Bask3tball

Yep, you read that right. Game two of the Semifinals knock-off match between FEU and ADMU was shown at Channel 23 today. I never saw the 2000 season ofthe UAAP, I was abroad at that time undergoing training. I would have wanted to see the 2000 team of ADMU play, that team was touted as the Dream Team by the Press. And why wouldn’t it be called that? Considering that it was bannered by no less than Rico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, Rainer Sison, Magnum Membrere, Wesley Gonzales and Coached by Joe Lipa.

Entering game two, the record was in favor of ADMU. The last two minutes of the game was a seesaw battle where FEU was leading via the heroics and stellar play of Celino Cruz. FEU at that time had in its stable Catli, Miko Roldan and versatile forward Leo Avenido. On a Rainer Sison 3, ADMU was able to get a 1 point lead. It looked like it was going to be an Ateneo win 10 only secs remaining on the clock. But things turned out differently as Rich Alvarez made a mistake on a jump ball possession by grabbing the ball, on a mistap by him and Leo Avenido, instead of letting it go. He was whistled a violation and ball possession was given to FEU.

On the succeeding play Celino Cruz brought the ball down while being tightly guarded by Andre Cruz, he dished out to Miko Roldan who was waiting at mid range. Guarded by both Alvarez and Villanueva, he dribbled towards the free throw line and popped a jumper. The ball bounced once on the ring before falling in. Gameover.

FEU won the game, tying the series. Eventually they won the game and went on to play DLSU who beat out UST for the last Finals slot. DLSU then went on to win the UAAP Championship.

If I remember correctly DLSU wasn’t touted to win because of the graduation of Allado and Aldeguer. DLSU meanwhile unveiled a secret weapon in Fil-Am Mike Cortez and together with Ren Ren Ritualo, Mon Jose, Mac Cuan and the rest of the guys claimed another Championship for Coach Franz Pumaren.