Ball Points (10-2-09)

• The SBC Red Lions have proven their worth as title contenders as they disposed the 4th seeded Letran Knights, 76-64. The Lions dominated from start to finish. It was also an ugly game from start to finish. In the the 1st quarter alone, more than 20 fouls were committed between the two teams. What made things worse was the pile of TOs by both teams. Coach Louie Alas was also ejected middle in the 1st quarter for 2 technical fouls. The officials were tightening things up because of all the commotion that happened in the game between MIT and AUF. I think the refs overreacted this time around. There was no flow at all in the game. Officiating made the game unbearable. The Knights were clearly on the losing end of this adjustment as the team is known for their physical play. They weren't able to adjust to the way the calls were made and it might have cost them this game. They had 2 players with 3 fouls and another 2 with 2 fouls in the 1st quarter alone. However, this game will not affect their standings as they are safely locked up in the no. 4 spot but a cause of concern is Guevarra's injury. He landed awkwardly after going up for fast break layup late in the 4th against Sudan. He immediately looked at their bench and said "tuhod" after the incident. I'm not sure what his injury is but it will surely be a big blow to his career and to the Knights if he severely injured his knee.
• In the 1st game today, MIT defeated AUF for their 4th straight win. This was also an ugly game as a lot of trash talking and scuffles occurred in the game. Stevens even received an elbow from Gomez with only seconds remaining in the game which was already decided. Coaches and officials did a good job to prevent any brawls from happening but a lot of players were ejected for coming out of their benches. MIT is looking sharp and are now the favorites to the get the no. 6 seed which will give them an opportunity to compete in the PCCL. CSB (tied at 6th place, 5-11) has 2 more remaining games against MIT and UPHSD. EAC (tied at 6th place, 5-11) has also 2 more remaining games against AU and the rampaging JRU Heavy Bombers. MIT (7th, 5-12) on the meantime has only one game remaining against the CSB Blazers. The CSB-MIT match will probably decide on who will get the no. 6 seed. The Cardinals have all the momentum right now and I don't know if CSB can show up with their complete lineup because of their injuries.
• Joshua Webb(DLSU), Jon Colina(ADU) and Woody Co(UP) have been confirmed to take part in the 1st game of Monday's charity event pitting the UAAP-NCAA stars against the LP-PBL stars. If ADMU, UE and Smart-Gilas players will not participate in the 1st game, you can expect guys like RR Garcia, Reil Cervantes, Khazim Mirza and Kokoy Hermosisima to complete the UAAP cast. It's not yet clear who will be fielded for the NCAA as players from F4 teams might not take part in the event but you can expect guys like Gio Ciriacruz and Argel Mendoza to represent the NCAA.
• Training camp just begun but a lot of players are already hurt. Bill Walker (BOS) is out for 6-8 weeks with a torn meniscus in his right knee. Aaron Gray (CHI) fractures left fibula and could miss 2 months. Eddy Curry (NYK) is injured once again. He reportedly tweaked his hamstring and calf. No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin (LAC) will also be out 5-6 days with a sore knee. The no. 4 overall pick, Tyreke Evans (SAC) also has a bone bruise and is considered day-to-day. Rashad McCants will not be signed by the Rockets because of his abdominal injury. Comebacking Gilbert Arenas (WAS) reportedly has a limp as well.