The Number 50
THE
number 50 is a commonly used number for various purposes. Most people celebrate 50th birthdays and anniversaries with more emphasis and splendor in events referred to as “golden.” Most, if not all, countries have currencies in 50 units. There are also 50 states in the United States, with Hawaii being the 50th state, thus the popular TV show “Hawaii Five-O.” The Book the Holy Bible, has 50 chapters. Among the more “50 Shades of Grey.” And the planet Earth has about 50 times the volume of the moon.
Two outstandingballers scored 50 points in their respective leagues last week. When this happens, the whole basketball community is in awe with today’s team defenses. Eugene Phelps lifted Phoenix Fuel Masters to a 113-107 triumph over - sociation (PBA) Governor’s Cup last Wednesday with a 50-point performance. He was also two blocks short of a triple-double as he tallied 17 rebounds and eight shot-blocks. One of the most explosive imports in the PBA in recent years, the former Long Beach State University ace debuted in the Governor’s Cup two years ago scoring 52 points, and has since become a leading scorer in the PBA. And, on Friday, San Beda star Robert Bolick Jr. sizzled once again in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) with a 50-point output to tow the three-peat seeking Red Lions to a 98-79 win over the Arellano University Chiefs. Bolick’s 50 points eclipsed John Wilson’s 48 markers for Jose Rizal University ten years ago. The records show that the all-time scoring high in the NCAA is the 55 points dropped by La Salle’s Lim Eng Beng way back in 1974. Bolick’s star continues to shine Aspirants Cup last year and leading San Beda to a 2-0 sweep of the Lyceum of the Philippines Uni career high was 25 points, which he tallied earlier this season against the College of St. Benilde. The Ormoc native transferred to San Beda three years
ago after he failed to make La Salle’s main roster in his junior year with the Green Archers. Today, Bolick is considered among the very best amateur players in the country, and is expected to be a Top He is also a member of the elite Gilas Cadet pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup here. Earlier this year, Championship as he averaged 25 points per game against the best professional and import-laden teams in West Asia. In his last tour of duty in the collegiate career with another championship ring.
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Gilas Pilipinas faces long-time nemesis South basketball event today. Head coach Yeng Guiao the defending champions especially with four
days of preparation. The Nationals almost beat China last week but fell short in the last few seconds of the game, 77-80. National Basketball Association (NBA) star Jordan Clarkson was a sight to see for the Philippines after a scintillating 28-point performance against the Chinese. He is partly the reason Guiao is upbeat about the country’s chances versus Korea. Traditionally, the Koreans have always been a tough match-up for the Filipinos because of their highly systematic and disciplined style of play to complement their prominent outside shooting. Korea will also be beefed up by naturalized player and former PBA import Ricardo Ratliffe. The key to upending Korea, in my opinion, is through aggressive pressure defense in order to take them out of their very organized system. The Koreans have booted us out of the medal games several times in the past and it’s time to return the favor.