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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.

Blades win 16th straight, clinch playoff berth with blowout of BAREFOOT

League IV.43 Elimination Round
Bacoor Blades @ BAREFOOT
3:18

The Blades scored 12 points less in this game than their first encounter with BAREFOOT at The Bacoor Forum. But they defended better, allowing 26 less points than their previous game as they win their 16th League game, 99-44 securing a spot in the postseason in the process.

The Cavite side clicked on all cylinders from the get-go yet again, as there is yet a team to figure out a way to stop them from scoring in binges. The second quarter spelled the biggest difference as they scored 31 points while only allowing nine on the other side.

Blades co-captains Kelly Paul and Mark Louis Hugos led the team in scoring with 16 and 15 respectively. Eugenio Genco had a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds. Three other Blades players had double-digit scoring outputs.

"We just wanted to continue our good play on both ends of the court." said Paul. "Just like what coach said, having fun with the game is the most important part."

"Siguro nga mas masaya maglaro kapag nananalo." says Hugos. "Pero hindi ba mas maganda kung nananalo ka kasi masaya maglaro?" he further explained.

"I guess the situation has been very good this season. We've learned from our mistakes and are continuing to learn from our recent struggles. They may not seem to be a lot of them this season, but whenever there is one, it should not be taken lightly."

"This playoff berth is a testament to the commitment of the team to being better this season."

With the win, the Blades derail the playoff hopes of BAREFOOT, who are still in the chase for one of the two final playoff spots in the Great 8 Conference. The Blades are to return to The Bacoor Forum on the 7th as they host Black Berries.

The Holster Feature: Doing the Math: Bacoor Blades' chances

League IV.43 Statistical Forecast
3:49

With just six games remaining in the Elimination Round of League IV.43 Season 23, we are to look into the numbers and the possibility of the team as the wind-up of the regular season unfolds.

Playoff Berth: Clinched

With the Bacoor Blades' victory over BAREFOOT yesterday, they have clinched the first playoff berth for the Great 8 Conference. This was realized due to the gap established by DLSU Archers and GliBanr (teams with 6 losses) against BATIL1 and BAREFOOT (teams with 7 losses). Taking into consideration that there are only six games remaining, if the Blades were to lose all their remaining games and DLSU Archers and/or GliBanr are to win theirs, they will only have identical records with the said teams, which would still be good enough to make the postseason.

Conference Best Record: at most 3 more wins

Yep, the magic number for the Blades is three. This also assumes that the current #2 seed ESTORYAHEE! are to win their remaining games in the elimination round. This number could go down depending on how both teams perform in the next few weeks. But if the course remains the same for the rest of the rounds, expect the Bacoor Blades to top the Great 8 Conference this season.

League Best Record

Possibility #1: win all remaining games (worst-case scenario)

The requirement might sound ironic given the fact that the Blades are yet to lose in the League this season. But the "worst-case scenario" holds true since we are to assume that their Big 8 counterpart Citta Italia Rangers are to win their last six games. The requirement is such due to the fact that the Rangers' loss to the Blades last April 20 was their only loss in the League this season so far.

Possibility #2: Win at least five games

If the Blades were to lose one game of their remaining six fixtures and the Rangers win all their remaining six, this would lead to a tie at the top with 21 wins and one loss per side. This tie would be broken, however, by the Blades' superior point differential over the Rangers (you could also throw-in the fact that the Blades won in their one and only Elimination Round encounter). The superior point differential is credited to the tremendous gap they establish every game for they literally trounce their adversaries each time.

Possibility #3: Keep winning and Rangers lose some

Just like the possibility given to clinch the Conference, the goal of clinching the League's best record could be eased by the Rangers losing their remaining assignments. The magic number for the Blades would then depend on how the Rangers fare in their remaining games. This, however, assumes that the Blades are to win their remaining games at a better rate than the Rangers. Nevertheless, the bottomline is that the race for the League's best record may not be truly decided until the very last game of the elimination round.

Blades play Black Berries in newly-renovated Forum

League IV.43 Elimination Round
Black Berries @ Bacoor Blades
16:05

A milestone in the Bacoor Blades franchise was celebrated Monday night as The Bacoor Forum, the official home venue of the Bacoor Blades, had completed its recent renovation after over a week. As a culminating event, the venue shall hold its first Bacoor Blades game for the month of May against Black Berries as the Blades put their 16-game win streak on the line later today.

The newly-renovated venue may now hold up to 10,000 fans at full capacity. And as a gracious move by the Blades organization, spear-headed by team manager TheDogMan,ticket prices have been brought down in order to accommodate more supporters to see their Blades team play.

"We hope that the new facility will encourage the fans to come to the games and support the team." said team co-captain Kelly Paul. "We are looking forward to playing our future games here and I hope that the fans are going to be with us for the ride."

"Maganda ang takbo ng team ngayong season. Kaya masaya rin ang mga fans." said co-captain Mark Hugos. "Tapos itong Forum, pinaganda't pinalaki pa. Kaya sana mas marami pang dumagsa sa Forum para panuorin kami, at susubukan naming bigyan sila ng magandang laro bawat gabi."

When asked about the game, TheDogMan was quick to address the team's need to prepare. "It is a must that we should get ready for them. The last time that we played, they were with us early and we just had to pull away in the later quarters." He was also quick to point out their play being able to match the Blades at most points. "We won by 22 points against them. It might've looked like a blowout but that is the closest gap we've had this season. We want to start well and make shots early and establish our defensive stance as quickly as possible."

"kokoy Cañaleta gave us a lot of problems the last time. Limiting him is one of the primary goals of the squad for this game." said Pedro Horcasitas. "We were also a bit shorthanded as we only had eight players that game. Now that we'll be playing at full strength, defensive miscues in checking him might be mitigated."

Tip-off is at 5:30 pm later today at The Bacoor Forum.

Blades celebrate milestone with huge win vs. Black Berries

League IV.43 Elimination Round
Black Berries @ Bacoor Blades
13:58

The last two days proved to be momentous for the Bacoor Blades organization. Just two days ago, the newly-renovated The Bacoor Forum was unveiled to the public, enabling the venue to hold up to 10,000 people for a basketball game. And to cap the festivities off, the Bacoor Blades hosted Black Berries yesterday in the new arena, defeating the visitors to the tune of 121-61 in front of a record-setting 9,707 fans - the largest crowd in The Bacoor Forum's young history to date. The victory saw the Blades' streak climb to 17 wins in as many games, with no losses so far in the season.

The record was made official by halftime, after the Blades had already established a 30-point lead, 59-29, highlighted by the Blades' 35-9 run in the first quarter. The game was never in doubt for the rest of the game as the fans were treated to another dominant win by their hometown cagers.

It was another double-double for Blades co-captain Kelly Paul, who had 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead the charge for the Cavite five. Eladio Martin provided apt help with 20 while co-captain Mark Hugos and Iliya Dimov had 18 and 14 points, respectively.

Laurence Martirez led the visiting side with 22 points as he was the only double-digit scorer for their side. Berries top-gunner kokoy Cañaleta was limited to just five points on 2-for-8 shooting as he cannot shrug off the defense thrown at him by the Blades' perimeter wards. With the loss, Black Berries further compound their woes as they are at the bottom of the standings with 4 wins and 13 losses.

"This was a feel-good game no doubt." said team manager TheDogMan. "It was just like yesterday when this baby can only hold 5,000. Now it can hold double that after seven seasons. It's a move in the right direction I must say."

"This was all about the fans and their never-ending support to the team, especially this season." said the 6'9" Paul. "We've been on the road the last couple of weeks and we wanted to go home treating the fans with a big win. Fortunately, we were able to do it tonight."

"Sana maging simula na ito ng magandang bukas para sa team." said Hugos. The 6'5" skipper also recorded eight assists in the win. "Nananalo kami at masaya ang fans, sana tuluy-tuloy na 'to hanggang playoffs."

After the big win at The Bacoor Forum, the Blades travel to ZANQU to face ESTORYAHEE! on the 11th before returning home for a game against GliBanr on the 14th.

Dimov shines as Blades win 18th straight

League IV.43 Elimination Round
Bacoor Blades @ ESTORYAHEE!
15:26

Iliya Dimov's well-documented struggle offensively this season took a turn for the better as he turned out an outstanding performance to pave the way for the Bacoor Blades to win their 18th straight game at the expense of hosts ESTORYAHEE! at ZANQU, 104-72. They also saw themselves assured of the #1 seed in the Great 8 Conference after defeating the hosts.

The Bulgarian hotshot scored game-high 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including 50% clip from beyond the arc, four rebounds, six assists and five blocked shots. Not bad for a 6'0" player.

The Cavite side stormed to the lead from the get-go as they seemed to have grown used to the pressure of performing well under the circumstances of the streak they are in. The result was an astounding 30-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Blades saw little to no resistance as they seemed to have been in cruise control for most of the game after their blitzing start.

"It was a great game for me. I thank my teammates for finding me in the spots that I wanted, putting me in a position to score comfortably." said Dimov of his performance. "I know it has been said a lot by me and the rest of the team. But hopefully, this truly continues for the rest of the season going into the playoffs."

"I'm so happy for Iliya to finally get his touch back in this game." said team manager TheDogMan. "It's key for him to get going for it relieves the pressure off the rest of my guards to try and take the scoring load. Especially for (co-captain) Mark (Hugos) since I want Mark to be more of a facilitator than a shooter even though he is capable.

Dimov and Hugos were part of six Blades players that scored in double figures for the squad. They return to The Bacoor Forum to face GliBanr, who currently is in a hunt for a playoff spot and shall look to find a key road win against the top seeds on the 14th.