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Oct 07

May I Offer You Some Cake?

by Tony L. Atayde
4,913 Views | 162 Comments

LA SALLE WINS ITS 7TH TITLE ON THE 7TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2007 IN THE 7TH DECADE OF THE UAAP WHICH HAD ITS FIRST GAME ON JULY 7, 2007.

This is a UAAP season that would drive a mathematician crazy. The equations are not right. The team that should didn’t and the team that shouldn’t did. Beating Ateneo twice in 5 games, the Green Archers get to the finals. Today, 2 straight was far better than 14 straight. La Salle had an overall record of 13 - 6 while UE had 14-2, but La Salle wins the most coveted prize in Philippine college basketball, the UAAP Men’s Senior Basketball Crown.

Even before the game began, the La Salle gallery showed class by cheering each player who was given an individual award. From “Go USTE, Go USTE� for Jervy Cruz and Japs Cuan then “NU, NU, NU� for Edwin Asoro and “Go Ateneo� for Chris Tiu (represented by his brother Charles), the La Salle gallery just showed what sportsmanship is all about.

The game started out slow with both teams missing its first few shots. After splitting a pair of free throws, La Salle scores the first point. All of sudden UE scores 8 straight points. Coach Franz immediately calls a timeout and when the Green Archers come back on the floor, they slowly chip at the lead. They force the Warriors to turnover after turnover and most importantly they do not UE to control the boards. Casio ends the quarter with drive. The quarter ends 15 -11. That was UE’s lowest 1st quarter output all season. La Salle would never relinquish the lead

The 2nd quarter was a different La Salle team that came on the court. They looked determined while UE looked tentative. Even the coaching staff of UE looked uncertain.

La Salle played defense that made it impossible UE to get into a groove. On the other hand La Salle’s offense was picture perfect. They took their time on the offense and their patience paid off. It was a classic case of a mature team outthinking and outplaying a team that has never been to the finals.

La Salle starts to build a lead. They have the momentum and force UE to take bad shots After UE’s Marcy Arellano scores a 3, La Salles’s PJ Barua takes it back with a 3 of his own.

Then UE starts to crumble. La Salle is not intimidated by UE’s size. They bring the ball inside and just break down UE’s defense. La Salle runs the ball and UE just can’t find a way to stop it. Maeirhofer is unstoppable in rebounds and scoring, making 7 straight points,

Midway through the 2nd quarter, La Salle takes an 8 point lead, the largest margin of the series. But they weren’t done yet. UE just self destructs. They were held scoreless for 5 minutes.

When Pocholo Villanueva hits a dipsy doo shot, the Green Archers took the first double digit deficit lead that UE has experienced all season. Not one in the UE players could find his rhythm, even from the foul line. The most telling sign was that unlike Game 1, La Salle controlled the rebounds. More surprising was that the rebound leader at this point was Kish Co,

With La Salle up by 14, UE finally hits a 3, but PJ Barua again takes it back with his own 3. Rico Maierhofer makes the final point of the quarter and La Salle takes an 11 point lead, 34 – 23 at the half. The 23 points of UE was the 2nd lowest output of any team this UAAP season and the lowest of this regular season unbeaten team. UE made only 9 out of 23 shots and La Salle outrebounds UE 34 -22.

The 3rd quarter starts off with UE scoring 10 straight points and brings the lead down to 1. But it is obvious that La Salle does not panic. La Salle does not score for 5 minutes but when Pocholo Villanueva finally scores, UE just can’t keep up. Casio hits an under goal stab, is fouled and makes his shot. La Salle pulls away again by 6.

Coach Dindo Pumaren keeps shuffling his players. Coach Franz does not fall for it. He stays with his veterans. Every time UE makes a move, La Salle stops them on their tracks. It was all about composure. La Salle did not allow UE to dictate the tempo.

I was really surprised by the hustle of Kish Co. He was a man possessed. He averages 2 rebounds a game yet today he had 10 in the first half alone. But the most unbelievable statistic in the 3rd quarter was that La Salle committed zero, wala, nada, turnovers. I don’t think I have ever seen that in any game I have ever watched.

The 3rd quarter ends with La sale on top 52 – 45. Again the 45 points of UE was the lowest they have scored in the 3rd quarter this season.

The last quarter starts with UE’s James Martinez and Mark Borboran hitting 3s. But JV Casio retaliates with a 3 of his own followed by Villanueva’s 2.

La Salle just stays focused while UE is starting to panic. They don’t look like the team that they were in the regular season.

Pocholo Villanueva, playing in his last season, takes over. He steers the team to play smart basketball. He shoots, he hustles, and plays great defense.

With 4 minutes to go, La Salle is up by 6. Only UE’s Paul Lee shows some spark. UE brings the lead down to 2.

Again, the turnovers just kills UE. La Salle’s transition defense just does not allow UE to set-up. They just can’t find a way to tie the score. After Casio splits his free throws, UE commits its 21st turnover.

With 2 minutes to go and La Salle up by 3, UE can’t buy a basket even from under the goal. Tang takes the rebound and gets the 5th foul from Paul Lee. Tang makes both foul shots, giving La Salle a 5 point lead with 1:48 to go.

In UE’s next possession, Mark Borboran misses both his foul shots and Maeirhofer gets his 10th rebound. In La Salle’s next possession, JV Casio hits a shot with no time left on the shot clock.

La Salle is up by 7 with 51 seconds to go. UE’s Marcy Arellano runs the ball down and makes a quick 2. With La Salle up by 5 and 45 seconds to go, Coach Dindo calls for an intentional foul. This was a big mistake by Coach Dindo. There was too much time left and hitting both foul shots would give La Salle a 3 possession game. Casio hits both and the game is all but over.

Arellano drives and misses an open under goal stab. UE takes a 3 and misses but they are fouled and splits the foul shots. With 28 seconds to go La Salle gets the rebound and OJ Cua is fouled. He makes both and La Salle leads by 8. UE gets the ball back but can’t even make a lay-up.

Casio is fouled and splits his free throws. The final foul shots are made by Rico Maeirhofer and La Salle wins the game and the championship 73 – 64.

The Finals MVP was awarded to both Pocholo Villanueva and JV Casio.

It is the sweetest championship for the Green Archers. From suspension to champion. From being doubted to being validated as the best team in the league.

It was a total team effort. The veterans were expected to perform but they were ably supported by the heads up play by the virtual unknowns in Barua, Kish Co, Mangahas, Ferdinand, Atkins and Malabes. If this were a play, it was a perfect script.

But the man of the hour is Coach Franz Pumaren. He has undoubtedly proven to be the best collegiate coach. He has become our version of John Wooden of UCLA who won countless championships in the US version of the NCAA. The best thing about Coach Franz is that he enjoys college basketball and from the looks of it has no plans to go pro.

On TV, even Kobe Bryant, whose father and former NBA star Joe is a La Salle alumnus, congratulated the La Salle team with an ANIMO LA SALLE!

Anyone care for a slice of cake with delicious green icing?

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Posted in The Green Mind

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  • Luntiang Sinag  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 4:00 pm

    The Magic 7

    1. La Salle wins its 7th Title
    2. 7th Decade of UAAP. Season 70. 7+0=7
    3. 7th day of October
    4. Year 2007
    5. We beat Ateneo Twice(2) in 5 Games = 7
    6. 2 is Greather than 14 ( 14 divided by 2 = 7)
    7. La Salle has 7 letters
    8. Halftime Score of DLSU is 34. 3+4=7
    9. 3rd Quarter ends with DLSU at 52. Again 5+2=7
    10. LaSalle has an overall record of 19 wins 6 loses. 19+6=25. 2+5 = 7
    11. UE has an overall record of 14 wins and 2 loses. 14+2=16. 1+6 = 7
    12. Pumaren has 7 letters
    13. The replay was aired last night at channel 61. 6+1=7
    14. Archers = 7 letters
    15. Final Score is 73-64= 9. Nine (9) points - Game (2) = 7

    finally,

    2401 Taft Avenue..
    2 + 4 + 0 + 1 = Yes, that’s correct…7 !!!

    This is according to my friend Karen.

  • Hail Mary Squad  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 3:28 pm

    Congrats to Tony.

    Take it easy on us Ateneans. I concede you have earned the bragging rights! Do your worst!(kidding)

    I started reading your column after “Dignity…” It was posted everywhere. The suspended banners, though I admit were quite funny at that time, were definitely low. Although let’s face it, college basketball goes hand-in-hand with heckling. It is in its culture. Nothing really personal. At least the “sus..” is not applicable anymore next year. Redemption is yours.

    Kudos La Salle. Congrats esp. to Cholo. Finally, my batch mate (entered at 2001) is graduating! (with another championship no less)

    Simulan na Season 71! Blue Eagle THE KING!

  • Hail Mary Squad  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 3:11 pm

    Wow! UE really out did themselves this season. I thought last year’s alleged point shaving blunder really hurt for them. This season was definitely worse. They set the stage so high their with their 14-0 sweep that their fall officially ranks them as the biggest chokers in Philippine College Basketball history. This one was definitely more than pride. One big THUD for them in the end. (more like a whimper actually) They couldn’t even force a game 3.

    Anyway, congratulations to La Salle. Glory is yours this season. More important, you have your redemption. You took the crown from UE. You earned it. Can’t wait for the next ADMU La Salle game next year!

    Honorable mention to UE. I guess you assumed your championship after your 14-0 feat you forgot you had to win 2 more. I guess you learn more with losing over winning. This one definitely hurts. 14-2.(ouch) Baka UP din sana naka 2-14 din.

    OBF!

  • Hail Mary Squad  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 3:11 pm

    Wow! UE really out did themselves this season. I thought last year’s alleged point shaving blunder really hurt for them. This season was definitely worse. They set the stage so high their with their 14-0 sweep that their fall officially ranks them as the biggest chokers in Philippine College Basketball history. This one was definitely more than pride. One big THUD for them in the end. (more like a whimper actually) They couldn’t even force a game 3.

    Anyway, congratulations to La Salle. Glory is yours this season. More important, you have your redemption. You took the crown from UE. You earned it. Can’t wait for the next ADMU La Salle game next year!

    Honorable mention to UE. I guess you assumed your championship after your 14-0 feat you forgot you had to win 2 more. I guess you learn more with losing over winning. This one definitely hurts. 14-2.(ouch) Baka UP din sana naka 2-14 din.

  • true bedan! Animo!  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 3:09 pm

    congratulations la salle.. sayang ang u.e. but la salle deserves it..

    the flying v preseason was a great barrometer because san beda and la salle fought for the crown and they end up winning their respective leagues!

    oh boy!
    i would love to see a la salle vs. san beda champions league finals!

    animo SAN BEDA!!!
    animo la salle!!!

  • ponching  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 2:52 pm

    congratulations la salle you really deserve it! ue bawi nlng next year…sana hindi kayo matalo next year sa finals ng 2-1 coz may malas na nyan sa inyo…at least next year alam na nyo ang pressure in playing in the finals…goodluck na rin

  • The Green Mind  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 2:42 pm

    Lucky 777,

    No problem. Go ahead and post it. Thank you for asking permission.

  • Lucky 777  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 2:40 pm

    Mr. Tony,

    Can I repost this in my blog? Source and credit shall be displayed.

    Thanks!

    Animo La Salle!

  • Arkero  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 2:35 pm

    WAHOOO!!! sabi nga sa almamater hymn natin “never shall we fail”…sarap maging Lasalyano!
    MABUHAY SI MANG JACK!!! ANIMO LASALLE!!!

  • The Green Mind  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 2:09 pm

    thomasian,

    La Salle will always remember that it was UST who was the host. Jervy Cruz proved that he was the best player in the league.

    Thank you UST for an unforgettable UAAP season.

  • thomasian  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:56 pm

    all the while i thought there were thomasians in araneta in yesterday’s game. thank you lasalle for showing your sportsmanship. congrats!

  • The Green Mind  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:49 pm

    In the UAAP, there have been 7 times in the past that a school has won both juniors and seniors crown in the same year. UE did it twice in 1982 and 1985. Ateneo did it back to back in 1987 and 88. UST did it 3 times in 1993, 94 and 96.

    No team has ever won the juniors’, women’s and men’s basketball in the same year. Maybe this is one feat we can shoot for.

  • gtrmn  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:47 pm

    Tony can you tell me when was the last time a school got double champioships in one season, one for the Juniors and one for the Seniors?

  • gtrmn  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:42 pm

    Animo La Salle! One thing i can say to UE if they are wondering what hit them is that they were “FRANZED”. UE played the way they played in the eliminations while La Salle played a notch or two higher than the eliminations. And the extra game with Ateneo was a good tune up game for La Salle in preparation for the finals. We should give special credit and thanks to the people behind the team, Franz’s coaching staff, statisticians, Dan whose conditioning showed all the way, the management and the believers. ANIMO LA SALLE!

  • Charlie  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:39 pm

    Tony! When’s the blowout for our inboundpass.com crew? And we don’t want just cake, okay?

  • The Green Mind  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:34 pm

    green blooded greenie,

    Thank you for your kind words. The Green Mind isn’t going anywhere. But if you want to keep informed on all Lasallian activities, sign up at http://www.onelasalle@yahoogroups.com .

    It is the e-group for all Lasallians regardles of age, campus or present location. It is filled with news and information regarding everything that is about La Salle.

  • green blooded greenie  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:29 pm

    We are back, We are one, We are the CHAMPIONS! Animo La salle!

    To the green mind himself Tony Atayde, I would like to thank your for your column. I am based here in the states and one of the things i miss from the Philippines is cheering my heart out for La Salle everytime our Green Archers play. Needless to say, the green mind is the first webpage i visit everytime i open the computer. I do hope you continue writing even if this years UAAP basketball season is over. The Green Mind with its La Sallian point of view makes for an interesting read (the moronic comments makes for good entertainment:)) and keeps me updated with the latest La Salle/college basketball news.

    Again, thank you and congratulations to all of us. ANIMO LA SALLE!

  • Boy Pakwan  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:18 pm

    Congratulations to the Archers!

    Truly, no team deserves the championship more than you guys.
    From Suspension to Redemption,
    From oblivion to Champions,
    We are proud of you guys.

    …and many thanks for your postings.
    I’ll have my cake with Green Tea Smoothies.

    Animo La Salle!
    Go San Beda Fight!

  • legolas  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:16 pm

    Last night, the Green Archers played championship basketball, displaying tremendous poise and game control, as we have never seen before. Their defensive game was awesome and their offense clicked when it mattered most.
    No question. It was their night. Their championship.

  • go_animo  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:15 pm

    blue marc, there’s nothing wrong about bragging as long as one brags about the truth. unlike you, bragging about things you can’t own up to.

    when we lasallians brag about something, we just point out things about ourselves. seldom do we brag by putting down others, unless they asked for it.

    ateneans like you are a disgrace to your school. instead of just accepting things that turned out to be good for la salle, here you are coming up with your innuendos.

  • go_animo  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 1:07 pm

    mr. green mind, july is also the 7th month.
    so ang uaap this year started on 7/7/07.
    and winning on the 7th of the 10th month (october) during the 7th decade (equivalent to 10 years) of the uaap.

    and if you add the taft address of dlsu, 2401, that is 7.

    i don’t exactly subscribe to numerology (unless i’m trying to figure out the lotto’s next winning numbers), but it sure looks like something to think about.

  • peruvianfish  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 12:33 pm

    congratulations to la salle for winning the UAAP championship. UE simply choked under pressure. and you are correct, mr atayde, the finals stage is different and it clearly showed the inexperience of UE. la salle validated the analysts view that whoever wins the ateneo-la salle duel will eventually win the championship. even as an atenean, i have to admire the poise that la salle showed the last 2 games.

    til next year…

  • The Green Mind  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 12:10 pm

    Butch,

    Congratulations! Your comments are truly befitting your Atenean education. I admire people like you who show that basketball does supercede manners.

    Thank you again.

  • sio  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 12:08 pm

    whoooo!!! go la salle!

  • The Green Mind  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 11:50 am

    Blue marc,

    I am so happy to see you miserable. This La Salle victory is dedicated to people like you who woke up this morning with the realization that La Salle won. You must be getting an ulcer from all the sour grapes you ate, all the way down to the depths of your stomach.

    I hope you do not stop posting your remarks cos everytime you do, it will remind you that La Salle is the champion.

    I thank the high heavens for people like you. It makes victory a lot sweeter.

    By the way, maybe you should start thinking of next year. It just might be the year Ateneo finishes 2nd.

  • butch  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 11:48 am

    I am a true blue Atenean and proud of it. I watched the DLSU games against UE. Needless to say, I was hoping for a UE victory. DLSU played with the heart of a champion. The complexion of the game changes drastically when you step into the finals arena. And DLSU simply owned the court from the moment the players stepped foot on the parquet. UE will definitely be back next year and will be more dangerous having had a taste of the finals. Kudos to DLSU! Thanks for the thrilling series with ADMU! See you next year!

  • dark_knight  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 11:42 am

    Congrats. DLSU totally out-coached UE. It was pretty clear from the 1st quarter who was going to win. Experience over talent.

  • Green Archer  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 11:41 am

    I like to taste the cake with icing please.. =)

  • blue marc  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 11:30 am

    Kudos to the chefs. You earned yourself the bragging rights.

    btw, thanks for the offer. But I might just vomit it out.

  • BedanRoar  Add karma Subtract karma  +0
    Monday, 8 October 2007 at 11:30 am

    Congratulations to your Team Mr. Green Mind!!!

    Bedan Community.

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Tony L.
Tony L. Atayde

Very Opinionated. Very Green. Hate him. Love Him. It does not matter and he does not care. A Howard Stern in cyberspace. He bleeds Green, He is purely from La Salle – as a former writer and Assistant Vice President for Events of the DLSU Alumni Association. Played basketball and was on the track and field team for La Salle during the NCAA just don't ask what year.