Defending champions San Beda Red Cubs and Red Lions will take on separate opponents to begin the second round of NCAA Season 89 on Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.

Red Lions are looking to roar back against Lyceum Pirates after dropping a 74-67 result last week to Letran.

Tied with Perpetual Help for second place, the senior dribblers from Mendiola will also go for payback for the 70-66 upset loss they suffered to the Pirates last June 24.

Lyceum is aiming to repeat that performance to improve its 3-6 slate and break a three-team tie for seventh place. The Pirates are coming off a 60-55 victory against San Sebastian last Monday.

Meanwhile, San Beda Red Cubs will try to continue its winning streak as they battle the Junior Pirates at 2PM.

source: InterAktv
You’re probably aware by now that the 89th NCAA basketball tournament is fast turning into a three-cornered fight as what Sportsmaryosep predicted before the season even started. There is not much gap among these three teams we’re grading below as Letran defeated San Beda, which downed Perpetual Help, which trounced Letran. So don’t be shocked if one of them emerged from the ashes as champion.

The key, of course, is to finish No. 1 because finishing No. 2 at the end of the double-round elimination means clashing with No. 3 in the Final Four. And we all know the worst these current top three teams could finish is at No. 3 right? So expect the second round to be a tougher grind for everyone because the mad dash to the Final Four will be two-tiered.

San Beda (7-2)

What went right?

Minus their first two games where they sleep-walked to a one-point win over the St. Benilde Blazers and a painful defeat to the Lyceum Pirates, the Lions, like a killing machine, have rolled and devoured almost everyone in their path. Ola Adeogun and Baser Amer have played greatly after that shock setback to Boni Tan’s charges. Art dela Cruz too. Never mind his forgettable performance in their loss to the Knights. Their defense has also shown wonders being the the No. 1 team in points allowed.

What went wrong?

Inconsistency. The Lions have shown some losses of concentration not just in their two defeats but also in some of their wins. One example is their game with Perpetual where they’ve lead by a mile, blew it before coming through in the end. Against Letran, they couldn’t cash in when they had the chance. Okay, let’s give them some leeway because they’re probably adjusting to the system being implemented by their new coach in Boyet Fernandez, who likes giving credit where credit is due. But I’m used to a team that literally fight and claw their way to wins, blowouts or otherwise. Have you seen how they swept their way to the tile just a few years ago?

What Madam Auring says?

I’m still waiting for that mighty ROAR by the Lions. Without disrespecting the other players, Adeogun is the best player in the league right now. He SHOULD be. For now, and probably the rest of the season, Raymond Almazan has outshone Ola. But somewhere along the way, Adeogun will impose his might. It will be a disaster if San Beda ends up No. 3. So time to sharpen up the claws and fangs boys because it’s going to be war from now on.

Grade: A-

Read the rest of the entry here

San Beda College continued to rule the NCAA swimming competitions, bagging the men’s and women’s crowns anew on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Swimming Pool.

The Sea Lions cruised to their 12th straight championship as they amassed 1,230.25 points after three days of competition, while the Lady Sea Lions garnered 1001.5 points for its third title.

St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo, meanwhile, filled the podium spots in both divisions, with the Blazers finishing second (689.75 points in men’s; 837.75 in women’s) and the Generals third (374.5 men’s; 457 women’s).

Miguel Lorenzo Gonzaga, meanwhile, bagged the men’s MVP plum accounting for 112 points of St. Benilde while Ma. Areza Lipat claimed the women’s best swimmier with 125 markers.

In the juniors division, St. Benilde-La Salle Greenhills narrowly edged San Beda, 978-976, for its 10th consecutive championship.

source: Inquirer

The San Beda College Red Lions’ road to victory starts with being healthy.

One of the keys to better health is good exercise. Whether this is by actively engaging in sports or making simple choices like riding a bicycle to run errands or taking the stairs, exercise can make the difference between a fit body and a sluggish lump of mass.

Regular physical activity contributes to overall health when combined with a proper diet and avoiding habits such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. This is why the San Beda Red Lions, one of the teams to watch out for in the 89th season of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), are out to win their fourth consecutive title through good health.

“I make sure that the team is well-prepared in every game and well-motivated. I tell them that if we want to achieve our goals as a team, being healthy and staying healthy is an important factor in our quest for another championship,” said Coach Teodorico “Boyet” Fernandez, who won a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) championship coaching Sta. Lucia Realty in 2007.

The team is one of leading advocates of Pilipinas Go4Health, the nationwide healthy lifestyle movement led by the Department of Health (DOH). Pilipinas Go4Health is part of global efforts to address the threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which claim over 36 million lives each year worldwide.

“We chose to join Pilipinas Go4Health because this movement is aimed at helping our fellow Filipinos and persuading them to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Rome de la Rosa, team captain. “This campaign brings awareness and works to bring about changes in the environment to address physical inactivity, improper diet, drinking, and smoking.”

The 2013 line-up includes 11 of the players who bagged the 2012 trophy, as well as five of the “super six,” namely, Francis Abarcar, Ritchie Villaruz, Jun Bonsubre, Yvan Ludovice, Art Dela Cruz and Dave Moralde, who swept last season’s games en route to a third championship. Rounding out the players are Van Abatayo, Ola Adeogun, NCAA finals MVP Baser Amer, Ryusei Koga, Jaypee Mendoza, Kyle Pascual, Dan Sara, team captain Rome de la Rosa, and twins Anthony and David Semerad.

The right balance

The Red Lions are preparing to “Roar4Four” and defend their three-peat championship. Had the team won in the 85th season in 2009, the San Beda Red Lions would have seven consecutive championships under their belt.

“We started preparing since the summer, with the support of [Chairman to the Board of Trustees of San Beda College] Manny V. Pangilinan,” said Coach Boyet. “The team went to the US to have our yearly summer basketball training, with workouts and practice almost daily to prepare for this season’s games.”

Balancing academics and sports is a challenge for all players, but the team has it down pat. “We have to prioritize our schedule by knowing what comes first and setting aside any extracurricular activity that may not be necessary,” said de la Rosa. “Being a student athlete, time management is a challenge. Since we practice in the morning, our classes are all in the afternoon.”

“After we practice, we shift our focus to school. So during our afternoons and evenings we give way to doing our school work or studying for an upcoming quiz or exam.”

On the pressure of being the college’s representative in the much-awaited seasons of the NCAA, de la Rosa had this to say: “We make sure we take it one game a time. Basketball is just like a class, we have to learn and study each opponent we face.”

“I make sure I exercise everyday in order to stay in good shape,” de la Rosa said. As part of their exercise routine, the team practices every morning for two to three hours, followed by lifting of weights. A regular workout consists of conditioning drills such as running, which “keeps us in the best shape possible.”

Diet also plays a significant role in the Red Lions’ recipe to success. The right nutrition is important for any athlete, which comes with a balanced diet. “I make sure I eat vegetables and food high in protein and carbohydrates. I do cut back on certain types of food, like fast food and fried food,” shared the team captain.

Carbohydrate intake is key to sports training. Carbohydrates are known to provide “fuel” or energy to bodies, which improves performance. Not having enough carbohydrates to burn while exercising may result in fatigue and an effect on performance. Food rich in complex carbohydrates, which are important in high-intensity activities, include cereals, pasta, bread, and whole grains.

“We believe in the campaign. Being healthy is an asset to one’s life,” shared coach Boyet. As the team prepares to roar for four, they advocate only one thing: a healthy lifestyle. “Stay out of vices like smoking and drugs,” he advised. “Exercise often, drink lots of water, and get enough sleep.”

“If you want to live a long and productive life, I suggest you start now by eating right and living healthy,” added dela Rosa. “Get involved in sports, or just take time to exercise.”

For more information about the movement, please visit http://go4health.ph.

source: GMA News
Philippine Women’s University, San Beda College-Alabang and St. Jude Catholic School kicked off their campaign on a high note, winning twin matches during the opening weekend of the 44th WNCAA.

PWU blasted Miriam College, 90-54, on August 10, Saturday, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, to join defending champion Centro Escolar University, which whipped Rizal Technological University, 72-49, for the early lead in senior basketball.

On August 11, Sunday, at the St. Scholastica’s College gym in Manila, San Beda-Alabang downed Assumption College, 75-40, while St. Jude made it a double whammy for Assumption with a 44-20 victory in the junior division.

At the RTU gym in Mandaluyong also last Sunday, PWU beat host University of Asia and the Pacific, 25-22, 25-13, 25-17; San Beda-Alabang bested La Consolacion College, Manila, 25-13, 25-18, 25-23; and St. Jude triumphed over Assumption in the junior level, 25-17, 25-17, 25-23.

Also winning during the opening weekend were La Salle College, Antipolo over St. Paul College, Pasig, 57-19, and Miriam College against Angelicum College, 46-28, in the junior level; Poveda against St. Paul, 30-16, in the midgets division; and in seniors fight, St. Scholastica’s College over La Consolacion, 61-53.

Other volleyball winners were Chiang Kai Shek College against St. Stephen’s High School, 24-25, 25-18, 25-10, 25-14, in the juniors division; and in the seniors level, Miriam over Assumption, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15, 24-26, 15-6, and RTU against St. Scholastica, 25-11, 25-12, 25-16.

The country’s only tri-level for women being supported by Cafe Lupe Antipolo, OneA Family KTV and Sports Bar, Jeunesse, Molten, Mikasa, Goody, MJP Printing Press, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Alpha Insurance and Surety Company and School Bus Clothing resumes on August 17, Saturday, with five basketball matches at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Here's the  day 1 results of the NCAA Season 89 Swimming competition held at the Rizal Memorial Complex Swimming Pool.

JUNIORS: (Junior Sea Lions)

1. 400 M Freestyle
Jose Mari Sebastian Arcilla (Gold)

2. 50 M Breast 
Jasper Casino (Silver)

3. 100 M Back
Anthony Navarro (Gold)

4. 100 M Fly 
Joshua Casino (Silver)

5. 200 M IM
Jose Mari Arcilla (Gold)

6. 200 M Free 
San Beda College (Gold)

WOMEN'S: (Lady Sea Lions)

1. 400 M Freestyle
Frances Cabrera (Gold)
Patricia Ella Garcia (Bronze)

2. 50 M Breast
Gia Nico Balabag (Silver)

3. 100 M Back
Lorelie Lora (Gold)
Michaela Carla Chua (Silver)

4. 100 M Fly
Frances Cabrera (Silver)
Patricia Ella Garcia (Bronze)

5. 200 M IM
Lorelie Lora (Silver)

6. 200 M Free
San Beda College (Gold)

MEN'S (SEA LIONS)

1. 400 M Freestyle
Lorenz Joshua Francisco (Gold)
Joselito Vinluan (Bronze)

2. 50 M Breast
Andrei Lorenzo Manzo (Gold)

3. 100 M Back
Christian Dimaculangan (Silver)
Edmundo Villa Del Rey (Bronze)

4. 100 M Fly
Wilfredo Sunglao (Gold)
Ruentone Ventura Jugar (Bronze)

5. 200 M IM
Andrei Lorenzo Manzo (Gold)
Joselito Vinluan (Silver)

6. 200 M Free
San Beda College (Gold)

Count after Day 1 of competition:

JUNIORS:
Gold - 4
Silver - 2

WOMEN'S:
Gold - 3
Silver - 4
Bronze - 2

MEN'S:
Gold - 5
Silver - 2
Bronze - 3

Our Sea Lions gun for its 12th straight title while our Lady Sea Lions aim for a 3-peat this season. Meanwhile, Junior Sea Lions will try to end LSGH Greenies' 9-year domination in Junior's swimming.

source: Pula Facebook page/Mr. Mike Rubio


San Beda played as if the title was on the line, but it was Letran which looked every inch like a champion last night.

Letran pulled off a rousing 74-67 victory over defending champion San Beda to regain the solo lead after the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament before a huge crowd at MOA Arena.

Raymond Almazan and Reneford Ruaya scored most of the Knights’ fourth-quarter points as Letran nailed its eighth win in nine games.

“There was a challenge, and I think the boys wanted to prove something,” said Letran coach Caloy Garcia.

The Red Lions fell to 7-2.

In junior's match-up, San Beda Red Cubs remained unblemish with 9-0 win-loss record in expense of Letran Squires, 100-86.

source: Inquirer



The NCAA couldn’t have picked a better game to resume action after a prolonged break.

Letran and San Beda breathe new fire into the league’s most heated rivalry when they collide on Saturday at the resumption of the men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Tipoff is set at 6 p.m. in a rematch of last year’s Finals.

The Knights, last year’s losing finalists, had been having a smooth ride to start the season before a determined University of Perpetual Help snapped a long winning streak or their best start since 2005.

The three-time defending champion Lions, on the other hand, have been slowly but surely regaining their fierce form since sustaining a stunning defeat at the hands of Lyceum.

Now knotted at the top with 7-1 win-loss cards, the archrivals are expected to go all out not only for the top spot in the standings, but bragging rights and school pride as well.

And something’s got to give.

“It’s the most anticipated game of the first round,” Lions star guard Baser Amer said on Friday. “The winner of the game will finish number one at the end of the first round, which will mean a lot to me, my team, and my community.”

The 66-80 loss to Perpetual that ended a seven-game winning streak gave the Knights a reminder who the best team in the league still is.

“We know that San Beda is still the number one team,” Knights coach Caloy Garcia said. “We just have to play harder.”

Garica, though, insists the pressure is still on the Lions, who are now the league’s hottest team with six straight victories.

“Actually, there’s no pressure really on us kasi we’re not even seeded at the start of the season,” Garcia, who took over from multi-titled Louie Alas this season, said. “We just have to come out more prepared and determined.”

The Lions will have their hands full against dynamic duo Raymond Almazan and Mark Cruz, as well as a proven supporting cast led by Kevin Racal and Rey Nambatac.

“It will be a tough match-up for us,” Lions coach Boyet Fernandez said. “Cruz has been playing well, Almazan is putting up MVP-like numbers.”

“But I do trust my boys,” Fernandez added. “If we continue to play the way we’ve been playing, I think we have a fair chance against Letran.”

Coming off a dominant 83-64 victory over undermanned San Sebastian, the Lions continue to lean on Nigerian slotman Ola Adeogun, versatile forward Art dela Cruz, and playmaker Amer.

source: Spin.ph

NANJING – Fatigue finally caught up with the Philippine 3-on-3 basketball team as it squandered a huge lead before bowing to Iran, 16-14, in their quarterfinals match on Thursday evening in the 2nd Asian Youth Games.

The Filipino dribblers, who came here one man short, took a big 9-1 lead only to allow the Iranians to catch up and grab the lead at 14-13 in the final 48 seconds.

The loss was the second straight in the last two weeks for a Philippine cage team against Iran in an Asian competition after Gilas Pilipinas lost to Hamed Hadadi and his powerhouse team in the Finals of the 27th Fiba-Asia Championship in Manila, 85-71.

“It was a won ballgame but playing here minus one player as substitute has already taken its toll on our players,” said coach Nic Jorge. "But they still fought hard." 

The loss to Iran was followed by another 21-18 defeat to Malaysia in the consolation pool.

The 3-on-3 team was formed at the last minute after original choices John Paul Cauilan, Thirdy Ravena, and Renzo Subido begged off due to conflict with their studies.

“Kaya we’re playing at a disadvantage. May isa lang na ma-injure, wala na tayong players,” PH chef de mission Nathaniel `Tac’ Padillar bared to Spin.ph.

As it is, the trio of Red Cub Joshua Andrei Caracut, George Isaac Go and Patrick Ramirez had been playing all throughout the tournament without a substitute and played their fourth game against the Iranians after earlier victories over Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Maldives.

The Filipino dribblers, who can get the crowd here at the Wutaishan covered courts with their pleasing moves, were playing a consolation match as of post time.

source: Spin.ph

With a PBA title and four PBA D-League championships under his belt, San Beda College coach Boyet Fernandez is now aiming for an NCAA crown in his first season with the Red Lions varsity. It’s a huge challenge for the 2007-08 PBA Coach of the Year because the competition is stiff but Fernandez said the mission is doable. A gauge of how ready the Lions are to win with Fernandez will come in the Letran game at the Mall of Asia Arena this Saturday.

“I joined a winning program so there’s pressure on me to continue the streak,” said the 42-year-old Fernandez. “We’ve won three titles in a row so we’re shooting for a four-peat.  When I was asked to take over San Beda, Sir MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) told me it wouldn’t be possible to be with three teams. Practice with N-Lex is from 2 to 4 in the afternoon but practices with San Beda and Meralco are both in the morning. Management decided for me to focus on San Beda. I’m really excited to be a part of the San Beda program. The college spirit is so inspiring. The support from the entire Bedan community is solid. Alumni, faculty, students and administration are very passionate in backing up the Lions.”

Although he’s not from San Beda, Fernandez said he’s now red all over. “I brought in my long-time assistant Adonis (Tierra) because we work well together even if he’s also not from San Beda but I made it a point to surround ourselves with staff from San Beda, Ford Arao, J. B. Sison, Jay Serrano, Cholo Martin and Benjie Paras,” he said. “I told coach Jude (Roque) it’s almost like we’re all from San Beda.”

A college title is missing in Fernandez’ collection. In 2010, he coached UP to a 0-12 record in the UAAP. Now, it’s time for redemption. “I didn’t apply for the position at UP,” said Fernandez. “Coach Aboy (Castro) brought me in as a consultant then he suddenly resigned and I was asked to take his place two games into the season. I didn’t really know the players but they asked if I could help the team out. I told the officials I would do my best but for them to look for a replacement at the end of the year.”

Shaky Start 
San Beda got off to a shaky start this campaign, opening with a 71-70 decision over St. Benilde last June 22. Two days later, the Lions were ambushed by Lyceum, 70-66. Then, San Beda rattled off six straight wins by an average winning margin of 17.2, capped by an 83-64 demolition of San Sebastian last Aug. 12.

“We thought we could take care of Lyceum easily, judging from how they played in the FilOil Cup where we finished third,” said Fernandez. “I warned the guys not to take Lyceum lightly, that it’s a different team now. We played Lyceum almost back-to-back after a hard game against St. Benilde. But no excuses. It was a lesson for us, good it came early. We made adjustments in our rotation. Now, (Ryusei) Koga comes off the bench. Ola (Adeogun) starts at center with Kyle (Pascual) his reliever. I think the changes made us tougher with our second unit providing continuity.”

Fernandez said he has the pieces of a championship-caliber team. “Rome de la Rosa is our No. 1 defender, we put him on the other team’s top scorer,” he said. “Rome is also a scorer. Baser (Amer) plays a dual role. When we need a stabilizer, Baser plays point guard. If we need him to score, he moves to two. Arthur (de la Cruz) is another key contributor. We also have the Semerad brothers. Anthony is more of a perimeter player, he’s a good defender like his brother David who’s more of a post player. Ola, Kyle and Ryusei are vital for us. We’re on a six-game win streak but I’m always reminding our guys that things will be different in the second round. Teams will be better prepared to play us. We beat Perpetual by seven but they weren’t complete. Letran won seven in a row and (Raymund) Almazan is putting up MVP-like numbers. Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal are both scorers so we’ve got to limit their production. Almazan gets a lot of points from put-backs so we need to control his offensive rebounding. Ola and Kyle will rotate to defend Almazan.”

Versus Letran
Fernandez said Saturday’s game against Letran will be a tell-all show. “Obviously, we want to end the eliminations either No. 1 or No. 2 so we get a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs,” he said. “If we beat Letran, we’ll be in solo first. It’s a big test for us because we know how good they are. They play good defense and we play good defense, too. They play physical and tough but not rough. We’re aware of where their points come from. Rey (Nambatac) and Mark are big scorers in the backcourt so we’ll make sure they’re watched closely. It’s a long season and in the second round, it’ll be a different ball game as I expect other teams to adjust and improve. We’ve got to be ready to play hard every game.”

What makes Fernandez stand out as a coach is his ability to inspire his players. For 12 years, he was a crack point guard in the PBA with Sta. Lucia, Alaska, Pop Cola and Purefoods. And he played on several national teams. Fernandez is known for his high basketball IQ, something that he now shares with N-Lex and San Beda. Aside from that, he’s a regular guy, very hands-on. Fernandez spends a lot of time at the Mendiola campus, even monitoring the progress of San Beda’s Team B closely in the Fr. Martin’s Cup. He may not be a Beda alumnus but now thinks and acts like a red-blooded Lion. For Fernandez, it would be an honor to bring a fourth straight NCAA title to Mendiola.


 San Beda College will begin to defend their men's and women's swimming title in the opening of 89th NCAA Swimming competition on August 20 at the Rizal Memorial swimming pool in Manila.

Sea Lions seek to continue their domination in the men's division which they held for the past eleven years. Also targeting for a three-peat this season are the Lady Sea Lions after revoking the title from the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazer last Season 87.

Expected to lead the Sea Lions is last year's MVP, Wilfredo Sunglao who pocketed six gold medals and two silver last season.

As usual, expected to serve as a major obstacle and threat to title retention bid by San Beda is the perennial runner-up College of St. Benilde Blazers and the San Sebastian College Stags who would again be headed by Samuel Gergorio Ongjoco also winner of six gold medals last year for which records are all breaking peats.

The three-day meet will start with six events including 400 meter freestyle, 50 meter breaststroke, 100 meter backstroke, 100 meter butterfly, 200 meter individual medley and 4 x 50 meter freestyle relay. All events will dive into three divisions - juniors, followed by the women's and lastly the senior's tournament. 

source: Balita

St. Francis of Assisi College-Las Piñas hopes to defend its men’s basketball crown even with a new roster when Season 15 of the NCAA South unfolds on Aug. 16.

“Most of our players from last year have graduated so the challenge for us this season is how these new players will perform,” said St. Francis president Dr. Arturo Orosco Jr.

The Doves surprisingly captured the crown on their maiden run last year where they downed the Don Bosco-Mandaluyong Grey Wolves in the title series.

“We’re better this year,” said Br. Joselito dela Cruz SDB, Don Bosco representative to the policy board. “We fell short last year but we started rebuilding last summer.”

Making the competition tougher is the addition of Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite as the 11th team this season.

“EAC aready has experience in collegiate basketball,” Orosco added during a press conference yesterday at Sen. Diokno Hall in La Salle Lipa.

“Every team has a good opportunity to make it to the top,” added Dr. Fe Medina of Lyceum-Batangas, defending champion in women’s basketball. “We’ve also been training since summer. We’re hopeful we can retain the crown.”

A city motorcade kicks off the opening celebration, which will be participated  in by over 2,000 students of season host La Salle Lipa.

“The school members aim to promote excellence,” said La Salle Lipa president and chancellor Br. Joaquin Martinez FSC, the policy board chair. “Excellence is simply not in the classroom. Schools look at excellence in every field of endeavor, and sports is definitely a hallmark of any good school.”

San Pablo College returns this season, while University of Batangas, First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (Faith)-Tanauan, Perpetual Laguna, Letran-Calamba and San Beda College-Alabang round out the field.  Volleyball and chess also fires off in the first semester.

source: Inquirer

The much awaited first round matchup between NCAA's biggest rivals - San Beda College and Colegio de San Juan de Letran - will happen on the 24th of August to be held at the state-of-the-art SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The clash, which falls on a Saturday will end the first round of action in Men’s Basketball. As of this writing, the Letran Knights are still undefeated with a 7-0 mark while the Red Lions are at solo second with a 7-1 mark. Letran still has to face the dangerous Perpetual Help Altas on August 15 before facing four-peat seeking San Beda.

A tweet on the social network site Twitter from Fr. Vic Calvo of Letran confirmed the news. ” @victor88calvo — LCvsSBCaug24venueMOA5pm…”

The time of the said match was moved to 6pm.

Due to the demand of supporters from the two schools, the NCAA decided to move the venue of the game to a bigger venue. The game would have been played at the regular venue at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

In a text message from NCAA Season 89 Mancom Chairman Dax Castellano, he also confirmed that the venue for the August 24 games will be at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In the final memo given out by the NCAA Management today, August 14, the schedules for the last two days of the first round of eliminations will be as follows:

August 22, 2013 Thursday at San Juan Arena

4:00 pm — Mapua vs. EAC (Juniors)
6:00 pm — Mapua vs. EAC (Seniors)

August 24, 2013 Saturday at the SM MALL OF ASIA ARENA, Pasay

12nn — Arellano vs. JRU (Juniors)
2pm — San Beda vs. Letran (Juniors)
4pm — Arellano vs. JRU (Seniors)
6pm — San Beda vs. Letran (Seniors)

source: NCAA.org.ph
The third sport to open this first semester will take the center stage on August 20.

The San Beda Swimming Team will once again have the chance to defend their title when the 89th season swimming competition opens shop at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.

Speedo, who has been sponsoring the competition for the past couple of years had another contract signing event with the NCAA last Friday, August 2 at the Letran campus in Intramuros.

Led by Dax Castellano, the chairman of this season from the College of Saint Benilde, other members of the Management Committee also witnessed the event.

Present were Moises Lozada from this year’s competition host University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, Peter Cayco from Arellano University, Melchor Divina from Mapua Institute of Technology, Marlon Carlos from Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Mari Lacson from San Beda College, Frank Gusi from San Sebastian College, Paul Supan from Jose Rizal University and Hercules Callanta from Lyceum of the Philippines University. Not present is Fr. Vic Calvo of Letran College.

The San Beda College Sea Lions will again take the center stage as all eyes will be on them again. They will have another shot for another championship run in order to retain the crown at Mendiola.

The San Beda Lady Sea Lions will also have the chance to defend their title this year while the College of Saint Benilde-La Salle Greenhills Greenies will try to win another title in the juniors division of the tournament.

source: NCAA.org.ph
The San Beda Red Lions and the Lyceum Philippines University Pirates rolled to their third straight victories after routing separate foes in the 11th Fr Martin Division 2 Cup last Saturday.

Pierre Tankoua had 14 points while Daryl Nazareno and Alfred Sedilla fired 11 each as the Red Lions beat the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 65-53, at the Arellano University Gym.

Sedilla scored two triples in the first period as the Red Lions pulled ahead, 18-7, and never looked back.

The Red Lions improved their win-loss record to 4-1 in Group B.

Meanwhile, Cameroonian Guy Essono scored 24 points for the Pirates to power their rout of San Sebastian, 80-57.

Essono had 11 points in the third quarter alone to help the Pirates break the game open, 58-39, after leading by just three points, 25-22, at the half.

With their win, Lyceum moved past the University of the East Red Warriors in the standings in Group A.

In another senior encounter, the National University Bulldogs leaned on Alfred Aroga, who scored 26 points, as they beat the Angeles University Foundation Great Danes, 86-60, and improve to 2-1 in the tournament.

In the juniors division, the Mapua Red Robins defeated the Jose Rizal Light Bombers, 64-61, behind a 15-point performance from Michael Rodriguez.

The San Benildo Blazing Wolves won their first game after routing the Letran Squires 75-72, with Jayson Cervantes scored 25 points.

source: ABS-CBN News
Not even a long break could slow down defending champion San Beda.

The Red Lions picked up where they left off with a masterful 83-64 win over the San Sebastian Stags in the resumption of the NCAA Season 89 men’s basketball tournament Monday night at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Red Lions, gunning for their fourth consecutive championship, roared to their sixth win in a row after a 1-1 start.

Forward Art dela Cruz starred with 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals while heady point guard Baser Amer had 15 points.

San Beda was hardly affected by a long break in lieu of the just concluded FIBA Asia Championship as it got off to a fast start before blowing the game open in the second quarter.

With Leo de Vera and CJ Perez in check and John Ortuoste out, the Stags failed to get into their rhythm.

The Red Lions’ lead swelled as the game went on and even reached 20, 73-53, late on a triple by dela Cruz with only 2:43 remaining.

Meanwhile, the Red Cubs remained unbeaten in juniors division clobbering the Staglets, 87-75. The Recto-based junior cagers drops to 7-1 leaving the Rizal dribblers on top with 8-0 record.

De Vera and Perez combined for just 10 points as San Sebastian staggered to 4-4. San Beda’s graduating skipper Rome dela Rosa added 14 points.

source: Inquirer
After a two-week hiatus to give way to the 11th Fiba Asia Championship games from August 1-11, the NCAA will resume action with an exciting doubleheader.

The San Beda Red Lions, coming off a pulsating 72-65 win over Perpeual Help will face the San Sebastian Stags in the main game at 6pm. Preceding the match is the tussle between the Arellano Chiefs and the College of Saint Benilde Blazers at 4.

San Sebastian on the other hand is coming off a heartbreaking 63-67 defeat from the hands of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers. The loss spoiled the return of SSCR head coach Topex Robinson after a two-game absence after joining the Alaska Aces in their US trip as a part of their championship bonus for winning the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown. Raymond Valenzona of the San Sebastian Staglets called the shots in Robinson’s absence and swept his two-game assignment.

San Beda is currently occupying the solo second with a 6-1 slate while the Stags are at a deadlock with JRU at the 3rd and 4th spots with identical 4-3 marks.

Gone are the days when the Stags rely on just three guys to pull them through but a new breed of stars are set to give the Red Lions a run for their money in their first meeting this season. Rookies Jamil Ortuoste, Bradwyn Guinto, Leo De Vera and CJ Perez are shining bright for San Sebastian since the opening of the current season. These four new faces at San Sebastian has taken over the shoes left behind by Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian Sangalang.

San Beda seems like they will not have a hard time as Ola Adeogun, Rome Dela Rosa, Art Dela Cruz and clutch player Baser Amer are all ready and armed to face the Stags for the first time this season.

An exciting matchup to watch out for in the juniors division tomorrow is the battle between the five peat seeking San Beda Red Cubs up against the San Sebastian Staglets. Both are still undefeated with similar 7-0 marks.

source: NCAA.org.ph
Always behind the scenes, but always behind the team—this would probably be the best description for the steadfast young men and women who have been drumming and cheering to support the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team in the Fiba Asia campaign, which started last Aug. 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Last July 17, Prof. Michael John Y. Rubio, mentor and moderator of the San Beda College Band, got a call asking the band to play for the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team for the duration of the Fiba Asia tournament.

After several days, on July 25, the gig was confirmed, and the San Beda College Band was now the official drummers for Gilas Pilipinas. The next day, Rubio sent audio files of the beats and the cheer to be used, for approval. In an interview, he said that he was happy to be given the opportunity to play for the country and for the Philippine team. This gig coming unexpectedly, the band immediately went to work and had uniforms made, and practised the new beats and the cheer to be used in the games.

In the 81 years of the band’s existence, this is probably the highest level at which the San Beda College Band has played. It has played in almost all the sporting events in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), in every championship, in the preseason and postseason basketball games, in all school events.

It has also played for the Meralco Bolts and the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Band president Jayson Leodones, asked how he felt about the chance to play for the national team, said, “I feel very lucky and honored to play for this team. Masarap magtrabaho kapag mahal mo ang ginagawa mo, lalo na kapag  ito ay para sa bansa.”

With the games of the 2013 Fiba Asia tournament being held here, the home crowd is expected to go all out in cheering for the national team. However, on the first day of competitions, in the matchup between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Gilas Pilipinas, it was noticeable that the seats weren’t filled up. There were possible reasons for such poor attendance—it was a weekday, or the crowd didn’t see the match as close, though they did give us a scare.

In contrast, the game against Jordan was jam-packed. It was a seesaw battle as they led at half time, until the home team staged a furious rally in the third. By this time, the crowd was already joining the cheer.

In the match against Chinese Taipei, the tickets were sold out. The crowd attendance in the bounce-back game against Japan and in the win over Qatar was also solid. The Philippines has entered the third round.

In the local collegiate leagues and tournaments, the band’s task was limited to playing beats, cheers and songs. However, the band realized soon enough that the NCAA and the Fiba Asia Championships were worlds apart.

Aug. 2 probably marked the first time the band acted out of character and its members spread out among the crowd, shouting their lungs out, cheering for the team which was then trailing behind the Jordanians. I asked several members why they went among the crowd and how they pulled it off. They said that it was out of necessity, and that they were there not only to play the drums but more important, to rally the crowd.

Indeed, they were like “sparkplugs” for cheering. They would shout “Laban Pilipinas,” then play the accompanying beat during offense, and shout a resounding “defense.”
And since hosting the Fiba Asia Championships doesn’t happen often, the band decided to add a very distinct flavor to the event by playing its signature beat, the Indian Yell, in one of the games, just so people would know from what school the drummers are from.

This year, students and alumni of San Beda have been proving their worth in the international sporting scene. With the San Beda Alabang Junior Cheerleading Squad winning silver and bronze in the 7th Cheerleading Asia International Championship last May in Tokyo, and LA Tenorio, a former Red Cub, being selected as one of the players in the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team, the “lion’s den” seems to be realizing its vision to be globally competitive.

Now, as the “sixth man” of the national team, the San Beda College Band aims to rev up the crowd behind Gilas Pilipinas, all the way to the top of Asian basketball. With school pride temporarily set aside, the band has also stayed true to the Bedan Hymn—“for San Beda, our country, and God. ”

source: Inquirer
The 89th Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association will open the Chess tournament as the second sport to open next to basketball this coming August 18 with the games to be played at the Letran and Arellano campuses.

Hosted by Colegio de San Juan de Letran, the opening ceremony and the opening day game will be played at the Letran campus while the remaining schedule of games will be at the Arellano campus in Legarda.

The games will last until September 17. If a championship game is necessary, the game will be played on September 20 also at Arellano.

Last year’s host for the Chess Tournament is University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Opening day games will be played 1:30-5:30 pm. The first game will be between defending champion San Sebastian and Lyceum of the Philippines University. The second game will be between the College of Saint Benilde and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

The third game for the day will feature Letran up against Jose Rizal University. Next will be the San Beda versus Mapua tiff. The last matchup for the day is between Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The defending champion for the juniors division of chess is Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

source: NCAA.org.ph
The NCAA is making the final steps to set up the highly-anticipated men’s basketball tournament meeting between San Beda and Letran at The Mall of Asia Arena.

The first-round matchup between the archrivals was originally slated on August 22, but was moved to accommodate the doubleheader featuring Arellano against Jose Rizal University, and Mapua opposite Emilio Aguinaldo, which were supposed to be played out of town on Monday (August 5).

The date for the San Beda-Letran match remains uncertain, but all signs seem to point to the MOA Arena as the venue of the much-awaited encounter.

“We are still finalizing the date, (but) most probably it will be in MOA,” Season 89 Mancom chairman Dax Castellano told Spin.ph on Saturday.

It will be the first meeting between the archrivals since Game Three of the Season 88 Finals last October, when the Lions outclassed the Knights, 67-39, to capture a third straight title.

The Knights have been lording over the standings this season, going unbeaten in seven games, while the Lions are not far behind with a 6-1 win-loss slate.

The MOA Arena, which has a capacity of 20,000, is currently the venue of most of the games of the ongoing Fiba-Asia men’s basketball championship, where Gilas Pilipinas is vying for a spot in the top three to gain a berth to the World Championships next year.

source: Spin.ph
San Beda College-Rizal dealt Ateneo-B its second straight loss, 59-22, to join idle Marist School-B on top of Group C in the SBP competition of the Best Centerorganized, Milo-sponsored Small Basketeers PhilippinesPasserelle twin tournaments at the Xavier gym over the weekend.

La Salle-Zobel, however, remained hot on the heels of SBC-R and Marist-B following its 32-25 rout of School of St. Anthony for its second win in three games. SAS remained winless also in three games.

Ateneo-A blasted Marist, 57-41, to claim the Group B lead at 20 while denying its beaten foe a chance to get the view from top as Marist dropped to 1-1.

La Salle-Greenhills B smothered Xavier School, 42-14, and Lourdes School ripped Notre Dame of Greater Manila, 44-42, for their first victories and the Group D lead.

In the Passerelle competitions, undefeated La Salle-Zobel A zapped Ateneo-B, 61-45, for its second win and the Group A lead. Ateneo-B fell to 0-2.

Xavier-A snatched the Group B lead with its second win and a 6057 clipping of Nazareth School.

Marist joined Nazareth School at 1-1 after a 53-31 win over St. Mary’s College, which also fell to 1-1.

Xavier-B, meanwhile, dumped Lourdes School, 54-49, for its first win. It now trails idle leader Ateneo-A (2-0) in Group D.

source: Tempo