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Blades end a blockbuster week with win over Rangers

Bacoor Blades @ Citta Italia Rangers
Citta Italia Arena
22:45

In what have been called by many as the biggest week of the season so far, the Bacoor Blades pulled through as they notched their 13th win in a row at the expense of Citta Italia Rangers in the battle of the undefeated teams, 99-72.

Both teams entered the encounter holding identical 12-0 marks, although earned in different manners. The Blades won convincingly in all of their games so far in the League this season, while the Rangers have been tested a lot of times this season, winning by closer margins. The Blades were also coming off the heels of an upset victory over BLuE Jeanz in the National Tournament just two days prior.

But as it turned out, the Blades' firepower was just too much for the Rangers as they tried to keep in step, but were just outplayed in almost all fronts highlighted by the Blades' 47% shooting from the field as compared to the Rangers' 33% and their 58-35 rebounding edge.

Eugenio Genco had his better scoring games in a little while as he notched 20 points, while Iliya Dimov and Pedro Horcasitas, both coming off heroic performances in the Cup, both had 14 to their name. Eladio Martin and Regan Elizaga round up the double-digit scorers as they both had 11 points each.

"Tremendous effort from the guys. Genco was our top man here no question." said team manager TheDogMan. "We really don't draw up plays for him, not even for this game. But for some reason, the play usually ends up with him making the basket." the head honcho further added.

"We just came off a big Cup win. I wanted to keep the momentum going so I tried to play a good game as much as possible. Luckily, I did." said the 7-footer Genco, who made key plays in the Blades' Cup win as well.

"This win takes us to the top." said Horcasitas, "This was the game everyone was looking forward to. We both had good players and good team play."

"Baka nga eto ang maging Finals ng season eh." said a delighted Mark Hugos. The co-captain dished out 10 assists to his team for the game. "Ganda ng ikot ng bola ng parehong koponan. Pero siguro mas consistent kami sa execution buong laro."

The Blades will have one more game as they take on Hunger Games Elite Champions on the 23rd in their seventh National Tournament assignment before heading into the All-Star break.

Bacoor Blades well-represented in All-Star festivities

League IV.43 All-Star Weekend
12:52

Five players from the Bacoor Blades roster will participate in this season's League IV.43 All-Star weekend next week at the home court of ESTORYAHEE!, ZANQU.

Sensational rookie Regan Elizaga has been chosen to represent the Bacoor side in the three-point shootout. The 18-year old gunner has led the Blades in three-point field goals attempted and made. Not only that, if given a minimum attempt limit, Elizaga leads the team in 3pt percentage with an even 50%.

For the All-Star Game, four players have been voted in for Bacoor. Kelly Paul and Eladio Martin will be All-Star Game starters while Mark Louis Hugos and Eugenio Genco will fill the role as substitutes. All four players will be participating in an All-Star Game for the very first time.

"They deserve to be there for sure. They worked so hard this season to get their bearings back." said team manager TheDogMan. "They made the team for a reason. And I'm pretty sure that they will be able to show that in the game."

"Wow! To be given the privilege to play in the all-star game is an honor." said Kelly Paul. "I just watch these games growing up and to be a part of it now is just unbelievable."

"Napakasaya ko, hindi lang dahil napili akong maging all-star." said Mark Hugos. "Masaya rin ako dahil yung mga kasama ko sa team, kasali rin. Kumbaga, mashe-share namin yung karanasan at hindi lang iisa ang makakaranas."

Legendary Blades player Saady retires

Three seasons after last donning a Bacoor Blades jersey, legendary baller Insa Saady called it a career after 16 seasons.

The 6'7" French international averaged 16.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 423 games spanning 8 teams. Dubbed as the Blades' first superstarhis entry to the team prior to the start of Season 18 became the starting point of the team's rise from cellar-dwellers to title contenders in Division IV.6. He also led the Blades during their 22-0 elimination round back in Season 20, his last stint with the team.

"It might sound unfortunate to hear that a player of his caliber had hung up his jersey, but I will not hesitate to tell you that his contributions to the team will never, ever, be forgotten, ever." reaffirmed team manager TheDogMan. Saady appeared in 81 games for the Blades, this includes playoff and National Tournament appearances, where he averaged 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists.

"We hope to give him the proper retirement ceremony that he deserves. And since the teams that he played the most for during his career have already folded, I believe we are the only ones eligible to retire his name in our Hall of Fame."

Dimov's big night not enough as Blades bow out of Cup

National Tournament Round 7
Bacoor Blades @ Hunger Games Elite Champions
13:34

When it was all said and done, Iliya Dimov scored 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including 4-for-8 from beyond the arc to typify his escape from his long shooting spell.

But as it turns out, the closest thing he got to a help was from Blades co-captain Kelly Paul's double double of 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Blades bowed out of the National Tournament and conceding their very first loss this season in both domestic competitions, 103-85.

Paul fouled out after 37 minutes of play but it was already a game wrapped up from the second quarter onward as the Elite Champions methodically built their lead with their sturdy defensive stance.

"We did not deserve to win this game. We were flat from the beginning 'til the end and it was so evident that they just pounced on us on all fronts." said team manager TheDogMan.

"Simply put, we were hopeless in the game."

"Siguro ang makukuha na lang naming aral dito yung hindi pagiging kampante sa laro." said co-captain Mark Louis Hugos, who only had nine points, but had six rebounds and six assists.

The Blades will return to League action on the 27th vs. Necroumancerz, but not before the All-Star break as the team has 1 representative in the Three Point Shootout and four All-Stars.

Blades players shine in All-Star festivities

All-Star Break
13:55

It was a night to remember as the Blades players did not fail to shine in their moment under the spotlight in the showcase of the best players in the league for the All-Star Game.

Unfortunately for rookie sensation Regan Elizaga, he cannot advance to the final round of the three-point contest as his 10 points was just one short of the qualifying mark. Fruto Nicolas of DLSU Archers won the three-point plum as he edged out Claudio Agra of Creators creation, 15 points to 10.

But in the main event, the All-Star game, the Bacoor contingent did not disappoint as they led the Great 8 All-Stars to victory, 133-128. Eladio Martin had 27 points, six rebounds and three assists while Kelly Paul had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Mark Louis Hugos and Eugenio Genco had 17 and 8 points respectively, with the latter contributing eight rebounds as they were able to make the most out of the short time they had on the court.

"This was a rewarding moment for us. But despite that fact, it was all about the fans and their continuing support for the league." said Kelly Paul, whose elation was across his face for the entire time. "This was just our way of giving back their support to us."

Now that the festivities are over, the Blades look to get back to the court as they resume their road to redemption with a game vs Necroumancerz on the 27th.

The Holster Feature: Midterm Measurements

The Bacoor Blades Mid-season Report
The Holster Headquarters
4:28

Halfway through the Bacoor Blades' road to redemption, we here at The Holster decided to evaluate the performance of the Bacoor side as we turn the page on the first half of the elimination round.

Offensive Statistics:

PPG: 103.3
FG%: 53
3PT%: 38
FT%: 56.8
TOPG: 16.5

Grade: B+

Not necessarily an offensive juggernaut, but the Bacoor Blades' triple-digit average in scoring proves that the Princeton offense has been very effective. Since reverting back to their old scheme after being a more post-centric team last season, the Blades have done a decent job in their campaign so far in the points department, highlighted by their 53% field goal average so far in the season. They also are doing a decent job from the three as their 38% average is second in the league thanks to rookie Regan Elizaga and Mark Hugos, who are shooting the lights out in lieu of the struggles of renowned gunner Iliya Dimov. However, during the last few games, the Bulgarian hotshot is starting to get his stroke back. And when he does, prepare for an even fearsome Blades team for the rest of the elimination round. Gotta work on those freebies and handles though, their average is one of the league's worst (their turnover average is actually league-worst). Good thing a lot of their league matches did not have to go down the wire.

Defensive Statistics:

PAPG: 58.4
RPG: 59.5
AFG%: 28.4
A3PT%: 19.9
BPG: 13.5

Grade: A+

Now this is when things get scary. Their offense may need a few tweaks here and there, but their defense is just amazing. The Blades are the best defensive team in the league, bar none. The first three statistics shown above are actually the league's best. That means that in every game in the league so far, the Blades have won by an average of almost 45 points per game! Yes they don't score as much as other teams, but they will almost always shut down their opponents with suffocating defense. The percentages shown indicate that their opponents are most likely to shoot more blanks than makes every single game. Their anchors in the middle have provided a lot of defensive gems this season. Any inside penetrator have become invitees to their block party. And even the guards join in on the fun, as four of their perimeter wards are averaging at least a block a game.

To simply put, when facing the Blades, you are in for a very long night.

Best Performers:

Kelly Paul (18ppg, 12rpg, 1.8bpg, 73%FG, 40%3FG)

There is no doubt in anyone's minds that Kelly Paul is the best player on the Blades roster. And the co-captain is finally showing what he can do by leading the team by example.

Mark Louis Hugos (14ppg, 7.1apg, 1.5bpg, 1spg, 53%FG, 49%3FG)

The other co-captain is showing is stuff as well. His leadership is invaluable and has been the staple voice of the locker room ever since the franchise began. Being the longest-tenured Blades player, his contribution to the squad is well-appreciated, and he reciprocates it so far with fantastic play.

Eladio Martin (13ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.6 rpg, 1.4bpg, 55%FG, 38%3FG)

The undisputed Blades' sixth man. Though not new to the role, his performance this season off the bench has been nothing short of spectacular. And the good thing is, he is capable of changing the complexion of the game not by scoring alone, as his stats show that he can be an all-around contributor for the team.

Blades extend unbeaten run; exorcises Necroumancerz

League IV.43 Elimination Round
Necroumancerz vs. Bacoor Blades
20:14

The Bacoor Blades treated their home crowd with yet another dominant performance against an inter-conference rival, Necroumancerz, 99-50 to extend their impressive unbeaten run to 14 games.

A relatively physical encounter in the first half, especially inside the paint saw Eugenio Genco enter into foul trouble rendering him ineffective for the rest of the game as well as Atong Gierza of the Necroumancerz suffering an injury that reportedly will render him on the shelf for one week. Blades rookie Regan Elizaga also suffered a minor bump during the game but although he did not play the rest of the game, he is okay as per team doctor Jesus Mulero's post-game findings.

"He tweaked his ankle. it looked bad at first that's why I made the preventive advice to not let him play." said Mulero. "But his ankle was found to be fine and no structural damage had been inflicted."

Co-captains Kelly Paul and Mark Hugos, as well as Eladio Martin led the Blades' charge as the first-time All-Stars wound up with 22, 19 and 13 points respectively, with Paul having grabbed 15 rebounds in another double-double performance. The other All-Star Genco only had five points and eight rebounds.

"Well you could easily mask a bad-paced game with a good defensive stand." said team manager TheDogMan. "That was the case in this game. But that should be the ideal way of approaching such struggle, and I commend the boys for doing so."

The Blades will have their next League game Televised Live as they visit jedjed team on the 30th of April.

Blades can now focus on the League, says manager TheDogMan

Practice Media Availability
13:30

This past week saw the Bacoor Blades bow out of the National Tournament after getting blown out by the Hunger Games Elite Champions, 103-85 in the Tournament's seventh round of competitions.

But team manager TheDogMan did not look too concerned with the situation. In his media availability after their practice today, the Blades boss replied to a queue regarding the players' approach to the rest of the season sans Cup run.

"It will be a different road from here, that's pretty obvious." he said. "We were tredging two rivers for the past seven weeks or so. It was a good run while it lasted. Usually, the later rounds are for those teams in the higher divisions. But for us to be able to reach that deep into the tournament is already an honor."

The Blades head honcho also tried to inject humor regarding the situation. "Well, we did not do bad for ourselves. I mean we walked away from the tournament $300,000 richer right?"

But the manager was quick to brush off the possibility of the team slacking off for the rest of the season. "That's a dumb thing to do isn't it? We came off two disappointing seasons in Division III. The last thing we want to do is slack off. That would be a disappointment to the fans, especially the City of Bacoor."

"We can focus now on the League obviously." he said when asked about the change in focus of the team. "If you look at it, we were doing a very good job in the League even though we were still in the Cup. We were the last team in the Cup after all the other teams in the League have been eliminated. And to be able to get to this point given those circumstances, I'd say it's impressive and the players have to be commended for their efforts."

When asked about their performance during the first half of the season, TheDogMan was quick to praise his players.

"We're on a roll right now thanks to what we have done this season. Apparently, we weren't the only ones who recognize their efforts as the League supporters decided to vote four of our guys as All-Stars. So I guess our praises are very well-warranted."

When asked what his desire for his players are with regards to their second half campaign, TheDogMan uttered these six words,

"Stay hungry and pass the ball."

Blades face jedjed team in televised game

League IV.43 Elimination Round
Bacoor Blades @ jedjed team
Live Televised Game
15:00

The Bacoor Blades will end their inter-conference odyssey for the elimination round as they travel to jed2w to face jedjed team as they continue their journey to the League IV.43 playoffs.

The game shall also be the second of the three opportunities this season that the Blades shall have their games televised. Which is a prospect that Blades team manager TheDogMan is very welcoming about.

"Well, you don't get too much TV time. But if you do, you must always make the best out of the situation." the Blades head said.

The Blades are coming off another stellar victory with their 99-50 rout of Necroumancerz at The Bacoor Forum. "The boys are still on a roll in the League so you can not count them out here." TheDogMan further added.

"It's going to be an exciting game. I'm looking forward to this one. Televised games always amp up the pressure and with the way we are winning lately, it's going to be a challenge to put for the same performance in front of millions of viewers." said team co-captain Kelly Paul.

"Maganda naman yung performance namin noong huling TV game namin." said co-captain Mark Hugos about their past TV game. "Pero iba na ngayon kasi bibisita kami sa bahay ng kalaban. Hindi kagaya noon na kami yung home team." the 6'5" skipper further added.

Iliya Dimov, who was out with an injury during the first Blades TV game expressed his excitement to finally get to play for the Blade in front of a worldwide TV audience. "It was a frustrating thing to be in. But now that I can have the chance to play this game, I am truly excited about it, no doubt." said the Bulgarian hotshot.

The last time that a Blades game were broadcast live on television, they walloped BATIL1, 96-63 at The Bacoor Forum. The second round matchup between these two teams shall also be broadcast live on the 18th of May.

Rookies dazzle as Blades win 15th straight

League IV.43 Elimination Round
Bacoor Blades @ jedjed team
Live Televised Game
19:34

Looks like the rookies like to play under brighter lights than the usual.

The Bacoor Blades won in dominant fashion yet again, this time at the expense of jedjed team, 120-72 televised live from jed2w to stretch their winning run to 15 games in League IV.43. And among the list of veteran guys that contributed to the cause of the team, it was the rookies that undoubtedly provided the most production in the game.

Regan Elizaga ended up scoring 23 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, all in just 21 minutes of action. His fellow freshman Vergel Meneses Nufable, provided an all-game brilliance as he churned out 17 points, five rebounds and six assists. The frontcourt duo of Eugenio Genco and co-captain Kelly Paul combined for 27 points and 31 rebounds for the Blades. Co-captain Mark Hugos also had 13 points and eight assists.

Paul and Nufable set the tone in the early-goings as they torched the home team in the first 12 minutes, 32-17. By halftime, Nufable had already gathered 15 points, four rebounds and five assists as the Blades took a huge 65-33 halftime lead. There was no turning back from there as the Blades kept on pounding jedjed team on the defensive end, highlighted by the Blades allowing only seven points in the third quarter before taking their foot off the pedal in the final period.

"I guess we cannot avoid the fact that at this point of the season, all we are doing is sending a message to the rest of the League that we do not intend to slow down." said team manager TheDogMan.

"I wanted to be as efficient as possible in the game." said Regan Elizaga. "Since there's no guarantee for minutes for rookies like me in this team, you should take it as a challenge and prove your worth to the team."

"It was nice for the two of us to perform well under these circumstances." said a jubilant Nufable. "We made a good account of ourselves the last TV game so I hope the trend continues the next time around." Nufable furthered, talking about their performance the last TV game vs. BATIL1, where Elizaga had 14 points and Nufable had 11 in the Blades dominant win.

Their third and final TV game for the season shall be on the 18th of May, again facing BATIL1 but this time on the road.

This game marks the end of their inter-conference foray as they face their Great 8 rivals for the last seven games of the season starting with BAREFOOT on the 4th of May.

Blades should not be pressured, says manager

Post-practice media availability
00:53

A few hours after wrapping up the practice session for the day of the Bacoor Blades, team manager TheDogMan took the time to address the press regarding the approach of the team to the remaining games of the season.

"It's going to be seven games against teams in our conference. This is going to be a challenge." the head honcho said. "We've played them earlier in the season so there is no doubt in my mind that they will stop at nothing to make their meetings with us a competitive one." he further added. "That being said, preparations are in order for the team's response."

Although the games are of increased importance, as not only are the team pushing for the playoffs, they also have a chance to repeat their Season 20 result of having won all of their Elimination Round games. But the Cavite side's mentor is not to put any pressure on his squad on achieving the feat again.

"Let's not put them on that spot. I understand that we've been winning and winning big. But I believe that, above anything else, the main reason for this team's success so far is the fact that they actually enjoy the game. So maybe we could leave it at that." he exclaimed.

The team are to face their conference rivals in reverse fixtures from their first round encounters, beginning with a road trip to ILOCOS to face sixth-seeded BAREFOOT later today at 5:30 pm.