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: 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

D7: No Way Upsets WSA, 71-70 on Setters’ Free Throw (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

With the game tied and no time left on the clock, Dave Setters nailed his second free throw in front of his team’s jubilant cheering fans, to lift No Way to a pulsating 71-70 win over Wala Sa Ayos (WSA) in Day 7 of Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the third win in six games for No Way, but in the process it entered the semifinals as the third ranked team based on the quotient system. It was a heart breaking loss for WSA considered by many as a shoe in for the semi-finals.

The dramatic win was also a tribute to No Way Coach Paul Micarsos impressive coaching skills. Three teams were tied from third to fifth place, namely No Way, Dynamic and WSA. Under the quotient system, No Way and Dynamic took the third and fourth semifinal spots and WSA was relegated into fifth place ranking in the tournament.

In the unique quotient system based on the points among the three teams involved in the tie, No Way’s mission before the start of the game was not only to win but to score at least 65 points. Leading by only 2 points at the half at 23-21, Coach Micarsos made an adjustment in the second half by having the team switched from the zone defense to the man to man defense. No Way then allowed MVP candidate Paul Nicdao to either shoot a three or drive to the basket, thus making the game faster. Micarsos also instructed his players not to settle for jump shots but drive the ball to the basket. The calculated risk paid off as the teams virtually exchanged basket for basket making the game a high scoring affair.

As the two teams entered the one minute remaining mark in the game, No Way had already achieved the magic number of 65, and was leading 67-61. Coach Micarsos instructed his wards to control the ball in order to win the game. At this point Dave Setters and BJ Advento were leading the No Way assault. WSA however, led by Nicdao, Armando Concepcion and Michael Alegarbes dropped a 9-3 bomb to tie the score at 70 all time down to 8 seconds. WSA’s last shot was a three point shot by Alegarbes, his first basket for the game. This set the stage for Setters’ heroics. With time down to 2 seconds, Setters drove to the lane and was fouled on the act of shooting as the time expired. Setters missed the first free throw. However, he made the next pressure packed free throw as the No Way fans jumped for joy.

Box Scores:

71 - No Way: Dave Setters, 26: BJ Advento, 24; Rudy Mallari, 11; Alex Alday, 4; Kenneth Savella, 4; Arnold Dawinan, 2

70 – Paul Nicdao, 28; Jeff Verneza, 20; Armando Concepcion, 8; Kenny Santos, 7; Roque Guerzon, 4; Michael Alegarbes, 3

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

D6: GK Warriors enters final, with a win over No Way, 64-54 (35 and Over Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors grabs the first finals berth in the 35 and Over Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament with a resounding 64-54 victory over a resilient No Way Team. It was the third win against one loss for the Warriors who will now play for the championship on August 14. They will play the winner of the knockout match between the Delaware Titans and No Way.

Jim Reynolds mastery of the boards and his team high 17 points proved to be the big difference in the victory. No Way had difficulty matching up with him during the entire game. He also got big support from Dennis Balagtas and Lex Vergara who added 16 and 10 points, respectively in the win.

The Warriors led from the start although by not big margin or only by a single digit. With Reynolds patrolling the boards, Balagtas, Vergara, Sonny De La Torre found their shooting touch in the first half. De La Torre had two three pointer and Balagtas had one as the Warriors raced to a 31-24 halftime lead. Meanwhile, Alex Alday and Riki Makasakit led the No Way offense in the first half with 7 points and 6 points, respectively.

In the second half, No Way fought toe to toe with the Warriors. With a three pointer from Raul Carabio, No Way had reduced the Warriors lead to four at 41-37, with 14 minutes remaining in the game. However, Reynolds triggered a 15-8 blast to push the Warriors lead to 56-45, 5 minutes remaining in the game. Exchanging baskets for baskets with No Way, the Warriors were able to hold on to the lead until the end of the game. Reynolds points were mostly on plays inside the painted area where he is a dominant figure. Balagtas and Jingo Jabat ably provided scoring support in the second half for the GK Warriors.

Box Scores:
64 – GK Warriors: Jim Reynolds, 17; Dennis Balagtas, 16; Felix Vergara, 10; Sonny De La Torre 8; Jingo Jabat, 7; James Hoeffliger, 4; Ed Padilla, 2;

54 – No Way: Riki Makasakit, 12; Raul Carabio, 11; Alex Alday, 9; Jay Lizardo, 8; Ramil Magpantay, 6; Norman Aquino, 5; Marlowe Ulit, 3

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: No Way (Maricas) wins as Red Bulls Defaulted (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

No Way (Maricas) won over Red Bulls who defaulted their game in Day 5 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament , Red Bulls was not able to come up with five players at the start of the game. Per the Rules and Regulations of the PAAD 2010 Palaro, the official score will be 20-0 for No Way.

It was the second win against two losses for Coach Paul Micarsos and his No Way charges, as they maintained the fourth spot in the Team Standings and kept their semi-final hopes alive. Red Bulls formally bowed out of the semi-final contention by absorbing their fourth loss in five outings.

D4: Sweet Escape for GK Warriors, tops No Way, 54-52 (35 and Over)

By Jun Rana

This is as good as it gets.

Unheralded Jay Baltazar's barreling lay-up shot with 8 seconds to go lifted the GK Warriors to a heart pounding 54-52 win over No Way (Maricas) in Day 4 of the 35 and Over Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro. The barreling lay-up, shot reminiscent of Philippine basketball legend Robert Jaworski, proved to be the winning basket as No Way missed their shot as time expired in the final possession of the game.

No way had actually mounted a huge comeback as they were down by seven at 49-42 with 3 minutes and 48 seconds remaining. However Ramil Magpantay and Eric Dollete of No Way triggered a 7-0 kamikaze attack to tie the count at 49 all, time down to 2 minutes in the game. Dollete hit a three point shot during that span. In the ensuing possession Tony Astoveza missed a shot but was fouled on the act of shooting. He converted two free throws to give the lead back to the Warriors, 51-49, time down to one minute and 30 seconds.

In the next possession, No Way found an open Norman Aquino who made a three point shot to give the lead back to No Way, 52-51, with over a minute left in the game. At this point the No Way fans in the arena were in frenzy and jumping for joy. In the ensuing possession, Baltazar took a shot and missed but was fouled on the act of shooting. He made one of two free throws to tie the game at 52 all, time down to 40 seconds. Still, No Way had a chance to win the game, but missed a crucial shot in its next possession. The Warriors grabbed the rebound with time down to 15 seconds.

Warriors Coach Herb Monsalud called a timeout to set up their final play in the next possession while No Way Coach Paul Micarsos gave his last minute instructions in the dramatic battle. In their next defensive sequence No Way focused on the Warriors big man Jim Reynolds, Astoveza and Dennis Balagtas. Baltazar who only had 3 points at that point went unnoticed and made the game winning shot to the delight of the screaming Warriors fans.

Early in the game the Warriors and No Way Team were locked in a tight battle. With 7 minutes left in the first half, the score was tied at 18 all. However the Warriors Big Three, Astoveza, Reynolds and Balagtas engineered a 13-4 run to finish the half at 31-22 in favor of the Warriors. Ramil Magpantay kept No Way in the thick of the fight with 10 points at halftime. He was ably supported by Marlowe Ulit and Aquino with 4 points apiece.

The second half saw a more energized No Way who answered the Warriors basket for basket. El Persons made his impact, and together with Magpantay, Dollete and Ulit quelled the challenge of Astoveza and Balagtas of the Warriors. No Way’s perseverance paid off as they tied the game at 49 all.

With the win, the Warriors grabbed the lead in the division with a 2-1 win loss record, ahead of No Way with a 1-1 record and the Delaware Titans with a 1-2 record.

Box Scores:
54 - GK Warriors: Tony Astoveza, 19; Dennis Balagtas, 14; Jim Reynolds, 10; Jay Baltazar, 5; Sonny De La Torre, 4; Ed Padilla, 2

52 – No Way: Ramil Magpantay,16, El Persons, 8; Marlowe Ulit, 7; Norman Aquino, 7; Eric Dollete, 7 Arnold Dawinan, 4; Riki Makasakit, 2; Alex Alday, 1

D4: Baltimore Dragons Fantastic Five Blasted No Way, 71-53 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

Perhaps inspired by the physical stamina, endurance and determination of Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, the Baltimore Dragons played with only five players in the entire game and gallantly fought their way to victory over No Way (Maricas) in Day 4 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. And the Baltimore Dragons had done it with its coach Ed Padilla playing and with no players fouling out during the entire game. It was the third win against one loss for the Dragons to assume solo second place in the Open Division elimination round.

In the first half, the Dragons and No Way fought evenly. With RJ Buzon, Paco Estrada, Jackie Brosoto and Sebastian Cabrera leading the offense, the Dragons were only up 19-18 with 7 minutes remaining at the half. BJ Advento was leading the No Way attack at that point. The first half ended with the Dragons leading by only five, 28-23. With ten players present however, No Way was in a good position to upset the Dragons, as one the of Dragon players, Paco Estrada already had 3 fouls.

Estrada, Cabrera, Brosoto and Buzon engineered an 18-9 run to increase the Dragon’s lead to 46-30 in the second half, with 14 minutes remaining in the game. The Dragons did it with a combination of three point shooting and lay ups, with point guard Jackie Brosoto directing plays. Estrada had 2 three pointers and Buzon had one three pointer in that decisive stretch. Cabrera also provided the much needed rebounds for the Dragons in that stretch. It was that spurt that all the Dragons need to break away from No Way.

The Dragons then coasted to victory by trading baskets with No Way and ensuring that they kept themselves out of foul trouble, which they did the rest of the game. Dave Setters, Advento and Bryan Stevenson tried to mount a rally for No Way. However, No Way could not make several defensive stops as the tireless Dragons answered their shots basket for basket until the final buzzer which ended 71-53.

Estrada, a reserve in last year’s Baltimore Dragons team which placed second to GK Warriors in last year’s tournament had shown tremendous improvement in his game from last year. He top scored for the Dragons with 20 points. Buzon and Cabrera had 17 points apiece. BJ Advento led No Way scorers with 15 points, followed by Dave Setters with 11 points.

Despite the loss, No Way hanged on to fourth place in the tournament in a tie with Dynamic with a 1-2 win-loss record.

Box Scores:
71 – Baltimore: Paco Estrada, 20; RJ Buzon, 17, Sebastian Cabrera, 17; Jackie Brosoto, 14; Ed Padilla, 3

53 – No Way: BJ Advento, 15, Dave Setters, 11, Bryan Stevenson, 8; Jones Salpan, 6; Alex Alday, 4; Rod Campalan, 4; El Persons 3; Kenneth Savella, 2

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: GK Warriors routs No Way Team, 85-58 (Open Division)

by Jun Rana / Photo by Poochie Roldan

Defending champion GK Warriors open its bid for a third straight championship in the Open Division by unloading 14 three pointers, 5 of them by Ryan De Gracia, to rout a fighting No Way (Maricas) Team, 85-58 in the opening day of the PAAD Palaro at the PAL Hockessin on June 12 (Philippine Independence Day). De Gracia finished with a game high 21 points.

It was Dustin Coloso, son of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Tim Coloso of the famous Toyota Corollas and Tamaraws who carried the fight n the first half with 12 points, including 2 three pointers. Coloso combined with Curtis Clemente who had 7 points in the first half, to put the game beyond recall 37-13, with 3 minutes remaining in the first half. Curtis Clemente, Mario Lancioni, Santini Lancioni, and Chris Clemente and Ryan De Guzman had one three pointer each in the first half, which ended 42-15 in GK’s favor.

The Warriors also displayed its tough defense which No Way had little success penetrating. Coach Paul Micarsos who was voted as the best coach of the 2009 season tried to rally his players to rise to the challenge. BJ Advento answered the call by finishing with a team high 7 points in the first half, including a triple. However, Advento did not get enough support from his teammates.

No Way made a game of it in the second half, but hardly made a dent in the lead of the Warriors who did not relax a bit in their opening triumph. It was in the second half when Ryan De Gracia put on a three point shooting clinic with five three pointers. No Way went down fighting however as Arnold Dawinan and Dave Setters discovered their shooting touch to combine for 21 points in the second half. In the end however, the superior line up of the GK Warriors proved too much for No Way Team to overcome.

“The Warriors played very hard and we got the win,” said Warrior team manager Doctor Mel Madarang. “The Warriors outplayed us and they are a much better team than last year. They have a very deep line-up,“ said Micarsos, playing coach of No Way Team.

For Coach Herb Monsalud and his charges, there is no better way to start than this resounding win over No Way, a giant first step for the Warriors to be crowned as the first three-peat champion of the PAAD Palaro League.

Box Scores:
85 - Warriors: Ryan De Gracia, 21; Dustin Coloso, 14; Curtis Clemente, 12; Dennis Balagtas, 7; Leo Yanogacio 6; Ryan De Guzman, 5; Mario Lancioni, 5; Santini Lancioni, 5; Chris Clemente, 5; Ian Clemente, 3; Sonny De la Torre, 2
58 - No Way (Maricas): Arnold Dawinan, 14; BJ Advento, 13; Dave Setters, 11; Kenneth Savella, 6; Alex Alday, 5; Jones Salpan, 4; Malowe Ulit,3; El Persons, 2