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By Robert Balajadia

’06’s T.J. Balajadia was unmatched when taking to the skies, grabbing rebounds and scoring easy baskets. (photo by Asha Robles)

Two of the most entertaining teams to watch all tournament faced off once more in the FD Alumni Tournament with 2006 keeping their title defend hopes alive by taking out the young guns of 2010, 60-54.

Julius Yu led ’06 in scoring with 11 points but key offensive rebounds from teammate T.J. Balajadia in the final minute of the game denied 2010 from completing a double-digit deficit comeback.  Balajadia finished with nine points.

’06 managed to grab a 48-36 lead on ’10 midways through the second half but back-to-back buckets by Kent Silva cut the lead to single digits and 2010 started to chip away.  2010’s Aldrin Dorado and Earvin Jose were picking off sloppy passes from ’06 while converting the fast break layups cutting the once 12 point lead to just four, 48-44.

’06’s Pascual Artero took a great transition pass from teammate John Pangilinan to end the cold spell, giving ’06 the 50-47 lead.  An inside basket from Balajadia pushed the lead to 53-47 but 2010 responded in spurt by scoring four straight points, including running floater by Robbie Leon Guerrero, to trim the lead 53-51.

The final two minutes presented the most drama after two big free throws from ’06’s Rob Leon Guerreo, making it a two-possession game at 55-51.  Dorado got tangled with Yu on the following possession which provided scramble on the floor with Dorado managing to get both hands on the ball and calling for a timeout.

2010 had used both their timeouts early in the second half leaving Dorado calling an illegal timeout which put Yu at the line for two free-throws, extending the lead 57-52.  2010 managed to respond with a quick bucket to get within three points.

McDonald’s Player of the Game: T.J. Balajadia

With a little over 40 seconds left in the game, ’06’s Yu tried to sink the dagger three-pointer but hit the back rim which presented a jump ball rebounding opportunity that Balajadia seized thanks to his volleyball background.  Another miss by ’06 presented another chance for Balajadia to sky for the board, grabbing the lead saving rebound while putting Yu at the line to ice the game.

“Volleyball plays a big part with the timing in this game.  It’s a whole different ball game with grabbing rebounds.  It feels good to help my team and it’s always a team sport.  In order to get points I need to have my teammates dishing it to me and I was just there at the right time,” stated Balajadia on his clutch hustle performance.

Other Playoff Action

’06 came back in the final game of the night beating 2002 70-56. 2002’s talented trio of Vince Estella, Sean Perez and Jimmy Yi wasn’t enough as the super deep bench of 06 pulled through along with their Big 3 of Leon Guerrero, Yu and Aflague.  Yu and Aflague finished with 22 points each.

Matt Acda scored 17 points to push 1999 into the semifinals, eliminating the five-time champion 1991 51-29. A huge second half by Cory Diaz and Co. had 99 pull away from a close 21-19 halftime edge to move into the final four. 1991 is the only class to win four Songfest championships in school history.

Will Stinnett exploded for 30 points to pave 2004 in the semis 63-51 over 430 (90/93/94). Stinnett had six 3-pointers along the way.

1995 is the oldest class remaining after they roughed up 2013 to a 57-47 win. EJ Calvo paved the way for 95 with 22 points.

Earlier in the day, 1991 cruised by 1984/89 61-39 behind J Onedera’s 19 points and 1999  strolled through the big dudes of 1985/86/87  46-28. 02 eliminated 01 50-41.

SEMIFINALS are set for 3 p.m. and 4:10 p.m. Sunday. The championship game is set for Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.

 PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

’06’s Brian Aflague getting the big block on 2010’s John Camacho. (photo by Asha Robles)

’06’s Brian Aflague sets up for a three-pointer. (photo by Asha Robles)

’06’s Gus Untalan trying to score the easy two pointer. (photo by Asha Robles)

2010’s Aldrin Dorado got his easiest basket all game with the layup. (photo by Asha Robles)

T.J. Balajadia putting the defensive pressure on 2010’s Earvin Jose. (photo by Asha Robles)

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