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Manila Bulletin

July 8, 2008

JRU repulses CSB; Mapua beats PCU

by: John Paul Abcede

Jose Rizal University finally got over the hump yesterday by handing College of Saint Benilde its second straight defeat, 75-67, while Mapua continued its comeback from an opening game defeat with a win over Philippine Christian University in NCAA basketball at the Cuneta Astrodome.   

After a slow start, the Heavy Bombers went full throttle in the fourth quarter to pull away for good and barge into the win column after dropping their first two games.

A three-point play by PBL veteran James Sena gave the Heavy Bombers a breather, 68-59 with 6:02 remaining. "It was difficult to score a first win, said Jose Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia. A torrid 9-2 run midway in the fourth did the trick for the Cardinals who rallied from a 12-point deficit early in the game to score a 77-71 win over the Dolphins.

Paul Sarangay topped the Cardinals with 13 points and six rebounds while Neil Pascual and Kelvin dela Peņa added 12 points each help Mapua notch its second straight win after losing to defending champion San Beda in the opening.

The Dolphins fell to 0-2.

Vanguardia credited Sena and Marc Cagoco for the win, saying: " They really played their hearts out today." The 6-foot-6 Sena powered his way inside to finish with 21 points. He also had three steals and two blocks. Cagoco wrought havoc from the outside as he finished with 20 points on a 5-of-8 shooting from the 3-point area.

Their rebounding was also a key factor to their win as they posted a 43-32 advantage.             "(Rebounding) has been out strength ever since," said Vanguardia.

John Wilson had 10 points, five rebounds, and three steal for the Bombers, while teammate Marvin Hayes had six markers, 12 boards, and seven assists.

Jeff Morial led the Blazers with 17 points, while Archie David had 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field aside from posting five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

In juniors play, the Light Bombers knocked the lights out of La Salle Greenhills, 105-80.

Keith Agovida had a monster output of 37 points and 15 rebounds to lead JRU.

It was the second win in three games for the Light Bombers while the loss was the second in three outings for La Salle Greenhills.   

Philippine Daily Inquirer

July 7, 2008

Bombers try to end skid vs Blazers

by: Cedelf P. Tupas

TWO TEAMS THAT HAVE BELIED their preseason billing collide today in the NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

Second-running College of St. Benilde battles a Jose Rizal University squad seeking a breakthrough in three games at 2 p.m.

Mapua shoots for a second victory in three games against Philippine Christian University in the second game at 4 p.m.

The Heavy Bombers, last year's third placers, have been unable to live up to the hype, bowing to Letran and San Sebastian in their first two games.

"We are lacking the killers' instinct," said coach Ariel Vanguardia, who ranked his team in the top three before the season begun.

"We have to be consistent; start strong and finish the game stronger," he said, pointing out that the Bombers were outplayed by the Knights in the opening half, paving the way for an 83-69 setback on opening day.

The Bombers also allowed the Stags to rally from nine points down at half-time to snatch the game, 57-54, Friday night. Center James Sena made 15 points for JRU in the loss, before fading in the final period.

The Blazers also lost their previous game against the Knights, 88-75. The defeat ended the two-game run of the Blazers, who repulsed Philippine Christian University, 69-65, and Perpetual Help, 61-54, in their first two games.

"I think we must, more than anything else, have focus because this is our fourth game in nine days," said St. Benilde coach Gee Abanilla, whose squad bowed to Letran despite getting double-digit numbers from Anjelo Montecastro, Gary Sevilla, Robbi Maņalac, Chuck Dalanon, and Jacob Manlapaz.

"I hope we could show more character by bouncing back after a loss, Abanilla Addded.

The Cardinals subdued the Stags, 86-80, Wednesday after drawing 19 points and eight rebounds from hardworking skipper Neil Pascual.

Last year's Most Valuable Player Kelvin dela Peņa has played a support role on offense in the first two games averaging nine points for the Cardinals and coach Leo Isaac expects a breakout game from his standout guard today.

Manila Bulletin

July 1, 2008

SSC, JRU jrs score in opener

by: John Paul Abcede

San Sebastian College opened its four-feat bid in grand fashion yesterday, crushing University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 88-61, while Jose Rizal University stunned Letran in the opening of the NCAA juniors basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Almond Vosotros led SSC with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting aside from grabbing six Rebounds He also had three steals as the Staglets controlled the match that underscored their desire to retain their crwon.

Another reason why the Staglets dominated the match was the fine performance of center Arvie Bringas.

One of several players being eyed to beef up the RP Youth team, Bringas produced a double-double performance with 15 points and 10 rebounds. He also had four assists and two blocks to highlight his game-long brilliance.

The Light Bombers leaned on the heroics of Joed Villena to regsiter the first upset win in the tournament via a 107-105 win over the Squires last year's runners-up-in the third game.

Villena nailed down the game-winning lay-up with 1.3 seconds remaining.

Jamil Ortuoste gave Vosotros and Bringas the needed help by knocking in 13 markers and dishing out five feeds.

The Staglets were barely challenged in the contest as they led 40-20 at the turn. They padded their lead to 36, 77-41, on a fastbreak by Marco Cam early in the fourth quarter.

"Gigil na gigil na rin sila this season," said SSC coach Raymund Valenzona.

A mild scuffle erupted with 3:45 in the second quarter when Jerome Delgado and Joshua Alolino got tangled while battling for the loose ball. Players from both sides, some from the bench, rushed to the court and started pushing each other.

Delgado and Alonlino were called with personal foul each, while ejected from the game for leaving the benches were the Staglets' Raffy Gusi, John Trinidad, Jeric Estrada and Joel Laconico, and the Altalettes' Ronald Torres, Joel Jolangcob, Jesserie Teves and Eugene Canuza.

"Siguro nakapag-adjust kami," Valenzona said. "Mas matimbang and nawala sa kanila."

Jhorren Baptista topscored for the Perpetual with 18 points, all coming from the three-point area. James Gonato helped out with ten points and nine rebounds.

In the first game, San Beda College also served notice of its title desire by crushing Malayan High School of Science, 104-33.

Art dela Cruz led the Red Clubs with 16 points and eight rebounds. Dave Moralde had 14, while Erlance Feliciano socred 12.   

Manila Bulletin

June 27, 2008

Jose Rizal targets 'NC' semifinals

Looking at Jose Rizal University's evolving improvement since Ariel Vanguardia took over the head coaching chores for the Heavy  Bombers, the next step would be to achieve a twice-to-beat advanatge in the semifinals of this year's NCAA basketball season, the coach said in an interview.

In his assessment, however, the target is reachable but difficult because of the strong and balanced field.

"Last year, we stayed on target. Ngayon, our target is a twice-to-beat advantage," Vanguardia said whose team reached the semis last year where they lost to Letran.

"It will be very difficult. This year, very balanced ang mga teams."

To reach the semis again, his so-called "sex pack"- point guard Mark Cagoco, shooter John Wilson, inside operator Marvin Hayes, big man James Sena and Jason Nocom and Maui Pradas-must deliver big time.

He expects them to do what they have to do especially because they have played together the past two years, the same period Vanguardia has been with the team.

All six suited up in the recent PBL season while the rest of the roster was finalized during the summer leagues where Jose Rizal reached the semis of the Fr. Martin Cup, quarterfinals of the FilOil Invitational, and were eliminated in the Nike Summer League.

JRU capped its preseason preparations with a confidence-building victory over Ateneo de Manila University in a scrimmage at the Moro Lorenzo gym last Wednesday night.

In the huddle after the game, he reminded his boys that they have not won at the Araneta Coliseum in recent history. That will serve as his team's short term objective.

"That is our first goal, win in Araneta," he said, explaining that in order to win the championship, one should get used to being victorious in the venue where the finals are played.

On June 28, the Bombers would get first crack at scaling that wall against Letran College.

"We will try to be in the level," Vanguardia said, referring to the Knights. "It does not matter who their personnel is. It is the program, the winning tradition that they have. They are tough to beat."

Vanguardia also noted that he has not defeated the Red Lions yet. "Although San Beda is still the favorite, they are not not invincible this year. Others have caught up," he said. "We have not beaten them. Hopefully, ma-achieve din namin iyan (beating San Beda)."

Vanguardia is upbeat with the support the university is giving to the basketball team, rejuvenating its program and constructing a new gym just beside the campus.

"We got a new gym, good recruits, a good farm team for the next three to four years. We got a good program going," he beamed.

He also wants to give the team a championship. The last time was in 1972.  

Commuters Express

August 13, 2007

How to Make an A-Bomb

by: Christian Soler

While taking a sip from one of his favorite drinks, Jose Rizal University seniors basketball head coach Ariel Vanguardia remarked, "This team needs a change in mentality. The players have to believe in something."

That was one year ago.

Today, the Heavy Bombers, this year's host for Season 83 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament, are on course to make their first Final Four appearance since 2003 - a feat that only a few observers and fans expected to see when Vanguardia took over from Cris Calilan just weeks before the start of the last season.

With the full support of school president Vincent Fabella and athletic director Paul Supan, just to name a few, Jose Rizal basketball has taken a 180-degree turn. From being doormats and whipping boys, the Shaw-based cagers are riding the crest of their longest winning streak since 2001. Confidence is at an all-time high, and JRU's student section hasn't been this overjoyed arguably since 1972, the last time the school captured the NCAA plum.

In a span of a year, the Heavy Bombers have transformed themselves into contenders. During the preseason, JRU was only two schools to defeat Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines juggernaut De La Salle University. This run of form carried over to Season 83, where, despite starting sluggishly, Jose Rizal has put itself in a prime position to challenge league heavyweights Letran and defeating champions San Beda.

Leading the charge for JRU are the eight holdovers from last year's team. James Sena and Jason Nocom are gradually developing into potent low-post forces, while guards Mark Cagoco and John Wilson have polished their perimeter skills to the tee. Complementing these four players is Vanguardia's hard nosed, "little big man" Marvin Hayes, who at 6'1", is averaging a double-double in points and rebounds.

This lethal combination is supported by a young crew of rookies and ex-Team B stalwarts. The successful transition of Raycom Kabigting and Carlo Lituania from the junior ranks manifests the school's desire to develop its players from the grassroots level, while the likes of Jr Bulangis and RJ Cunanan have taught the collegiate basketball community the importance of harnessing the skills of Team B players instead of simply putting them for sale in the transfer market.

By improving chemistry, recruiting tirelessly and building the ranks, Jose Rizal University has given us a dynamite recipe for creating an explosive basketball program. And that's something to believe in, not only for JRU's players.

Commuter Express

August 9, 2007

JRU Bombs down UPH

by: Christian Soler

The National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA's) hottest basketball team just got hotter.

Despite squandering an 11 point lead in the fourth quarter, hosts Jose Rizal University (JRU) won their fifth straight game by defeating the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 65-62 in the second round of eliminations at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Sophomore playmaker Mark Cagoco led the Heavy Bombers with 17 points, while big man Jayson Nocom registered a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Also noteworthy was the performance of head coach Ariel Vanguardia's shock troopers, ex-Jose Rizal University Light Bombers Carlo Lituania and Raycon Kabigting, who helped launch a 23-12 third quarter blitz that gave the Shaw-based squad the cushion it needed going into the payoff period.

"I needed my bench to play big today, and Carlo [Lituania] should have been named the game's best player," Vanguardia said during the postgame conference.

The bombers managed to suffocate Perpetual Help's deadly three-points shooting ability, holding the Las Piņas-based cagers to just 21 percent from behind the arc to make up for woeful shooting on their end.

The win extended JRU's longest winning streak since 2001, where the school began the season 9-0, and bolstered its chances on clinching a Final Four berth for the first time since 2003.

Jose Rizal improved its record to 6-3, while Perpetual Help slid to a 2-6 mark.

Earlier, the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals upset erstwhile league pacesetters Colegio de San Juan de Letran 89-82. Swingman Sean Co led the victors with 22 points, while spitfire Kelvin dela Peņa almost notched his second triple-double of the season with 17 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds.

Mapua head coach Leo Isaac was visibly pleased with his team's third win in nine games, which helped the CArdinals stay afloat in the race for Final Four. "We had to dig deep into our arsenal and emphasize that, as a team, we're at par with the rest of the league."

Dino Daa led the Letran Knights, who suffered only their second loss in the nine games, with 19 points.

Malaya

August 6, 2007

Sena Provides Spark for Red-Hot JRU

Many NCAA players would love to be in James Sena's shoes right now. It's not because he has won the lottery.

It's simply because he played the hero's role by providing Jose Rizal University its first four consecutive victories in six years.

The Heavy Bombers' "main man" was a big force as he averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds and two shots blocks in the last two games that kept his team in the thick of the fight for the top two spots of the Final Four.

The impressive showing is enough to earn him the NCAA Press Corps ANTA player of the week. a recognition given for a player that shone brightest every weeks and given by sportswriters covering the 83rd NCAA season.

The 6-foot- Sena's valiant efforts also handed another first four in a row to his mentor Ariel Vanguardia, who joined JRU only last year.

Sena scored his first double-16 points and 16 rebound - last Wednesday as JRU swept aside Mapua 69-61.

Two days later, Sena still appeared unstoppable when he registered another sterling performance with 15 markers and 10 rebounds as the Heavy Bombers carved an 80-65 win over St. Benilde Blazers for a 5-3 slate and solo third place.