EXCLUSIVELY CABRERA 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

“Ito na yung parang last chance namin kasi gra-graduate na yung mga key players namin. Dapat mapanalo na namin ‘to. Tatalunin namin yung Ateneo,” said Roider with hopeful boldness in his voice during an exclusive phone interview.

Roider Ross Cabrera joined the Soaring Falcons Men’s Basketball team during the 72^nd season of UAAP. Standing 6’4”, this “Power Forward” has proven his might in the heat of a game.

                                                                            

[Facebook, Roider Cabrera]

 A celebrated streak-shooter

In the 2010 FilOil Tournament, he dragged the Falcons to victory by scoring all of his points in the fourth period. It was that time when his name has been interchangeable to “three-pointer’. He had it going until his fifth in the game.

In a web article, Coach Leo Austria has spoken about Cabrera’s play:

 “We switched to a motion offense, which was specifically for him, so every time he was open—he took the shot, and Cabrera is someone who would always have that confidence to take those kinds of shot,” said coach Leo Austria after the game [2010 FilOil Tournament].

Taking it outside UAAP, Adamson has established their stance over Ateneo.

Versus Ateneo [UAAP Season 74 Opener]

Five hours before their match with the Blue eagles:

How long did your team prepare for this?
             “After nung last game namin, nag-start na kami.”

 Among the players in your team, who do you think would bring victory to Adamson? Just give me 5.

             “Si Alvarez, Nuyles, Camson, Manyara, Colina,” he answered.

I have browsed some articles and I even asked a friend, a UAAP buff, about the performance of the players of Adamson. You were noted as someone who is a ‘streak shooter’. Won’t you consider yourself among the 5 key players?       
            “Pang-sixth na lang ako,” he playfully said, then he burst out a laugh.

What was Coach Austria’s piece of advice for the team?
            “Hmmm.. advice? Basta mananalo kami mamaya,” then, he laughed in a cheerful tone.

During their first game with Ateneo, Cabrera backed up the team with a total of 6 points out of the 51-point basket played by Adamson. Both were 3-point baskets. 

And this is what people are eyeing for, his being of a 3-point ball slinger.

Furthermore, this 6-point support was just a taste of what we will be anticipating from him for the following games of this tough and exciting season.

“Tatalunin namin yung Ateneo”

Roider’s hopeful prophecy did not materialize on their first game with Ateneo. However, with the Eagles’ hard-earned victory at 55-51, isn’t it too soon to give an end to Roider’s prophecy? Having a double round robin scheme, Falcons will meet the Eagles again soon.

Uninterruptedly, it could be the 30^th win of Ateneo over Adamson. Or the sweet fulfillment of Roider’s prophecy.

FALCONS, SLAUGHTER-ED BY 4 POINTS

[FLICKR- INBOUNDPASS’ PHOTOSTREAM *DIANA MORALEDA]

SUNDAY, July 10 – By scoring almost half of the total points won by Ateneo, the 7-footer Gregory Slaughter conquered the 2^nd game of the UAAP Season 74 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Big Dome. This new star of the Blue Eagles who was once a player of the University of Visayas and Smart Gilas, displayed his fresh intensity into play.

Slaughter startled everyone with his debut. This feted recruit continued to drag the team to their 29^th faint victory over the Soaring Falcons by 55-51.

The last time that the Falcons soared higher than Ateneo was back in September of 1997 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium with 54-52 count.

The Falcons slowly rallied the points in an attempt to bump the Eagles’ lead in the first 2 quarters. With 6:54 left for 3^rd quarter, Alvarez smashed the lead with a 3-point basket making it 34-33 –the first time that the Falcons outpaced the Eagles.

They [Falcons] sweat the palms of the Eagles on the third quarter ending it at 44-43. Yet, following Cabrera’s second 3-point blast, Manyara with 6:58 made the last basket for Adamson at 51-44 lead.

Slaughter flashed five out of seven points to swiftly tie it to 51-51 at 2:15 mark. This was before Brondial was called for goal-tending of Kirk Long’s ball, flying two more points to Eagle’s board.

With two charities, Ateneo’s guard Emman Monfort wrapped the win at 55.

The newly recruit Slaughter of the Blue Eagles ended as the top scorer of the game. He was followed by the other double-digit scorer, Kirk Long [Team Captain] with 10 points. Whereas the other notable recruit, Kiefer Ravena, finished it scoreless.

Nuyles with 11 points led the Soaring Falcons. Alvarez followed with 8 markers.

ENDING SCORES:

Eagles at 55 - Slaughter 23, Long 10, Salva 8, Monfort 6, Erram 3, Gonzaga 3, Austria 2, Chua 0, Golla 0, Ravena 0, Sumalinog 0, Tiongson 0
Falcons at 51 - Nuyles 11, Alvarez 8, Cabrera 6, Cañada 6, Camson 6, Manyara 5, Lozada 3, Colina 2, Etrone
Quarter Scores: 16-12, 33-27, 43-44, 55-51