So Cal Hoops 82 vs RudeBoyz 87
Whenever these two teams do battle, it’s usually for the top spot. The battle of Southbay provided electricity once again. As everyone expected this game went back and forth, but it was RudeBoyz that took the lead early on led by Joseph Vitug. RudeBoyz showed brilliant ball movement as all suited players ended up with 8 points or better. Kevin Le and Courtney Manning didn’t let this game get out of hand as they led the charge in the second half to cut the lead all the way down to 3, but RudeBoyz made enough free throws to win the game. RudeBoyz is the only undefeated team in the top division. So Cal Hoops lost their first game, but should be motivated because they aren’t far behind the top team.
Flash 109 vs RudeBoyz 131
After a grueling first game, RudeBoyz went up against another up and down team in Flash. Flash has yet to win a game but they have been improving. Ryan Jones and Dennis Tran were hot early on as Flash took an unexpected 52-50 lead in the first half. RudeBoyz caught their second wind and they breezed by Flash to break the single game scoring record with 131 points. RudeBoyz had 4 players with 20 points or more, with Billy Nguyen and Joe Vitug scoring over 30 a piece. RudeBoyz completes the double header sweep to stay atop the standings alone. Good News for Flash is that they found a legit big man, Buka Kelsall finished with 24 points and 18 rebounds.
Don’t Pawk Wid Us 56 vs THuggets 44
Don’t Pawk Wid Us got probably the most important win of the night, a win that keeps them out of the bottom two seeds for now. Don’t Pawk Wid Us did a marvelous job on defense and defended the perimeter almost perfectly only allowing 1 three for the entire game. Thuggets won the rebounding and blocks categories but lost in every other one. Brayson Alexander had a very nice all around game and finished with 45 fantasy points, while Daniel De Joya led Thuggets with 35.5 fantasy points. Thuggets has a few games against teams in the bottom half coming up, they will need to beat a few of them to avoid the bottom two seeds.
Imadri 90 vs Hardwood 1.5 70
Imadri led by double digits early, but Hardwood 1.5 was able to settle down and make this game close in the first half. Without Arthur Cortez, Ryan Itchon and Adam Grub picked up the scoring load to help Drake Poole in this slugfest. However, Hardwood was outsized and the front court of Imadri took full advantage as Anthony Hale and Tony Smith 50 points and 23 rebounds with 18 offensive rebounds as a team. Imadri’s defense picked it up in the second half and they were able to cruise to the victory in the minutes of the game. Hardwood 1.5 still feels confident about their effort and felt that their chemistry is better than ever.
Bombers 48 vs Unknown 57
Bombers was in control of this game in the opening minutes, because nobody was able to stop Jay Arizabal from scoring in the paint. Binni Annore got the offense rolling for Unknown to quickly take a double digit lead at halftime. I felt Bombers dominated this game, but they missed about 10 point blank layups or tip ins, and whenever they made a run Justin Elliot or Teree Burns would hit a big shot for Unknown. Give credit to Unknown for this win, because they played with a lot of energy and physicality. Bombers looked good in the loss they just need to clean up the little mistakes.
Game of Zones 64 vs VIIINO 69
Game of Zones were missing a lot of cast members for the second straight weeks, hopefully they didn’t get killed off because playoffs is coming soon. The size and athleticism of VIIINO to control of this game early as Alvin Liu was beasting early. Gino Maglaque played well enough early on to keep his team within single digits. VIIINO and Januel Astrologo looked like they this game in hand early in the second half, but Peter Valdriz and Julian Flores started to get hot from the perimeter to make this game close. VIIINO would let GOZ back in the game with their horrific free throw shooting, but 5 points is the closest Game of Zones would get. VIIINO moves to 4-1, while Game of Zones is dropping fast.
Kobe in Colorado 49 vs Osnap 52
Things looked bleak early on for Kobe in Colorado as they were done by as many as 18 in the first half. Osnap’s defense was shutting KIC down, and Larrin Tho was let loose on multiple fast breaks. Slowly but surely Kobe in Colorado would make their comeback led by their superstar guard, Adam Grub. As the game went on, the intensity rose resulting in an ejection of one of the players from Osnap. Osnap was able to regain their composure and pull out the extremely close victory. A lot of insiders feel that this is the preview of the top two teams in the division, so hopefully we will see this matchup again in the playoffs.
Permian Panthers 58 vs Pancit Ballabok 36
Pancit Ballabok was at full strength for the first time in a long time, but they just couldn’t handle Permian Panthers as they lose big. Pancit Ballabok relies on their speed to beat opponents, Permian Panthers has the speed to get back on D and the size to score with ease against the smaller Pancit. The Igawa brothers just scored with ease in the paint, while Sean Marsh limited Pancit’s offensive rebounding. Pancit tried to get back in this game with some threes, but they just couldn’t stop Permian. Permian moves to 4-1, while Pancit has the mirror image at 1-4.
#Bombers 61 vs Hightimes 60
#Bombers came into this game on a roll, but was against a team that has a losing record but has played only the top teams. This game had back and forth action and no team had a double digit lead. Horace Nguyen and Ellison Maniego would exchange haymakers for their teams. #Bombers did a great job defending the paint and making sure Eric Neal didn’t score easy, but Hightimes found ways to score on the perimeter and on the break, especially off of #Bombers turnovers. This game would go into go overtime and down by two with second left on the clock, DJ Jazzy Jasmine would hit a contested three for the win as the clock expired. Another heart breaking loss for Hightimes as #Bombers win their 4th straight.
Unfadeable 71 vs So Cal Hoops 59
So Cal Hoops West struggled to defend the perimeter, letting Unfadeable get 11 threes for the game. Joey Kiamco kept SCHW within striking distance, but every time they would make a run Unfadeable answered back with a timely three pointer. Jason Peralta was a beast on the boards finishing with 17 points and 21 rebounds, he didn’t allow too many offensive rebounds for So Cal Hoops. A terrific show of teamwork for Unfadeable, all 5 players in attendance were in double figures. Unfadeable can start building their momentum for the playoffs, while SCHW will need to find that third consistent scorer to go along with Joey Kiamco and Mark Nazareno.
Hardwood Ballers 55 vs Bugattis 38
Bugattis had a lot of confidence going into this game, and they felt that they had the energy and youth advantage to their first win against Hardwood Ballers. Hardwood Ballers looked like the young team to start the game as Neil De Ramos and Nolan De Ramos were a magnificent 1-2 punch early on. JJ Rabot tried to lead a charge late in the first half but the rest of his team couldn’t hit the open shots. John Castor got his career high in rebounding and put up 27 fantasy points. Both teams couldn’t shoot it from downtown, but Hardwood Ballers did a better job capitalizing on Bugattis turnovers and get back to their winning ways. Bugattis has an easy schedule ahead of them as they search for their first win.
Middle Out 41 vs Goodfellas 57
GoodFellas got the break of the century as Ronnie Edmonds was a late scratch for Sunday’s games. Middle Out was horrific to start the game as they trailed 17-3. Ivan and Dennis Tran were hot to start the game on offense, while Marcus Fletcher was a rebounding machine and a defensive juggernaut. Richard Tran and Mike Gabriel were able to hit their shots and cut the lead down to 11 in the second half, but Danny Bonsynat started to hit his offensive stride in the second hald as GoodFellas cruise to their first victory of the season. Morale was at all time high for GoodFellas after the game, while Middle Out knew they could have won this game easy if they were at full strength.
Outsiders 46 vs OTHers 65
Outsiders were embarrassed by one of their rivals on Sunday and the hatred for Neil De Ramos has grown to new levels. Neil has been Outsiders’ worst nightmare over the years, and once again he turned in a nice game, especially on the defensive end. OTHers really made it hard for Outsiders to get open, Mike Gabriel hounded the ball handlers and got 6 steals for the game. Outsiders tried to make a run in the second half but Vyrone Villaverde was able to find wide open teammates to halt any comebacks. OTHers has improved to 4-1, while Outsiders drop their 3rd straight. Outsiders undefeated record seems like it was centuries ago.
Whenever these two teams do battle, it’s usually for the top spot. The battle of Southbay provided electricity once again. As everyone expected this game went back and forth, but it was RudeBoyz that took the lead early on led by Joseph Vitug. RudeBoyz showed brilliant ball movement as all suited players ended up with 8 points or better. Kevin Le and Courtney Manning didn’t let this game get out of hand as they led the charge in the second half to cut the lead all the way down to 3, but RudeBoyz made enough free throws to win the game. RudeBoyz is the only undefeated team in the top division. So Cal Hoops lost their first game, but should be motivated because they aren’t far behind the top team.
Flash 109 vs RudeBoyz 131
After a grueling first game, RudeBoyz went up against another up and down team in Flash. Flash has yet to win a game but they have been improving. Ryan Jones and Dennis Tran were hot early on as Flash took an unexpected 52-50 lead in the first half. RudeBoyz caught their second wind and they breezed by Flash to break the single game scoring record with 131 points. RudeBoyz had 4 players with 20 points or more, with Billy Nguyen and Joe Vitug scoring over 30 a piece. RudeBoyz completes the double header sweep to stay atop the standings alone. Good News for Flash is that they found a legit big man, Buka Kelsall finished with 24 points and 18 rebounds.
Don’t Pawk Wid Us 56 vs THuggets 44
Don’t Pawk Wid Us got probably the most important win of the night, a win that keeps them out of the bottom two seeds for now. Don’t Pawk Wid Us did a marvelous job on defense and defended the perimeter almost perfectly only allowing 1 three for the entire game. Thuggets won the rebounding and blocks categories but lost in every other one. Brayson Alexander had a very nice all around game and finished with 45 fantasy points, while Daniel De Joya led Thuggets with 35.5 fantasy points. Thuggets has a few games against teams in the bottom half coming up, they will need to beat a few of them to avoid the bottom two seeds.
Imadri 90 vs Hardwood 1.5 70
Imadri led by double digits early, but Hardwood 1.5 was able to settle down and make this game close in the first half. Without Arthur Cortez, Ryan Itchon and Adam Grub picked up the scoring load to help Drake Poole in this slugfest. However, Hardwood was outsized and the front court of Imadri took full advantage as Anthony Hale and Tony Smith 50 points and 23 rebounds with 18 offensive rebounds as a team. Imadri’s defense picked it up in the second half and they were able to cruise to the victory in the minutes of the game. Hardwood 1.5 still feels confident about their effort and felt that their chemistry is better than ever.
Bombers 48 vs Unknown 57
Bombers was in control of this game in the opening minutes, because nobody was able to stop Jay Arizabal from scoring in the paint. Binni Annore got the offense rolling for Unknown to quickly take a double digit lead at halftime. I felt Bombers dominated this game, but they missed about 10 point blank layups or tip ins, and whenever they made a run Justin Elliot or Teree Burns would hit a big shot for Unknown. Give credit to Unknown for this win, because they played with a lot of energy and physicality. Bombers looked good in the loss they just need to clean up the little mistakes.
Game of Zones 64 vs VIIINO 69
Game of Zones were missing a lot of cast members for the second straight weeks, hopefully they didn’t get killed off because playoffs is coming soon. The size and athleticism of VIIINO to control of this game early as Alvin Liu was beasting early. Gino Maglaque played well enough early on to keep his team within single digits. VIIINO and Januel Astrologo looked like they this game in hand early in the second half, but Peter Valdriz and Julian Flores started to get hot from the perimeter to make this game close. VIIINO would let GOZ back in the game with their horrific free throw shooting, but 5 points is the closest Game of Zones would get. VIIINO moves to 4-1, while Game of Zones is dropping fast.
Kobe in Colorado 49 vs Osnap 52
Things looked bleak early on for Kobe in Colorado as they were done by as many as 18 in the first half. Osnap’s defense was shutting KIC down, and Larrin Tho was let loose on multiple fast breaks. Slowly but surely Kobe in Colorado would make their comeback led by their superstar guard, Adam Grub. As the game went on, the intensity rose resulting in an ejection of one of the players from Osnap. Osnap was able to regain their composure and pull out the extremely close victory. A lot of insiders feel that this is the preview of the top two teams in the division, so hopefully we will see this matchup again in the playoffs.
Permian Panthers 58 vs Pancit Ballabok 36
Pancit Ballabok was at full strength for the first time in a long time, but they just couldn’t handle Permian Panthers as they lose big. Pancit Ballabok relies on their speed to beat opponents, Permian Panthers has the speed to get back on D and the size to score with ease against the smaller Pancit. The Igawa brothers just scored with ease in the paint, while Sean Marsh limited Pancit’s offensive rebounding. Pancit tried to get back in this game with some threes, but they just couldn’t stop Permian. Permian moves to 4-1, while Pancit has the mirror image at 1-4.
#Bombers 61 vs Hightimes 60
#Bombers came into this game on a roll, but was against a team that has a losing record but has played only the top teams. This game had back and forth action and no team had a double digit lead. Horace Nguyen and Ellison Maniego would exchange haymakers for their teams. #Bombers did a great job defending the paint and making sure Eric Neal didn’t score easy, but Hightimes found ways to score on the perimeter and on the break, especially off of #Bombers turnovers. This game would go into go overtime and down by two with second left on the clock, DJ Jazzy Jasmine would hit a contested three for the win as the clock expired. Another heart breaking loss for Hightimes as #Bombers win their 4th straight.
Unfadeable 71 vs So Cal Hoops 59
So Cal Hoops West struggled to defend the perimeter, letting Unfadeable get 11 threes for the game. Joey Kiamco kept SCHW within striking distance, but every time they would make a run Unfadeable answered back with a timely three pointer. Jason Peralta was a beast on the boards finishing with 17 points and 21 rebounds, he didn’t allow too many offensive rebounds for So Cal Hoops. A terrific show of teamwork for Unfadeable, all 5 players in attendance were in double figures. Unfadeable can start building their momentum for the playoffs, while SCHW will need to find that third consistent scorer to go along with Joey Kiamco and Mark Nazareno.
Hardwood Ballers 55 vs Bugattis 38
Bugattis had a lot of confidence going into this game, and they felt that they had the energy and youth advantage to their first win against Hardwood Ballers. Hardwood Ballers looked like the young team to start the game as Neil De Ramos and Nolan De Ramos were a magnificent 1-2 punch early on. JJ Rabot tried to lead a charge late in the first half but the rest of his team couldn’t hit the open shots. John Castor got his career high in rebounding and put up 27 fantasy points. Both teams couldn’t shoot it from downtown, but Hardwood Ballers did a better job capitalizing on Bugattis turnovers and get back to their winning ways. Bugattis has an easy schedule ahead of them as they search for their first win.
Middle Out 41 vs Goodfellas 57
GoodFellas got the break of the century as Ronnie Edmonds was a late scratch for Sunday’s games. Middle Out was horrific to start the game as they trailed 17-3. Ivan and Dennis Tran were hot to start the game on offense, while Marcus Fletcher was a rebounding machine and a defensive juggernaut. Richard Tran and Mike Gabriel were able to hit their shots and cut the lead down to 11 in the second half, but Danny Bonsynat started to hit his offensive stride in the second hald as GoodFellas cruise to their first victory of the season. Morale was at all time high for GoodFellas after the game, while Middle Out knew they could have won this game easy if they were at full strength.
Outsiders 46 vs OTHers 65
Outsiders were embarrassed by one of their rivals on Sunday and the hatred for Neil De Ramos has grown to new levels. Neil has been Outsiders’ worst nightmare over the years, and once again he turned in a nice game, especially on the defensive end. OTHers really made it hard for Outsiders to get open, Mike Gabriel hounded the ball handlers and got 6 steals for the game. Outsiders tried to make a run in the second half but Vyrone Villaverde was able to find wide open teammates to halt any comebacks. OTHers has improved to 4-1, while Outsiders drop their 3rd straight. Outsiders undefeated record seems like it was centuries ago.
