Finals Match, PAAD Invitationals

GK WARRIORS NIPS TORONTO 25FORLIFE,
WINS PAAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Reported by Jun Rana

GK Warriors survived two epic battles, the finals against Toronto 25ForLife of Canada and the overtime win in the semifinals against the Baltimore Dragons to capture the first 2009 PAAD Palaro Invitational One-Day Basketball Tournament. Thus, the GK Warriors completed a hat trick by winning both the 2009 Invitational Basketball Tournament and the rigorous nine day 2009 PAAD Basketball League tournament.

The PAAD Invitational One-Day Basketball Tournament is a six-team tourney participated by the GK Warriors, Baltimore Dragons, PAAD All Star Selections, Toronto 25ForLife, FABA of Metro Washington,DC and Ronin from Philadelphia. In the semifinals, the GK Warriors beat the Dragons in overtime, 54-46 and Toronto 25ForLife edged FABA of Metro DC 33-30 to set the championship dream match between the two top seeded teams.

In the Championship game, Warrior player Dustin Coloso scored the go ahead jumper with 5 seconds left and Ian Clemente’s stonewall defense prevented a shot attempt by the Toronto 25ForLife in the ensuing play as the GK Warriors scored a nerve wracking come from behind victory, 32-31. Coloso made the shot with two pump fakes, and then leaned in to get away from a block attempt by Dean Labayen of Toronto 25ForLife. Coloso, the GK Warriors trigger man, was also adjudged the Championship Most Valuable Player (MVP). Coloso is the son of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Tim Coloso of the famous Toyota Team.

The tournament was played with four quarters of eight minutes of basketball which explained the low scoring game for both teams. Coloso started the game with a three point shot to give the GK Warriors an early 3-0 lead. However baskets by Dean Labayen a former Pro-Baller himself and by James Forrester, a bright prospect for the Pro-Leagues, put Toronto 25ForLife up 6-3. One of the baskets of Forrester came from a spectacular dunk which electrified the fans who witnessed one of only few successful dunks (GK Warriors player Ian Clemente did a successful dunk against Elkton Blazers) in the 10 day PAAD Palaro regular and invitational tournaments.

Toronto 25ForLife, captained by Mike Semira and coached by Al Gregorio, played a torrid pace from thereon. Labayen, Forrester and JR Manlucu dropped a 12-6 bomb, mostly on layups and jump shots, to power Toronto 25ForLife to an 18-11 lead with a minute to go in the second quarter. However, the GK Warriors won’t give up and Coloso hit another triple to narrow the lead to four at 18-14. With a basket yet again from Labayen, the second quarter ended at 20-14 for Toronto 25ForLife.

PAAD League tournament MVP Yogi Veranga came alive at the start of the third quarter with a basket to reduce Toronto 25ForLife lead to four at 20-16. The biggest lead of Toronto 25ForLife came at 25-17 after back to back baskets, a lay up by Forrester and a three point shot by JP Albano. However, in a game more akin to chess of attacks and counterattacks, Veranga and Kevin Skievaski answered with baskets inside the paint to reduce the lead to 27-24 with six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. It was at this juncture that Warrior player Skievaski, a key contributor to the GK Warriors offense suffered a cut under the right eye which require stitches from a wayward elbow which gave the Warriors fans worried looks.

In the ensuing play, a follow up shot by Forrester and a jump shot by Labayen gave Toronto 25ForLife a 31-26 lead, time down to 4 minutes. It was from this point that free throw and field goal shootings deserted 25ForLife. JP Albano missed three crucial free throws down the stretch as 25ForLife went on a scoreless spell. With 41 seconds remaining in the game, Ian Clemente was fouled on the act of shooting a three point shot. Clemente made 2 of 3 free throws to narrow the gap to 31-28. Another miss by the Toronto team put the ball in the hands of Warrior JC (James Christopher)Albano, not related to Toronto's JP Albano, who was fouled with 32 seconds remaining. JC Albano made the two free throws to reduce the Toronto 25ForLife lead to one, 31-30. Toronto 25ForLife did not score in the next possession which set the stage for Coloso heroics. Coloso made a jumper in the last 5 seconds which enable the GK Warriors to finally take the lead 32-31, Ian Clemente made the crucial defense to keep the lead until the final buzzer sounded thus the GK Warriors made an improbable winning streak of 21-0 since 2008, a stunning record of winning streak in the annals PAAD Palaro history!

And for Captain Herb Monsalud and his charges, this championship is as equally sweet as compared with the PAAD League tournament championship which the Warriors won on August 15, 2009. For on this one, it is where the GK Warriors snatched victory away from the jaws of defeat. For Toronto 25ForLife, they were reflecting on what could have been, wondering what hit them in the last four minutes of the game and what they will do in the future to capture the championship which had eluded them by a hairline.

Box Scores:

GK Warriors - 32

Coloso, Dustin, 12; Veranga, Yogi, 7; Skievaski, Kevin 6; Clemente, Ian, 5; Albano, JC,2; Clemente, Chris, 0; Clemente, Curtis, 0; Clemente, Coco, 0; Llave, John,0; De Guzman, Ryan,0; Antes, JB (DNP); DeGuzman, Carlo 0; Monsalud, Herb, 0; Cardenio, Dads, 0; Dela Torre, Sonny, 0;

Toronto 25ForLife - 31

Labayen, Dean, 13; Forrester, James, 8; Manlucu JR, 7; Albano, JC, 3; Semira, Mike, 0; Dawinan, Ryan, 0; Santa Maria, Jeremiah,0; Pompei, Giuseppe,0

Semifinal Round, PAAD Invitationals

GK WARRIORS, TORONTO 25FORLIFE WINS TOUGH
SEMIFINAL MATCHES IN PALARO INVITATIONAL

Reported by Jun Rana

GK Warriors and Toronto 25ForLife fought for their dear lives before pulling out heart stopping victories over the Baltimore Dragons and FABA Washington DC Metro to enter the championship finals of the First 2009 PAAD Palaro One-Day Invitational Basketball Tournament. The GK Warriors rallied from the brink of defeat to beat the Dragons in overtime, 54-46 while the Toronto 25ForLife survived the tough challenge of FABA DC Metro, winning 33-30.

The GK Warriors had taken an early 11-5 lead on baskets by Chris Clemente and Curtis Clemente. However the Dragons answered back with a 15-8 explosion triggered by Isaac Brooks, Souk Gumatay and Raymund Latogo to take the lead at 20-19 after two quarters. In that stretch Brooks and Latogo hit two triples while Gumatay had two penetrations to the baskets to delight of the crowds at the arena.

In the third quarter the GK Warriors behind Ian Clemente and Curtis Clemente started like a house on fire with a 9-0 explosion to give the GK Warriors a 28-20 lead with six minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, the never say die Dragons kept coming back and stayed dangerously close to the GK Warriors. Led by the three point shooting of Latogo, Brooks and Gumatay the Dragons reduced the lead to 33-30, time down to one minute in the third quarter. Aside from scoring, Latogo had effectively distributed the ball to his Dragon teammates. The GK Warriors on the other hand were led by Yogi Veranga in answering the Dragons fire with critical shots most of them layups in that stretch. After a Warriors miss and with five seconds remaining, Latogo dribbled the ball at the top of the key and scored another three point shot to tie the game at 33 all at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Brooks determined to carry his team to victory had the Dragons on the lead at 38-37, his last basket coming on another triple with 3 minutes and 23 seconds remaining. After a miss by the Warriors Brooks acted as a decoy on a three point attempt and passed the ball inside to Paco Estrada to push the lead of the Dragons to 40-37.

Brooks then took advantage of another Warrior miss and hit another triple to pad the lead to 43-37 time down to two minutes and thirty eight seconds. The GK Warriors quickly answered back with a basket to reduce the lead to 43-39. After a Dragons miss, Ian Clemente made a three point shot to reduce the lead to one at 43-42. With 33 seconds remaining, Latogo hit two free throws to give the Dragons a 45-42 lead. However, Veranga drove to the basket and made a layup shot to reduce the Dragon’s lead to one at 45-44 with 17 seconds remaining. Huynh of the Dragons who was quickly fouled by the GK Warriors hit a free throw in the ensuing play to give the Dragons a 46-44 lead, 12 seconds remaining.

When the chips are down, the GK Warriors have proven time and time again that they have their reservoir of inner strength that can pull them through. In the ensuing play, another hero of the GK Warriors Chris Clemente hit a jumper as time expired to send the game to overtime at 46 all.

In overtime, perhaps deflated by the GK Warriors comeback, the Dragons offered no resistance as the Warriors went on an 8-0 burst, this time on a triple by Dustin Coloso and clutch free throws shooting by JC Albano to seal the win, 54-46.

The game between the teams from Toronto Canada and Washington DC Metro proved to be a battle of evenly matched teams with powerful players from each side. The scores were close from the beginning with no teams leading by more than three points.

In the first half the three point shooting of JP Albano with help from James Forrester and Ryan Dawinan carried them to a 19-17 lead after the end of the first of quarter. Team Manager Ken Mendoza and his FABA Metro DC on the other hand were led by the aggressive plays of Steve Proctor and Tony Lee.

Proctor, who is a dominant force inside the painted area, powered FABA DC Metro to a 27-26 lead with three minutes remaining in the game. However, Toronto 25forLIfe on the strong plays of Forrester and Dean Labayen finished the game on a 7-3 run to clinched the win over the FABA DC Metro, 33-30.

The fans at the semifinal games also enjoyed an added attraction with the wonderful singing of the PADE In Full Group led by Mike Alegarbes, Ron Borja, Jerich , Jet and its other singers who performed for free to the delight of the cheering fans.

Box Scores:

Semifinal No. 1:

GK Warriors – 54

Clemente, Ian, 12; Clemente, Chris, 10; Clemente, Curtis, 9; Veranga, Yogi, 7; Albano, JC, 5; Skievaski, Kevin, 4; Coloso, Dustin, 3; Llave, John,2; De Guzman, Ryan,2; DeGuzman, Carlo,0; Clemente, Coco, 0; Antes, JB(DNP); Monsalud, Herb, 0; Cardenio, Dads, 0; Dela Torre, Sonny, 0

Baltimore Dragons - 46

Brooks, Isaac, 16; Latogo, Raymund, 13; Gumatay, Souck, 8; Huynh, 5; Estrada, Paco, 2; Teledo, 2; Goasta, Mitch, 0; Jovenal, Leonard, 0; Babon, Jan, 0; Imperial, William,0

Semifinal No. 2:

Toronto 25ForLife - 33

Forrester, James, 9; Albano, JC, 8; Labayen, Dean, 6; Manlucu JR, 4; Dawinan, Ryan, 3; Santa Maria, Jeremiah,3; Semira, Mike, 0; Pompei, Giuseppe,0

FABA of Metro DC - 30

Proctor, Steve, 14; Narvacan, Mark, 6; Lee, Tony, 4; Arellano, Inigo, 4; Lee, 2; Gavierres, Anthony, 0; Aure, Ryan, 0; Lim, 0; Mendoza, Ken,0

Finals Game Video: GK Warriors vs Baltimore Dragons

Video by Ronnie Lucindo

Battle of the Champions

The pulsating and heart-pounding, down-the-wire championship game between GK Warriors and Baltimore Dragons has kept everyone abuzz about the possibility of a return bout.

Well, we have good news for all our Palaro fans. Keep your fingers crossed because there may be a possible return bout after all!!! And it's not next month or next year, but this coming Saturday, August 22, 2009. Yes, you heard us right! The possibilities are ripe for a GK Warriors versus Baltimore Dragons rematch at the FIRST PAAD PALARO INVITATIONALS - BATTLE OF THE CHAMPIONS, where the Best of Palaro League are paired against the Best of our Neighboring Leagues.

Picture this for a moment: GK Warriors, Baltimore Dragons and the PAAD Palaro All-Star Team clash against FABA Metro DC of nearby Washington DC, AAU Ronin of nearby Philadelphia, and 25 for Life Basketball Club of Toronto, Canada. These teams will play a One-Round Robin of elimination matches, a TOP FOUR semi-finals match and a CHAMPIONSHIP match, all in one day! If by stroke of luck, Baltimore Dragons and the GK Warriors emerge as the top 2 teams, then we have a rematch in our hands.

And if that's not enough excitement to anticipate for, well, what about this? We threw in a PLUS by inviting a local band, PADE IN FULL, headed by SFC's Jericho Ponce to keep the mood upbeat. His band of eclectic rockers will surely add luster to an already exciting game day as they ROCK THE PAL with a mix of dance and rock fusion, all in between matches.

This is a ONE-DAY EVENT only organized by PAAD and its PALARO SPORTS COMMITTEE to benefit the PALARO FANS. Yes, this is for you and so BE THERE WHEN IT HAPPENS!

This coming Saturday, gates open at 9:00 AM to welcome our Guest Teams at the PAL Hockessin Gym. Mark your calendars and invite family and friends in this very rare invitational!

See you there!

GK Warriors shades Baltimore 46-43 in thriller, wins championship

Reported by Jun Rana

Ian Clemente, Yogi Veranga and Ryan De Gracia scored five crucial points in the last one minute of the game and then saw Isaac Brooks of Baltimore Dragons missed a desperation game tying three pointer as time expired to give the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Warriors a pulsating 46-43 victory over the Dragons and the championship of the PAAD Palaro 2009 basketball championship.

Veranga, the Warrior’s top scorer and a powerful rebounder was awarded as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Ian Clemente was given the nod as the championship game MVP for his defensive efforts which thwarted several offensive aggression of the Dragons in the basket. It was also Ian Clemente who gave the lead back to the Warriors 43-42 with time down to 40 seconds.

In a game that lived to all the hypes, drama and high expectation, both teams played one of the most thrilling and memorable games in the history of the PAAD Palaro. It was the first time in the tournament that the Warriors were tested in a game by an opponent with equal strength, who gave them all they could handle and who almost stole the thunder from them. But in the end it was the Warriors heart of the champion and steely resolve that won them the championship.

The Warriors were off to a flying start as they raced to an early 8-0 lead in the first half behind Ryan De Gracia who earlier hit two straight three pointers. The Warriors maintained the lead at 10-3 on a basket by Chris Clemente but Brooks answered back with a triple of his own to cut the lead to 10-6, with 16 minutes remaining in the first half. However, Brooks did not score again in the first half as he missed several three point attempts as the Warriors defenders took turns in guarding him.

With Veranga, Leo Yanogacio and Chris Clemente on the attack plus Ian Clemente anchoring the defense, the Warriors ignited a 13-8 blast to pad the lead to nine at 23-14, time down to 6 minutes. However, the Dragons kept coming back. With Glen Yap hitting a three pointer, the Warrior’s lead was reduced to six, at 25-19 with two minutes remaining. However, Veranga converted on a layup and Yanogacio, who had 4 rebounds in the first half, hit a triple to give the Warriors an 11 point halftime lead at 30-19.

At the start of the second half, unheralded Paco Estrada provided a spark for the Dragons with a follow up shot on a missed free throw by Jackie Borsotos, which cut the Warriors lead to eight at 30-22. Perhaps it was what the doctor ordered and a signal that the Dragons were going to fight up to the finish line. Coach Ed Padilla made his offensive adjustments to the game, and the second half saw the Dragons slashing more in the lane. Brooks abandoned his three point shooting to score more with layups or free throws along with Raymond Latogo and Borsotos. However with four minutes remaining the Warriors were still on top by 10, 41-31 and up to this point, it was Curtis Clemente teaming up with Veranga in answering the Dragons fire. Meanwhile, Ian Clemente led the defense and Yanogacio led the rebound department to prevent a big run by the Dragons. At that point, the Warriors were also outrebounding the Dragons, and they ended up with a 17-7 edge in rebounding in the entire game. However, the Dragons have the edge in speed which compensated for their rebounding weakness.

At this juncture, and in a three minute span, the Dragons who never seemed to tire unleashed an 11-0 explosion behind Borsotos, Brooks and Latogo most of them on penetrating layups to grab the lead at 42-41 with one minute remaining. During that period, Yanogacio the Warriors top rebounder committed his fifth foul which sent him out of the game. He also incurred a technical foul for arguing with the referee. Also, both teams missed pressure packed free throws which underline the intensity and high stake of the game.

In the ensuing play, Ian Clemente missed two free throws that could have given back the lead for the Warriors. Latogo of the Dragons then committed a travel violation with 40 seconds remaining. In the next play, Ian Clemente drove against a Dragon defender and converted on layup to give the lead back to the Warriors 43-42.

With 30 seconds remaining and both teams on the penalty situation, Brooks rushed to the basket and attempted a jump shot over the Warrior’s John Llave but missed. Ian Clemente got the rebound and was immediately fouled by Latogo, time down to 19.7 seconds. Ian Clemente however missed both free throws. And in the scramble for the rebound, Veranga grabbed the loose ball and hit an under goal shot to give the Warriors a 45-42 lead. With 11 seconds remaining, Yap of the Dragons committed a costly travel violation after an inbound pass by Borsotos. In the inbounds play, Latogo immediately fouled De Gracia. De Gracia converted only the second free throw for a 46-42 Warriors lead, with 9 seconds remaining.

In the ensuing possession, the Warriors fouled a jump shooting Brooks, time down to 1.7 seconds. Brooks hit only the second free throw to reduce the lead to 46-43 for the Warriors. On the Warriors inbound pass, Brooks stole the ball and unloaded a three point shot which held all the fans breathless... motionless. The shot hit the rim and did not go in to the delight of the Warrior fans who jumped for joy. Thus, the Warriors won the PAAD Basketball Championship for the second straight year and with an unbeaten record. And for Captain Herb Monsalud and his charges, they won the championship the hardest way, yet the sweetest way. Thanks to the Baltimore Dragons who provided the Warriors with a hard fought and a classic match, one which will always be remembered for ages.

Box Score –

GK Warriors:
Veranga, Yogi, 16; DeGracia, Ryan, 10; Clemente, Curtis, 6; Yanogacio, Leo, 5; Clemente, Chris; 4; Clemente, Ian, 3; Clemente, Coco, 2; De Guzman, Carlo, 0; Llave, John, 0; De Guzman, Ryan, 0; Cardenio, Dads, 0; Monsalud, Herb,0

Baltimore, Dragons:
Brooks, Isaac, 15; Latogo, Raymund, 9; Borsotos, Jackie, 8; Yap, Glen, 5; Goasta, Mistek, 4; Estrada, Paco,2; Siason, James, 0; Gumatay, Souk, 0; Concepcion, Julio, 0; Concepcion, Frank, 0; Delgado, Frank, 0; Borromeo, Samuel, 0; Persia, Tads, 0; Edades, Edgar,0; Rosario, Alvin, 0

WSA tops Excel 69-59, grabs third place

Reported by Jun Rana

It was Felix Vergara’s time to shine as he scored with a team high 19 points. Vergara teamed up with Lester Dabu, Michael Alegarbes and Marlon Oniate to give Wala Sa Ayos (WSA) the third place prize in the PAAD Palaro 2009 Basketball tournament with a come from behind 69-59 victory over Dynamic Excel. It was an impressive finish for WSA whom the odds maker regarded as a promising team. With the loss, Excel placed fourth in the tournament.

Earlier in the first half, Excel engineered a 24-11 lead on the hot shooting of RJ Valera and Chris Balan, time down to 12 minutes in the first half. However, a 25-18 run by WSA led by jumpshots and layups by Vergara and Alegarbes reduced the lead at halftime to 42-36. RJ Valera of Excel was on fire in the first half with 4 triples and 23 points, while Balan had 12 points. Prior to the start of the game both teams agreed that Balan of Red Bull would be the guest player for Excel while Kenny Santos of TFC would be the guest player of WSA.

The second half however was a different story. WSA put on the screws and tightened their defense. Suddenly, the shooting of Valera and Balan went sour. Meanwhile, Dabu, Oniate and Alegarbes went on the attack and triggered a 27-17 burst to put WSA to a 63-59 lead, time down to 3 minutes. During that span, Valera had only 2 points and Balan 4 points for Excel. Mike Sanchez and JP Destreza tried to answer the WSA attack with variety of shots including the three point shots, but to no avail. WSA ended the game with another 6-0 flurry by Dabu, Vergara and Oniate which made the final score, 69-59.

Box Score –

WSA:
Vergara, Felix, 19; Dabu, Lester, 17; Alegarbes, Michael, 15; Oniate, Marlon, 14; Concepcion, Armando,4; Santos, Kenny, 0

Excel:
Valera, RF, 25; Balan, Chris, 16; Distreza, JP, 9; Sanchez, Mike, 5; Destreza, JC, 4,

All Stars Blue Team spanks All Star White Team in Exhibition, 55-44

Reported by Jun Rana

The All Stars Blue Team led all the way to beat the All Star White Team in an exhibition Match, 55-44. Marlon Oniate (WSA), BJ Advento (Maricas) and Lester Dabu (WSA) carried the day for the Blue Team with 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively. For the White Team, Dexter Quezon (Casarap), Eric Fermin (Delaware Titans) and Richie Tizon (Red Bulls) where the top scorers with 9,8,and 7 points respectively.

The first half ended with the Blue Team enjoying a 28-21 lead. The All Stars selections were made up of players whose teams placed from 3rd to 12th place overall in the 2009 PAAD Palaro Basketball tournament. The Blue Team were awarded special All Stars champion T-Shirts.

Kharl Malicdem of Red Bulls, chosen as the All Stars Coach, will select players from the Blue Team and White Team and will assemble a PAAD All Star Team which will compete in the six team invitational one day tournament on Saturday, August 22, 2009.

Box Score –

Blue Team:
Oniate, Marlon, 12; Advento, BJ,11; Dabu, Lester, 10; Vergara, Felix,9; Setters, Dave,5; Maltman, Tom, 4; Sanchez, Mike; 4, Alday, Alex, 0; Concepcion, Armando, 0; Alegarbes, Michael,0; Destreza, JC,0

White Team:
Quezon, Dexter, 9; Fermin, Eric, 8; Tizon, Richie, 7; Deleste, Jet, 6; Santos, Kenny, 5; Balan, Chris,3; Pangilinan, Joseph, 2; Agui, Ramon, 2; Borres, Noel, 2; Fontano, Willie,0; Ortega, Ed,0

The FINALS: Warriors vs. Dragons

POWER VERSUS FIRE

Watch the video trailer between GK Warriors
and the Baltimore Dragons. Click here.

We've come to the most awaited game of all - The Championships. This year has produced two of the best teams to clash in the Palaro Finals.

The first team in the finals duo is last year's champions, the GK Warriors. The mighty Warriors, who brandishes an 8-0 score card, remains undefeated since the 2008 season. The Warriors crew look formidable with this year's addition of MVP candidate, "The Stallion" - Yogi Veranga. Not too long ago, the GK Warriors were the whipping boys of the Palaro League. But after last year's team buildup, the Warriors are now whipping their opponents with might and much gusto. The Warriors have their eyes on a two-peat, the second step towards a Grand Slam next year, if they hurdle the Dragons.

Will the power of the Warriors douse the Dragon's fire?

The new face in the finals is none other than the Baltimore Dragons, who finished the division and playoff games with a 6-2 card. The Dragons who sputtered in the first two games, suddenly came alive by quietly inching up the ladder board. The meteoric rise of the Dragons in the last six rounds is a testament of the team's heart to go for the win. Led by Coad Ed Padilla in the sidelines and Isaac Brooks in the frontlines, the Baltimore-based Dragons are poised to upset the Warriors' journey for a two-peat. The Dragons role of Warriors-slayer is now their focus in the finals. And if they do succeed, smoke will billow amidst the Dragon's fire.

Will the Dragon's fire consume the Warriors' power?

Let the games begin!

F4: Baltimore Dragons stops Excel, 75 - 58, grabs finals seat.

Report by Jun Rana

With his team threatened in the first half by Dynamics Excel, Isaac Brooks unloaded his three point shooting ammunitions to power the Baltimore Dragons to a 75-58 win over Excel. With the win, the Dragons secured the first seat in finals of the 2009 PAAD Palaro Basketball Championship on August 15, and avenged an earlier round loss to Excel.

Coach Mike Sanchez charges of Excel could have not wished for a better start. Baskets by Will Imperial and Joe Miranda pushed Excel to an 8-0 lead, 18 minutes to go in the first half. The Dragons Coach Ed Padilla then took a timeout and the Dragons answered back with a 19-6 run including three rainbow shots from Brooks, and grabbed the lead at 19-14, 12 minutes remaining in the first half.

With heads up plays from Imperial and Will Barnes, Excel stayed toe to toe with the Dragons down by only two, 29-27 with 3 minutes remaining in the first half. However, Souk Gumatay connected on a layup and Brooks hit another triple to put the Dragons ahead 34-27, 2 minutes to go in the first half. After a basket by Excel in the next possession, Gumatay and Brooks hit back to back triples to end the half at 40-29 for the Dragons. By the end of the first half, Brooks, who electrified the fans with his three point shooting exhibition, already had 20 points for the Dragons.

In the second half, a layup by Miranda of Excel cut the lead of the Dragons to nine, 50-41 with 12 minutes remaining. However, this proved to be Excel’s last hurrah as Edgar Edades of the Dragons answered back with a triple for a 53-41 Dragons lead, time down to 10 minutes. At this stanza, Julio Concepcion and Frank Delgado of the Dragons took over the scoring chores from Brooks and ignited a 20-10 blast which put the game beyond recall at 73-51 for the Dragons, 2 minutes remaining in the game. It was in that decisive stretch that Miranda and Justin Mercado of Excel tried to stop the Dragons onslaught, but to no avail and to the dismay of the Excel fans, one of the loudest in the arena.

Brooks top scored for the Dragons with 24 points including 6 triples, followed by Delgado with 14. For Excel, the top scorers were Mercado, Miranda, Imperial and Barnes with 15, 14, 12 and 11 points, respectively. In the battle of the boards, the Dragons outrebounded Excel, 16-10.

The Dragons will now face the unbeaten GK Warriors who routed them, 99-54 in the opening day. The Dragons however is now a much improved team and has won their last six games of the tournament in convincing fashions. The stage is now set for a dream finale and high drama on Saturday, August 15 between the powerhouse GK Warriors and the surging Baltimore Dragons. And the basketball fans will surely be in for a treat.

F4: GK Warriors pounds on Wala Sa Ayos, 71 - 39, enters finals

Report by June Rana

With an awesome display of offensive firepower, superb rebounding and stifling defense, the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Warriors dismantled Wala Sa Ayos (WSA), 71-39 to enter the finals of the 2009 PAAD Palaro Basketball Championship. The win also preserved the Warriors unbeaten record. The Warriors, gunning for the championship with a perfect season, will now face the Baltimore Dragons in the finals on Saturday, August 15.

It was an intense game throughout and it was WSA who cracked in the early going. With the pressure of a tournament favorite, and amidst the brouhaha of the light transparent gold shirts which they used atop their normal uniforms, the Warriors showed character and poise in winning over WSA. The PSC allowed the use of the gold shirt which is a symbol of the team with the best record in the semifinals.

Earlier, WSA hang tough with the Warriors, down by only four at 11-7, with 17 minutes remaining in the first half. However, MVP candidate Yogi Veranga with the supporting cast of Leo Yanogacio, Ryan De Gracia and Ryan De Guzman engineered a 15 -5 lightning attack to pad the lead to 26-12, time down to 6 minutes in the first half.

WSA tried in vain to get back to the game with the efforts of Michael Alegarbes, but time in time again they were frustrated by the tight defense of the Warriors who clogged the lanes to prevent easy shots at the basket. A rebound and a follow up shot by Veranga with a minute remaining put the dagger in the heart of WSA, as the Warriors built a commanding 33-17 lead and enroute to a 35-17 halftime lead. It was clear that captain Herb Monsalud and the Warriors were all up to business to put the game away early on.

Earlier in the first half, WSA protested that the Warriors should be penalized as one of its players does not have his usual regular uniform. The head referee ruled that this is not a problem because the transparent gold shirts of the Warriors atop their normal uniforms were the uniforms themselves. WSA protested this ruling but cooler heads prevailed and WSA finally decided to play on.

The Warriors continued their domination in the second half. A layup by Warrior veteran Yanogacio pushed the lead to 43-23 with 18 minutes remaining. Sensing for the Pacquiao knockout blow, Veranga and De Gracia dropped a 9-1 bomb as the Warriors extended the lead to 52-24 time down to 14 minutes.

Unlike in their previous games, there were no scoring runs in the second half this time for WSA to the dismay of its cheering fans. WSA’s top scorers Lester Dabu and JP Raymundo were held to only 6 points and 5 points, respectively. The Warriors were also dominant in the boards, outrebounding WSA, 15-5.

Veranga had a game high 21 points and 5 rebounds for the Warriors, followed by De Gracia and De Guzman with 13 and 12 points respectively. For WSA, Alegarbes and Armando Concepcion top scored with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

G8: TFC subdues Maricas in exhibition, 56 - 54

Report by Jun Rana

In a game reminiscent of a championship match, TFC Mainline edged Maricas Oriental Store, 56-54 in a down to the wire finish of the exhibition game. Thus TFC Mainline, one of the most exciting games in the league with their running game and Maricas, the Pilipino Division champion bowed out in style in the ongoing Palaro 2009 basketball tournament.

With only 30 seconds remaining, TFC trailed by one, 54-53 but had ball possession. Alex Santos then hit a jumper to giveTFC the lead 55-54, with 8 seconds remaining. In the next possession, Marlowe Ulit immediately drove to the basket faced by a TFC defender and missed the basket, time down to 3 seconds. Maricas then immediately fouled Santos and sent him to the free throw line. Santos connected on one of the free throws to seal the win for TFC.

In the early going, the inside and speedy plays of Kenny Santos, Paul Nicdao and Jeff Vierneza gave TFC an early 30-15 lead with five minutes remaining in the first half. However, Maricas without its key players, Alex Alday, Kenneth Savella and El Persons battled back behind its spirited plays and team defense. A 16-2 barrage by BJ Advento, Ulit, Ignacio Carreon and Dave Setters narrowed the gap at halftime to 32-31.

The teams then traded baskets until the final minutes with neither teams giving up any inches. Then came the heroics of Alex Santos which clinch the win for TFC. Kenny Santos top scored for TFC with 14 points, followed by Paul Nicdao with 9 and Alex Santos with 8. Advento topped the scoring honors for Maricas with 17 points, followed by Carreon and Setters with 10 and 9 points, respectively.

G8: Force powers past Red Bulls in exhibition, 89-65

Report by Jun Rana

Simon Wong and Ferdinand Mendoza combined for 22 points in the second half to lift Team Force to an 89-65 victory over Red Bulls in an exhibition game. Wong, not exactly known as a three point shooting artist, had 12 points all coming from 4 triples, in the second half. Team Force also held Red Bulls top scorer Jake Cortez scoreless in the second half after a tight first half.

Early in the first half, Red Bulls took the lead 9-6 on tree point shot by Cortez. However, Red Bulls was not able to pull away in the first half even with the torrid shooting of Cortez and able support from Joseph Pangilinan and Karl Malicdem. Force players Ferdinand Mendoza and Marcus Chiu combined for 29 points, including 5 triples to grab the lead at halftime, 45-42.

In the second half, Force behind Wong and Mendoza, slowly pulled away and Red Bulls started missing its shot attempts. Force took advantage of Red Bulls cold shooting spell and went on a shooting spree of their own, hitting eight triples, jump shots and lay ups in succession. Team Force also received help from Joe Nicdao, its guest player from TFC who contributed 10 points in the game.

In the second half Red Bulls’ Jet Deleste, Paulo Tanjuakio and Pangilinan tried to make a game of it but without much success. With 39 seconds remaining and with the smoke of the battle clear in the air, Team Force had built an insurmountable 87-65 lead.

Mendoza top scored for Force with 27 points, followed by Wong and Chiu with 19 and 15 points, respectively. For Red Bulls, Cortez, Pangilinan, and Paulo Tanjuakio were the high scorers with 18, 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Game 8: The Final Four

From the Magic 8, we're now down to the Final Four. While many observers have cast their predictions over their favorites, there is still a lingering thought that maybe a dark horse will emerge in the finals.

Here are the highlights of the Final-Four games:

GK vs. WSA

Wala Sa Ayos has been playing the role of "David" in the last 4 rounds of their pairings. Game after game, WSA was always voted to be booted out by our blog-surveys. Amazingly, they have stood tall after each crucial game beaming with victory smiles. Their last loss was in Game 3 against MARICAS Oriental Store, since then the breaks have been with WSA.

But their next hurdle will be the most daunting of all, against crowd-favorite, GK Warriors. Man-for-man, GK Warriors appear to be superior in every match-up, but in the area of "Spirited Hearts", Wala Sa Ayos has the edge. WSA has proven that whatever lack in manpower, they filled it in with a lot of heart.

Will the WSA team sling the biggest "GOLIATH" of all?

Dynamic Excel vs. Baltimore Dragons

After dropping their first 2 games, the Baltimore Dragons cleaned their acts together and won the next 6 rounds. In those 2 lost games, one of them came from the Dynamic Excel team, who won by a squeaker point in the dying minutes, 63 -62. Tounges kept wagging after that game as observers noted how the Dragons could have won it with a complete line-up.


On the other hand, Dynamic Excel is rarin' to go and hungry to face the GK Warriors in the finals. They won't give the Dragons an easy time, that's for sure. They know they're facing an explosive Dragons squad who can shoot it from the rainbow stripe as well as penetrate Dynamic's stonewall defense. If the first meeting between the Dragons and Dynamic Excel is a good indication of what to expect, then this game will be decided down to the dying seconds.


Will the Dynamic Excel team make it to Finals enroute to a possible 2-peat year (FACAA & Paad Palaro champions)?


Or, will the Dragons push to Excel team aside and say, "try again next year boys!!"?


Be there when it happens!!!

G7: Wala Sa Ayos nips Red Bulls in overtime, 41 - 39

Report by Jun Rana

Lester Dabu played the game of his life punctuated by a buzzer beating jumper as time expired to lift Wala Sa Ayos (WSA) to a thrilling overtime victory over Red Bulls, 41-39. It was a heart breaking loss for Red Bulls who had several chances to win the game. WSA nailed the last spot in the semifinal playoffs and eliminated Red Bulls. Dabu top-scored for WSA with 15 points and has 4 rebounds for the game. The game ended at 36-all in regulation.

The game has been low scoring and a nip and tuck affair with no teams leading by more than 5 points. With the score tied at 8-all, Jun Lelina scored on a lay up to put WSA on the lead for the first time at 10-8, with 8 minutes remaining in the game. Both teams then traded baskets, with WSA maintaining a one point lead at halftime 17-16. Chris Balan had 6 points for Red Bulls in the first half.

In the second half, WSA maintained the lead until 21-20, with 18 minutes remaining in the game. At this juncture, Jake Cortez of Red Bulls converted back to back triples to put Red Bulls on top 26-21, with 15 minutes to go. However, Red Bulls was not able to pull away from WSA. In the following crucial 12 minute stretch, Dabu, Marlon Oniate, and Zorab Fernandez ignited a 15-10 bomb to tie the score at 36 all, 1 minute and 21 seconds remaining. Both teams muffed shots in the ensuing possessions. With 4 seconds remaining, Red Bulls had ball possession after a miss by JP Raymundo of WSA. A desperation mid court shot by Chris Balan did not hit the rim as the two teams went into overtime.

In overtime, WSA grabbed the lead on two free throws by Michael Alegarbes and one free throw by Raymundo, with 4 minutes remaining 39-36. The two teams went on a scoreless spell until Jake Cortez hit another three point shot to tie the score at 39-all. With 23 seconds remaining Red Bulls yet again had a chance to win the game with the ball possession. However, Jake Cortez missed a jumper with 3 seconds remaining. A time out was called by WSA. In the ensuing possession, Dabu eluded his guard and made the game winning 9 foot jump shot as time expired.

WSA will face powerhouse GK warriors in the seminal round.

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Box Scores:

Wala Sa Ayos:

Dabu, Lester, 15; Lelina, Jun, 6; Oniate, Marlon, 6; Raymundo, JP, 4; Fernandez, Zorab, 4; Alegarbes, Michael, 4; Vergara, Felix, 2

Red Bulls:

Cortes, Jake, 15; Balan, Chris, 10; Pangilinan, Joseph, 8; Brunzuela, Adrian, 2; Tizon, Richie, 2; Deleste, Jet, 2

G7: Dynamic Excel thwarts Maricas surge, 66 - 40

Report by Jun Rana

Dynamic Excel pulled away from a tight first half behind the juggernaut quartet of Rich Bandoy, Joe Miranda, Will imperial and Mark Pr’Out to beat Maricas 66-40 and earned a seminal spot in the playoffs. The loss eliminated the Cinderella team of the tournament Maricas Oriental Store which was unbeaten at the elimination rounds.

Early in the first half Excel built a 20-9 lead with 11 minutes remaining behind the lay ups and jumpers of Will Imperial, Will Barnes and Mark Pr’Out. However, Maricas egged on by its loyal fans and led by El Persons, Dave Setters, Joseph Tanseco and Alex Alday, showed its fighting heart and answered back with an 11-2 run to cut the lead to 22-20 at halftime.

In the second half however, a 21-6 scoring blitz led by Bandoy, Miranda and Imperial gave Excel a commanding 43-26 lead, time down to 8 minutes. At this point, it was clear that Excel’s running game and good defense had taken its toll on Maricas who could not muster enough offense to threaten Excel. Maricas tried all the tricks in its arsenal including lay ups, jump shots and three points shots, but it was not clearly their day. BJ Advento, its top scorer averaging 14 points a game was held to only 5 points in the entire game. The reliable Marlowe Ulit did not score in the entire game after several attempts in the basket most of them lay ups.

And for Excel’s coach Mike Sanchez who rotated his players well specially down the stretch, it’s all smiles for him and his players who now play the Baltimore Dragons in the semifinals.

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Box Scores:

Dynamic Excel-Phi:

Imperial, Will, 13; Miranda, Joe, 11; Pr'Out, Mark, 10; Bandoy, Rich, 10; Balagtas, Dennis, 7; Barnes, Will, 5; Valera, R.J, 4; Holcomb, Jeff, 3; Sanchez, Mike, 3

Maricas Oriental Store:

Persons, El, 11; Setters, Dave, 10; Alday, Alex, 6; Advento, BJ, 5; Tanseco, Joseph, 4; Lizardo, Jay, 2; Aquino, Norman, 2

G7: GK Warriors drubs Casarap, 73 - 50

Report by Jun Rana

GK Warriors went toe to toe with Casarap in the first half before unleashing its might in the second half to handle Casarap a 73-50 drubbing. The win gave the Warriors the first birth in the semi-final playoffs and eliminated Casarap in the process.

To the delight of the fans, Casarap gave the Warriors all they could handle in the first half. Early in the game, De Gracia, Yogi Veranga and Leo Yanogacio caught fire to give the Warriors a 20-9 lead with 13 minutes to go in the first half. Everyone thought that the Warriors would pull away in a hurry.

However, Casarap’s team captain Steve Antonio, Paul Valencia and Dexter Quezon had other agenda on their minds and answered back with an 18-11 spurt to reduce the margin to four points at 31-27, with 3 minutes remaining. The Warriors finished with an 8-2 flurry behind Ryan De Gracia, Veranga and Curtis Clemente to finish the first half at 37-29. Casarap’s Antonio has 13 points in the first half but did not score in the second half.

In the second half, an early 6-3 burst put Casarap on striking distance at 40-35. However, this proved to be Casarap’s last stand. A layup by Chris Clemente and a 3 point play by Yogi Veranga pushed the lead back to 8 at 45-37 with 11 minutes remaining.

As Casarap showed signs of fatigue, the Warriors stepped up its attack with a 21-9 blast, with lay ups and jump shots by Veranga and De Gracia. They padded the Warrior’s lead to 66-46 with only 1 minute and 58 seconds remaining.

With the score at 70-50 for the Warriors and the outcome beyond doubt in the dying seconds, Dads Cardenio hit a triple to make the final score 73-50 for the Warriors.

Ryan De Gracia top scored for the Warriors with 19 points, followed by 16 points by MVP candidate Yogi Veranga.

Dexter Quezon top scored for Casarap with 14 points.

The Warriors will next face WSA in the semifinals.

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Box Scores:

GK Warriors:

De Gracia, Ryan, 19; Veranga, Yogi, 16; Yanogacio, Leo, 10; Clemente, Curtis, 7; Cardenio, Dads, 5; Monsalud, Herb, 4; Clemente, Chris, 4; Clemente, Coco, 4; Llave, Jon, 2; De Guzman, Ryan, 2

Casarap:

Quezon, Dexter, 14; Antonio, Steve, 13; Del Rosario, Jason, 8; Valencia, Paul, 7; Agui, Ramon, 6; Cabalza, Sherwin, 2

G7: Baltimore Dragons stops Team Force, 79 - 57

Report by Jun Rana

Isaac Brooks proved to be a one man wrecking crew, delivering 32 points including 6 triples that powered Baltimore Dragons past Team Force 79-57 and a berth in the semifinal round of the playoffs. Dragons Coach Padilla’s charges also took advantage of the absence of Force top scorer Marcus Chiu in securing the win. The loss eliminated Team Force in the playoffs.

It was a tight game until the last five minutes of the first half. With Brooks leading the attack and with able support from Frank Concepcion, the Dragons had a 26-25 lead with 8 minutes remaining in the first half. Team Force managed to stay close to the Dragons behind the heads up plays of Michael Talag and Ferdinand Mendoza. However, Brooks and Concepcion initiated a 10-2 run that gave the Dragons some breathing room, and a 36-27 halftime lead. At halftime, Brooks had already 18 points or half of the Dragons output.

In the second half, Brooks and Samuel Borromeo triggered a 17-12 attack that padded the lead to 53-39, with 11 minutes remaining in the game. Team Force behind, Anthony Alvarez, Talag, and Ferdinand Mendoza tried to stay in the game but could not get enough offense going and was clearly missing its top scorer Chiu. With Brooks on the attack and having 4 triples in the second half, the Dragons further increased the lead to 70-51 with 5 minutes remaining. From this stanza, both teams traded baskets until the final score of 79-57.

Samuel Borromeo and Frank Concepcion contributed 12 points each for the Dragons. Alvarez top scored for Force with 16 points and Talag added 15.

The Dragons battles Dynamic Excel in the semifinals. It could proved to be an intriguing match-up as Excel defeated the Dragons earlier in the elimination round encounter.

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Box Scores

Baltimore Dragons:
Brooks, Isaac,32; Borromeo, Samuel, 12; Conception, Frank, 12; Borsotos, Jackie, 8; Edades, Edgar, 6; Conception, Julio, 5; Rosario, Alvin, 2; Goasta, Mitek, 2

Team Force:

Alvarez, Anthony, 16; Talag, Michael, 15; Mendoza, Ferdinand, 10; Bune, Jason, 7; Bacal, Djern, 5; Bacal, Devin, 2; Dela Cruz, Jonathan, 2

C7: TFC outruns Titans in Consolation Round, 82 - 33

Report by Jun Rana

It was a battle of youth versus experience. With youth and speed as its side, TFC Mainline demolished one of the most experienced team in the league, the Delaware Titans, 82-33, in the consolation round.

The Titans proved competitive in the early going down by only five, 21-16 with 9 minutes left in the first half. But Arvie Dazon, Alex Santos and Paul Nicdao dropped a 17-2 bomb that pushed the lead to 20 at halftime, 38-18.

The Titans also missed its scoring leader Jessie Fabian specially in the second half where the Titans only scored 15 points. Meanwhile, TFC continued its torrid running game to the hilt and outrun the Titans. TFC scored 44 points in the second half, most of them inside the painted area, to make the final score 82-33.

Alex Santos top scored for TFC with 21 points, followed by Arvie Dazon with 17 points.

George Corotan and Eric Fermin were the top scorers for TFC with 7 and 6 points, respectively.

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Box Scores

TFC Mainline:
Santos, Alex, 21; Dazon, Arvie, 17; Nicdao, Paul, 13; Fogata, Wilbert, 12; Vierneza, Jeff, 6; Liga, Dexter, 6; Sanchez, Butch, 5; Santos, Rudolf, 2

Delaware Titans:
Corotan, Jeorge, 7; Fermin, Eric, 6; Ugarte, Jomar, 5; Garcia, Joneil, 3; Tapel, Dennis, 2; Ronde, Andrew, 2; Alvarez, Luis, 2; Ortega, Ed, 2; Ebron, Karl, 2; Alafriz, Eggie, 2