Ludovice bolsters Bataan Risers

MANILA, Philippines – One game into his new team the Bataan Risers, Yvan Ludovice feels like he’s found a home. 

After coming in from the Pasay Voyagers, Ludovice, who played for both National University and San Beda in college, scored nine points, and added four rebounds and four assists in the Risers’ 76-74 win over Zamboanga on Monday.

“Ang saya ng crowd ng Bataan,” gushed the sweet-shooting point guard after the win that saw Bataan climb to 16-2 in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu’s Cup standings. 

“Nandoon yung enjoyment nila sa team nila. Nagulat ako actually. Iba yung atmosphere sa Bataan People’s Center. Mas gaganahan ka maglaro kapag ganun ka-supportive ang hometown crowd,” he added.

Joining one of the top teams in the MPBL also rejuvenates Ludovice. His former team is languishing at the bottom with a 6-13 record. “Challenge for me joining Bataan kasi number one team siya sa standings. And grateful ako kasi I was called to be of service in their pursuit of a championship. Meaning makakatulong ako sa kanila. Maganda yung system and evident ‘yan sa team standings. Very supportive ang management, coaches, and new teammates ko so madali yung adjustment sa team.”

Against Zamboanga, Bataan eked out a come-from-behind win that was only resolved at the final buzzer. The Risers overhauled a deficit then posted a six-point lead late in the game only to see Zamboanga raze that to a solitary basket. The Risers’ Pamboy Raymundo had a chance to put the game beyond reach, but he muffed two free throws — the second intentionally — with only 0.5 of a second left in the game.

“Part of the game yung malas at suwerte,” noted Ludovice. “Sa team effort babagsak sa end game. I think nag-stick lang kami sa preparation ni Coach Jojo Lastimosa and that helped us get the win.”

Ludovice, who hails from Lucban, Quezon, feels happy that he played role in the win and that he looks forward to helping the Risers push for a top spot in the playoffs. “Very well-run team,” he noted. “Happy ako to be a part of this. I will just do my best to help them win a championship.”