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Another blockbuster hit the the Araneta Coliseum last July 6 & 7 as Season 71 of the UAAP opened with the usual fanfare, exciting games and some game-glitches that could have been avoided. A shout out is in order for this year’s host, the University of the Philippines, for their beautiful and well-planned opening presentation. The Diwatas were really impressive. And being a professional musician, I was also impressed with the musicians and the choir that provided the music (it wasn’t as grand as UST’s orchestra, but the sound was equally full, and rich with tradition).

On to the games…

Two games were on tap last July 6: Adamson against FEU in the first game, and last year’s runner up UE against injury-riddled UST. Adamson U was very impressive and played very well as the Falcons welcomed back coach Leo Austria to their bench. Although the Falcons lost a close 74-71 decision to the Tamaraws, two Adamson players stood out as far as I’m concerned- Jerick Cañ ada and Michael Galinato. Cañada did well with his point guard chores, providing leadership once he stepped on the court (obviously getting a lot of pointers from Austria) while Galinato put up MVP numbers (22 points and 11 rebounds) against a heftier FEU center Reil Cervantes. Galinato’s out to proved that he’s ready to fill the void left by former King Falcon Ken Bono.

FEU, on the other hand, can’t afford to play the way they did against the Falcons if they want to figure prominently in the chase for a Final Four slot. Already a dark horse in the chase, the Tamaraws must get consistent production from veterans Marlon Adolfo and Benedict Fernandez to avoid possible upsets from non-pretenders. Cervantes kept the Tamaraws afloat with 15 points along with 6 rebounds, but it was the plays of point guard Mark Barroca that gave sanity to their game, especially while driving to the basket and finding an open Jens Knuttel in three-point land for the win.

The UE-UST matchup was a game of titans. Both teams are expected to make it to the Final Four. The Warriors made up for their lack of size with with quickness and athleticism to pull off a win against a very tall but injury-plagued Tigers, 78-73. Elmer Espiritu saved the day for the Warriors as he hit a jumper to give UE enough cushion as the wounded Tigers clawed back from 14 points down and cut the lead down to 2. Reigning MVP Jervy Cruz, who played despite of an ankle and hamstring injury, played a monster game, hitting 26 points and grabbing 22 rebounds. However, he wasn’t able to get enough support as his teammates missed a lot from the perimeter.

UP finished its’ weekend with a bang, beating an indecisive NU Bulldogs 86-72 to register the weekend’s only double digit win. No sweep of the L column for the Fighting Maroons. What made the win special for the Fighting Maroons (well, aside from celebrating its’ centennial) is the fact that they beat a team which is bigger, taller and more experienced. Finally, the Fighting Maroons came in and left the court as a TEAM! As for the Bulldogs, they have some soul searching to do, especially veteran Edwin Asoro. And someone has to step up to lead the team.

As for the Ateneo-La Salle game, what more can I say. Great game, the rookies from both teams are impressive, star-studded, etc. My colleague Tony Atayde has written tons of words regarding that game. I would just like to go to the glitches I mentioned.

Aside from this game being a security nightmare for everybody (including us in media), the horrendous officiating really ticked not only yours truly, but a lot of basketball fans from all sides. I admit though that I’m no fan of the NABRO (the group officiating the UAAP basketball games), but if you check out the NCAA, you’d see how consistent the game officials are in that league (in the NCAA, they use PBL referees). I observed that UAAP players who has had PBL experience are having a hard time adjusting to the calls of NABRO referees. Perhaps it’s the rules in the UAAP, or the game rules drawn by the Commissioner, Chito Narvasa.

Which brings me to another point. The technical foul called on La Salle before tip off really hit the spot. A bench technical was called on the Archers because Franz Pumaren wasn’t wearing his ID. Not even a warning was issued. But last saturday UST coach Pido Jarencio wasn’t wearing his ID, and the bench wasn’t even warned. In the 2006 Official Basketball Rules of FIBA, Article 38.1.4 (Technical Fouls) states:

38.1.4 The official may prevent technical fouls by warnings or even overlooking minor technical infractions of an administrative character which are obviously unintentional and have no direct effect upon the game, unless there is repetition of the same infraction after the warning.

If only the UAAP can consistently follow FIBA rules. Of course, the league has the right to make their own. Well, like I said, it’s a glitch as far as I’m concerned. Hopefully, the UAAP leadership can make changes or make amends while it’s still early in the season.

Tags: Adamson, Ateneo, blue-eagles, Bulldogs, FEU, fighting-maroons, Green-Archers, Growling-Tigers, La-Salle, Matchpoint, NU, Petron, Red-Warriors, Tamaraws, UAAP, UE, UP, UST

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Posted in Matchpoint