DLSU Green Archers vs. ADMU Blue Eagles in the UAAP Finals

The De La Salle Green Archers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles will once again slug it out in the UAAP finals to capture prestigious collegiate hoops glory. The Green Archers will be defending the UAAP crown which they won last year against the hungry Ateneans.

La Salle had to endure a tie-breaking game against the FEU Tamaraws before earning the solo number 2 spot while Ateneo enjoyed the solo lead throughout the season.

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DLSU Green Archers vs. FEU Tamaraws

La Salle eliminated the Tamaraws from contention after they defeated them 67-62 yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

James Mangahas led the Animo-squad with 20 points including crucial points down the stretch. JV Casio tallied 11 points while Rico Maierhoffer added eight. Bader Malabes and Peejay Barua chipped in 7 points each.

JR Cawaling fronted the Tamaraws with 18 points, while Benedict Fernandez and Mac Baracael had 9 and 8 points respectively. Aldrech Ramos had 12 points and swatted six shots.

ADMU Blue Eagles vs. UE Red Warriors

After La Salle earned the ticket to the finals in the first game, Ateneo didn’t waste time and quickly went to work as they dismantled the UE Red Warriors 70-50 in the second game.

Interestingly, Chris Tiu struggled in the game and only managed two points. Jai Reyes led the team with 13 points. Nonoy Baclao showcased his inside-game once again and finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Eric Salamat notched 11 points while big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini added 10 points.

On the other side, Marcy Arellano of UE also struggled in the game as he failed to register even a single point. James Martinez finished the game with 13 points and Elmer Espiritu added 11 points. Pari Llagas and Paul Lee each had 8 points.

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The Green Archers and the Blue Eagles will meet in the finals for the first time since 2002 when the Ateneo took the UAAP crown from the La Salle. The Animo-squad is aiming for a second straight championship and sixth under Franz Pumaren while Ateneo is aiming for their first crown since 2002 season.

-GO LA SALLE! ANIMO!

-fouledout

La Salle Earns Twice-to-Beat Advantage against FEU

The De La Salle Green Archers broke the tie with the FEU Tamaraws yesterday when they won 62-59 at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday. With the win, the Green Archers claims the number 2 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage over the Tamaraws in the UAAP semifinals.

Veteran guard JV Casio, who is playing in his final year for the Animo squad, led the team with 16 points. Rico Maierhoffer chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds while Peejay Barua and Bader Malabes finished with 10 and 9 points respectively.

Reil Cervantes led the Tamaraws with 14 points and 11 boards while Benedict Fernandez added 13 points but the back-court tandem of Andy Barroca and JR Cawaling only combined for 9 points.

La Salle will face-off with FEU on Sunday at 2 in the afternoon and attempt to make another run for the UAAP crown which they won last season. In the other semis-game, the Ateneo Blue Eagles will battle the fourth seeded UE Red Warriors at 4pm.

-ANIMO

-fouledout

Barangay Ginebra Kings Back On Top

The Barangay Ginebra Kings are back on top after they defeated the Air 21 Express 97-84 for the PBA Fiesta Conference Crown.

Best Player of the Conference Jayjay Helterbrand missed the game due to a hamstring injury. Mark Caguioa and Paul Artadi were slowed down by leg injuries. Junthy Valenzuela left the game in the third period due to tendonitis and did not return. Though handicapped by injuries, Ginebra was able to fuel their championship drive with their heart to win. Ronald Tubid and Erik Menk carried the load on their backs as they combined for 43 points and 17 rebounds. Tubid and Menk were eventually awarded as the Finals co-MVP. Chris Alexander was hounded by fouls in the game but still contributed 16 points, 19 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Steven Thomas led Air 21 with 24 points. Arwind Santos added 19 points while Gary David chipped in 18 points including four shots from beyond the arc.

It was an appropriate finish for an exciting best of seven series that could have gone in favor of both teams. Air 21 and Ginebra both deserve the crown, but only one team can win it all.

-fouledout