Sunday, October 30, 2011

Meralco vs Rain or Shine in the PBA



Meralco, with its active roster finally coming in full force, seeks payback against Rain or Shine Sunday when they open up Sunday's double-header in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.








The Bolts and the Elasto Painters are both gunning for the top spot in the season-opening conference as the winner in their 4:15 p.m. match-up will get the chance of taking sole leadership.





Meralco has already reactivated Mark Cardona and Sol Mercado from the injured list. The Bolts are also set to welcome big man Reynel Hugnatan in time for their rematch with the league leader.





The Bolts, minus their three stalwarts, dropped an 89-84 decision to the Elasto Painters in their first meeting more than a week ago.





Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio expects to give Rain or Shine a good fight with his top gunners back in harness. "The last time we played them we had an incomplete roster."





"Sol, Mac, and Reynel are back, and I believe we have a much better chance of matching up against them and hopefully win in the end," said Gregorio, whose Bolts hold a 4-2 win-loss slate and are currently on a two-game winning run.





The Painters, on the other hand, share the lead with defending champion Talk 'N Text and Barako Bull at 4-1. RoS is also fresh from a 120-84 rout of the Alaska Aces.





"RoS is playing excellent basketball," admitted Gregorio. "They are so fluid that all the players are in good sync. Everyone is capable of scoring so our team defense must be as solid as possible."





Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, however, said Meralco is now a different team with Mercado, Cardona, and Hugnatan back for the Bolts.





"It's going to be a totally different ball game from the first time we played them," said the gung-ho mentor. "With Sol and Mac-Mac healthy, the complexion of the game changes. We have to step up defensively to have a chance at winning. Teams are starting to give us the second looks and are preparing a lot harder when playing us."





All eyes will also be focused on the likely match-up between Rain or Shine rookie Paul Lee and Mercado, who tweeted a few weeks ago about the hype being given on the sensational freshman out of University of the East.





In the 6:30 p.m. main game, Petron and Powerade clash hoping to end their respective two-game skids.





The Blaze Boosters have dropped their last two games after winning their first three games. Only last Friday, Petron suffered a 96-86 setback at the hands of the Tropang Texters in a rematch of their Governors Cup title showdown.





That second loss dropped the Blaze Booster to a tie with sister-team Ginebra at 3-2.





The Tigers also lost their last two assignments, including a heartbreaking 73-72 setback against the Kings in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. — JVP, GMA News

Saturday, October 29, 2011

B-meg Derby Ace Llamados Bows to Barako Bulls in Davao via Overtime

Barako Bulls survived the B-MEG Llamados in a thriliing 87-84 overtime encounter in Panabo City, Davao del Norte for its fourth straight win in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup.


Willie Miller led the way with 18 points and four rebounds for Barako, which clawed back from a 17-0 deficit to open the game. Danny Seigle, making his return to the lineup, teamed up with rookie Dylan Ababou to right the ship in the first half, allowing the Energy to cut the B-MEG lead to 39-37 at the end of the second quarter.





Barako looked poised to win the match outright in regulation after two free throws by Ababou gave the team a 79-76 lead with 7.5 seconds left in the game. But James Yap hit a fadeaway three-pointer from 27 feet over the outstretched arms of Danny Seigle to tie the score, 79-all, with 1.8 seconds left. Miller’s desperation shot in the ensuing play hit iron, sending the game into overtime.


The two teams continued to battle in the extra period, before a Wynne Arboleda jumper over Josh Urbiztondo broke the last deadlock at 84-all with less than a minute left in the game.


B-MEG came up empty in the next two possessions and were forced to send Jondan Salvador to the free throw line with 8.8 seconds left. Salvador, who was originally drafted by the Purefoods franchise in 2005, missed both free throws, giving the Llamados another opportunity.


But Kerby Raymundo threw away a pass intended for James Yap in the next possession, and B-MEG once again fouled Salvador to stop the clock. The burly Barako big man split his free throws to give his team a three-point lead with a second left. In its last play, B-MEG again went to Yap, who was well-covered by Barako. The Llamados’ top gun ended up missing a corner three-pointer at the buzzer.


With the victory, Barako improved its win-loss record to 4-1, joining Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text atop the Philippine Cup standings. B-MEG’s record fell to 2-4 under coach Tim Cone.

http://www.interaksyon.com

Friday, October 28, 2011

PBA ALLStar Voting HERE

Yo can vote your Favorite PBA players to play for te upcoming PBA Allstar



click the the link to vote





Barako Bull Eyes 4th Straight Win




MANILA, Philippines — Though some of his players are now members of the so-called “Vintage Club,” coach Junel Baculi knows Barako Bull still has what it takes to contend for playoff berths.




The red-hot Energy try extend their winning streak to four as they play the unpredictable B-Meg Llamados in the PBA Philippine Cup today at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Cultural, Tourism and Sports Center in Davao del Norte.

The lone encounter between the Energy and Llamados presented by Phoenix Fuel is set at 6:45 p.m.

Baculi took over a team that acquired in the off-season former two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Willie Miller, as well as fellow veterans Mic Pennisi, Sunday Salvacion, Don Allado and Jondan Salvador in separate deals.




Barako Bull also took in rookies Dylan Ababou and Allein Maliksi to join another set of “seniors” like Paul Artadi, Wynne Arboleda, Leo Najorda, Dorian Pena and Danny Seigle.




The 6-foot-7 Seigle was sidelined the last three games due to calf muscle injury, but the Energy won all their matches by beating Barangay Ginebra (88-75), defending champion Talk ’N Text (100-86) and newcomer Shopinas.com (96-78).

“The veteran players are proving that they still have several years left, that they can still contend and win,” Baculi said, referring to the likes of Miller, Pennisi, Pena and Salvacion, who were all acquired after helping their previous teams to either a championship or a Finals stint.




Both Pennisi and Salvacion played key roles in Petron’s title run in the Governors’ Cup against TNT, but they were traded to Barako Bull during the PBA Rookie Draft.




“They are still adjusting to the system, but we’re getting there. The good thing is that we’re winning while players are trying to adjust,” said Baculi, who will have Seigle back in the roster but will miss both Najorda and Maliksi due to knee injuries.




Barako Bull will face a B-Meg side that snapped a two-game skid last week with a 97-80 win over Powerade where PJ Simon collected 21 points while James Yap contributed 20 points, including 12 in the first period.




Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/339325/barako-eyes-4th-straight-win

Talk n Text Revenge Against Petron

Talk ‘N Text got the “closure” it needed with Petron Blaze as it came away with a 96-86 win and tied Rain or Shine for the top spot of the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.


The trio combined for 61 points and were responsible for giving Talk ‘N Text enough cushion to deal the Boosters their second straight loss after a 3-0 start.Meeting for the first time since losing in the epic seven-game series of the last season’s Governors’ Cup finals, the Tropang Texters played solid the whole game with Jared Dillinger, Ryan Reyes and Japeth Aguilar leading the way for the defending champions.

“I guess this is the closure we needed. Hopefully, it will propel us to move forward, move on and make another run this season,” said Tropnag Texters coach Chot Reyes.

“We got big production from JD, Ryan and Japeth but the second unit also gave us a lift,” he added.
Talk ‘N Text played minus Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, Aaron Aban, and Ranidel de Ocampo due to injuries, but they were hardly missed as the Tropang Texters had another terrific start behind Aguilar’s 10 points and 9 rebounds in the opening period.

They led by as much as 17 points, the last at 60-43, and were still holding a 75-62 cushion going to the final quarter.

Joseph Yeo sparked an 11-5 exchange for the Boosters to cut the lead to 80-73. But that was the closest that Petron could get as Dillinger, Peek and Larry Fonacier joined forces for their own 11-6 salvo and put the game out of reach, 91-79, with 2:32 remaining in the game.

Alapag’s right foot is in a soft cast while Carey will be out for at least two more weeks. De Ocampo is still recuperating after an operation on his fractured nose.

“The other guys are stepping and that’s the story of this team. When someone goes down, other guys picked up the slack,” said Reyes.

Rookie Chris Lutz and Arwind Santos each had 20 points for Petron while Alex Cabagnot and Danny Ildefonso contributed 16 and 10 markers respectively.

Denok Miranda missed the game for the Boosters because of stomach flu.
The scores:

TALK N’ TEXT 96 – Dillinger 21, Reyes 21, Aguilar 20, Peek 12, Williams 8, Castro 7, Fonacier 7, Raymundo 0, Oreta 0, Lao 0.
PETRON 86 – Lutz 20, Santos 20, Cabagnot 16, Ildefonso 10, Yeo 8, Baclao 6, Sharma 4, Guevarra 2, Agustin 0, Reyes 0.
Quarterscores: 29-20, 48-36, 75-62, 96-86

PBA Allstar Weekend Update : Veterans vs Rookie, Sophomore and Juniors



With a bumper crop of rookies led by former mainstays of the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team, the PBA has decided to reinstitute a classic formula for the all-star game: Veterans versus Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors.




The news was confirmed by PBA commissioner Chito Salud.




“We will be starting an online poll which will last until December to get fans’ choices of players,” he said. “RSJ versus Veterans will push through and will replace the common North versus South format.”




Top overall pick JVee Casio, Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter, Mac Baracael, Mark Barroca, Dylan Ababou, and Jason Ballesteros were all selected in the first round of this year’s draft after a tour of duty with SMART-Gilas. Other newcomers who have caught the fancy of basketball fans in the Philippine Cup are Paul Lee of Rain or Shine and Allein Maliksi of Barako Bull.




Notable sophomores include last season’s Rookie of the Year Rabeh Al-Hussaini and his Petron teammates Nonoy Baclao and Rey Guevarra, Barangay Ginebra’s John Wilson, Jimbo Aquino, and Rob Labagala, and Shopinas.com stalwarts Elmer Espiritu and RJ Jazul. Possible choices among third-year players include Japeth Aguilar of Talk ‘N Text, Rico Maierhofer of B-MEG, Chris Ross of Meralco, and Jervy Cruz and Ronnie Matias of Rain or Shine.

Aware of the possibility that deserving players may be bumped off the veterans team, Salud also announced an interesting new wrinkle to the weekend’s festivities. The usual Rookies-Sophomores game will be replaced by a legends challenge, which will feature current PBA stars alongside former greats. PBA legends such as Alvin Patrimonio, Jojo Lastimosa, Allan Caidic, and Ronnie Magsanoc have already expressed their willingness to play in the game.




The Veterans versus Rookies-Sophomores format was first used in a PBA all-star game in 1989, after a two-year period that saw young stars like Patrimonio, Lastimosa, Jerry Codinera, Benjie Paras, Bong Alvarez, and many others enter the league. In 1990, the Veterans faced off against a team composed of rookies, sophomores and juniors, before the format was shelved in 1991.







The PBA resurrected the Veterans versus Rookies-Sophomores format in 1999, when a rookie crop of talented Filipino-Americans led by Danny Seigle, Asi Taulava, and Eric Menk, on a team that also featured second-year player Danny Ildefonso.

Meralco bolts Gives Alaska 5th Setback in the PBA

Meralco again banked on its defense down the stretch to complete a come-from-behind 81-75 win over Alaska Friday night for its first back-to-back wins in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.




Nelbert Omolon had two crucial defensive boards and forced Cyrus Baguio to a critical turnover in the final minute to help the Bolts preserved their fourth win in six games while keeping the Aces without a win after five starts.

Chico Lanete led Meralco in scoring with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, while Mark Isip and the comebacking Mark Cardona each had 10 apiece for the Bolts.

“We wanted to make sure that we build on our character. The challenge for us is to win against a team which is struggling,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

“We took care of the rebounding and that goes to show the kind of game and intensity we displayed in this game.”

Omolon, Sol Mercado and Gabby Espinas each had eight markers for the Bolts, who trailed 56-52 going into the final quarter.

But Lanete keyed Meralco’s strong start in the fourth period and conspired with Cardona to put their team in front at 72-68 with 4:56 remaining.

Baguio hit a triple to push the Aces within one, but Cardona hit a 10-foot teardrop shot to give Meralco some breathing room, 76-73.

Baguio followed up Sonny Thoss’s missed drive, before Mercado split his free throws in the next play to give the Bolts a slim 77-75 lead with 58.2 seconds remaining.

Omolon then collared a key rebound off Tony dela Cruz’s missed side jumper. After Lanete came up empty in the ensuing play, Baguio threw away a crucial possession as he lost grip of the ball while trying to attack the defense of Omolon.

That led to Espinas’s two free throws, 79-75, and Taulava sealed the win with a putback on Omolon’s two missed free throws.

Thoss led all scorers with 19 points while Baguio added 18. Jay-R Reyes netted 11 points for Alaska, which fell to 0-5.

The scores:

MERALCO 81 – Lanete 17, Isip 10, Cardona 10, Mercado 8, Espinas 8, Omolon 8, Macapagal 7, Borboran 4, Taulava 4, Ballesteros 3, Yee 2, Faundo 0.

ALASKA 75 – Thoss 19, Baguio 18, Reyes 11, Dela Cruz 8, Tenorio 7, Baracael 4, Custodio 4, Mepana 2, Cablay 2, Eman 0.

Quarterscores: 20-19, 36-36, 52-56, 81-75

source : http://www.interaksyon.com

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Alaska versus Meralco Bolts in the PBA

HIS Meralco team has just recently wielded the upset axe so coach Ryan Gregorio should know how to avoid it. That is why Gregorio keeps stressing the need for his Bolts to be on their toes when they tackle the winless Alaska Aces Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

 “Alaska is a dangerous team to battle at this point,” said Gregorio on the eve of the match his team needs to follow up its 80-70 stunner over previously unbeaten Petron Blaze. “Their 0-4 mark is not an indication of their roster power,” he added of Alaska. 

“They are one of the elite teams in the league and they are bound to break out of their slump. We will do our best to prevent it.” Mainly due to the intricacies of the triangle offense-based system being implemented by new head coach Joel Banal, plus the fact Alaska’s erstwhile injured main go-to guys, LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio, are slow to regain their old fiery form, the Aces have indeed struggled, most recently an 84-120 shellacking from Rain or Shine. 

 Still, Banal believes a breakthrough win is in the offing. "In our first three games our bigs played well and our guards struggled. In our loss to Rain or Shine our guards stepped up and played well but our bigs were nowhere to be found. Our goal tomorrow is to join forces. If both our bigs and guards contribute, then we have a game," he said. 


 Gregorio is not one to fall into any trap, however, emphasizing there is nothing more treacherous than a hurting foe. “You look at their roster and you will realize how packed they are on all fronts. Defense is the reason why we are winning games despite playing with a depleted roster and defense will still be given emphasis against a team trying to enter the win column,” he stated. 

 It is indeed its ability to make stops that has made Meralco a serious contender notwithstanding the absence of not only Sol Mercado but also Mark Cardona, Chris Ross and Chris Timberlake. Fully recovered from a pre-season knee injury, Mercado made a grand debut in the conference against Petron. The Bolts were also relentless in defense, not allowing the Boosters to shoot better than in the middle 30 percent from the field that limited the latter to 18.7 points below their conference average
.
The same kind of mind-set is what Gregorio wants from his team this time out.

“We are very ‘cautious’ with our approach against Alaska,” he stated. “No way are we going to the game thinking that it’s going to be a sure victory.


“We will definitely come out with a strong defensive mind-set similar to our approach when we battled the erstwhile unbeaten Petron.” (NC)






sorce:pba.ph

Petron Vs Talk n Text Rematch in PBA 37th Season

Petron Blaze, the improbable winner of the Governors Cup, and Talk n Text, the vanquished back-to-back champion, clash in their much-awaited rematch Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


Forget that they’re fighting for a piece of the lead in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup.
No matter what is at stake, the two teams are only expected to figure in a fierce duel after their highly charged Governors Cup title showdown.


“Game Eight,” said Petron ace Arwind Santos, seeing the 7:30 p.m. setto as extension of their title clash.
“Fresh pa sa isip ng lahat yun laban. Feeling mo talaga Finals pa rin bukas,” Santos added.
Petron slammed Talk n Text’s Triple Crown aspirations and completed its own ride to ultimate glory as the Boosters drubbed the Texters, 85-73, in the deciding Game Seven of their championship duel last Aug. 23.

Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes is trying to skirt the past, delving only on the present.

“It’s a tough game especially with Petron coming off a loss. Before their last game, I thought they and Barako Bull were playing the best basketball in the league,” Reyes said.

Of course, the Texters are the ones aching for a big redemption.

“Syempre, gusto nilang makabawi,” said Santos.
“I’m sure the intensity of the game will be as high as in the Finals,” added Santos, the prolific Petron forward on a hot streak of double-double outings.

“Dehado pa rin kami lalo na dahil nagpalakas sila. Lumaki at tumulin sila dahil dumating si Japeth Aguilar,” Santos further said.


The Boosters and the Texters are tied with the Barako Bull Energy with identical 3-1 win-loss records going to the match, slugging it out for a share of the lead with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-1).

Petron suffered its first loss in the season only last Sunday when it bowed to Meralco, 70-80. Talk n Text succumbed to Barako, 86-100, on Oct. 19 but bounced back with a 96-94 decision over B-Meg in its next game. (SB)

source: Pba.ph

Allein Maliksi of Barako Bull Will not Play Against Bmeg because of Injury



One of the scoring rookies of the rejuvenated Barako Bull Energy Boosters is injured. He is Allein Maliksi. According to him, he suffered a Lateral Collateral Ligament(LCL) injury with a sub meniscal tear in their game against the Shopinas.com Clickers a few days ago. Well, that game was really very physical. So much so that two players, Dorian Pena and Homer Se were thrown out of the game.








Going on, Allein said that he may miss some games of the Barako Bull and that he will have to undergo a knee rehabilitation. The good thing is that he will not have to undergo a knee surgery.





The Barako Bull will face B-Meg on Saturday for an PBA out of town game.





Here's what Allein said in his Facebook Account:






Source: http://www.ballerspinas.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Bmeg Derby Ace Llamados win over Powerade, Tim Cone New Strategy

A LITTLE freedom can go a long way, as B-Meg head coach Tim Cone just pleasantly found out.

Allowing his players more leeway to create their own situations and differentiating from his usual starting unit a bit, Cone was rewarded by the Llamados with a 97-80 win over Powerade Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


PJ Simon was reverted back to his usual off-guard spot but still among B-Meg's starters and promptly responded by starring on both ends of the court, scoring a game-high 21 points and anchoring some fine defensive efforts.


"We decided to kind of shelf our unconventional lineup, which is not having a pure point guard. We decided to change that today and that got everybody back into their comfort zone," related Cone, who started Josh Urbiztondo as playmaker in lieu of Simon.
As a direct result, B-Meg improved its win-loss record to 2-3 and tied Powerade, which absorbed its second straight setback. James Yap added 20, the bulk coming in a first quarter breakaway, before the likes of rookie Mark Barroca and Joe Devance joined in and helped get the job done.
All the while, Simon anchored the defense on Gary David and Marcio Lassiter before joining hands with Urbiztondo in quashing the Tigers' fightback from as much as a 29-point deficit, earning special mention from Cone.

"I thought PJ came out and became a committed defender. He did a great job on Gary and also Lassiter in the first half," said Cone. The way his charges generally played a great game also pleased Cone no end as the specter of a third straight loss was easily dispelled.

"We talked about putting a good one together and we did put a good one together," he stated, already looking ahead at their next game against Barako Bull in Panabo City on Saturday. "I hope we can play better then than what we did today," said Cone. "I'm pleased with our effort, especially our defense."

Lassiter scored 13 of his team-high 15 points in the second half and had Sean Anthony as main partner during a torrid run that brought Powerade within 65-74, still 7:08 remaining in the game.

Anthony had two triples and eight of his total 13 points while Lassiter added six points off his three steals in that stretch that whittled what was a 68-48 B-Meg lead after the third period.

Then Urbiztondo buried a wide open trey and found Simon for a triple and a layup that jacked their lead back up to 17.
"We were holding the ball too long, allowing us to get rushed," said Cone. "Then Josh hit that 3 and Simon hit his own and that settled us back down. That's what our second group was supposed to do."

Devance's four points came during an 8-5 surge that put the outcome fully beyond doubt 90-70, only 2:22 left.

David missed his first six shots and wound up with seven points. He did not buy a baskiet until the last 6:43 mark of the third period and wound up shooting 3-for-13 from the field for his lowest output in the last five conferences.

JVee Casio was also shaky in only his second game from the knee injury that sidelined him in Powerade's first three games. The star playmaker for the national team missed his first six shots and wound up with only five points.
The burden of providing the needed points fell on the shoulders of Anthony, who had a triple in a 7-0 run winding up the third canto that cut what was an imposing 41-68 deficit.

It was Yap in the first quarter before Simon took the lead in the second period. The two-time MVP scattered 12 of his points in the opening period, including five that sparked a 9-0 run from a 2-5 deficit. He added seven more during a 13-4 close out.


The hole dug by Powerade when it made just three of its first 17 shots got deeper as the game wore on and as B-Meg grew hotter.

By the time Simon buried his first triple and Rico Maierhofer looped in a twinner, it was a 38-18 difference which B-Meg stretched to 46-25 at the half. The lead got stretched even more when the Llamados scored the first eight points of the third period. (NC)


The scores:
B-MEG 97 - Simon 21, Yap J. 20, Barroca 11, De Vance 10, Urbiztondo 9, Raymundo 7, Pingris 6, Yap R. 6, Reavis 5, Maierhofer 2, Acuna 0.

POWERADE 80 - Lassiter 15, Anthony 13, Kramer 8, Cruz 8, Lingganay 7, Vanlandingham 7, David 7, Adducul 7, Casio 5, Antonio 3, Calimag 0, Crisano 0.


Quarterscores: 24-9, 46-25, 68-48, 97-80


Source: pba.ph

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Jeff Chan is The PBA Best Player of the Week


MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine's Jeff Chan has been named PBA Player of the Week after helping the Elasto Painters top the league standings with his strong offensive production.

Chan averaged 17 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists in Rain or Shine's victories over the Meralco Bolts and the Alaska Aces last week, and his team now has a 4-1 record, best in the PBA.

"He's been the most consistent for us," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said in a PBA.ph interview.
Chan was especially effective in the Elasto Painter's blowout win against Alaska, when he went 6-of-10 from beyond the arc and scored 20 points in the 120-84 win.



But Guiao said Chan has not only been a standout on offense, he has also been working hard on the other end of the floor.


"People tend to look at his offense but his defense has improved a lot from last year," Guiao said. "He's also gotten to be a better passer. He's been working hard in practice."

Chan has improved immensely from the previous season, wherein he only scored 7.6 points per game. In Season 37, he scores a team-high 16 points per game to go along with 3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals.
For the former Far Eastern U (FEU) Tamaraw, his hard work is paying off.

"Gusto ko lang maiangat ang laro ko at matulungan ang team," Chan said. "Kaya nga after practice, stay pa ako sa gym, mga 30 minutes. Basta matapos lang ang routines ko."

Even with his improvement and the Elasto Painters' rise, Chan said he will continue working hard to help his team achieve their goal of making the semi-finals.

"Lahat kami, of one mind para ma-realize namin iyon. Kaya wala pa ring pahinga, at marami pang hard work na kailangan," he said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/10/25/11/hot-shooting-chan-named-player-week

Barangay Ginebra Kings at a Crossroad at PBA 37th Season


The numbers will show it, the players and coaches know it. The tide is definitely turning when you take a good look at the PBA's  landscape. New blood is starting to take over, and  some worry that the people’s Kings might be left out.
“The rookie performances are a reality" says three-time champion head coach Siot Tanquincen just before they took the floor at Victorias City last Saturday. This after Paul Lee registered 21 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists against them on opening day. Mac Baracael of the Alaska Acas also had an impressive debut with 20 points the following week before Barako Bulls’ Dylan Ababou made it three in a row by exploding for 20 against the crowd darlings in his very first PBA game.


“While it’s good to have our veterans still play effective basketball, there is a need for our young guns to step up to the plate" added Tanquincen. “We are a team in transition, we just need to look for the right balance: to give our vets their minutes, while giving the young ones some opportunities on the floor to try to improve as we go along. It’s the only way for us to get better."

Coach Siot started sophomores Rob Labagala and John Wilson together with  2007 (Air 21) 4th overall pick JC Intal for that road game against Powerade. “We just need to bite the bullet by playing the young ones, we need to take the bumps, there will be rough roads ahead." Wilson finally scored from the field for the first time this season, caught a couple of nifty passes for layups but ended up with just those four points for the contest. Labagala, who was coming off a 12-point performance, ended up with just two while Intal went for 1/11 from the field and registered only five points.

Barangay Ginebra hasn’t had a high pick in so many years. We are always in the middle of the pack, it’s pretty tough to get impact players from there" says Coach Tanquincen. He explains that it shouldn’t be a knock on their younger guys, just a realization that if they got a chance to pick a guy like Jvee Casio, it would’ve been a totally different story. They just need to go through this process as a team while in the elimination round, and hope that the Barangay Ginebra mystique kicks in come playoff time, especially if they end up as one of the lower seeds.

Mark Caguioa also realizes all of this. The 2001 Rookie of the year likes the new talent coming in and looking to make a name for themselves at their expense. “Gusto ko yun tapang nila," as he is reminded of how it was when he came into the league. “But for now, there is a conscious effort on my part to get everybody on my team involved. We need the young guys to step up and for everybody to contribute and fill in their respective roles." But MC47 also warned, “I also like the challenge."

Marcio Lassiter became the fourth rookie in a row to explode against the Gin Kings. The fourth overall pick recorded a young career-best double-double of 21-12 that went along with four assists and three steals as the Tigers built a five-point lead with less than a minute to go.

“I will take over if and when my team needs me to" is what the Spark told me before the contest. With no more timeouts and nobody having scored in double figures for Ginebra at that point, Coach Siot left five veterans on the floor: Caguioa, Helterbrand, De Ocampo, Tubid and Willie Wilson (9pts, 6rebs, 3 asts). MC47 found Enrico Villanueva to bring them to within three points. After a couple of missed Tiger free throws, the Fast found the Furious who struck for another two-pointer on a jump hook and all of a sudden, we had a one-point game with just 14 seconds to go. 

Two more missed Powerade FTs set up the epic last push. Caguioa was well covered on the left wing, got the rock over to JJ Helterbrand at the top of the key. The Fast took it strong to the hole. Everybody in Negros Occidental held their breath as the layup bounced out… then from out of nowhere, the Furious came flying in for a stickback with just 1.6 seconds to go. Gary David’s desperation heave would not even draw iron as the entire building erupted in joy at the final buzzer with the mix of Kings sprawled out celebrating on the floor. The young ones, the veterans and even their head coach all piled up on top of each other with their faithful storming the floor as they picked up their second win in what they believe would be a struggle of a tournament for them.

Siot Tanquincen said before the game, “As much as we need to look at the bigger picture (by developing the young guns), we owe it to the Barangay Ginebra faithful to find ways to win."

At 2-2 in this 14-game elimination round, Ginebra takes on Shopinas on Wednesday before facing off against Meralco and the defending champion Tropang Texters in the first week of November. - OMG, GMA News


Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/236402/sports/pba37-baragay-ginebra-at-a-crossroads

Monday, October 24, 2011

Alaska Aces 4th loss, Rain or Shine Grabs Solo Lead

Behind an extra hot shooting, Rain or Shine dealt Alaska its worst loss in memory and seized the lead in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

Jeff Chan torched the Aces with a 5-of-5 three-pointers in the first quarter, and the Elasto Painters sustained a torrid clip throughout for a 120-84 rout. 


It was Rain of Shine’s largest winning margin in franchise history and Alaska’s worst defeat at least in the records kept by the league.


Coach Yeng Guiao being ejected on technical fouls late in the third seemed to just fire up the Elasto Painters even more.

“I got ejected but the situation got better after that. I just thought that no matter the score was, everybody has to do their job. I thought there were sloppy calls,” said Guiao after the lopsided match sending Rain or Shine to the top and Alaska to the bottom.

The Elasto Painters bamboozled the struggling Aces with a 57.5 percent shooting, and zoomed to the top with a second back-to-back wins in the tourney.
Petron yielded the lead as it bowed to Meralco, 70-80, earlier in the day.

Rain or Shine surged ahead at 4-1 with Petron moving down to joint second place with Talk n Text and Barako Bull at 3-1.

Alaska remained winless in four outings – the franchise’s worst start in an all-Filipino tourney since 1995. Overall, it’s Alaska’s worst since likewise going 0-4 in the 2001 Governors Cup.

“It’s our best offensive game so far. I was worried before the game that this might be the day Alaska would get its bearing. It’s still not,” said Guiao.
“Alaska is still a threat; a talented team. It’s a matter of time before they get their game back. We’re lucky it’s not tonight,” Guiao added.
The veteran Rain or Shine mentor said a good indication was winning this big even with Paul Lee off in the contest.
“It showed the balance that we have. Everybody made a contribution. It proved a point that we’re not going to put all responsibilities on Paul’s shoulders,” said Guiao.

Chan finished with six triples and a total of 20 points that went with five assists, three rebounds and two steals against two turnovers.

JR Quinahan, Ronjay Buenafe and Larry Rodriguez added at least 16 points each for the Elasto Painters who terribly outshot the Aces.

Behind clutch baskets by LA Tenorio and Mac Baracael, the Aces got to within eight, 45-53, at the half after trailing by as many as 18 early on.

That was their temporary relief as the Elasto Painters came out firing again in the final half. (SB) 
 The scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 120 - Chan 20, Quinahan 19, Buenafe 17, Rodriguez 16, Norwood 9, Arana 9, Cruz 7, Lee 5, Ibanes 5, Uyloan 4, Matias 3, Jaime 3, Belga 3.

ALASKA 84 - Tenorio 20, Cablay 15, Baguio 13, Baracael 8, Dela Cruz 8, Thoss 7, Custodio 5, Reys 4, Salamat 3, Bugia 1, Mepana 0, Thiele 0, Eman 0. 

source: Pba.ph



Quarterscores: 32-18, 53-45, 81-62, 120-84

Newly Energized Meralco Won Over Petron, Solomon Mercado Returns

ONE more able body for Meralco can go a long way, especially if that player is Sol Mercado.
Mercado finally saw action for the season and immediately scored a team-high 16 points off the bench as the Bolts dealt the Petron Blaze Boosters their first defeat with an 80-70 victory Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gabby Espinas had his second double-double of the conference with 14 points and 12 rebounds and along with Asi Taulava made some crucial baskets in the fourth period. Meralco's defense also held Petron to its lowest output yet for the season.



Still, it was clearly the return of Mercado which provided the biggest lift for the Boosters as they improved their win-loss record to 3-2 while cutting short the Boosters' winning run at three.

"Sol gave us a huge lift, but more importantly he gave us another artillery," said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio. "His presence alone gave us a big confidence boost since we know we have another live body who can play."


The man who suffered a right knee injury prior to the season also finished with five rebounds and four assists, surprising even Gregorio himself.
"I didn't expect him to play this well since he was out five weeks," related Gregorio. "But his heart is so big that he was able to play through the pressure and the pain and tow us through to victory."


Arwind Santos had his fourth straight double-double of 17 and 13 and Chris Lutz and Joseph Yeo chipped in 16 and 11, respectively. Yet the other go-to guys of Petron failed to deliver their usual quotas.
Alex Cabagnot was held to only six points, 10 below his average, and Denok Miranda, who had 18 the last time out, managed only seven.

As a team, the Boosters did not breach the 40 percent-mark in field shooting for any quarter before finishing with just 32.4% by making only 24 of 74 shots to the Bolts' 36.6 percent (26-for-71).

Gregorio would like to think it was his team's defense that limited Petron to 18.7 points below its conference average.

"I think one critical factor in this game was our defense," he pointed out. "For limiting a high-scoring team like Petron to 70 points, I think we really deserve to win this one."

The Bolts' ability to make stops surfaced to the fullest going into the game'
s last two minutes when they held the Boosters scoreless after the latter had crawled to within 70-75.

There's enough time for Meralco to preen before its following games against Alaska on Friday and Rain or Shine on Sunday.
"Our battlecry going into this game was, for at least some moments we want to be the best," related Gregorio. "And in order to be the best we have to beat the best. Prior to this game Petron was the best, so for one shining moment were able to feel it. It's nice to be the first to beat Petron."

The outcome was far from decided although Meralco managed to erect a 66-53 lead, early in the fourth quarter, following Mercado's triple and Mark Isip's three-point play.
But Taulava scored four points and Espinas completed a three-point play, all off offensive rebounds that ensured Meralco had enough cushion going into the endgame.
Meralco actually started taking control in the second quarter and took a 36-30 halftime lead, thanks mainly to Mercado and rookie Brian Faundo combining for half of the team's 18 points and Petron going 7-for-18 from the field.
Santos scattered nine of his points in the third canto, all helping the Boosters keep within 46-48, before a more balanced Meralco scoring led by Mark Isip and Chico Lanete, padded the lead to 58-49. (NC)

The scores:

MERALCO 80 - Mercado 16, Espinas 14, Lanete 9, taulava 8, Isip 7, Faundo 6, Macapagal 6, Omolon 6, Borboran 5, Yee 3, Ballesteros 0.
PETRON 70 - Santos 17, Lutz 16, Yeo 11, Miranda 7, Cabagnot 6, Ildefonso 6, Agustin 3, Baclao 2, Sharma 2, Guevarra 0, Reyes 0.

Quarterscores: 18-17, 36-30, 58-49, 80-70

Top Pick Jvee Casio of Powerade Debut in the PBA, Bowed to Baranggay Gin Kings





Top rookie pick Jvee Casio finally made his much-awaited PBA Philippine Cup debut Saturday.

Unfortunately, Barangay Ginebra wasn't in the mood to give the highly-touted rookie a pleasant welcome.



Mark Caguioa scored the Kings' last four points inside the final 14 seconds, including the game-winning basket, as Ginebra eked out a 73-72 win over the Powerade Tigers in a thrilling road game in Victorias City Negros Occidental.

The Kings trailed 72-67 with 55 seconds left, but made the last six points of the tightly-fought match to pull off the come-from-behind victory that spoiled the Casio's debut game in a Powerde uniform.

Ginebra snapped a two-game slide and tied Powerade with similar 2-2 marks.

The loss was a hard pill to swallow for the Tigers, who were betrayed by their free throw shooting when they needed it most.

Veteran big man Rommel Adducul had the chance to seal the win for Powerade with 36 seconds left after being fouled and the Tigers protecting a 72-69 lead.

But the former Ginebra slotman missed both free throws, allowing Caguioa to score at the other end and cut the deficit to 72-71.

With no more timeouts left for both teams, the Kings fouled Gary David in the games final 12 seconds to send the Powerade gunner to the foul line.

To the horror of the entire Tigers' bench, the sweet-shooting guard from Lyceum bungled both free throws and opened the door for a game-winning play by the Kings.

JayJay Helterbrand missed on a hard drive to the basket, but Caguioa was there for the follow-up shot that settled the outcome of the match.

Caguioa finished with 11 points and was the only Ginebra player in double figures.

Casio, selected No. 1 overall by the Tigers in the last Rookie Draft, scored three points in his debut game. He wasn't fielded in by coach Bo Perasol until the 10:42 mark of the second quarter.

Rookie Marcio Lassiter had a career-high 21 points for Powerade, which also got 17 from David and 14 from Celino Cruz.

Cruz's three-pointer with 65 seconds left broke the game's final deadlock, giving the Tigers a 70-67 cushion. David then stretched the lead to five after scoring on a lay-up off a crucial turnover by the Kings with less than a minute to go.

Rico Villanueva cut the deficit to three with an inside stab, before Adducul muffed both charities that signaled Tigers' downfall. — JVP, GMA News


















Scores:
Ginebra 73—Caguioa 11, Villanueva 9, Wilson W. 9, De Ocampo 8, Cortez 8, Intal 7, Canaleta 6, Helterbrand 6, Tubid 5, Wilson J. 4, Labagala 0, Aquino 0.

Powerade 72—Lassiter 21, David 17, Cruz 14, Antonio 6, Casio 3, Vanlandingham 3, Lingganay 2, Kramer 2, Calimag 2, Crisano 2, Adducul0, Anthony 0.

Quarter scores: 22-21, 35-32, 57-54, 73-72.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Jared Dillinger Starred in Talk and text Bmeg Showdown in the PBA

Though still crippled, Talk n Text sprang back from a loss the last time out, getting a big lift from Jared Dillinger in repulsing B-Meg, 96-94, Friday in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.



Dillinger poured in a career-best 31 points and also got six rebounds and four assists, stepping up in the absence of Jayson Castro and Harvey Carey as the Texters got back on the winning track and gained a piece of second place with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Barako Bull Energy at 3-1.
The Llamados, on the other hand, slid to 1-3.

Kelly Williams made his season debut and had a hand helping the Texters rebound from an 86-100 loss to the Energy Wednesday.


“We’re all aware of our situation; we knew we had to make extra effort,” said Dillinger.

Williams rejoined the team but the Texters remained short-handed with Ranidel de Ocampo still out, and Castro and Carey joining him in the sideline after getting injured in their game versus Barako.

Compounding Talk n Text’s woes was Jimmy Alapag suffering an ankle sprain in the second quarter.

“Worry talaga ako kung tatagal kami sa game na ito with our team badly depleted. Fatigue did set in, and we just dug in, sucked it up, continued to play defense and found a way to win in the end,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“You’ll really get tired with our pace. Then B-Meg started to make their shots which was really expected from a good team like them,” Reyes added.

The Texters led by as many as 16 in the first quarter but went through anxious moment, facing a determined B-Meg charge at the finish.
The Llamados just refused to give up till the final buzzer.
They caught up at 81-all with 6:17 left to play, moved ahead at 85-83 and never surrendered even as the Texters regained control at 95-90 with time down to 29.8 seconds.


The Texters eventually pulled through as Aaron Abad tapped the ball away after Ryan Reyes missed the rear-end of two free throws with TnT ahead by only two, 96-94, with 2.6 seconds left to play. Curiously, the ball landed in the hands of Dillinger, the Texters’ main man in the game, knocking in five three-pointers, four twinners and eight charities.

Williams, back with TnT after reinforcing Smart Gilas Pilipinas in the recently held Fiba Asia Championship, added 23 points, six rebounds and one block against two turnovers.
Ali Peek shared 13 points and 12 rebounds while Larry Fonacier and Reyes contributed at least 11 points each.

Kerby Raymundo picked up his game in the second half and finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Llamados.

He joined forces with Josh Urbiztondo and Marc Pingris to get B-Meg back into the fight in the payoff period. James Yap made 14 points but visibly got tired playing 40 minutes.

He committed a passing error, missed a shot and committed a foul in the homestretch.
In the same span of time, Peek scored on a short stab then Dillinger converted a drive and a free throw as TnT went up 95-90 with time down to 29.8 seconds. (SB)

The scores:

Talk 'N Text 96 -- Dillinger 31, Williams 23, Peek 13, Fonacier 12, Reyes 11, Aban 4, Aguilar 2, Raymundo 0, Alvarez 0, Alapag 0.
B-Meg 94 -- Raymundo 18, J. Yap 14, Simon 13, Urbiztondo 11, Pingris 11, Devance 10, Barroca 8, Reavis 7, R. Yap 2, Acuna 0, Ferriols 0.

Quarterscores: 32-19, 49-37, 74-66, 96-94

source:pba.ph

Barako Bul rd Straight Victory,Demolish Shopinas.com


TAGGED with a favored billing for the first time in the PBA Philippine Cup, Barako Bull was hardput getting any lift against Shopinas.com Friday.

It took an early ugly incident before the Energy got fired up and promptly dealt the Clickers a 96-78 shellacking for a third straight win and a share of second-running spot at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Sunday Salvacion’s 14 points and Willie Miller’s 13 and game-high eight assists led Barako Bull, but it was Wynne Arboleda scoring all of his 12 markers in the second period that spurred the team to blow the game wide open. 



What really got his players going, head coach Junel Baculi pointed out, was the altercation that happened at the 9:57 mark of the second period with the Energy leading by just 21-18. Then Shopinas center Homer Se started to charge at Baculi.
“I was talking to the referees, telling them na nananakit ng players si Se,” related Baculi. “I was telling them to look at Se. Bigla siyang nag-react.”

Since the ball was in play in front of the Barako bench, the Energy were quick to shield their coach, foremost of which was Dorian Pena. The muscular slotman gave Se a hard shove that floored the latter hard before other cooler heads managed to separate Se.

When the game officials finally sorted things out Pena was ejected, Baculi was assessed a technical foul and Se was also thrown out for two technicals.
Before that incident, the Clickers managed to hold the Energy through five deadlocks and four lead changes. They were easy fodder the rest of the way, trailing by as much as 43-74 before dropping their fourth straight game.

Ren-Ren Ritualo fired 10 of his 15 points in the fourth period to help whittle the deficit to just 69-85, still over five minutes left.

That proved to be the closest the Clickers got, however, as Miller, Paul Artadi, Salvacion and even rookie Paul Sorongon sank the baskets during a 9-2 surge that made it a 94-71 difference and put the outcome beyond doubt. Don Allado chipped in 11 points and six rebounds, the latter including two off the offensive glass that moved him within another of becoming the 39th member of the league's 1,000-offensive rebounds club.

Barako drew alongside idle Rain or Shine at the spot just behind unbeaten leader Petron Blaze’s 3-0 slate, but Baculi said his charges have just capped their most immediate objective.

“Wala pang one-fourth ng games sa 14-game eliminations, so it’s still a long way to go. We’re just working on our modest goal, which was to win as many games as possible in our first four games,” he said.
The cost to the victory was also high as Allein Maliksi strained a muscle, Dylan Ababou suffered a cut above his left eye and Leo Najorda fell hard – face first -- on the floor on a block try against James Sena late in the fourth period.
“We got through our first three games without injuries, but now that we have a light assignment the injuries piled up,” Baculi noted. “But that’s basketball,” he added. “We just have to play over it, rest our injuries and get back strong in Davao (on Saturday against B-MEG).”
Besides, his players had their chances to relax Friday, based on how they started and nearly finished.

“Ganyan talaga, when you have a blowout, may tendency to relax,” was how Baculi put it.

Good thing Arboleda’s explosion, with help from Miller, Salvacion and Najorda, enabled the Energy to pad their lead to 50-33 at the half and by 74-48 going into the last 12 minutes of play. (NC)

The scores:
BARAKO BULL 96 - Salvacion 14, Miller 13, Najorda 12, Arboleda 12, Allado 11, Maliksi 9, Artadi 7, Avenido 6, Pennisi 4, Ababou 3, Sorongon 2, Salvador 2, Pena 1.

SHOPINAS.COM 78 - Ritualo 15, Hubalde 14, Jazul 10, Menor 10, Espiritu 9, Mirza 8, Canta 4, Duncil 4, Sena 3, Canlas 1, Ilad 0, Hermida 0, Se 0.
Quarterscores: 16-18, 50-33, 74-48, 96-78


source :PBA.ph

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Talk n Text vs Bmeg Derby Ace Llamados


MANILA, Philippines — Talk ’N Text will still be without Kelly Williams and Ranidel Ocampo when it takes on dangerous B-Meg Friday in the resumption of the PBAPhilippine Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City.
Barako Bull pounded the Texters’ depleted frontline Wednesday on its way to a 100-86 win at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

“We were exposed as a team versus Barako Bull,” said Talk ’N Text mentor Chot Reyes, unable to contain Barako Bull’s veteran frontline of Dorian Peña, Mic Pennisi and Don Carlos Allado. “We will have difficulty against teams with superior size and heft. It’s the same situation with B-Meg.”


Williams and Ocampo are still on vacation following their stint with Smart-Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA-Asia championship in Wuhan, China.

“Kelly and Ranidel are not yet available. Let’s just see how we bounce back,” said Reyes, whose current frontline is composed of centers Ali Peek (6-4) and Gilbert Lao (6-6), and forwards Harvey Carey (6-3), Japeth Aguilar (6-9) and Rich Alvarez (6-4).

B-Meg has yet to reach full potential following the arrival of American coach Tim Cone, a staunch exponent of the triangle offense.

The Llamados have only one win to show in three matches, dropping their previous outing opposite Meralco.
But with a frontline made up of Kerby Raymundo (6-6), Marc Jean Pingris (6-5), Rico Maierhofer (6-6), Rafi Reavis (6-8) and Joe Devance (6-7), B-Meg is expected to give the Texters a lot of trouble.

Jimmy Alapag, fresh from a short US vacation, played his first game Wednesday and will share backcourt chores with Jason Castro and Ryan Reyes against the B-Meg crew of James Yap, Peter June Simon, Roger Yap, Joshua Urbiztondo and rookie Mark Barroca.

In the other game, Barako Bull tries to extend its winning streak to three games when it tackles winless Shopinas.com at 5:15 p.m.

Willie Miller and Mick Pennisi, who combined for 45 points against the Texters, are expected to lead Barako against the Clickers whose last match ended in a 98-87 loss to Petron Blaze.

“Barako Bull is playing well the last two games. For sure they will carry that momentum going to this game,” said Pumaren. “We have to execute well and try to hold them down especially their scorers.”
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine gained solo second place with an 89-84 win over Meralco late Wednesday where Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan scattered 14 points apiece, while rookie guard Paul Lee added 12 markers with six assists – two on Larry Rodriguez’s pair of layups in the final moments of the game that sealed the win.
The Elasto Painters now carry a 3-1 card, behind the perfect 3-0 record of the Petron Blaze Boosters, while the Bolts fell to 2-2.


Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/338463/tnt-eyes-rebound-vs-bmeg

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Rain or Shine won over Meralco bolts

Fired-up by a near fight at the end of the first half, Rain or Shine went on a searing third-quarter breakaway and held on for an 89-84 win over Meralco in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

The Elasto Painters went berserk in the third period and ripped the Bolts apart despite their prolific rookie Paul Lee being neutralized.

Stepping up after the first half marred by a commotion sparked by a collision between Asi Taulava and Jervy Cruz, the Painters seized control, building a huge lead enough to withstand the Bolts’ endgame chase.

Rain or Shine grabbed second place at 3-1 with Barako Bull stopping Talk n Text, 100-86, earlier in the day. The Energy forced a tie at third place with the Texters and the Powerade Tigers at 2-1. The proverbial coolers heads had to separate the two teams after Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao and Taulava figured in a hot confrontation.

Taulava earlier shoved Cruz then Guiao got into the scene in also pushing the Meralco center.

The Painters were meaner and better at the resumption of play, bamboozling the Bolts, 30-9, to enjoy a 22-point lead, 71-49, going into the last quarter. “We made some adjustments at the half and I think it worked. We controlled their big men and took away their three-pointers. That’s the key, taking away their best options,” said Guiao after the game.

“It’s a big win as it got us back on the winning track and it pushed us to second place,” Guiao added.
Though falling behind by 25 at one point, the Bolts managed to crawl back into the fight only to come up short in their comeback bid, sliding to sixth place at 2-2.
Coach Ryan Gregorio and his troops came charging back and made it close in the end with Guiao refusing to call a timeout and just letting his boys to ride out the game. “I felt I had to let the boys play, commit mistake and think through the situation,” said Guiao. “It can get scary, but that’s the risk you take if you want your team to learn, build confidence and gain maturity,” Guiao added. “That’s the reason you want a big lead going to the end.” Averaging 19 points in their first three games, Lee was held to 12 but had crucial assists helping the Elasto Painters pull through.
Lee set up Larry Rodriguez for back-to-back undergoal stabs moments after Meralco charged to within five at 79-84 on two triples by Mark Macapagal and a short stab by Gabby Espinas.

Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan led Rain or Shine with 14 points apiece with Rodriguez also winding up with a double-digit output with 11.

Macapagal fired a personal season-high of 20 points for Meralco while Espinas and Taulava churned out double-double numbers combining for 35 points and 21 rebounds. (SB) The scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 89 - Norwood 14, Chan 14, Lee 12, Rodriguez 11, Buenafe 9, Matias 8, Belga 6, Quinahan 6, Ibanes 5, Arana 4, Cruz 0.

MERALCO 84 - Macapagal 20, Espinas 19, Taulava 16, Lanete 14, Isip 6, Borboran 5, Ballesteros 2, Omolon 2, Timberlake 0, Yee 0.
Quarterscores: 22-21, 41-40, 71-49, 89-84


source:pba.ph

Two Time Mvp Willie Miller and the Barako bull Defeated The Talk n Text




WILLIE Miller’s heydays are far from over. The two-time MVP exploded for 27 points and also had six assists, leading an impressive show by Barako Bull’s veterans that lifted them past erstwhile unbeaten and defending champion Talk ‘N Text, 100-86, Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It was Miller’s highest output in the last five conferences and headlined a sterling show by the Energy on both ends of the court that stoked their drive to a second straight victory and a 2-1 win-loss slate that tied them with their victims. 

 “One factor is our defense. Second, our veterans are willing to work on defense and share the ball. Also, at one game or another, Willie Miller will explode. This was the game,” said Barako coach Junel Baculi.

 “I hope this is not the last,” added the mentor, only half in jest. “Dahil bago iyung team hindi nila inaasahan kung sino i-score. Naka-tsamba lang ngayon,” said Miller, who last scored as much while he was still with Alaska during the 2009-2010 Philippine Cup when he notched 29. Asked why it took him long enough, Miller replied: “Sa gamit lang siguro. 

Sa Alaska, then Ginebra marami kaming guwardiya. Ngayon dito napa-tiyempo. “Basta panalo kahit sino umi-score.” Jayson Castro scored 23 points, the bulk coming at the height of TNT’s fightback from as much as two 22-point deficits, the last at 30-52, to within 67-73. “Miller Time” then took over as he strung up five straight points and Mick Pennisi also drained two triples in headlining some clutch baskets that quashed whatever hopes the Tropang Texters may have had. Dylan Ababou turned in a second straight 20-point performance while Pennisi finished with 18 points, his best output since the 2008-09 Philippine Cup, and seven rebounds like the rookie.

Although they did not score as much, the likes of mid-30s players Don Carlos Allado, Dorian Pena and Wynne Arboleda also gave significant contributions on defense that enabled Barako Bull to jump out to the early lead and take a 52-33 cushion at the half.
“We worked hard for this,” said Baculi. “Talk ‘N Text is a champion team, that’s why I was surprised we went up by 19 at halftime. But I expected a very big comeback, Talk ‘N Text being a champion team.”

“Expected naming ang pressure (defense) nila,” related Miller. “Pero ang akala namin halfcourt lang. Bigla silang nag-full court pressure. “
Jimmy Alapag suited up for the first time but was hardly a factor, although his lone basket -- a triple -- helped move TNT within 80-87.
Ababou then sank a charity off Tropang Texters’ coach Chot Reyes’ technical before combining with Miller and Pennisi in staking the Energy to an unassailable 97-82 spread, only 1:42 left. (NC)

 The scores:

BARAKO 100 -Miller 27, Ababou 20, Pennisi 18, Allado 9, Maliksi 8, Najorda 6, Artadi 4, Arboleda 3, Pena 3, Salvacion 2, Salvador 0.

TALK 'N TEXT 86 - Castro 23, Reyes 16, Dillinger 10, Aban 10, Peek 8, Fonacier 6, Carey 6, Aguilar 4, Alapag 3, Raymundo 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0.
Quarterscores: 25-11, 52-33, 71-62, 100-86


Source: Pba.ph

PBA 37th Season Review (2nd week)


It seems there’s a conscious effort on the part of the rookies to break on through when they play against the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

The New: Dylan Ababou

After getting benched in his first ever PBA game, former UAAP MVP and Gilas mainstay Dylan Ababou finally heard his number called last Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With adrenaline probably flowing all throughout his being, Ababou immediately announced his entry with a strong drive down the middle to score his first bucket as a pro. Next time down the floor, he caught the ball on the left wing, took it hard to the hole once again to score another deuce. The Kings all of a sudden realized the kid was on a mission, started to sag off him as to not get beat off the dribble… and that’s when the former King Tiger decided to test his range. He knocked down not one, not two, but three long ones to carry Barako Bull Energy to a four-point lead at the turn.

Fifteen points on a perfect six-for-six clip was across his name heading into the dugout… It was incredible. For a kid that may have been forgotten (drafted last in the first round), Dylan’s first half of PBA basketball wasn’t just spectacular, it was definitely SUPER.

Barako Bull ended up blowing the Kings off the floor, with fellow rookie Allein Maliksi backing up his 15-point 7 rebound debut, with 13 and 8 to help the Energy build a 20-point lead before settling for an 88-75 victory.
The Old: Gary David

If it’s explosive performances you’re looking for, Gary “Granada" David definitely provided the fireworks. After dropping 31 in a win over Shopinas to open their campaign, he was limited to just 14 in a loss to RoS. But Mr. Pure Energy came back with 26 on Sunday to help Powerade get back on the winning track and hand Alaska their third consecutive loss. Gary did everything needed of him: went out on the open floor, knocked a couple down from distance, was perfect from the free throw line and just provided his all-around presence. With JV Casio still yet to make his debut, rookie Marcio Lassiter (13-4-4) and newcomer Doug Kramer (10-12-3) were there to provide more than ample support.
The Ridiculous: Arwind Santos

After averaging a jaw-dropping 15 points and 16.5 rebounds in their first two wins, Arwind Santos turned it up another notch by registering 16 points, 21 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block as Petron marched to the top of the standings after an 11-point win over Shopinas. Twenty-one rebounds! The starting frontline of Sena and Espiritu for the Clickers combined for 19 boards. Homer Se off the bench had 4 to at least give the Arwind a good fight. That’s just ridiculous.
Other notables: Harvey Carey

Another notable performance from the week that was came from undersized TnT forward Harvey Carey. With the defending champions still playing minus Alapag, Williams and De Ocampo, the 6’2 San Francisco native punched-in a career second-best 28-points, that went along with 14 boards as the Tropang Texters have made it two in a row to open their defense. Like I said last week, if this undermanned squad can hold down the fort, that’s just a scary thought the minute they compete complete.
Big games this week

RoS vs Meralco (if Sol Mercado will play) on Wednesday, BMEG vs TnT on Friday (both at the Big Dome) and Barangay Ginebra vs Powerade on Saturday in Victorias City, Negros (might just be JV Casio’s debut). - OMG, GMA News
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/235745/sports/pba37-week-2-the-new-the-old-and-the-ridiculous

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Alaska is Still Winless, Gary David Powered Tigers




Gary David, last season’s scoring champ limited to 14 points in their last game, came back with his guns ablaze, rifling in 26 to lead Powerade to a 79-67 win over the Alaska Aces in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

David made two of six three-point attempts, eight of 13 two-point tries and four of four charities as he served as steady anchor carrying the Tigers to a second win in three games in the season.

The Aces, meanwhile, stayed winless in three starts with top guns LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio nowhere to be found in the contest.

Doug Kramer came through with a double-double game with 12 rebounds and 10 points with Marcio Lassiter adding 13 markers as the Tigers bounced back from a 93-96 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters a week ago.
“Pinagtyagaan namin sa practice ito,” said David of the solid showing they put up versus the Aces.
“I’m quite confident that given the time, the team can be even better,” said coach Bo Perasol.

“We have the personnel now. We have the youth and we have the veterans who are still willing to play. The young players and the veterans work together,” added Perasol.

“And remember that we’re still missing the services of (top draft pick) Jayvee Casio. We’ll have more firepower and leadership once he joins us,” Perasol further said.
The Tigers showed good promise particularly in this game where they got off to a hot start and led by as many as 17 at 26-9.

They wavered in the second period but returned firing in the second half, going on to score a victory as convincing as their initial win over the Shopinas.com Clickers.

Veterans Rommel Adducul and William Antonio had their contributions, each scoring seven points and grabbing 13 rebounds between themselves.

The Tigers converted 39 percent of their shots as against the Aces’ 33.8-percent clip.

Glaring was Tenorio’s 1-of-11 field goal shooting as he finished with just three points.

He was 0-of-7 from the three-point area in this game and 5-of-31 overall in the season.
Baguio finished with six points on 3-of-6 shooting.
Powerade got off to a jackrabbit start but lost the momentum in the second period, settling for a 36-35 edge at the half.

Down by 13, 15-28, in the opening quarter, Alaska got into the game in converting 8-of-17 field goal shots in the next period compared to Powerade’s 3-of-17 clip. (SB)

The scores POWERADE 79 - David 26, Lassiter 13, Kramer 10, Adducul 7, Antonio 7, Lingganay 6, Calimag 4, Vanlandingham 3, Cruz 2, Anthony 1, Crisano 0.


ALASKA 67 - Reyes 12, Baracael 11, Thoss 11, Dela Cruz 10, Bugia 8, Baguio 6, Cablay 4, Tenorio 3, Custodio 2, Salamat 0, Eman 0.

Quarterscores: 28-15, 36-35, 63-55, 79-67
Source: pba.ph

Arwind Santos Led Petron on its 3rd Win vs Shopinas Clickers







THE prospect of another Petron Blaze player being sidelined for a longer time looms, so coach Ato Agustin was quick in giving advise to Arwind Santos in the course of their game against Shopinas.com Sunday. “Ang sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Just continue playing hard, pero di dapat mag-relax,’” related Agustin. “Kasi kapag naging relaxed ang laro ng isang player at tulad niyang talon ng talon mas malamang na mag-suffer naman ng groin injury.”

Santos took heed and tapered off a bit, but was still one of the major factors in the Boosters’ cruising 98-87 victory over the Clickers in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Santos notched 16 points and 21 rebounds, with only two points and no rebounds coming in the fourth period, and three teammates had at least 12 points as Petron racked up its third straight victory to break out of its tie with idle Talk ‘N Text and vault into the solo lead. Denok Miranda scored a team-high 18 points, Chris Lutz added 17 and Joseph Yeo 12. Alex Cabagnot only scored nine, but he issued as many assists.

Yeo also scored 10 of his points in the second half that saw the Boosters buckle down to serious business and completely dominate the hapless Clickers to the tune of as much as a 94-73 lead.

The victory also came on the heels of a report the injury that struck Hontiveros in Petron’s first game and has sidelined him since may turn out to be a feared torn anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee.

“Pinapag-work out namin siya at mukhang okay naman, pero may pain kaya ipina-MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) siya. Baka ACL kasi ang laki ng bukol,” said Agustin.

It seems the remaining Boosters are still up to the task, especially Santos.

Santos’ rebounds were the most by a local player since he himself tallied 27 in a loss to Rain or Shine last June 24 in the last season-ending Governors Cup which the Boosters ultimately won against Talk ‘N Text.
It was also the seventh straight double-double in all by Santos, more than making up for the continued absence of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Jay Washington, Lordy Tugade and Dondon Hontiveros. It was the third straight loss by Shopinas in as many games, notwithstanding the new career-high 22 points posted by Jojo Duncil and the double-digits chipped in by RJ Jazul, Paolo Hubalde, Ren-Ren Ritualo and James Sena.

Shopinas also moved past Air21 and is now chasing Red Bull for the worst-ever start by a new team. The Thunder started their PBA campaign by dropping their first six games in 2000.

The Clickers actually made a game of it in the first half but seemed to start losing heart when Santos capped a 10-point, 13-rebound half with a halfcourt heave that barely beat the buzzer and banked in to give the Boosters a 51-39 lead.
Sena and Duncil were primary reasons why Shopinas stayed within 52-62, but Lutz scored on back-to-back drives and Alex Cabagnot scored seven of his points in the last 3:22 of the third period to jack Petron’s lead to 79-65.
The ending was a far cry from what Shopinas offered when it kept coming back from early deficits to make a tight game of it until the final 4:02 mark of the second period, when Duncil’s drive pegged a 35-all count. Then Agustin’s son, Marc, a second round pick by Powerade, chipped in six of his career-high nine points in a 13-2 surge to spark Petron’s breakaway. (NC)

The scores: PETRON 98 - Miranda 18, Lutz 17, Santos 16, Yeo 12, Agustin 9, Cabagnot 9, Ildefonso 6, Reyes 5, Baclao 4, Sharma 2, Guevarra 0. 
 SHOPINAS.COM 87 - Duncil 22, Jazul 12, Hubalde 12, Ritualo 12, Sena 10, Menor 9, Espiritu 4, Se 3, Canlas 2, Canta 1, Ilad 0, Hermida 0, Mirza 0. Quarterscores: 21-15, 51-39, 79-65, 98-87 

Source: pba.ph

Kamukamo News Update