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.

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

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

Chairman's Corner: Former PBA Player Yoyoy Villamin may play on Saturday, July 31st

Dear All,

The PAAD Palaro fans and the community may be in for a treat. Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Player Yoyoy Villamin may play this Saturday with the Baltimore Dragons. Yoyoy Villamin, a.k.a. Bicolano Superman and also the other half of the "Bruise Brothers", played for the famous Crispa Redmanizers, Manila Beer, Sunkist and Hills Brothers in the PBA. He needs to play in the last two games of the Baltimore Dragons so that he can qualify to play in the semi-finals.

The Baltimore Dragons have already qualified for the semi-finals. Three wins is the magic number to make it in the semi-finals, and Baltimore currently has a 3-1 win loss record.

Under the PAAD Rules and Regulations, Yoyoy Villamin is eligible to play in the PAAD Tournament, since ex-PBA Players who has not played during the last 5 years in the PBA is allowed to play in the tournament. Villamin last played in the PBA in the 1990’s.

So to all basketball fans, please come to the PAL Center at 10:15 AM. Baltimore plays Wala Sa Ayos at 10:30 AM. You may be in for a treat as there is a good chance that Yoyoy Villamin will play on Saturday, July 31.

Thank you very much. Maraming salamat po.

Best regards,

Jun Rana
Chairman
PAAD Sports Committee 2010

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: Delaware Dabarkads beats Elkton Elitz, 21-19, 21-19 (Mixed Volleyball)

Delaware Dabarkads prevailed over Elkton Elitz in two hotly contested sets, 21-19, 21-19 in the PAAD Palaro 2010 Mixed Volleyball Tournament. It was the second straight win for Dabarkads to lead the tournament with 2-0 win-loss record. The Elitz suffered its second straight loss that put them into a 0-2 win-loss record. Idle L’Spikers de-volleyball (HWBCI) is in second place with a 1-1 card.

The top ranked team in the double round robin elimination round will advance to the finals on August 14. The second place and third place teams will have a play-off game with the winner advancing to the finals.

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: 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

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

D4: Santini Lancioni 's 51 Points Powers GK over Red Bulls, 129-83 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

Erupting with the ferocity of the Philippines Mount Pinatubo, Santini Lancioni scored a majestic record breaking 51 points to power the GK Warriors to a 129-83 romp over Red Bulls in Day 4 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. Lancioni finished the game with 14 three pointers in the most spectacular individual performance ever in the history of the PAAD Palaro league. It was the third win for the tournament leader Warriors - the only unbeaten team in the Open Division.

In the first half, it was clear that the Warriors wanted to deliver the knockout punch early in the game. The Warriors waxed hot early on in the three point range, converting twelve of them in the first half, seven by Santini Lancioni, two by Dustin Coloso and one each by Mario Lancioni (brother of Santini) and Dennis Balagtas. Red Bulls could only manage three rainbow shots, two by Raymond Latoga and one by Jake Cortez.

However, it was not only in the three point territory where the Warriors outgunned Red Bulls in the first half. The Warriors accurate mid range jump shots and layups netted them 36 points, ten more than Red Bulls. And with the firepower from Santini Lancioni, Mario Lancioni, Coloso, Balagatas and Ian Clemente, the Warriors opened up the game with a 34 point margin in the first half, 69-35. And at that point, it was all over but the shouting. At the end of the first half, Santini Lancioni already had 23 points and Mario Lancioni, 17 points. Meanwhile Latoga led the Red Bulls charge with 8 points and Frank Concepcion followed with 6 points.

In the second half, Santini Lancioni continued his three point shooting assault, converting seven more three pointers, to the delight of the fans. Latoga of the Red Bulls countered with five triples of his own in the second half. However, the Warriors have too many weapons at their arsenal. With Santini Lancioni waxing hot at all angles, Balagtas and Coco Clemente provided much needed support as the Warriors extended their lead to 109-61 with just 10 minutes remaining. Coach Karl Malicdem of Red Bulls prodded his players to fight on. Latoga, Frank Concepcion and Cortez responded and fought gamely for Red Bulls and tried to reduce the deficit, but to no avail. With both teams just trading baskets, the Warriors coasted to an easy victory with the final score at 129-83.

Coach Herb Monsalud and his charges need only one more win to secure a semi-finals berth. And at the rate GK Warriors are playing, they are on course to grab the top seed in the semi-finals.

Box Scores:
129- GK Warriors: Santini Lancioni, 51; Mario Lancioni, 22; Dennis Balagtas, 18; Dustin Coloso, 13; Coco Clemente, 9; Ian Clemente, 8; Ryan De Guzman, 4, Leo Yanogacio, 2; Herb Monsalud, 2

83 – Red Bulls: Raymond Latoga, 23; Frank Concepcion, 15; Jake Cortez, 12; Sam Borromeo, 10; Ben Wu, 6; Paul Tan, 6; Rysal Castro, 4; Jet Deleste, 4; Karl Malicdem, 3