Rising Sun Arena, Shizuoka, Japan -- After X number of years, the Fuji Rising Sun is back in the PPL! This after defeating Clark Skyforce in a grueling three-game series.

"I'm so happy," Japanese owner Yo Chi said. "It's been awhile since we made it!"

The Skyforce is such a "force" that they romped Division 2.1 (the best in League 2) to a 19-3 regular season record. They breezed through their Conference Rivals Pokerboys (13-9, 4th) and Guilty Crowns (18-4, 2nd) in the Big 8 with such an "easy effort".

Out in Great 8, the Rising Sun had a 14-8 record, 3rd in the Conference. They defeated second seed Cheers TomaGuyz 95-81 in the first round, and fellow "surprise" advancer 4th seed Cavite Patriots 111-97 in the Conference Finals.

In Game 1, Fuji Rising Sun wanted to win bad that they went toe-to-toe with a much rested Skyforce squad. "They say the winner of Game 1, takes the series" Rising Sun GM Maro said. "We were there and we knew we could compete with this squad."

Although they lost Game 1 93-105, they thought that the difference was the "rest" and the "free throw advantage" of Skyforce. "Our two stalwarts balled," Maro said. "Rebo led all scorers with 39 points and Gravo complimented him with 20 markers. Marlou Nagamos had a double-double with 14 points and 19 rebounds and is "coming into his own."

In Game 2, Skyforce opted to rest his players as the Rising Sun were never threatened in this game. "That's the wise choice," Rising Sun Coach Doc said. "we're at home and if you're a formidable opponent, you prepare for the finale."

Once again Rebo led all scorers with 23 points. Wunderkind backcourt-mate Osbald Torres chipped-in 22 while once forgotten Daniel Frederick scored 14 points in 17 minutes off the bench.

Three Sun players had a double-double with Nagamos having 13 points and 10 rebounds, Gravo with an almost triple-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and mid-season Allan Tinasan having 12 and 12.

"Sometimes, the player becomes the third man and when he's on the court, he explodes and gives tremendous boost for the team," GM Maro said. "that's what Frederick gave us tonight."

In this game, the Rising Sun lost key player Mardo and couldn't play in Game 3.

All chips are in as the Rising Sun and Skyforce were set to meet in the season's finale and most important game..

In the opening quarter, Skyforce was able to injure wunderkind crucial player Torres and Sun fans watching at home are crying foul. "Upon seeing that Torres got injured, we were having small hope, that's our $1.7M guy!"

Missing two key players, Osbald was replaced with Corazo who managed his own as he defended Skyforce power player Hercules Krueger with his life. Hercules shot 5-15 missing ten shots for 11 points which is considered a great effort for Corazo.

"We didn't expect anything from Ceto but just to held his own against these players" Coach Doc said.

The quarter ended with the Sun leading 29-24 against Skyforce.

In the second quarter, Skyforce was able to go on a fast start scoring 8-0 in the opening but the Sun persevered holding on to a one point lead at the half 51-50.

It's the same during the third quarter as two teams went neck-to-neck but the Sun is still holding onto their lead 78-73 entering the fourth.

In the fourth quarter, the Sun went to a "fast start" that they felt they could win it all. "we were taken aback when we lost Torres in the first quarter. but when we saw that the team is fighting, we were praying that there will be no more injuries as it will be truly devastating." Doc said.

The Rising Sun led throughout the game until the buzzer sounded with them capturing the crown, away from home, 113-109 against the mighty Skyforce.

"The entire family was happ

Reply to this

By: LA-Nicolo Maro
To: LA-Nicolo Maro

480537.2 as reply to 480537.1
01/27/2019 10:42:52

Cont..

"The entire family was happy, there were tears of joy," GM Nicolo Maro said. "we didn't give up because of our veterans."

That veteran included Mr. Tinasan who had a season best 26 points. "Just wanted to pour my heart out there. They acquired me mid-season to take them to the next level."

The "heart and soul" of Rising Sun, Gravo had 19 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds and Rebo with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Nagamos proved to everyone that he is the up-and-coming star having a game high and leading the team to victory with 28 points and 13 rebounds all but playing 2 minutes for this game. "Grava played 48, he is eight years my senior."

The "forgotten" Frederick once again came up big with 11 points in 5-5 shooting in 20 minutes.

"This is their moment, I'm happy for them," proud owner Yo Chi said. GM Maro added, "the veterans practically willed our team to advance."

Skyforce was led by Cui in the finale with 24 points and 10 assists. "Rebo's entire energy was in guarding him" Coach Doc said.

The big man were not as effective compared to the previous game as the scouts were able to neutralize their game plan when they were able to focus on the game-day.

"This is a superior team and with injuries, there's no way we wouldn't be prepared," GM Maro said. "we were lucky, it is our destiny to advance this time."

Asked when the team thought they should compete, GM Maro said, "mid-season". "Why?" inquired a reporter. "we felt we were strong. Rebo and Gravo were killing it. Naga and Cora were coming on their own. Despite fielding a so-so team, we were in the middle, that's when we decided to reinforce our team."

It costs them millions and no chance at home-court but they believed it is a championship team. "our team chemistry is the best."

The management said they owed it to their fans after years of waiting. "We were very successful playoff team but never a championship team," GM Maro said. "this time we decided to spend and advance."

Rumor has it that the Sun have the Yamashita treasure at their disposal after years of winning. They are successful but never cheated. They just enjoy the game like fielding an All-Filipino team for quite some time now (years). "If they buy foreign players, they'll be in contention, conversation" one insider said. "but they just run their organization to their liking."

Is this the start of a focused management? or just a fluke for this organization? Nevertheless, everybody is happy with the advancement of one of the most successful and organized franchise in BB -- the Fuji Rising Sun!

Reply to this

By: INA-The Admiral_63
To: LA-Nicolo Maro

480537.3 as reply to 480537.2
01/28/2019 04:20:47

Ang ganda ng press release mo bro. Congrats sa team mo! Ang ganda ng series natin. Sayang di ako nakapag-adjust sa huli! Good luck sa PPL bro!

Reply to this

By: LA-Nicolo Maro
To: INA-The Admiral_63

480537.4 as reply to 480537.3
02/21/2019 19:45:53

Salamat. Ngayon ko lang ito nabasa after almost a month, may reply ka pala. Ikaw ba si Marine Admirals?

Also, na-realize ko lang, kahit pinatalo mo yun laro, mag-aadvance ka dahil ikaw yun "best record" sa entire Division II. Either hindi mo alam yun rule (ako rin overlooked), pero okay na rin at I didn't win by default.

Goodluck satin! Ang lalakas sa PPL. Hahaha!

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