TANJAY CITY, Negros Oriental -- The Greyhounds of host Foundation University (FU) gets its first victory over the University of Immaculate Concepcion of Davao in the ongoing 16th Philippine University Games 2008 in Basketball Men's Division held in Tanjay City Sports Center.

FU's Greyhounds trounced on the University of the Immaculate Concepcion (UIC), with 90-46, at Tanjay City Sports Center on the opening day of the Philippine National University Games in Negros Oriental.

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The match started with a promise of a close fight but the UIC faltered in its strategy, resulting in a Greyhound lead of 28 points with a score of 66-38 by the end of the 3rd quarter.

FU Greyhounds recently won the 2008 Negros Oriental Governor's Cup, which Coach Glenn Serion said, helped prepare them for the Unigames.

"We practice more everyday and observe the strategies of the opponent," Serion said.

However, he added that he does not expect too much from his players because there are other good teams coming from the National Capital Region (NCR), whom he described as the "giants of Manila."

He stressed that there is also a need to prove to them that regardless of the call of NCR teams, "Negros Oriental knows basketball so well that we can compete with them."

"I dont want to complicate this game because basketball is very easy. The only important thing to remember is that the players must know the basics and the fundamentals," Serion said.

He added that mind setting and focus of the players are very important before and during the game.

While FU got a taste of its first victory, it was also an unfortunate day for Silliman University (SU) as it was defeated by Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC).

Fresh from their second place win at the Regional Universities and Colleges Athletics Association (Rucaa), EAC Generals defeated the SU Stallions 80-51 in the same day played here.

The first quarter of the game was a close fight with a SU Stallions leading 16 14. But they were unable to keep their hold as the taller EAC Generals overtook them from the second quarter.

"We dominated the boards throughout the game and my players did well. However, I was expecting more from SU," Nomar Isla, EAC coach, said.

"Given that EAC Generals are tall compared to SU Stallions, I hope that Silliman learned a lot form this game," he said.

Isla revealed that their comeback in the Unigames is to defend their title last 2006 as the defending champion.

"We were not able to play the 2007 Unigames due to grade deficiencies of my players, and now we are coming back to defend it," he said.

"We will be playing the champion's league soon. And playing in the Unigames is the best training for the team," he added.

On the other hand, the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) trounced the Holy Name University Tagbilaran, 99-57 on the same day and played in the sports center here.

The first quarter ended with a tie but the succeeding quarters were played in favor of HCDC, leaving HNU by 42 points.

"We were able to manage in this way not because we changed our routines but only through the usual practice with dedication," said Coach Abel Benitez.

Benitez added that winning this game meant using good defense, rebounds and focusing on their outside shots.

And the University of Mindanao cagers proved too powerful for the University of the Assumption-Pampanga Pelicans, 72-68, when they clashed on the first day of the Philippine University Games held here.

The Pelicans led the game 18-12 in the first quarter but the UM ruled the boards from the second quarter throughout the game leaving the Pelicans with only four points. It was a close fight during the last quarter.

However, Pelicans mislaid their line of attack giving the way to UM.

UM's Coach Roderick Cunda of UM revealed that their preparation for the Unigames consisted of daily rigid trainings.

"They incurred injuries during training, yet they learned from it," he added.

"Our team is dominated by freshmen studes- almost 90 percent of them are 17 years old and I can see that UM has a big chance competing towards the end of Unigames. The fact that they are fresh and new, that gives us the advantage," Cunda said.

While back in Dumaguete City, the Rizal Technological University beat Ateneo de Davao 70-60 in men's basketball during day one of the Philippine National University Games at the Dumaguete City Gymnasium.

Mark Anthony Aque, RTU forward, said they prepared well for the games, to include ensuring that they have enough rest, eat a balanced diet and countless practice sessions.

(October 26, 2008 issue)
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