Liga Bumiputera prevail over Jinks 69-51

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN


Wednesday, March 10, 2010

YOUNG legs powered Liga Bumiputera to a 69-51 result against Jinks last night to get their StreetballBrunei 2010 campaign off to a winning start.

Limiting their opponents to only 21 points in the first half of the game at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat, the all-Malay team who are playing in their first tournament of the year proved that they are out to make a name for themselves despite playing as a guest team.

Their constant hustling and willingness to fast-break at every opportunity saw Jinks struggle to keep up, and they simply looked hungrier for the win than their opponents.

Po Ally Alexander top-scored for Liga with 11 points while Brunei Barracudas reserves Jamri Ramlee contributed 10 points.

On the other end of the floor, Renard Ortega and Aldrex Candari both came up with 14 points.

Liga Bumiputera's coach had no doubt that the victory was an example of how exuberance can be used to counter experience.

"We won because of our youth," said Hj Md Sofrian Hj Md Yusof

"The players are young and I told them over and over again to run all the breaks and play good defence. Good plays from forwards Jamri and Sabri (Hj Md Sabri Hj Suhaili) also really helped boost the team.

"It is a good start for us. We are not playing to our full potential, but we are getting there," he added.

After taking a 15-10 lead after the first quarter, Liga Bumiputera built up a 30-21 advantage heading into the second half.

Liga Bumiputera's movement off the ball saw them create numerous turnovers and steals, which especially hurt Jinks in the third quarter.

On the offensive end, their good shooting meant Jinks were having difficulties making stops.

They stretched their lead to 20 points (54-33) just seconds before the third quarter ended and never looked like surrendering their advantage in the fourth quarter.

The team's next game is against Forex BTC on March 18, facing defending champions GILR Wildcats three days later.

Last night's second game saw the other guest team, Team Committee Streetball Brunei, beat Kiarong Tuesday Club (KTC) 77-67 in the first Group C game for both teams.

None of Team Committee's players broke double digits, though KTC's Armando Estuesta was the night's highest scorer with 26 points.

The competition will take a break today and will resume tomorrow with Jinks taking on Pizza Hut at 7pm.

In Group B action, Sold and Hope start their campaign with a match against each other at 8:30pm.

sorce: The Brunei Times

Liga Bumiputera eye better run

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

LIGA BUMIPUTERA are hoping to kick off their campaign in the StreetballBrunei 2010 with a victory when they face Jinks in Group A today at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

Despite joining the competition as a guest team, Wira Pori, the manager-cum-player of Liga Bumiputera, had previously told The Brunei Times, that they were in the competition to prove that they can compete at a higher level, and expects to have a good outing this time around.

The last tournament the team contested was the LBC Cup organised by the Filipino Basketball Association (FBA) last October, which they failed to reach the quarter-finals.

"We're not there only to have fun but we're going into the game to do what we do best and hope that everything goes the right way," said Hj Md Sofrian Hj Md Yusof, to The Brunei Times, yesterday.

"Some of the players are currently undergoing training with the national coach (Kevin Reece) and hopefully they will put in the things that they have learnt so far into their game," added the 30-year-old who is hoping to become one of the national coaching staff.

However, the team will still be missing the services of key players Ahmad Termizi Hj Nordeen and Zainul Ashyraf Hussin, away for their studies.

Nonetheless, the team will be spearheaded by Barracudas reserves Hj Md Rahmat Hj Suhaili and Jamri Ramlee.

"We won't hold back on anything and we'll give 150% on the court at all times and give our best shot to win the game," concluded Jamri.

The match will tip off at 7pm.

In the second match, another guest team, Team Committee will face off against KTC (Kiarong Tuesday Club) in Group C at 8.30pm.

source: The Brunei Times

FAB: Elbow row mars MK Kids victory

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

IT was going down as one of the best matches in the history books for the Sultanate but came to a disappointing end despite the winners triumphing both on and off the court.

The clock didn't hit the final buzzer as an MK Kids player elbowed a Pizza Hut player right in front of their bench with 55 seconds left in double overtime, triggering a controversial halt to an exhilarating game on Sunday night at the Brunei Basketball Association court.

The referee totally missed the elbow, and did not even call for a foul when it should have been an ejection.

The incident ignited the Pizza Hut bench as they went straight on their feet to confront the MK Kids player. Things were almost getting out of control, but thankfully cooled off after intervention by some players.

However, the Pizza Hut team decided to walk out on the match, feeling that there was no point continuing with such unsportsmanlike conduct being employed by the opponent.

The controversy helped MK Kids secure a berth in the highly contentious semi-finals with a 97-93 victory over Pizza Hut in Group B of the 37 years old and below category of the Filipino Amateur Basketball (FAB) tournament.

Geve Leones topscored for MK Kids with 31 points while Anderson Yu contributed 19 to help their team win the hotly contested game.

For Pizza Hut, John Nicole Ambanta had 23 points and player coach Marwyn Belleza had 19 points in the encounter.

Both teams battled it out neck and neck right from the start with MK Kids taking a 21-20 lead heading into the second quarter.

Pizza Hut were shooting well from the field and were executing their plays. MK Kids were hauling down the rebounds as they extended their lead to 35-32 at the break.

Pizza Hut turned the tides in the third period and grabbed the lead at 51-49 going into the final stanza. MK Kids kept themselves composed and eventually regained the lead and extended it to seven points at 75-68 with two minutes left to play in regulation.

However, back-to-back three-pointers by Pizza Hut, including a steal leading to a foul with split free-throws with 15 seconds remaining sent the game into overtime.

It was the same affair at the restart and both sides were not going to let up. Belleza had a chance to win the match with two seconds left but missed both freethrows sending the game into its second extra period.

Both teams were exhausted at that point, but it was MK Kids that prevailed after an unnecessary foul that sparked the controversial ending.

"They (Pizza Hut) are a good team with stamina and they really gave it to us, but it's sad that it had to end in that fashion." said Johari Abdullah, the head coach of MK Kids, in an interview with The Brunei Times, yesterday.

"In addition, the referees missed quite a few calls as well."

"Both teams had equal chances on closing out the game, but overall we're satisfied in getting the result and moving into the semifinals," added Johari.

Meanwhile, Belleza felt that they were destined not to pick up the victory for that match.

"I had the chance to win the game in the first overtime but I couldn't bend my knees due to an injury I picked up earlier in the match, which resulted in missing the two crucial freethrows," said Belleza.

"It was a really physical game but I thought officiating was not good enough, especially the unsportsmanlike foul on our player with 55 seconds left. It was totally unnecessary," added Belleza.

Nonetheless, the Pizza Hut playing coach was satisfied with his team's performance, with the match stretching to early Monday morning at 1am.

"I'm satisfied with the team especially the bench, who stepped up their game in the match, but I guess we were destined not to win it after missing numerous chances," concluded Belleza.

The tournament continues tomorrow with Brunei Buffaloes taking on DHJ in the 38 years old and above category at 9pm followed by Asaff going up against MDA in Group A at 10.30pm for the last round of the group stages.

source: The Brunei Times

FAB: Printers get lost in Welflex timber

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, March 8, 2010

WELFLEX engineering showed that they are the team to beat as they completed a sweep of the 38 years old and above category with a 72-61 victory over Pinoy Printers last night in the Filipino Amateur Basketball tournament in Batu Bersurat.

Ernie Garcia top scored for Welflex Engineering with 18 points while Jun Ibanez and Rommel Francisco each contributed 15 points. For the Printers, Virginio Mararac had a game-high 27 points, while Larry Navalta and Arocel Alvarado chipped in 11 points each.

From the start, Welflex Engineering dominated inside, using their height advantage to haul down boards and score from inside the paint while their opponents shot poorly from the field.

That allowed Welflex Engineering to open up a 27-16 lead by the end of the opening period.

The offensive woes continued for the Pinoy Printers as they settled for outside jumpers with Welflex clogging up the lanes. Mararac had the hot hand and was putting on a shooting clinic to keep his team close but trailed by 15 at halftime.

The Printers came out a rejuvenated side, playing a running game, while their opponents rested their starters. However, Welflex Engineering's lead was never threatened as they extended it to 57-39 by the end of third stanza.

Welflex had everything going their way in the final quarter which saw them open up a lead as large as 20 points. The Pinoy Printers weren't going down without a fight and eventually cut the deficit to within six points at 65-59 with two minutes to go in the game. However, Welflex Engineering regrouped and closed out the match with a 7-2 run.

"The match was quite relaxing for us and we were trying different combinations of players which allowed our opponents to come back in the fourth quarter," said Michael Juan, the playing coach of Welflex Engineering, said in an interview with The Brunei Times after the game.

Welflex Engineering will be awaiting the winners of the Brunei Buffaloes and DHJ game on Wednesday.

source: The Brunei Times

Streetball: Wildcats awake from cat nap in 4th

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, March 8, 2010

IN New York they say the basketball gods favour the good and the brave. If that's true, then it's a good thing for the GILR Wildcats that they started their defence of StreetballBrunei in the sultanate and not on the blacktops in one of the five burroughs.

Most of the Wildcats' starting lineup didn't arrive at the Batu Bersurat court for their 59-57 win over Forex BTC until halftime. By the third quarter they were down by 13. That was extended to 16 in the fourth, when finally the basketball gods stepped in. Them and a bigger effort on defence.

All in all, it was an unusual game to kick off the first Group A match of the league.

With only six players dressed for tip off, scoring numbers and minutes were down across the board. Only Don Dadis Mordeno cracked double digits with 10 points. Erneste Espeque contributed nine points while the trio of Wilmar Canapi, Rollin Castillo and Mike Perez each chipped in eight points for the victory.

On the other hand, Benjo Ramos had a game-high of 14 points to lead Forex BTC and Mario Salazar scored 10 points for a losing cause.

"We're very satisfied with the victory as this is the first time that we had to come from behind to win," said Robert Rubillar, the playing assistant coach of the GILR Wildcats, in an interview with The Brunei Times, yesterday.

"Our key players couldn't warm up but we just concentrated on our defence to stop our opponents from scoring. It worked," said Rubillar.

When asked if the team was tired because they had a game in the Filipino Amateur Basketball (FAB) tournament the previous night, Rubillar replied: "They weren't tired but it was early for them as we usually play at night. But we're finding it a bit difficult with our rotation and the new (import) rule."

In the second game, Hope easily handled Ilocandia 63-48 in Group B.

Three players got in double figures for Hope with Jeff Paraiso top scoring with 14 points while Jolito Entapan and Majomar Aying each contributed 12 and 10 points respectively. Jeff Ojena had a game-high 15 points for Ilocandia and Larry Mayrina chipped in with 10.

The last game saw Pinoy Resources hold off Al-Sarrah Eagles in Group Bwith a 72-67 victory.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 3rd Manjaro Cup in October, Danny Felicilda, topscored for Pinoy Resources with 25 points while Cris Serrano lead Al-Sarrah Eagles with 16 points.

source: The Brunei Times

FAB tourney: Wildcats maul Muara Gas

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Don Mordeno great assist

THE GILR Wildcats completed a sweep of their group when they easily defeated Muara Gas 90-63 in Group B of the 37 years old and below category of the Filipino Amateur Basketball (FAB) tournament at the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) court in Batu Bersurat yesterday.

The Group B winners had five players in double figures with Ronnel Sugnan leading the way with 23 points while Erneste Espeque and Rem Espinas each contributed 14 points.

Mark Del Mundo scored 12 points and Don Dadis Mordeno chipped in 10 for their third straight victory.

On the other hand, Sherwin Antonio topscored for Muara Gas with 18 points and Ronald Cornejo scored 12 points in a losing effort.

Both sides started out cold, shooting poorly from the field. Neither team could get any rhythm on offence but Sugnan and Del Mundo, who scored eight and six points respectively for the period, quickly took over to help the GILR Wildcats open up an 18-10 lead going into the second quarter.

It was the same affair in the second period but the GILR Wildcats were distributing the ball well to find the open man, who would drain their shots.

The GILR Wildcats were relying on their speed and deeper bench to outrun their opponents as they extended their advantage to 37-25 at halftime.

Muara Gas came out a different team after the interval and began to execute better on offence.

On the other hand, the GILR Wildcats were committing turnovers off poor passes despite pushing the ball up the court quickly.

Muara Gas were given a lifeline when they were allowed to cut the deficit to within 40-35 midway through the period.

However, that was as close as Muara Gas got as the GILR Wildcats would run amok by making steals and going on fastbreaks to open up a 58-39 lead with two minutes to go in the period.

Antonio was trying to lead his team back into the game by scoring in the paint, but the GILR Wildcats were firmly in control at 66-43 heading into the final stanza.

The GILR Wildcats could afford to use their substitutes in the fourth quarter as their opponents were clearly out of gas.

It was soon over as the GILR Wildcats sent Muara Gas to their third straight defeat, ending their campaign on a winless note.

"We came out cold, but our opponents started colder. We capitalised on that by utilising our bench and it worked well," said Robert Rubillar, the playing assistant coach of the GILR Wildcats, in an interview with The Brunei Times.

"It was an easy win for us and we didn't quite expect that."

The result for the late match between Hua Ho Glory and MDA in Group A was not available at press time. The competition continues today with Welflex Engineering taking on Pinoy Printers at 9pm followed by Asaff going up against MDA at 10.30pm.


source: The Brunei Times

GILR Wildcats ready to conquer

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, March 6, 2010

THE GILR Wildcats are hoping to sweep group B when they face off against Muara Gas in the 37 years old category of the Filipino Amateur Basketball (FAB) tournament tonight at the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) court in Batu Bersurat.

Having already notched up two consecutive victories against Pizza Hut and MK Kids respectively, the 2009 Jake's Streetball Champions are aiming to make it three in a row against the winless Muara Gas.

"We have to win this game even though we're already through to the semi-finals. We want to carry the momentum going into the next round," said Robert Rubillar, the playing assistant coach of the GILR Wildcats, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"We know that our opponents are going to come up strong as they wouldn't want to go down with zero wins in the tournament. So we're expecting a tough match against them," added Rubillar.

"Actually they are a strong team with some big-sized players and I believe the coach has probably made the right adjustments in improving their teamwork."

However, Rubillar pointed out that their team is stronger than ever before with the additions of Jerold Pascua and Mark Del Mundo into the lineup for a one-two punch at the frontcourt.

"These are key players on the offensive and defensive ends. They are the missing pieces of the puzzle and have given us what the team had been lacking before," said Rubillar.

Don Dadis Mordeno and Ronnel Sugnan form the offensive backcourt that will be spearheading the team.

On the other hand, Muara Gas are going to give all they got in the hope of picking up a victory against the group leaders.

"We're going to come out and try to grab a win. However, some of our main players will not be available tomorrow night (Saturday night)," said Tony Cabrera, the head coach of Muara Gas.

"We're still working on our teamwork and a total team effort is needed to help us create an upset," added Cabrera.

The game will tip off at 9pm.

The late game will see Hua Ho Glory go up against MDA in Group A at 10.30pm.

source: The Brunei Times