CBEA DETHRONES ITS NEMESIS,BESTING THREE YEARS RIVALRY

On the battle for team supremacy, only one squad shall prevail.

To seize the crown back to their grasp this season, the College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA) had to escape a cardiac fixture with thirteen ties including a double quarter deadlock and destroy the powerhouse troop of the defending champion College of Engineering and Technology.

CBEA knock down CET snatching the throne back and posting a 2-1 card in three years of team rivalry after routing its nemesis on the finale of the Tagis-Lakas Men’s Basketball Tournament last August 28, 2008 at the University gymnasium.

The much anticipated encounter sparked by a behind-the-arc shot of CET’s Tyrone Calipes equally matched by Mark Joseph Sarmiento’s triple return igniting one tough clash for the summit just as what everybody had waited for.

Fighting for pride and honor, both teams went into runs on the next minutes establishing a see-saw struggle yet ending with a tie, 19-all, on the first marker. After a quarter deadlocks, CBEA blasted a stellar play on the second period stretching their accent at a 32-27 cushion. But CET kept the game close dropping its own 8-2 bomb to take the lead at 35-34.After hitting two straight doubles by Sarmiento and Basilio, CBEA regain the lead at 38-35 triggering CET’s top gun Angelmar Maglalang and perimeter combo Alvin Gajero to forge a 41-39 advantage on the last minute of the second quarter. But an under goal stab by Dwayne Unza with 30.0 seconds remaining cemented the scores even evoking both squads to sue for a buffer to edge with on the second half. But the rivals held each other scoreless finishing the first half with another 41-all tie.

At the early part of the second half, CBEA gave CET a freebie but discharged a10-0 blast with Sarmiento hitting two straight triples. Maglalang moved on the driver’s seat of his team to cut CBEA’s nine point lead to seven but found themselves trailing double-figures at 46-56 after a 15-4 explosion by the business majors.The engineering gunners created tactful calculations to trim the deficit by half at 56-61 using the offensive troika of Maglalang, Calipes and Gajero. Five straight baskets and a fierce offensive rebound by Maglalang stirred the red squad sprinting a 9-4 scoring rampage that smoothened the run at 65-all.

CBEA’s Ebol pulled off the tie with 33 seconds left but the heroics of Gajero marked the tenth of the thirteen deadlocks to produce a 67-all output in the scoreboard with 17.3 ticks left on the third quarter.The third period nearly ended just as the first two with zero buffer between the two herds when Jori Basilio nailed a painted shot giving CBEA the much needed bulk with only five ticks on the third phase to finish with a 69-67 cushion.

The dawn of the final period demolished the smiles of the green squad as CET uncorked a 10-0 bomb to pilot at 77-69, the highest gap CET ever incurred all throughout the pit. But a well-balanced attack from coach Wesley Cabotaje’s ward bounded CET’s security as the scoreboard flashed another tie at 77-all after CBEA’s 8-0 assault with 3:33 minutes left.CET clutched the lead within the last three minutes at 80-77, but the green ward was resilient enough to strip-off an 80-all tie from the free throw lane.

With 35.3 ticks left on the dot, Quirino Abalos, failed to convert another potential lead-taker freebies from a one-point trail at 83-82 of CET while Cuya claimed one of his two, marking a two-point advantage for CBEA with 12.5 seconds left.Green and red troops were then charge with penalties but CBEA’s Sarmiento and CET’s Maglalang both split their charities giving an 85-83 marker with CET lagging by two on the remaining seconds.

Forced to sue for time, Coach Christian Domingo called for a time-out probably to map-out an offensive scheme for his red ward. But on the last 7.0 ticks, Abalos, engulfed by the sense of urgency, stunned the whole pack with a travelling violation wiping out CET’s bid for overtime.CBEA could have just kicked five dribbles to the crown but Sarmiento nailed his last stab with just 5.0 seconds, sealing the win with 87-83.
Sarmiento led the green troop with season-high 42 points including five triples, dubbing him the season’s Most Valuable Player backed-up with Cuya, Basilio and Ballecer with a combined 26 markers.Erswhile MVP Angelmar Maglalang, meanwhile, paced his team tallying 28 points while Gajero chipped in 24 and Calipes contributed 16 points.

LUZ-LED HIGH SCHOOL CLINCHES JUNIORS’ CROWN PAST CET

High school Bill Jason Luz did not forgive the College of Eneering and Technology for its first round loss and season downfall by piloting his team in smothering the older guys in a merciless encounter during the finale of the Tagis Lakas juniors’ basketball tournament last July 25 at the NEU gymnasium.

CET tried to keep the game close after trailing by 5 at the first quarter but was not able to recover after turning the opponent ablaze when they made the score tie at 33-all at the half।HS pulled away on the third and last quarter capping the juniors’ crown at 77-72 which they loss to the same team last season.

Coach Christian Domingo who handled the season champs was also the culprit for CET’s championship during the first juniors’ tournament on the previous Tagis Lakas. CET, meanwhile, was coached by his erstwhile team mate Quirino Abalos.Season’s Most Valuable Player BJ Luz skippered the High School department with 24 markers while CET was bannered by Renz Perico’s 30 points.

BABY HUNTERS UPSETS HAWKLETS, HANGS ON TO NAASCU TOURNEY

After depleting the men’s basketball juniors’ division defending champion Saint Claire-Caloocan last September 13, the Baby hunters demolished another titlist as they defeated the Hawklets of the five-time champ University of Manila, 82-79, last September 16 at the NEU gymnasium.Baby Hunters escaped the make or break battle against the Hawklets with a sweep that kept them on the tournament for another round-robin series with the other top six of the NAASCU men’s basketball tournament juniors’ division.Kevin Narciso steered the Baby Hunters on a blitz during the last two minutes of the final quarter after letting the Hawklets trim down the nine-point deficit and finally take its last lead at 75-74. With the offensive thrust of Narciso and defense combo of Tagis Lakas juniors’ basketball Most Valuable Player BJ Luz, NEU regain the lead at 77-76 with 1:06 minutes on the clock.The Baby Hunters stiffened its guard against the now furious Hawklets Juanito Pajayat and Samuel Santos to defend its lead at 81-76 with 27.3 ticks left on the clock.Narciso split his free throws to make a 82-78 cushion on the remaining 6.7 seconds.Hawklets’ Santos last freebie fell short to fill up the trail on the 0.7 second time finishing the match with 82-79 for NEU.Narciso paced the Baby Hunters with 17 points while Leo Roncal added 15 and John Galang chipped in 14 markers.Pajayat led the Hawklets with a season-high 37 point and Samuel Santos contributing11 markers.

The win brought the Baby Hunters to the final six of the National Athletics Association of Colleges and Universities Juniors’ basketball tournament। The junior squad also invaded the final four teams but meted a loss by defau
lt on the supposed to be battle for the third place against the University of Makati last September 2 seeding them to the fourth place of the tourney.

Sportsmanship 101

Having a great hangover from the previous season of Tagis Lakas last school year, I bet everyone is so anxious of the happenings this latest season.

Bombarded with questions whether the College of Engineering and Technology would be able to clinch the crown firmly on their grip or would the College of Business Education and Administration be able to snatch it back from the red ones.

With still fresh scars from their last face-off with the CET, CBEA comes back with vengeance and extremely fuming to filch the throne back to their possession from the defending champion CET that has recently revamped their team to fasten the regime tightly on their ego this season.
On the other hand, with streamlined shootings and stiffer defenses, the College of Evangelical Ministry glides in between the frictioning rivalry of the other two giants and grab the throne back to their pride they had captured three years ago.
Meanwhile, with a team to reckon with, the College of Arts and Sciences, who had smothered CET and brought their esteem to the final four, together with all the other colleges are resolved to exude expectations this season.

Sure. Everyone is curious.

Everyone is furious.

Everyone is excited .

But one thing should always never be forgotten.

Tagis Lakas was created to build sportsmanship and brotherhood among the NEU populace.

Sadly, I have observed that most students, players and spectators alike, had forgotten this important virtue. Succumbed with the thought of winning, fame and glory, others had buried the essence of being a real sportsman six feet under. And that’s one thing we badly needed to attend to.
During the opening ceremony of the National Athletics Association of Colleges and Universities Season 8, I heard one of the speakers contradict the famous adage- “it’s not about winning the game, it is how you play it…” He said that the gauge whether you played really well is if you won or not.
I almost agreed. But not until I have seen the opening games of the Tagis Lakas basketball tournament and a few basketball pit. And I’m afraid that, with apologies ,I have to contradict that speaker, and in a way rephrase the quote.
“A game is not all about being the winner; it’s all about being a true sportsman.”

This season of Tagis Lakas would have been a great one if everybody, from the hard court to the bench up to the audience, went home unscathed.

But unfortunately, not everyone did. Some went abode with fury about the game, some with new foes and worst, went home bleeding.

Where is brotherhood in that?

According to Mr. Webster, a sportsman is one who plays fairly and courteously, and can win or lose gracefully.
Actually, I don’t have to explain this one. But to a few, an elaboration is quite necessary.

It’s simple.
Fairly. Play according to the rules of the game.

Courteously. Politely. Honestly.

Can win or lose gracefully. A true sportsman, whenever he’s winning, with a timid smile and a bowed head, acknowledges compliments and recognitions. And most likely, on his defeat, he accepts the fact that a game is just a game and only one shall be declared winner. It just so happened that at that time, it’s not him. So, with dignity and more determination in his eyes, he shall just exit with a promise of a much better performance on the next match.

No one needs to be hurt. You could not just say that it’s all a part of the game once you had a playmate injured. Nor could you reason out by saying it’s just an accident. Because if everyone would keep the same thought on their mind, a simple basketball game would no longer be one.
At least it won’t start with you. And if an opponent is doing subtle moves to impair your play, just keep in mind that it is his name that he spoils, not yours.
Remember, a many eyes out there are turned on you. Do not think that those eyes would eventually forget what you have done and how you had played after the event.

What you do on-court will brand you for life.

After the game. After the tournament. And even after your graduation.
It will make you famous, yes, definitely. But a loathed one for that matter. Despised because you have blemished the fun and enjoyment of what should have been a just simple competition. It would also imply that you are not confident enough to win the game you resort to underhand tactics to win over your opponent. That won’t make you any better. After all, we are in a university were brotherhood emanates. It should not be forgotten even under the basket.

Not in any moment should you forget the thirteen letter word-sportsmanship.

So, prove yourself. Play fair.

Hoop Season Stars

MVP Boy: Angelmar

"What you see is what you get, kung anu ako dati, ganun pa rin.."

Industrial engineering student Angelmar Maglalang humbly said this when asked how he would portray himself after being acknowledged as the Most Valuable Player in the Tagis Lakas 2008.
"Hindi ko nga expected... at kung wala yung team, wala rin naman…basta tulong tulong lang kami noon."

Angel, who started playing basketball during his high school years in Pampanga, was a member of the NEU Hunters for more than two years.
Generally, his stats speak so much. But, aside from this, what else made this lad deserve the most aspired MVP plum above everyone else?

“ Masipag siya, siya yung pinakamalakas sa team,..” said CET Coach Quirino Abalos. ”All around din siya, offense at defense...” he said.

“Sa court, complete package, lahat ibibigay, nakafocus para manalo…,” he stated. He also noted that we shall expect a better team on the next Tagis-Lakas.

Blazing and serious he is in basketball, what is Angel really like once he stepped out of the hard court?
“Friendly, akala masungit, pero shy type lang talaga ako..”, he said timidly.

“Si Angel, sobrang galante…,mapagbiro at maaasahan, makulit din…kaya bagay kaming magkakabarkada, kasi, pare-pareho kami ng ugali..”, Abalos proudly said of his longtime best friend and former teammate.

Moreover, talking with Angel face-to-face, you would certainly notice how humble and kind he is, you can call him Mr. Nice Guy.

“Salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta sa engineering, sa mga nawalan ng boses, hindi pumasok, sa mga prof, kay Dean, sa buong IE department, at siyempre, sa Panginoon…”

Have you seen Symon Cyrell Santos moved in the hardcourt?

Once he possessed the ball, you would definitely hold your breath, and wait what happens next.

This Computer Science freshman from Laguna definitely made his entrance a big blow as he tactfully grabbed the MVP award in the Juniors’ division and dragged his name along with the five mythicals, Juniors and Seniors.
With his swift maneuvers that made you anticipate for more, Symon is far from being a beginner.
“Feeling ko nga, bata pa lang ako bola na ang hawak ko…”, said the former high school varsity team tmember of the Metro Manila College.

In spite all of his achievements, Symon said he was too overwhelmed with his jumpstart at the NEU hard court.
“Masaya. First time ko kasi maglaro sa Tagis Lakas…Thanks sa support ng CET, mga idol!”
With his “bad boy” aura, anyone might have an impression that Symon always spells trouble. But once you had a small chat with him, I bet you would think again.

TAGIS LAKAS 2007-08: CET STUNS RECORDS PAST CBEA

The College of Engineering and Technology’s championship on Men’s Basketball tournament in the Tagis Lakas 2008 is not just another story but definitely a history.CET snatched their first championship crown demolishing the defending champion College of Business Education and Administration, 65-62, during their heart-stopping last March 7 at the NEU Gymnasium.

The match started with furious attacks from both teams until CET finally draw the first blood stirring equally tempered CBEA for an immediate return.Skippered by hardcourt veterans Ramel Pepito and Herbert Villados, the green ward stunned the red squad with stiff defenses and by the dexterous steals of rookie Henry Maestrado nearly sagging CET’s spirit with a single bulk on the remaining seconds of the final quarter.

But CET’s ace gunner Angelmar Maglalang, complemented by the perimeter shooting of Alvin Gajero and Rigulus Valledor plus the surprising tactics of another rookie Symon Santos, touted the troop to create a see-saw cushion in the leaderboard.Temperatures heated up bringing the crowd on their feet as unheralded Wilfred dela Rosa hauled two more baskets inverting the phase from 61-62 to 63-62 in favor of the CET.

CBEA could have recovered but their rash attacks charged them with penalties giving CET the opportunity to stretch their lead. With two technical freebies, Maglalang, who paced the red team, put the finishing touches on CET’s triumph and was conferred with the Most Valuable Player plum.CET’s conquest, however was hard earned.They had suffered an agonizing defeat from their first encounter with CBEA, 71-65, on March 5.

The opportunity to get a sweet vengeance from CBEA almost slipped away during the crossover match with the 2005 Titlist College of Evangelical Ministry on March 6.Down by eight on the last five minutes of the fourth quarter, CET had to streamline their assaults and change their defense stratagem to break the pressure imposed by the big men of CEM.“From 2-3, nagpalit kami ng defense to 1-2-2, at nagwork naman…” said CET head coach Quirino Abalos.

Abalos and CET juniors’ head coach Christian Domingo are the brains behind CET’s invasion of the Tagis Lakas basketball tournaments.These two Hunters proved their worth not only as players but also as coaches bringing CET to dominance on the two basketball divisions.

With the CET juniors’ team at hand, Domingo noted that, “Hindi kami confident nung una, pero nang makapasok na sa championship, sabi namin sa team, atin na ‘to…”.CET crushed the pride of the High School department during the finale of the juniors’ held weeks before the opening of the Tagis Lakas Season and tagged their names to the NEU history reigning the first men’s basketball tournament Juniors’ division which was initiated this season in preparation for the next National Athletics Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (NAASCU) meeting.

As for the next Tagis Lakas, Abalos reiterated that CET would be a stronger team to deal with. “Well prepared na kami, mas malakas, pero hindi yung overconfident…maghahanda kami kasi mataas ang expectation sa champion…”With a fuming rage from the CBEA, a dangerous comeback of CEM and a powerhouse CET, the next season of Tagis Lakas implicates more revelations to wait for.

PBA Rain or Shine visits New Era University

PBA team Rain Or Shine visits NEU for their Annual Basketball Clinic last on February 6, 2009.

The event includes basketball training to the students. 120 students from different departments participated the event sponsored by the Asian Coatings Philippines Inc.