Letran Sends Defending PCCL Champions De La Salle Home

JP Belencion scored 10 three pointers to end with 36 points and lead Letran to the Elite 8 of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League. Belencion and Alas led the Knights attack in the first half as the duo scored in double-digits in the half, while Joshua Webb kept the squad from Taft in the game at the half by scoring 15 markers.

Then come in the 3rd canto, Belencion continued his shooting barrage, extending Letran's lead to double-digits and never looked back. This puts the Knights on the quarters, awaiting for the winner of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Univeersity of San Carlos match as their next opponent.

In the ensuing game, the UAAP champs Ateneo Blue Eagles kept the Lyceum Pirates at bay, winning the game 73-63. The Pirates actually held the lead in the early moments of the game, before the Eagles' full court pressure helped them back in the game and built a big lead before the Pirates tried to make a one last dash, hence the final score. The Eagles will await the winner of the Jose Rizal University and University of Santo Tomas game in the Elite 8.

Far Eastern University and San Beda College are the other teams that had advanced in the Elite 8 as they have beaten Arellano University and San Sebastian College-Recoletos Cavite respectively.

Meanwhile on Saturday, the University of the East will face off against the University of Cebu, runner-up of the CESAFI. UC will be touting their 6' 9" Junmar Fajardo against UE, as the Mapua Institute of Technology will be squaring off against the CESAFI Champions University of Visayas, who will be led by 6' 11" Greg Slaughter as these teams duke it out for the 2 more slots on the Elite 8.

CJ Giles not in Gilas Anymore

According to Quinito Henson, CJ Giles is reportedly booted out of the Smart Gilas National Developmental Team because of showing up to practice with a hangover from drinking.

Now, this could be a big blow, as for months, Giles is already somewhat a part of Smart Gilas, participating in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2009 while putting up great numbers for the team. This means the team is now looking for another import replacement to suit up for the national team.

On the other hand, this could also give the team a boost, and when I say boost, it means that guys will not have to rely on C.J. Giles or an import for now, and this gives the big men an opportunity to have playing time and hone their skills while preparing for 2011. This also means guys will have to step-up, especially the big men like Al-Hussaini, Slaughter, Ballesteros, Aguilar and Ramos.

Playing with the other teams definitely will help as these guys will gain experience playing on the court against various teams. Considering that height is not a big disadvantage anymore, especially with these bigs, honing their skills for international basketball will be even more critical at this point, especially if Smart Gilas does not get a suitable import to replace Giles, especially as time is not on the side as to the naturalization process.

Now that the distraction is out, I hope something positive comes out of this and Gilas boys be rejuvinated and start anew as they refresh their preparations for 2011.

Dwyane Wade Shows LeBron James How It Is Done.

This has been rounding the internets in a while, but this dunk is so symbolizing and sequential, it should be spread out even more!



In a twist of irony, LeBron James tries to stuff a dunk against Jermaine O' Neal, but LeBron failed to make the dunk, and then Dwyane Wade, sensing an opportunity, attacks the basket, with Cavs Forward Anderson Varejao protecting the basket, but was overpowered by Dwyane as he welcomes Anderson Varejao to his Kodak moment according to Reggie Miller and showing LeBron how it's done.

Even more symbolizing is that Michael Jordan, arguably the best basketball player ever apparently chose Wade to wear his Air Jordan shoes for its 25th anniversary and is watching at the sidelines with Miami HEAT President Pat Riley. Good Choice Mike!

Basketball Weekend Happenings

In the PBA Friday, the bottom feeders give the front-runners a tough time, as Talk n' Text Tropang Texters just eek out a win against the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, 93-90 while Rain or Shine Elasto Painters upset the league leading Alaska Aces, 86-81 as Don Dulay scored 20 points to lead the Painters in their first ever win. Meanwhile, the Smart Gilas National Team lost to a heartbreaker against Santa Lucia Realtors, 96-95 after leading by as much as 17 points in the game.

Basketball Saturday, still in the PBA, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings held on a furious rally from Burger King Whoppers, 83-79.

Also happening is the Bantay Bata 163 NCAA-UAAP All-Star game, as the NCAA gets a double win with the NCAA Juniors just squeezing out a win against the UAAP Juniors, 84-83 and the NCAA Seniors continued that rally as they dominated the UAAP Seniors, 76-60, with NCAA MVP John Wilson and NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino leading the way with 14 and 17 points respectively. Jimbo Aquino won the All-Star MVP Honors as he racks up his achievements in his last stint of his collegiate career.

In the side events of the Bantay Bata All-Stars, Allein Maliksi of University of Santo Tomas won the Slam Dunk Contest, with a score of 46 while in the 2-3 Ball Father and Son event was taken by Joel and Ael Banal with 70 points. NCAA MVP John Wilson of Jose Rizal University took the 3pt shootout honors by scoring 19 points.

In the Asean Basketball League, the Singapore Slingers took a close call against Indonesia Satria Muda Britama, 61-59 to solidify their first place card with a 5-1 record as the Indonesians fell to 3-3. Brunei Barracudas took their first win in the league as they defeated the Thailand Tigers 91-86.

As the weekend wraps up, the PBA will feature a Sunday double-header with San Miguel Beermen taking on the Barako Bull Energy Boosters to be followed by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters against the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants.

In the Philippine Collegiate Championship, the De La Salle Green Archers sweep the PCC South-Luzon-Metro Manila Zonals to secure the last PCC Sweet 16 slot, as the 15 teams already secured the PCC Sweet 16 slot.

1. Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles - UAAP Champions
2. San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags - NCAA Champions
3. University of the East Red Warriors - UAAP 2nd Place
4. San Beda College Red Lions - NCAA 2nd Place
5. Far Eastern University Tamaraws - UAAP 3rd Place
6. Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers - NCAA 3rd Place
7. University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers - UAAP 4th Place
8. Colegio de San Juan Letran Knights - NCAA 4th Place
9. University of Visayas Lancers - CESAFI Champions
10. Arellano University Chiefs - Vis-Min A Zone Winner
11. University of San Carlos Warriors - Vis-Min A 2nd Place
12. University of Cebu Webmasters - Vis-Min B Winner
13. San Sebastian College-Recoletos Cavite Baycats - Vis-Min B 2nd Place
14. University of Manila Hawks - North-Central Luzon-Metro Manila A Winner
15. Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals - North-Central Luzon-Metro Manila B Winner
16. De La Salle University Green Archers - South Luzon Metro Manila Winner