamic in the second half was Mark Pr’Out who had 13 points in that half. Former PAAD Youth player Francisco Palanca played for Dynamic and had one three pointer in the second half.

“We run out of gas. We hope to have most of our players around on July 10,” said RJ Valera of Dynamic. Nicdao led all scorers with 19 points while Mark Pr’Out top scored for Dynamic with 16 points.

Box Scores:
65 - WSA: Paul Nicdao, 19; Jeff Verneza, 18; Alex Santos, 15; Charles Peart, 9; Andre De Lara, 4

45 – Dynamic:Mark Pr’Out, 16; Rich Bandoy, 8; Ray Mann, 8; RJ Valera, 7; Francisco Palanca, 3; Reese
Pr’Out, 3