Wikipedia

NCAA Season 97 men's basketball tournament

The NCAA Season 97 men's basketball tournament was the basketball tournaments of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines) for its 2021–22 season. This was the first tournament since the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, and since 2019 after the planned 96th season was cancelled because of the pandemic. Only the men's tournament for college students was held; the juniors' tournament for senior high school students last held in 2019 was canceled.

NCAA Season 97
Stronger Together. Buo ang Puso
Host schoolDe La Salle–College of Saint Benilde
Men's Finals G1 G2Wins
Letran school colors Letran Knights 68 752
Mapua school colors Mapúa Cardinals 63 650
DurationMay 15 to 22, 2022
Arena(s)Filoil Flying V Arena
Finals MVPJeo Ambohot
Winning coachBonnie Tan (2nd title)
SemifinalistsSan Beda school colors San Beda Red Lions
UPHD school colors Perpetual Altas
TV network(s)GMA
< Season 95 (2019) 2021–22 Season 98 >

The Letran Knights won all games to become champions undefeated, defeating the Mapua Cardinals in the finals. Rhenz Abando was named season MVP.

Tournament format

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The season will be held with five gamedays a week calendar, with two games being played in each gameday. These gamedays are scheduled from Tuesday to Sundays.[1]

  • Round robin tournament
  • Teams will be ranked by winning percentage.
  • Top two teams will be given the twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. Next four teams will participate in the play-in tournament.
    • Third and fourth placed teams will play for the third seed
    • Fifth and sixth placed teams will play for a berth in the fourth seed playoff, to face the loser of the third seed playoff.
  • The finals shall be a best-of-three series.

Teams

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All ten schools are participating.

Team College Men's coach
Arellano Chiefs Arellano University (AU) Cholo Martin
Letran Knights Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Bonnie Tan
Benilde Blazers De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Charles Tiu
EAC Generals Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Oliver Bunyi
JRU Heavy Bombers José Rizal University (JRU) Louie Gonzalez
Lyceum Pirates Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Gilbert Malabanan
Mapúa Cardinals Mapúa University (MU) Randy Alcantara
San Beda Red Lions San Beda University (SBU) Boyet Fernandez
San Sebastian Stags San Sebastian College – Recoletos (SSC-R) Edgar Macaraya
Perpetual Altas University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Myk Saguiguit

Coaching changes

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Team Outgoing coach Manner of departure Date Replaced by Date
Perpetual Altas Frankie Lim Resignation September 16, 2020[2] Myk Saguiguit December 1, 2020[3]
Lyceum Pirates Topex Robinson Signed by Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters September 12, 2020[4] Jeff Perlas October 6, 2020[5]
Benilde Blazers Ty Tang End of contract June 18, 2021[6] Charles Tiu December 2, 2021[7]
Lyceum Pirates Jeff Perlas Resignation December 13, 2021[8] Gilbert Malabanan December 13, 2021[8]

Venues

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St. Benilde Gym
 
Filoil Flying
V Centre
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Venues in Metro Manila.

St. Benilde Gym in La Salle Green Hills (LSGH), Mandaluyong is the exclusive venue of the tournament. All games will be held behind closed doors, with teams being transported to LSGH from their schools every game day.[9]

In April, the NCAA announced that fans will be allowed back to watch the games at the venue for the last game day of the elimination round, the play-in tournament, semifinals, and finals, which was held at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.[10]

Squads

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Each NCAA team can have up to 15 players on their roster.

Starting this season, all teams in all sports are banned from including foreigners in their rosters.[11] Squads were released on March 22.[12]

Elimination round

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Team standings

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Pos Team W L PCT GB Qualification
1   Letran Knights 9 0 1.000 — Twice-to-beat in the semifinals
2   Mapúa Cardinals 7 2 .778[a] 2
3   San Beda Red Lions 7 2 .778[a] 2 Advance to third seed playoff
4   Benilde Blazers (H) 5 4 .556 4
5   Perpetual Altas 4 5 .444[b] 5 Proceed to qualifying playoff
6   Arellano Chiefs 4 5 .444[b] 5
7   EAC Generals 3 6 .333[c] 6
8   San Sebastian Stags 3 6 .333[c] 6
9   Lyceum Pirates 2 7 .222 7
10   JRU Heavy Bombers 1 8 .111 8
Source: GMA Network-NCAA Philippines
Rules for classification: 1) winning percentage; 2) head-to-head record; 3) head-to-head point differential; 4) overall point differential
(H) Hosts
Notes:
  1. ^ a b Head-to-head record: Mapúa 1–0 San Beda
  2. ^ a b Head-to-head record: Perpetual 1–0 Arellano
  3. ^ a b Head-to-head record: EAC 1–0 San Sebastian

Match-up results

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Team ╲ Game123456789
  Arellano         
  Letran         
  Benilde         
  EAC         
  JRU         
  Lyceum         
  Mapúa         
  San Beda         
  San Sebastian         
  Perpetual         
Updated to match(es) played on April 29, 2022. Source: GMA Network-NCAA Philippines
  = Win;   = OT win;   = Loss;   = OT loss

Scores

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Results on top and to the right of the dashes are for first-round games.

Teams AU CSJL CSB EAC JRU LPU MU SBU SSC-R UPHSD
Arellano Chiefs — 67–96 71–76 70–55 65–62 66–70 72–63 68–82 65–63 70–87
Letran Knights — 67–63 83–62 81–59 80–77 80–60 59–56 73–69 68–57
Benilde Blazers — 78–68 68–74 79–68 65–84 63–67 71–62 83–73
EAC Generals — 80–65 70–69 67–73 81–85 63–60 60–63
JRU Heavy Bombers — 75–82 56–59 53–67 64–70 56–77
Lyceum Pirates — 65–75 76–84 71–83 69–72
Mapúa Cardinals — 68–54 65–59 95–83
San Beda Red Lions — 61–60 78–71
San Sebastian Stags — 63–58
Perpetual Altas —
Updated to match(es) played on April 29, 2022. Source: GMA Network
Legend: Blue = left column team win; Red = top row team win.
Matches with lighter background shading were decided after overtime.

Play-in tournament

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Play-in gamesFourth seed playoffFinal seeds
3  San Beda633  San Beda No. 3 seed 
4  Benilde575  Perpetual No. 4 seed 
4  Benilde64
5  Perpetual76
5  Perpetual59
6  Arellano52

Third seed playoff

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This is between the teams that finished 3rd and 4th after the elimination round; the winner is the #3 seed and advances to the semifinals against the #2 seed, while the loser is relegated to the fourth seed playoff.

May 1
12:00 p.m.
San Beda Red Lions   63–57   Benilde Blazers
Scoring by quarter: 18–7, 8–13, 14–17, 23–20
Pts: James Kwekuteye 17
Rebs: JB Bahio 10
Asts: Alfaro, Cortez, 4 each		 Pts: Robi Nayve 10
Rebs: Will Gozum 11
Asts: Robi Nayve 3
San Beda advances to the semifinals

Qualifying playoff

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This is between the teams that finished 5th and 6th after the elimination round; the winner advances to the fourth seed playoff, while the loser is eliminated.

May 1
3:00 p.m.
Perpetual Altas   59–52   Arellano Chiefs
Scoring by quarter: 13–14, 12–10, 19–19, 15–9
Pts: Kim Aurin 16
Rebs: Mark Omega 9
Asts: Jielo Razon 6		 Pts: Jordan Sta. Ana 12
Rebs: Justin Arana 17
Asts: Maui Cruz 4
Perpetual advances to the fourth seed playoff

Fourth seed playoff

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The winner is the #4 seed and advances to the semifinals against the #1 seed.

May 4
3:00 p.m.
Benilde Blazers   64–76   Perpetual Altas
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 18–19, 15–19, 17–17
Pts: JC Cullar 18
Rebs: Will Gozum 13
Asts: Robi Nayve 3		 Pts: John Abis 14
Rebs: Jielo Razon 11
Asts: John Abis 5
Perpetual advances to the Final Four

Bracket

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Semifinals
(Nos. 1 & 2 have twice-to-beat advantage)		Finals
(Best-of-three series)
1  Letran77
4  Perpetual75
1  Letran6875
2  Mapúa6365
2  Mapúa6770
3  San Beda73*67

*Game went into overtime

Semifinals

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The top 2 seeded teams have the twice-to-beat advantage. In case a team wins all elimination round games, the stepladder format won't be used since the elimination round is shortened to just one round instead of the usual two.[13]

(1) Letran vs. (4) Perpetual

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This is the first meeting between Letran and Perpetual in the playoffs. Letran qualified to its third consecutive playoffs, while Perpetual returned to the playoffs after missing out the 2019 tournament.

May 8
12:00 p.m.
Letran Knights   77–75   Perpetual Altas
Scoring by quarter: 20–17, 16–22, 26–16, 15–20
Pts: Rhenz Abando 24
Rebs: Jeo Ambohot 14
Asts: Reyson, Yu 3 each		 Pts: Jielo Razon 21
Rebs: Jielo Razon 11
Asts: Jielo Razon 4
Letran wins series in one game

(2) Mapúa vs. (3) San Beda

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This is the first meeting between Mapúa and San Beda in the semifinals since 2008 and fourth overall. Meanwhile, this is Mapúa's first semifinals appearance since 2016 and the first time they have the twice-to-beat advantage. while it will be the first time since 2005 when San Beda does not have the twice-to-beat advantage.[14]

May 8
3:00 p.m.
Mapúa Cardinals   67–73 (OT)   San Beda Red Lions
Scoring by quarter: 12–6, 13–19, 16–8, 19–27, Overtime: 7–13
Pts: Warren Bonifacio 18
Rebs: Warren Bonifacio 13
Asts: Brian Lacap 4		 Pts: James Kwekuteye 17
Rebs: JB Bahio 13
Asts: James Kwekuteye 4
May 11
3:00 p.m.
Mapúa Cardinals   70–67   San Beda Red Lions
Scoring by quarter: 9–9, 18–15, 21–25, 22–18
Pts: Gamboa, Lacap 13 each
Rebs: Arvin Gamboa 10
Asts: Nocum, Pido 3 each		 Pts: Yukien Andrada 19
Rebs: JB Bahio 15
Asts: James Kwekuteye 4
Mapúa wins series in two games

Finals

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The finals is a best-of-three series. This is the first meeting between Letran and Mapúa in the finals during the Final Four era, the first since 1979 where Letran won the title, and is a part of the Battle of Intramuros rivalry, so named after the district of Manila both schools are located at. Letran is in its second consecutive finals appearance, while Mapúa is in its first finals appearance since 1995.[15]

May 15
3:00 p.m.
Letran Knights   68–63   Mapúa Cardinals
Scoring by quarter: 15–24, 17–15, 17–15, 19–9
Pts: Paraiso, Sangalang 14 each
Rebs: Jeo Ambohot 13
Asts: Paraiso, Yu 5 each		 Pts: Bonifacio, Gamboa 10 each
Rebs: Warren Bonifacio 14
Asts: Adrian Nocum 6
May 22
3:00 p.m.
Letran Knights   75–65   Mapúa Cardinals
Scoring by quarter: 19–8, 20–15, 19–25, 17–17
Pts: Rhenz Abando 14
Rebs: Louie Sangalang 13
Asts: Fran Yu 5		 Pts: Paolo Hernandez 14
Rebs: Warren Bonifacio 10
Asts: Paolo Hernandez 5
Letran wins series, 2–0
  • Finals Most Valuable Player: Jeo Ambohot (Letran Knights)
  • Coach of the Year: Bonnie Tan (Letran Knights)

All-Star Game

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An all-star game pattered after the NBA All-Star Game was held after the tournament. It included 2 teams, "Team Saints" or the schools named after Catholic saints and figures, and "Team Heroes", for those named after Filipino dignitaries and heroes. Each team has two all-stars from each school, and several male contract stars of Sparkle, GMA's talent agency.[16]

June 5, 2022
Team Heroes 109–109 Team Saints
  • All-Star Game MVP: Enoch Valdez (Team Heroes)
  • Celebrity MVP: Jose Sarasola (Team Saints)

Awards

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 NCAA Season 97 men's basketball champions 
 
Letran Knights
19th title, second consecutive title

The awards were given prior to Game 2 of the men's Finals.[17]

  • Most Valuable Player: Rhenz Abando (Letran Knights)
  • Rookie of the Year: Rhenz Abando (Letran Knights)
  • Mythical Five:
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Justin Arana (Arellano Chiefs)
  • All-Defensive Team:
    • Jeo Ambohot (Letran Knights)
    • Justin Arana (Arellano Chiefs)
    • Will Gozum (Benilde Blazers)
    • Omar Larupay (Lyceum Pirates)
    • JM Calma (San Sebastian Stags)
    • Nat Cosejo (EAC Generals)
  • Most Improved Player: Paolo Hernandez (Mapúa Cardinals)
  • Sportsmanship Award: Perpetual Altas

Statistical leaders

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Game player highs

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Statistic Player Team Total Opponent
Points Ralph Robin   EAC Generals 27   San Sebastian Stags
Rebounds Justin Arana   Arellano Chiefs 29   JRU Heavy Bombers
Assists JL delos Santos   JRU Heavy Bombers 9   Arellano Chiefs
Steals Axel Doromal   Arellano Chiefs 7   Perpetual Altas
Blocks Louie Sangalang   Letran Knights 5   Perpetual Altas

Season player highs

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This were for games played during the elimination round.[18]

Statistic Player Team Average
Points JM Calma   San Sebastian Stags 16.9
Rebounds Justin Arana   Arellano Chiefs 17.13
Assists Renzo Navarro   Lyceum Pirates 4.7
Steals Axel Doromal   Arellano Chiefs 2.1
Blocks Justin Arana   Arellano Chiefs 2.9

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Li, Matthew (March 7, 2022). "Pujante tapped as UAAP 84 commissioner, Cristobal for NCAA 97". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  2. ^ Lozada, Bong (September 17, 2020). "Frankie Lim leaves Altas: 'Sports not priority now in Perpetual'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  3. ^ "Perpetual names longtime deputy Myk Saguiguit as new coach". Spin.ph. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  4. ^ Dalupang, Denison Rey A. (September 12, 2020). "Phoenix lets go of Alas; Robinson takes over for now". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  5. ^ INQUIRER.net (October 6, 2020). "Jeff Perlas named new Lyceum coach with Robinson as consultant". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  6. ^ Li, Matthew (September 11, 2021). "TY Tang migrates to Canada as CSB position now vacant". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  7. ^ "Charles Tiu named new St. Benilde Blazers head coach". Spin.ph. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Li, Matthew (December 13, 2021). "Jeff Perlas steps down as LPU head coach, Gilbert Malabanan promoted". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  9. ^ Reyes, Marc Anthony (March 20, 2022). "Everything set for NCAA opening". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  10. ^ "NCAA set to return to FilOil Flying V Centre for San Beda-Letran, playoffs | NCAA Philippines". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  11. ^ "NCAA Season 97 officially kicks off this March 26 on GMA | NCAA Philippines". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  12. ^ "NCAA Season 97 men's basketball team lineups | NCAA Philippines". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  13. ^ "Why there won't be a stepladder semis even if a team sweeps elims this time". Spin.ph. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  14. ^ "Scrappy Letran completes elims sweep, boots rival San Beda to worst finish in 17 years". RAPPLER. April 29, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  15. ^ Micaller, Bea (May 15, 2022). "Letran coach Bonnie Tan says momentum was on Mapua's side in tough Game 1 battle". GMA News. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  16. ^ "Team Heroes, Team Saints battle to 109-all draw in exciting NCAA All-Star Game | NCAA Philippines". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
  17. ^ "NCAA: Letran's Abando named rookie-MVP; Arellano's Arana top defender". ABS-CBN News. May 22, 2022.
  18. ^ "Arellano's Arana leads MVP race in NCAA Season 97". Spin.ph. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
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Preceded by NCAA basketball seasons
Season 97 (2021) 		Succeeded by
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