PBA Hits Trifecta...Wins Under 19: Legends and Men's Open Division in Hamilton Labor Wekend

Is it possible for the PBA contingent to equal their results last year? In spite of facing so many challenges PBA managed to defend their title in the "Legends" division and win back the very competitive "Men's Open" title. That was last year. Hamilton 2011 would be a tough gig for the group. Other cities have improved significantly over the last few years. Wellington always had organized and solid teams; Christchurch and Queenstown had boosted their teams with strong new players and Palmerston North was unpredictable and of course host Hamilton was expected to have a competitive team. PBA prexy Norm Latosa told the teams representing the club to just give it their best.

Under 19 Category
There were 6 teams that joined this category. Each team had to play 3 games and the top 2 teams will face off for the championship. Straightaway, last year's finalists were pitted against each other. Unsure how the bracket system was done the PBA Under 19 squad had to play Wellington last year's champion in their first game of the eliminations. The game was close, PBA took the lead early behind the Evangelista siblings Jed and Alvic perimeter incursions. But every time they tried to pull away, Wellington would respond and claw their way back to remain within striking distance.

Eventually, Kris Patriarca; Mike Becker and Daryl Burias would do their share to win the game and avenge their lost last year. In their games against Hamilton and Taupo, the PBA entry was simply too strong. Role players Jan Latosa; Daniel de Silva and Kevin Onte were given a chance to shine. Even John Foe and Joseph Senfelices were able to show off their skills while their key players rested.

As fate would have it, the finals was going to be a repeat of last year's match. Auckland vs perennial competitor Wellington. This time around PBA was going to have a full strength line up. In last year's championship game key players Patriarca and Becker were not available as the game coincided with the Men's Opens finals where both players were also participating.

But what PBA officials kept under wraps was that the versatile 6'5 Mike Becker had sprained his ankle earlier. He was asked to suit up just to ensure that PBA kept their psychological advantage. Becker would later decide to play and be an intimidating force in the paint. PBA had a perfect start with their full court press working and building up a lead. Wellington on the other hand looked tired and missed a lot of their shots early in the game.

Patriarca teamed up with Jed Evangelista to put their team up by 20 points in the first half. It was difficult for last year's champion to recover from such a huge deficit especially in a running game contest. Second half saw PBA using their entire bench and build up an insurmountable lead. Coach Jude Evangelista was beaming with pride with how his team played, everyone contributed and they won through their defense.

Legends 40 and Over
Funny that it was also in Hamilton 4 years ago when Labour Weekend organizers introduced this category. With the arrival of more migrants who are younger and better players, some of the older pinoys were struggling to keep up. The solution? A tournament for 40 and over.
In fact over the next few years, we will not be surprised if a 50 and over category will also be introduced. Imagine, there were 7 teams that competed for this year's 40 and over tourney. PBA had 2 but could easily have had another 2 teams.  Fortunately both PBA teams were able to make it to the finals.

PBA 2 composed of UFC mainstays Joey Ilagan; Rex Rivera; Bobby Miranda; Danny Corpuz; Moises Abalos met Wellington; Waikato 1 and West Auckland. They made it to the finals through their perimeter shooting and fast break plays.

PBA 1 only had 3 teams in their bracket, so when they won against Taupo and Waikato 2 they were assured a slot in the finals as well. With both teams in the finals PBA was guaranteed of keeping their title for a fourth year in a row.

In the finals, PBA 2 was ahead in the first half by 6 points, thanks to the heads up play of Joey Ilagan. But the second half was a different story as PBA 1 big guys Conrad Galang; Ramel Maligro; Edwin Carbungco and Jun Ablanida controlled the boards. Add to this Lito Javier; Norman Latosa and Romy Guevarra hitting from the outside. Nato Viray; Jun Trasmontero and George Bautista did their bit by clamping down on defense. With a huge third quarter, PBA 1 was on their way towards another win. Coach Lito Bote was very happy with the way his team performed.

Men's Open Division
Undoubtedly the most competitive sports event in the Labour Weekend festivities. Auckland throughout the years has dominated this division by the sheer number of migrants arriving from back home. More migrants hence the possibility of more talented new players arriving. Wellington has usually been Auckland's friendly adversary while Christchurch or Queenstown of late has also been able to field in competitive teams. And then there is also Palmerston North and this year's host Hamilton that have improved considerably.

However, it is fairly obvious that with so many teams and organizations coming from Auckland it is inevitable that there will be 2 Auckland teams in the finals. PBA had 4 teams, another Auckland organization the North Shore group also had 4. In case you were wondering host Hamilton also had 4 entries. As it would turn out the finals would be between 2 Auckland teams.  

And if anyone thought the finals would be a friendly match between the 2 Auckland based teams think again. Parang pelikula was a comment heard mentioned a lot after the game. The crowd who witnessed the game was definitely excited throughout the finals match. This would have to be the most exciting championship game in recent memory for the Labour Weekend competition.

Filsari 1 was composed of the JR Panel team that competed in the LS Banal Cup of PBA, they faced the North Shore group that was also unbeaten on their way to the finals. JR Panel was up for almost the entire game through Dennis Lorenzo; Mark Macuja; Daryll Burias; Jambo Tabaquero and Edmond Quizon's efforts. At one stage the lead was in double digit figures although you wouldn't know it based on Coach Tong's facial reaction. But no one said it would be easy. North Shore's old reliables as usual came through, a three pointer by James Culbreath; a coast to coast drive by Oneil Tablang and Kerby Mendoza's 2 free throws suddenly the NS boys were up by three in the dying seconds of the game.

But as fate would have it, or as some would say mahirap ibahin ang kapalaran, with 1.6 seconds to go and their team up by 3 the NS team was seen celebrating, fists in the air, players standing ready top shake hands with the opposing side. No one expected new recruit Gary Thomson to throw a Hail Mary shot from the half court area with 1.6 seconds left to nail it and tie the ball game. Finals match go into overtime. In OT period, the NS boys were again on their way to winning the game up 4 huge points with less than 90 seconds to go. Even some of the PBA followers were thinking that's it for PBA.  As we mentioned earlier, it is hard to mess with fate. Joshua del Rosario brought his team back, hitting a massive three pointer to silence the NS cheering squad and game down to a one point difference. Del Rosario would then collar a huge rebound and feed wild man Ferdinand Manuel for an easy fast break lay up against NS big man Jay Salonga who surprisingly did not even challenge the shot. JR Panel up by 1. And they would continue to  keep that lead. NS boys called a time out and quickly drew up a play in the last few seconds, Daboy Salvador inbounded the ball but passed it to the other team to seal his team's chances. PBA are champs again!

Lots of drama indeed. As JR Panel huddled, team captain Dennis Lorenzo called on PBA Manila Motors; PBA Dimond and PBA UFC to join them as it was a win for PBA. The crowd was celebrating with chants of PBA, PBA PBA! Everyone was in shock with the drama that unfolded. NS boys fell behind but came back strongly only to commit several mental lapses. JR Panel took advantage of this and also created their own opportunities to win the title and retain PBA's title.

PBA officials Norm Latosa; Conrad Galang and Bong Fiel were seen giving each other high fives, along with PBA West Coach John Senfelices and playing manager Eric Hansen;  UFC head Leo Mandajos who is also PBA's Asst Technical Committee. PBA Dimond and PBA Manila Motors were also cheering and celebrating at the side lines. PBA would like to thank all their supporters; sponsors; followers win or lose they are always there.

Pistang Pilipino 2011 sa Hamilton would definitely be remembered for this exciting finals. The facilities were not that great; the format and scheduling could be improved. But the Hamiltonians surely gave it their all in hosting this year's festivities. Organizer Jun Valencia said it so well during one of the games  "Please remember the table officials are just volunteers". Indeed, a lot of Hamiltonians sacrificed their time and energies to host this year's event. And for that PBA congratulates and wished to thank the Filipino community of Hamilton!