Alapag Creates Another PBA History

Jimmy Alapag added another milestone in his already storied career in the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Talk ‘N Text point guard became just the seventh player in league history to make his 10th PBA All-Star appearance.
Alapag, the reigning Most Valuable Player, was chosen in the Veterans squad as the PBA releases the final roster for the annual extravaganza to be held in Laoag City from May 10 to 13.
The peppery playmaker thus joined the elite group composed of Alvin Patrimonio (12 All-Star appearances), Jerry Codinera (11), Dondon Hontiveros (11), Asi Taulava (11), Vergel Meneses (10) and Dindo Pumaren (10) that all played in the All-Star Game at least 10 times.
The veterans, to be coached by Tropang Texters head coach Chot Reyes, will battle the Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors squad of coach Bo Perasol of Powerade.
Voted as starters for the Veterans squad were B-MEG’s James Yap, Marc Pingris and JC Intal, Barangay Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa and Arwind Santos of Petron Blaze.
Aside from Alapag, chosen as reserves for the Veterans team were his teammate Kelly Williams, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, Alex Cabagnot of Petron, Gary David of the Tigers and Alaska’s LA Tenorio and Sonny Thoss.
The RSJ starters were JVee Casio and Marcio Lassiter of Powerade, Chris Lutz of the Boosters, Josh Urbiztondo of the Llamados and Ginebra forward Dylan Ababou.
Reserves for the RSJ five were Talk ‘N Text’s high-leaping forward Japeth Aguilar, the Aces’ Mac Baracael, Mark Barroca of B-MEG, Boosters center Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Chris Ross of Meralco and Kings forward Rico Maierhofer.
Barako Bull and Air 21 have no representatives in the All-Star Game.
The last time the league had this format was in 2001 when the Veterans defeated the RSJ team, 112-105, at the Araneta Coliseum with Danny Ildefonso named the game’s MVP.
Last year, the game was held in Boracay with North prevailing over South, 133-129 and Pingris was honored as the MVP.

source: interaksiyon.com

Gabe Freeman Returned to PBA, New Import of Barako Bull

Alaska weathered a strong start from Barako Bull led by Gabe Freeman, and held steady in the fourth quarter for a 99-92 win in Game Two of their quarterfinals series Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, the Aces equalized the best-of-three series and forced a do-or-die matchup on Sunday.
LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio led the charge for Alaska with 22 and 20 points, respectively. Sonny Thoss (17 points) and Mac Baracael (16) also took up the scoring cudgels for the Aces, who drew another quiet offensive night from import Adam Parada, who had 12 points after scoring just 11 in Game One of the series.

Alaska got the win despite a hot start from Barako Bull, which led 34-28 thanks to 11 points from debuting import Gabe Freeman, who flew in Wednesday morning to replace the ineffective Reggie Okosa. But fatigue quickly showed for the two-time Best Import awardee, who was held scoreless in the second and third quarters.

Alaska used a 10-0 run in the second quarter to tie the game, 48-all at halftime. The Aces continued their hot shooting, opening the second half with a 15-5 run to take a double-digit advantage.
Down 14 points, 77-63, at the start of the fourth quarter, Barako Bull threatened to rally behind a combined 21 points by Freeman and Danny Seigle in the final period. Missed free throws late in the game by Alaska left the door open for Barako Bull, which cut the lead to five points, 97-92, on a three-pointer by Miller with 45.2 seconds left.
But two free throws by Tenorio sealed the game for Alaska, which is now one game away from making its first PBA final four appearance since the departure of Tim Cone.
Alaska coach Joel Banal, however, remained wary of Barako Bull, which he expects to bounce back on Sunday.

“We have to be smart with our preparation,” he said. “We need to try to anticipate the adjustments [of Barako Bull].”
The Aces also have to brace for a better performance from Freeman, who scored 22 points despite battling jetlag and practicing just once with his new team.

“Freeman, come Sunday, he’s going to know where he’s going to get his shots,” said Banal. “We need to be ready for Freeman’s breakout game.”
The scores:

ALASKA – Tenorio 22, Baguio 20, Thoss 17, Baracael 16, Parada 12, Eman 7, Gonzales 3, Custodio 2, Reyes 0
BARAKO BULL – Freeman 22, Seigle 19, Tubid 15, Miller 13, Allado 8, Pennisi 6, Arboleda 5, Pena 4, Gatumbato 0, Najorda 0, Weinstein 0, Salvador 0

source: interaksiyon.com