source: PBA.ph
James Yap and Roger Yap were once again Purefoods’ men of the hour as the Giants made it two in a row over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with a stirring 95-94 come-from-behind victory at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Moments after Talk n Text fashioned out a 106-105 stunner of a win over Ginebra Kings, the Giants essayed their own thriller, pulling through on two foul shots by James Yap with six-tenths of a second left.
Roger Yap also played a big role as he rallied the Giants from 20-point deficits on a 20-point explosion in the second half.
With James’ two charities, the Giants completed their swashbuckling comeback to move in the threshold of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup semifinal round.
Squeezing through with a follow-up on their 90-85 win in Game One, the Giants moved a win short of setting up a best-of-seven semifinal confrontation with the San Miguel Beermen.
Purefoods takes its first of three cracks at the semis in Game Three Wednesday in the same venue.
“The hardest thing about this series is that just everybody thought it’s gonna be a breeze for us. But Rain or Shine has proven they’re a tough team. We struggled through the first three quarters. It’s a relief we’re able to pull through,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
“The only advantage I see at this point is that we need to win only once and they need thrice. But until we get that one, it’s far from over,” Gregorio added.
Game Two had appeared to be a won ballgame for Rain or Shine but Eddie Laure committed a costly foul with James Yap on the act of shooting from beyond the arc in the dying second.
Yap coolly sank the first two foul shots and deliberately missed the third, sending the Giants and their supporters to a frenzied celebration.
The other Yap, earlier, carried the team on his back, tossing in 20 of his 22 points in the second half.
The hard-nosed Cebuano guard highlighted his explosion with 10 straight points in the crunch, giving Purefoods a one-point spread at 93-92 with time down to 27.6 seconds.
The Elasto Painters held the lead for the last time at 94-93 as Jeff Chan converted an off-balanced shot against Rafi Reavis.
Roger Yap also stood at the forefront of Purefoods’ attack as they erased deficits of 20 points early in the third period, surging ahead at 81-79 with 7:30 left in the contest.
Chan, Mike Hrabak and Sol Mercado combined for a remarkable 8-of-11 three-point shooting as the Elasto Painters enjoyed an 11-point spread, 52-41, at halftime.
Chan knocked in four treys, including one from way, way out at the buzzer.
The Elasto Painters could have gotten much bigger lead if not for the productions of James Yap and Kerby Raymundo for the Giants.
Yap and Raymundo scored 27 points together in the first half, keeping the Giants within striking distance going to the dugout at the half. (SB)
The scores:
Purefoods 95 -- Yap J. 23, Yap R. 22, Maierhofer 14, Raymundo 11, Artadi 10, Canaleta 9, Reavis 6, Timberlake 0, Pingris 0, Alaldo 0.
Rain or Shine 94 -- Mercado 26, Norwood 22, Chan 19, Hrabak 12, Reyes 7, Arana 5, Laure 3, Arellano 0, Ibanes 0, Telan 0.
Quarterscores: 17-26; 41-52; 71-76; 95-94
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Ranidel-Dillinger alley-oop play makes it 2-0 for Talk N' Text over Ginebra
source: PBA.ph
Jared Dillinger completed a perfectly executed alley-oop pass with 2.4 seconds remaining and Talk ‘N Text stole a 106-105 victory from Barangay Ginebra for 2-0 lead in their KFC-PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals series Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The final play was a fitting end to game in which the Tropang Texters displayed exemplary courage and heart. They rallied from 18-points down in the third quarter and never lost hope even when time didn’t seem to be on their side.
After JC Intal split his free throws to give Ginebra a 105-104 lead with 3.3 remaining, TNT called two timeouts to talk things over.
When play resumed, Ranidel de Ocampo (16 points) threw the inbound pass to the unguarded Dillinger (14 points), who went for that alley-oop bank shot that gave the Tropang Texters a 106-105 lead with 2.4 seconds left.
“I wanted to dunk it. But I wanted it to be safe,” said Dillinger of the winning basket he claimed was the biggest shot of his career.
With no more timeouts left, Barangay Ginebra wasn’t even able to force a legitimate last shot at the other end as time expired.
“That’s the way basketball is. San Miguel (vs. Alaska ) and Alaska (vs. Talk 'N Text) did exactly the same kind play in the eliminations. We copied the same kind of movement when we needed it. As it is, you learn from others. The important thing is the ability to execute,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said afterwards.
Reyes said the first option was for Renren Ritualo to go through multiple screens.
“The other option was for Jimmy (Alapag). We know they would deny him so we made him to be a screener instead of receiver. But Ranidel did play it perfectly. He made a hell of a pass,” Reyes said.
“I’m truly proud of my players. We kept our heads and we stayed calm.”
[uploaded by r0njame5]
More importantly, the defending champions are just a win away from advancing to semifinals against Alaska. They will try to wrap up the series Wednesday when they face the Kings in Game 3 of the best-of-five series.
Jason Castro turned in 19 points to lead six other Tropang Texters in double figures and kept the TNT in the game when the Kings threatened to pull away in the third quarter.
It was a jolting blow for the Kings, who appeared headed to levelling the series at one game apiece when they built a 61-43 lead on Willy Wilson’s basket to start the third period.
But they lost their poise when the Tropang Texters slowly clawed their way back. The Kings attempted from the 3-point range even when there was no need to and missed one too many. Genera went 10 of 31 from the trifecta zone.
But worst, Ginebra missed crucial free throws when the game was separated by just one or two points. The Kings went 29 of 45 from the free throw line and 5 of 16 in the fourth quarter.
“Game Two is lot tougher. I expect the next game to be 10 times tougher. So it’s very important that we come into the game with a sense or urgency,” Reyes said.
JC Intal finished with 23 points and his back-to-back three in the final minute of the fourth gave Ginebra a 104-102 lead. Ronald Tubid, who managed just two points in the series’ opener, came away with 20 points but went silent in the fourth quarter. (DBC)
The scores:
Talk ‘N Text 106 -- Castro 19, Carey 17, De Ocampo R. 16, Dillinger 14, Alapag 13, Cardona 11, Peek 10, Belasco 4, De Guzman 1, Ritualo 1, De Ocampo 0.
Barangay Ginebra 105 -- Intal 23, Tubid 21, Wilson 15, White 9, Baguio 9, Villanueva 9, Caguio 9, Menk 9, Cruz 2, Alvarez 0, Slvacion 0.
Quarterscores: 24-27; 43-59; 78-82; 106-105
Jared Dillinger completed a perfectly executed alley-oop pass with 2.4 seconds remaining and Talk ‘N Text stole a 106-105 victory from Barangay Ginebra for 2-0 lead in their KFC-PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals series Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The final play was a fitting end to game in which the Tropang Texters displayed exemplary courage and heart. They rallied from 18-points down in the third quarter and never lost hope even when time didn’t seem to be on their side.
After JC Intal split his free throws to give Ginebra a 105-104 lead with 3.3 remaining, TNT called two timeouts to talk things over.
When play resumed, Ranidel de Ocampo (16 points) threw the inbound pass to the unguarded Dillinger (14 points), who went for that alley-oop bank shot that gave the Tropang Texters a 106-105 lead with 2.4 seconds left.
“I wanted to dunk it. But I wanted it to be safe,” said Dillinger of the winning basket he claimed was the biggest shot of his career.
With no more timeouts left, Barangay Ginebra wasn’t even able to force a legitimate last shot at the other end as time expired.
“That’s the way basketball is. San Miguel (vs. Alaska ) and Alaska (vs. Talk 'N Text) did exactly the same kind play in the eliminations. We copied the same kind of movement when we needed it. As it is, you learn from others. The important thing is the ability to execute,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said afterwards.
Reyes said the first option was for Renren Ritualo to go through multiple screens.
“The other option was for Jimmy (Alapag). We know they would deny him so we made him to be a screener instead of receiver. But Ranidel did play it perfectly. He made a hell of a pass,” Reyes said.
“I’m truly proud of my players. We kept our heads and we stayed calm.”
[uploaded by r0njame5]
More importantly, the defending champions are just a win away from advancing to semifinals against Alaska. They will try to wrap up the series Wednesday when they face the Kings in Game 3 of the best-of-five series.
Jason Castro turned in 19 points to lead six other Tropang Texters in double figures and kept the TNT in the game when the Kings threatened to pull away in the third quarter.
It was a jolting blow for the Kings, who appeared headed to levelling the series at one game apiece when they built a 61-43 lead on Willy Wilson’s basket to start the third period.
But they lost their poise when the Tropang Texters slowly clawed their way back. The Kings attempted from the 3-point range even when there was no need to and missed one too many. Genera went 10 of 31 from the trifecta zone.
But worst, Ginebra missed crucial free throws when the game was separated by just one or two points. The Kings went 29 of 45 from the free throw line and 5 of 16 in the fourth quarter.
“Game Two is lot tougher. I expect the next game to be 10 times tougher. So it’s very important that we come into the game with a sense or urgency,” Reyes said.
JC Intal finished with 23 points and his back-to-back three in the final minute of the fourth gave Ginebra a 104-102 lead. Ronald Tubid, who managed just two points in the series’ opener, came away with 20 points but went silent in the fourth quarter. (DBC)
The scores:
Talk ‘N Text 106 -- Castro 19, Carey 17, De Ocampo R. 16, Dillinger 14, Alapag 13, Cardona 11, Peek 10, Belasco 4, De Guzman 1, Ritualo 1, De Ocampo 0.
Barangay Ginebra 105 -- Intal 23, Tubid 21, Wilson 15, White 9, Baguio 9, Villanueva 9, Caguio 9, Menk 9, Cruz 2, Alvarez 0, Slvacion 0.
Quarterscores: 24-27; 43-59; 78-82; 106-105
Thursday, January 28, 2010
GINEBRA – TALK N TEXT, PUREFOODS – RAIN OR SHINE QUARTERFINAL DUELS START AT BIG DOME
SOURCE: PBA.PH
Thu, 01/28/2010 - 19:54
BARANGAY Ginebra coach Jong Uichico will not be lulled by what his rival says. Not when he has enough reason to keep his team on its toes.
So expect the Kings to display the same fire and energy they have splendidly displayed in the windup of the eliminations when they tackle the Talk N Text Tropang Texters Friday at the start of the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine tries to carry over its surprising wildcard momentum when it tangles with well-rested Purefoods in the curtain raiser, but it will be on the nightcap – also a best-of-five affair – that much of the focus is heaped.
“Overall, Ginebra is playing the best of all the teams and presents us with a lot of problems,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes of the team that finished the elims with a four-game streak, including a 105-82 manhandling of the Texters the last time they met.
“Game 1 will be critical to let us know if we can compete with them or not following the blowout we suffered in our last game,” added Reyes.
Uichico is quick to shrug off those statements. For good reason.
Contary to expectations, Ginebra's dreaded backcourt duo of Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa have not fully recovered from their respective knee injuries.
“Jayjay hindi pa makakalaro, Mark’s situational,” Uichico bared Thursday in a text message.
That should leave the likes of JC Intal, Cyrus Baguio, Ronald Tubid and Willy Wilson continuing to lead in holding the fort for the Kings.
All of the TNT players are fit and ready and this gnaws at Uichico the most. “We are playing the defending champions with an intact lineup,” he pointed out.
It's not manpower Reyes is most concerned about. “Really our biggest problem is our inconsistency,” he said. “If we hurdle this then we will have a chance.”
After easily making it to the quarters outright, Purefoods is also well-rested. But it is up against a Rain or Shine crew that has proven most people wrong by getting this far and now eager to go at least one more step higher.
“I always felt that their 4-14 (win-loss) mark at the end of the elims is not an indicator of their real roster power,” noted Giants coach Ryan Gregorio of the Elasto Painters, who started the tournament with six straight losses and after landing ninth barely squeaked through to the wildcard round.
Then came the RoS turnaround as it notched back-to-back knockout wins over higher seeds Sta. Lucia Realty and Coca-Cola, the last via a 99-84 count only last Wednesday.
Coach Caloy Garcia admitted those must-win games may take their toll on his team's energy level, but not on their intensity and enthusiasm.
“In Game One, for sure, medyo pagod ang mga players,” Garcia admitted after the Coke game. “But tomorrow kasal ni Jeff Chan so I'll give the players time to rest tomorrow, enjoy the moment first and then back to work.”
After what they had to go through, being in the quarterfinals is enough prod in itself for his team, Garcia added.
“At the start of the season hindi masyadong maganda ang laro, pero I told the players we have to have confidence,” Garcia related of his team that started the tournament with six straight losses and wound up the 18-game eliminations at ninth.
Sol Mercado most typified the Painters' drastic change.
After averaging just 14.1 points in the elims, the well-built guard caught fire in the wildcard, scoring 18 points and seven rebounds against the Realtors and torching Coke for 28 points to go with eight assists.
“I think they (Giants) are playing the best basketball in the PBA right now, but we're playing with a lot of heart so we'll be alright,” said Mercado. “I think we’re peaking at the right time. If we hit a good rhythm, we would be all right.”
Gabe Norwood, Mike Hrabak, Eddie Laure and Chan have also provided solid numbers of late, helping meld the Painters.
The fact was also not lost on Gregorio.
“Defense will be given emphasis in our game,” Gregorio added. “We've choked our opponents and limited them to less than 84 points in 18 games. I hope our fresh legs would be an advantage against a tired Rain or Shine team.” (NC)
Thu, 01/28/2010 - 19:54
BARANGAY Ginebra coach Jong Uichico will not be lulled by what his rival says. Not when he has enough reason to keep his team on its toes.
So expect the Kings to display the same fire and energy they have splendidly displayed in the windup of the eliminations when they tackle the Talk N Text Tropang Texters Friday at the start of the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine tries to carry over its surprising wildcard momentum when it tangles with well-rested Purefoods in the curtain raiser, but it will be on the nightcap – also a best-of-five affair – that much of the focus is heaped.
“Overall, Ginebra is playing the best of all the teams and presents us with a lot of problems,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes of the team that finished the elims with a four-game streak, including a 105-82 manhandling of the Texters the last time they met.
“Game 1 will be critical to let us know if we can compete with them or not following the blowout we suffered in our last game,” added Reyes.
Uichico is quick to shrug off those statements. For good reason.
Contary to expectations, Ginebra's dreaded backcourt duo of Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa have not fully recovered from their respective knee injuries.
“Jayjay hindi pa makakalaro, Mark’s situational,” Uichico bared Thursday in a text message.
That should leave the likes of JC Intal, Cyrus Baguio, Ronald Tubid and Willy Wilson continuing to lead in holding the fort for the Kings.
All of the TNT players are fit and ready and this gnaws at Uichico the most. “We are playing the defending champions with an intact lineup,” he pointed out.
It's not manpower Reyes is most concerned about. “Really our biggest problem is our inconsistency,” he said. “If we hurdle this then we will have a chance.”
After easily making it to the quarters outright, Purefoods is also well-rested. But it is up against a Rain or Shine crew that has proven most people wrong by getting this far and now eager to go at least one more step higher.
“I always felt that their 4-14 (win-loss) mark at the end of the elims is not an indicator of their real roster power,” noted Giants coach Ryan Gregorio of the Elasto Painters, who started the tournament with six straight losses and after landing ninth barely squeaked through to the wildcard round.
Then came the RoS turnaround as it notched back-to-back knockout wins over higher seeds Sta. Lucia Realty and Coca-Cola, the last via a 99-84 count only last Wednesday.
Coach Caloy Garcia admitted those must-win games may take their toll on his team's energy level, but not on their intensity and enthusiasm.
“In Game One, for sure, medyo pagod ang mga players,” Garcia admitted after the Coke game. “But tomorrow kasal ni Jeff Chan so I'll give the players time to rest tomorrow, enjoy the moment first and then back to work.”
After what they had to go through, being in the quarterfinals is enough prod in itself for his team, Garcia added.
“At the start of the season hindi masyadong maganda ang laro, pero I told the players we have to have confidence,” Garcia related of his team that started the tournament with six straight losses and wound up the 18-game eliminations at ninth.
Sol Mercado most typified the Painters' drastic change.
After averaging just 14.1 points in the elims, the well-built guard caught fire in the wildcard, scoring 18 points and seven rebounds against the Realtors and torching Coke for 28 points to go with eight assists.
“I think they (Giants) are playing the best basketball in the PBA right now, but we're playing with a lot of heart so we'll be alright,” said Mercado. “I think we’re peaking at the right time. If we hit a good rhythm, we would be all right.”
Gabe Norwood, Mike Hrabak, Eddie Laure and Chan have also provided solid numbers of late, helping meld the Painters.
The fact was also not lost on Gregorio.
“Defense will be given emphasis in our game,” Gregorio added. “We've choked our opponents and limited them to less than 84 points in 18 games. I hope our fresh legs would be an advantage against a tired Rain or Shine team.” (NC)
Painters out to slay Giants; Texters battle Kings
source: Nelson Beltran | philstar.com
Reigning champion Talk n Text and worthy title contenders Purefoods Tender Juicy and Barangay Ginebra plunge back into action at the start today of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine, grabbing the last seat in the quarters via the wildcard plays, completes the cast figuring in two separate best-of-five series to determine the two teams joining Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer in the Final Four.
The Giants battle the Elasto Painters at 5:30 p.m. then the Tropang Texters clash with the Kings at 7 p.m. in the opener.
Purefoods, being the playoffs third seed, is the odds-on choice versus the Rain or Shine team which barely made the quarters on upset wins over Sta. Lucia Realty and Coca-Cola in the wildcards.
Coach Ryan Gregorio, however, said they’re not about to take the Elasto Painters lightly specially with their remarkable turnaround from their scrambling 4-14 win-loss showing in the elimination phase.
“I felt their 4-14 mark at the end of the elims is not an indicator of their real roster power. True enough, they played to their true potential and survived two knockout games,” said Gregorio.
The youthful Purefoods mentor hinted they would give special attention to Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood defensively.
“The duo is towing their team to victory. Mercado was superb in their last three games and he must not be allowed to score at will. Norwood has been the stabilizer, he must not be comfortable in running their offense,” Gregorio said.
Purefoods walloped Rain or Shine by a whopping average margin of 23 points in the elims, but Gregorio stressed they’re playing the ElastoPainters in an entirely new battle.
The Painters themselves are upbeat on their chance.
“I think we’re peaking at the right time. If we get a good rhythm, we’ll be all right,” said Mercado.
The Texters and the Kings brace for war in their own showdown.
It’s a battle between a team aiming to be the first team in over two decades to defend an all-Filipino title and a team out to improve from a runner-up finish in the most recent Fiesta Conference.
Ginebra is one seed higher at No. 4 but coach Jong Uichico feels they’re the underdogs as they’re playing the defending champions with a healthy lineup.
Reigning champion Talk n Text and worthy title contenders Purefoods Tender Juicy and Barangay Ginebra plunge back into action at the start today of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine, grabbing the last seat in the quarters via the wildcard plays, completes the cast figuring in two separate best-of-five series to determine the two teams joining Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer in the Final Four.
The Giants battle the Elasto Painters at 5:30 p.m. then the Tropang Texters clash with the Kings at 7 p.m. in the opener.
Purefoods, being the playoffs third seed, is the odds-on choice versus the Rain or Shine team which barely made the quarters on upset wins over Sta. Lucia Realty and Coca-Cola in the wildcards.
Coach Ryan Gregorio, however, said they’re not about to take the Elasto Painters lightly specially with their remarkable turnaround from their scrambling 4-14 win-loss showing in the elimination phase.
“I felt their 4-14 mark at the end of the elims is not an indicator of their real roster power. True enough, they played to their true potential and survived two knockout games,” said Gregorio.
The youthful Purefoods mentor hinted they would give special attention to Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood defensively.
“The duo is towing their team to victory. Mercado was superb in their last three games and he must not be allowed to score at will. Norwood has been the stabilizer, he must not be comfortable in running their offense,” Gregorio said.
Purefoods walloped Rain or Shine by a whopping average margin of 23 points in the elims, but Gregorio stressed they’re playing the ElastoPainters in an entirely new battle.
The Painters themselves are upbeat on their chance.
“I think we’re peaking at the right time. If we get a good rhythm, we’ll be all right,” said Mercado.
The Texters and the Kings brace for war in their own showdown.
It’s a battle between a team aiming to be the first team in over two decades to defend an all-Filipino title and a team out to improve from a runner-up finish in the most recent Fiesta Conference.
Ginebra is one seed higher at No. 4 but coach Jong Uichico feels they’re the underdogs as they’re playing the defending champions with a healthy lineup.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Texters coach Reyes still wary with injury-depleted Kings
source: gmanews.tv
Barangay Ginebra still has issues on players’ injuries to address entering its KFC-PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals series with defending champion Talk ‘N Text.
But not even that couldn’t take away Tropang Texters’ coach Chot Reyes’ worried look especially since they’ll be up against the league’s crowd darlings.
Even in the absence of top gun Mark Caguioa and defensive whiz Junthy Valenzuela, Reyes considers the Kings a very formidable opponent that is standing in his team’s way to repeat as All-Filipino champions.
"Mas malakas sila ngayon. Ang players nila sobra (They are much stronger now. They have a lot of players)," said Reyes as the Tropang Texters prepare for Game 1 of their best-of-five series that begins Friday.
"They have Cyrus Baguio, Ronald Tubid and JC Intal, who we think we have to contain. Imagine if they have Caguioa and Junthy playing, then thoseplayers will be lost in the rotation ."
"To be honest, we are the underdogs in the series," added Reyes.
Both Caguioa and Valenzuela remain doubtful for the Kings as both still have to recover from their respective injuries.
Even reigning league most valuable player (MVP) JayJay Helterbrand is also uncertain of suiting up for the Kings.
"So how can we say that they (Texters) are the underdogs?" coach Jong Uichico asked, obviously refuting Reyes’ statement that the Kings are the favored team with three of Ginebra’s star players on the injured list.
"Sana kung mas malakas kami, kami ang nag-champion (If we had been the stronger team, we would have been the champions) last season because we have the same intact line-up."
Uichico tried to reverse the situation, stressing, “All I can say is that we are playing the defending champions with a healthy, intact line-up, not to mention the addition of Nic Belasco."
Talk ‘N Text and Ginebra split their elimination head-to-head duel in the eliminations.
And while the Tropang Texters barely made it to the quarterfinals, the Kings will be going into the playoffs fresh from a four-game winning streak.
"Definitely, they’re the hottest team right now," said Reyes. – GMANews.TV
Barangay Ginebra still has issues on players’ injuries to address entering its KFC-PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals series with defending champion Talk ‘N Text.
But not even that couldn’t take away Tropang Texters’ coach Chot Reyes’ worried look especially since they’ll be up against the league’s crowd darlings.
Even in the absence of top gun Mark Caguioa and defensive whiz Junthy Valenzuela, Reyes considers the Kings a very formidable opponent that is standing in his team’s way to repeat as All-Filipino champions.
"Mas malakas sila ngayon. Ang players nila sobra (They are much stronger now. They have a lot of players)," said Reyes as the Tropang Texters prepare for Game 1 of their best-of-five series that begins Friday.
"They have Cyrus Baguio, Ronald Tubid and JC Intal, who we think we have to contain. Imagine if they have Caguioa and Junthy playing, then thoseplayers will be lost in the rotation ."
"To be honest, we are the underdogs in the series," added Reyes.
Both Caguioa and Valenzuela remain doubtful for the Kings as both still have to recover from their respective injuries.
Even reigning league most valuable player (MVP) JayJay Helterbrand is also uncertain of suiting up for the Kings.
"So how can we say that they (Texters) are the underdogs?" coach Jong Uichico asked, obviously refuting Reyes’ statement that the Kings are the favored team with three of Ginebra’s star players on the injured list.
"Sana kung mas malakas kami, kami ang nag-champion (If we had been the stronger team, we would have been the champions) last season because we have the same intact line-up."
Uichico tried to reverse the situation, stressing, “All I can say is that we are playing the defending champions with a healthy, intact line-up, not to mention the addition of Nic Belasco."
Talk ‘N Text and Ginebra split their elimination head-to-head duel in the eliminations.
And while the Tropang Texters barely made it to the quarterfinals, the Kings will be going into the playoffs fresh from a four-game winning streak.
"Definitely, they’re the hottest team right now," said Reyes. – GMANews.TV
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Coca-Cola arranges KO match vs. RoS
source: PBA.ph
ANTIPOLO -- Coca-Cola, sustaining the momentum of a three-game closing romp in the elimination round, whipped Burger King, 118-112, to advance to the final knockout stage of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard round at the Ynares Sports Center here Sunday night.
Mark Macapagal and Norman Gonzales led the Coca-Cola assault in the first half then Gary David and Dennis Espino took over in the second as the Tigers dominated the Whoppers, gaining the right to face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the closing phase of the wildcard.
The Elasto Painters beat out the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 90-86, in a fierce showdown earlier in the day. The Tigers and the Elasto Painters battle in another do-or-die encounter in the same venue Wednesday with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals versus the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants. "Surely, we don't want wasted the streak we've got now.
We'll do our best to make it five in a row Wednesday for us to get into the quarters," said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol. "We know though that it won't be easy. We have a gritty opponent in Rain or Shine. They've just shown they can compete in a big game," Perasol also said. Both Coca-Cola and Rain or Shine fought with great resolve as they eased out Burger King and Sta. Lucia.
The Realtors, who narrowly missed an outright quarters seat, settled for eighth place with the Whoppers next at ninth. Asi Taulava, averaging 17 points in the tournament, made only eight this time but he provided the Tigers a huge defensive and inside presence which proved to tough to overcome for the Whoppers.
Macapagal, David, Espino and Gonzales supplied the points as the Tigers battered the Whoppers in the middle quarters before slowing down in the final canto. David had a solid performance in his first game versus his former team, drilling in 21 points. Macapagal had 22, Espino 16 and Gonzales 14.
"Hindi ako nakatulog noong nalaman kong Burger King ang kalaban namin -- excited na hindi malaman. Na-survived namin sila at ngayon excited akong makalaban si Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado," said David. The former Lyceum star made four straight charities at the finish helping Coke hold off BK's endgame chase. Ronjay Buenafe put in a personal conference-high of 27 points and starred in BK's fourth-quarter chase that saw them cut a 21-point deficit to four twice in the last two minutes.
The Tigers eventually finished off the Whoppers as RJ Rizada pulled off a big offensive rebound then scored on a putback making it 118-112 with 30 seconds left to play. Rookie Ronnie Matias came through with a career-best 23 points, carrying the cudgels for BK early on before fouling out with nine minutes left to play. (SB)
The scores:
Coca-Cola 118 - Macapagal 22, David 21, Espino 16, Gonzales 14, Ross 10, Cruz 8, Calimag 8, Taulava 8, Rizada 6, Rodriguez 5.
Burger King 112 - Buenafe 27, Matias 23, Yee R. 19, Belga 10, Cabagnot 10, Gonzales W. 9, Quinahan 5, Sharma 4, Yee M. 3, Williams 2, Billones 0.
Quarterscores: 38-29, 67-54, 91-75, 118-112
ANTIPOLO -- Coca-Cola, sustaining the momentum of a three-game closing romp in the elimination round, whipped Burger King, 118-112, to advance to the final knockout stage of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard round at the Ynares Sports Center here Sunday night.
Mark Macapagal and Norman Gonzales led the Coca-Cola assault in the first half then Gary David and Dennis Espino took over in the second as the Tigers dominated the Whoppers, gaining the right to face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the closing phase of the wildcard.
The Elasto Painters beat out the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 90-86, in a fierce showdown earlier in the day. The Tigers and the Elasto Painters battle in another do-or-die encounter in the same venue Wednesday with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals versus the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants. "Surely, we don't want wasted the streak we've got now.
We'll do our best to make it five in a row Wednesday for us to get into the quarters," said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol. "We know though that it won't be easy. We have a gritty opponent in Rain or Shine. They've just shown they can compete in a big game," Perasol also said. Both Coca-Cola and Rain or Shine fought with great resolve as they eased out Burger King and Sta. Lucia.
The Realtors, who narrowly missed an outright quarters seat, settled for eighth place with the Whoppers next at ninth. Asi Taulava, averaging 17 points in the tournament, made only eight this time but he provided the Tigers a huge defensive and inside presence which proved to tough to overcome for the Whoppers.
Macapagal, David, Espino and Gonzales supplied the points as the Tigers battered the Whoppers in the middle quarters before slowing down in the final canto. David had a solid performance in his first game versus his former team, drilling in 21 points. Macapagal had 22, Espino 16 and Gonzales 14.
"Hindi ako nakatulog noong nalaman kong Burger King ang kalaban namin -- excited na hindi malaman. Na-survived namin sila at ngayon excited akong makalaban si Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado," said David. The former Lyceum star made four straight charities at the finish helping Coke hold off BK's endgame chase. Ronjay Buenafe put in a personal conference-high of 27 points and starred in BK's fourth-quarter chase that saw them cut a 21-point deficit to four twice in the last two minutes.
The Tigers eventually finished off the Whoppers as RJ Rizada pulled off a big offensive rebound then scored on a putback making it 118-112 with 30 seconds left to play. Rookie Ronnie Matias came through with a career-best 23 points, carrying the cudgels for BK early on before fouling out with nine minutes left to play. (SB)
The scores:
Coca-Cola 118 - Macapagal 22, David 21, Espino 16, Gonzales 14, Ross 10, Cruz 8, Calimag 8, Taulava 8, Rizada 6, Rodriguez 5.
Burger King 112 - Buenafe 27, Matias 23, Yee R. 19, Belga 10, Cabagnot 10, Gonzales W. 9, Quinahan 5, Sharma 4, Yee M. 3, Williams 2, Billones 0.
Quarterscores: 38-29, 67-54, 91-75, 118-112
Elasto Painters oust Realtors from PBA quarterfinals
source: gmanews.tv
Rain or Shine leaned on a finger-roll by Eddie Laure in the final 11 seconds to beat Sta. Lucia, 90-86, and slam the door on the Realtors in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City Sunday.
Laure defied the presence of 6-foot-9 Marlou Aquino in getting the shot in, clinching for the Elasto Painters the victory that arranged for them another knockout game on Wednesday either with Burger King or Coca-Cola for the right to face Purefoods in the quarterfinals.
“We can’t celebrate yet," said Rain or Shine ace guard Sol Mercado, who came away with 18 points and seven rebounds merely two days after setting a career-high 35 against Alaska Friday. “We’re not satisfied with this."
The Realtors tried to trim the gap to within a single basket, but rookie Josh Urbiztondo, previously making big shots one after the other, missed his three-point attempt this time.
“Sta. Lucia is a tough team and we were just lucky," said RoS coach Caloy Garcia. “We worked hard in practice and made the adjustments in our zone defense. And practically everybody stepped up."
Gabe Norwood added 15 points, Jeff Chan contributed 14 and Ryan Araña had 13 for the Elasto Painters, who prefer to face Burger King next if they have a choice.
“Based on the line-up, mas maganda Burger King ang kalaban height-wise and strength-wise," said Garcia.
Kelly Williams had another remarkable performance for the Realtors, scattering 27 points and 18 rebounds in a game that likewise sealed his fate of winning the Best Player of the Conference award.
Urbiztondo added 20 points – 18 coming at the three-point region – Marlou Aguino had 15, and Joseph Yeo shot 12 for the Realtors, who didn’t get much from Ryan Reyes and Nelbert Omolon, who could only produce four points apiece.
The Elasto Painters fought the Realtors basket for basket, before Jeff Chan hit a triple to tie the count for the final time at 77 with 4:42 left to play.
Laure then connected on a short jumper from the left corner and Chan once more hit a triple as Rain or Shine moved up for good, 82-77, with 3:19 remaining.
But the Elasto Painters had to weather one last stand by the Realtors after that five-point lead.
After Sta. Lucia and Rain or Shine bungled possessions, the Realtors called for a time-out with 35 seconds left. Urbiztondo inbounded the ball, darted a pass to Ryan Reyes, but got the ball back. He then quickly launched a three-point shot that swooshed in, wasting merely four seconds from the clock.
But Rain or Shine retaliated with its own splendid play. Mercado, nearly trapped at the top of the keyhole by Williams, dished off a pass to Laure, who took it strong to the hoop despite the outstretched arms of Aquino.
The scores
Rain or Shine 90 - Mercado 18, Norwood 15, Chan 14, Arana 13, Telan 9, Reyes 8, Laure 8, Hrabak 3, Cruz 2, Dulay 0, Ibanes 0.
Sta. Lucia Realty 86 - Williams 27, Urbiztondo 20, Aquino 16, Yeo 12, Reyes 4, Omolon 4, Misolas 2, Pacana 1, Daa 0, Espinas 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22, 40-34, 66-62, 90-86.
Rain or Shine leaned on a finger-roll by Eddie Laure in the final 11 seconds to beat Sta. Lucia, 90-86, and slam the door on the Realtors in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City Sunday.
Laure defied the presence of 6-foot-9 Marlou Aquino in getting the shot in, clinching for the Elasto Painters the victory that arranged for them another knockout game on Wednesday either with Burger King or Coca-Cola for the right to face Purefoods in the quarterfinals.
“We can’t celebrate yet," said Rain or Shine ace guard Sol Mercado, who came away with 18 points and seven rebounds merely two days after setting a career-high 35 against Alaska Friday. “We’re not satisfied with this."
The Realtors tried to trim the gap to within a single basket, but rookie Josh Urbiztondo, previously making big shots one after the other, missed his three-point attempt this time.
“Sta. Lucia is a tough team and we were just lucky," said RoS coach Caloy Garcia. “We worked hard in practice and made the adjustments in our zone defense. And practically everybody stepped up."
Gabe Norwood added 15 points, Jeff Chan contributed 14 and Ryan Araña had 13 for the Elasto Painters, who prefer to face Burger King next if they have a choice.
“Based on the line-up, mas maganda Burger King ang kalaban height-wise and strength-wise," said Garcia.
Kelly Williams had another remarkable performance for the Realtors, scattering 27 points and 18 rebounds in a game that likewise sealed his fate of winning the Best Player of the Conference award.
Urbiztondo added 20 points – 18 coming at the three-point region – Marlou Aguino had 15, and Joseph Yeo shot 12 for the Realtors, who didn’t get much from Ryan Reyes and Nelbert Omolon, who could only produce four points apiece.
The Elasto Painters fought the Realtors basket for basket, before Jeff Chan hit a triple to tie the count for the final time at 77 with 4:42 left to play.
Laure then connected on a short jumper from the left corner and Chan once more hit a triple as Rain or Shine moved up for good, 82-77, with 3:19 remaining.
But the Elasto Painters had to weather one last stand by the Realtors after that five-point lead.
After Sta. Lucia and Rain or Shine bungled possessions, the Realtors called for a time-out with 35 seconds left. Urbiztondo inbounded the ball, darted a pass to Ryan Reyes, but got the ball back. He then quickly launched a three-point shot that swooshed in, wasting merely four seconds from the clock.
But Rain or Shine retaliated with its own splendid play. Mercado, nearly trapped at the top of the keyhole by Williams, dished off a pass to Laure, who took it strong to the hoop despite the outstretched arms of Aquino.
The scores
Rain or Shine 90 - Mercado 18, Norwood 15, Chan 14, Arana 13, Telan 9, Reyes 8, Laure 8, Hrabak 3, Cruz 2, Dulay 0, Ibanes 0.
Sta. Lucia Realty 86 - Williams 27, Urbiztondo 20, Aquino 16, Yeo 12, Reyes 4, Omolon 4, Misolas 2, Pacana 1, Daa 0, Espinas 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22, 40-34, 66-62, 90-86.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
BK thwarts Alaska's bid for automatic semis seat
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Burger King Whoppers jeopardized Alaska Aces' bid for an automatic semis seat after pulling off an 87-80 win Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
With nothing to gain as they were already relegated in the knockout wildcard stage, the Whoppers played loose but more focused than theAces to end their three-game skid for a 6-12 win-loss mark.
The loss was damaging to Alaska, which came into the game needing one more win to formalize its entry in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
Now, the Aces have to win their last game against Rain or Shine on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City to avoid a playoff for the No. 2 spot.
JR Quinahan scored a career-high 23 points to go along with his 10 rebounds to lead Burger King’s big win over the slumping Alaska.
“It’s a good way to close out our elimination round. This is a big morale booster for our wildcard stint,” said Whoppers head coach Yeng Guiao, who also drew 16 points from Ronjay Buenafe.
“We’re now two wins away from the quarters and one loss away from taking a long vacation,” he added.
Alaska dropped to 12-5 and is now in a must-win situation to avoid a playoff for the second automatic semis berth. The Aces have now lost three straight and four of their last five matches.
The scores:
Burger King 87 - Quinahan 23, Buenafe 16, Matias 12, Gonzales 10, R.Yee 8, Cabagnot 6, Williams 4, Belga 3, Billones 3, Sharma 2, M.Yee 0, Aban 0.
Alaska 80 - Miller 19, Tenorio 13, De Vance 12, Dela Cruz 12, Thoss 8, Hugnatan 7, Cariaso 7, Fonacier 2, Borboran 0, Ferriols 0, Cablay 0.
Quarterscores: 13-18, 34-37, 61-56, 87-80
Burger King Whoppers jeopardized Alaska Aces' bid for an automatic semis seat after pulling off an 87-80 win Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
With nothing to gain as they were already relegated in the knockout wildcard stage, the Whoppers played loose but more focused than theAces to end their three-game skid for a 6-12 win-loss mark.
The loss was damaging to Alaska, which came into the game needing one more win to formalize its entry in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
Now, the Aces have to win their last game against Rain or Shine on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City to avoid a playoff for the No. 2 spot.
JR Quinahan scored a career-high 23 points to go along with his 10 rebounds to lead Burger King’s big win over the slumping Alaska.
“It’s a good way to close out our elimination round. This is a big morale booster for our wildcard stint,” said Whoppers head coach Yeng Guiao, who also drew 16 points from Ronjay Buenafe.
“We’re now two wins away from the quarters and one loss away from taking a long vacation,” he added.
Alaska dropped to 12-5 and is now in a must-win situation to avoid a playoff for the second automatic semis berth. The Aces have now lost three straight and four of their last five matches.
The scores:
Burger King 87 - Quinahan 23, Buenafe 16, Matias 12, Gonzales 10, R.Yee 8, Cabagnot 6, Williams 4, Belga 3, Billones 3, Sharma 2, M.Yee 0, Aban 0.
Alaska 80 - Miller 19, Tenorio 13, De Vance 12, Dela Cruz 12, Thoss 8, Hugnatan 7, Cariaso 7, Fonacier 2, Borboran 0, Ferriols 0, Cablay 0.
Quarterscores: 13-18, 34-37, 61-56, 87-80
BK thwarts Alaska's bid for automatic semis seat
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Burger King Whoppers jeopardized Alaska Aces' bid for an automatic semis seat after pulling off an 87-80 win Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
With nothing to gain as they were already relegated in the knockout wildcard stage, the Whoppers played loose but more focused than theAces to end their three-game skid for a 6-12 win-loss mark.
The loss was damaging to Alaska, which came into the game needing one more win to formalize its entry in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
Now, the Aces have to win their last game against Rain or Shine on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City to avoid a playoff for the No. 2 spot.
JR Quinahan scored a career-high 23 points to go along with his 10 rebounds to lead Burger King’s big win over the slumping Alaska.
“It’s a good way to close out our elimination round. This is a big morale booster for our wildcard stint,” said Whoppers head coach Yeng Guiao, who also drew 16 points from Ronjay Buenafe.
“We’re now two wins away from the quarters and one loss away from taking a long vacation,” he added.
Alaska dropped to 12-5 and is now in a must-win situation to avoid a playoff for the second automatic semis berth. The Aces have now lost three straight and four of their last five matches.
The scores:
Burger King 87 - Quinahan 23, Buenafe 16, Matias 12, Gonzales 10, R.Yee 8, Cabagnot 6, Williams 4, Belga 3, Billones 3, Sharma 2, M.Yee 0, Aban 0.
Alaska 80 - Miller 19, Tenorio 13, De Vance 12, Dela Cruz 12, Thoss 8, Hugnatan 7, Cariaso 7, Fonacier 2, Borboran 0, Ferriols 0, Cablay 0.
Quarterscores: 13-18, 34-37, 61-56, 87-80
Burger King Whoppers jeopardized Alaska Aces' bid for an automatic semis seat after pulling off an 87-80 win Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
With nothing to gain as they were already relegated in the knockout wildcard stage, the Whoppers played loose but more focused than theAces to end their three-game skid for a 6-12 win-loss mark.
The loss was damaging to Alaska, which came into the game needing one more win to formalize its entry in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
Now, the Aces have to win their last game against Rain or Shine on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City to avoid a playoff for the No. 2 spot.
JR Quinahan scored a career-high 23 points to go along with his 10 rebounds to lead Burger King’s big win over the slumping Alaska.
“It’s a good way to close out our elimination round. This is a big morale booster for our wildcard stint,” said Whoppers head coach Yeng Guiao, who also drew 16 points from Ronjay Buenafe.
“We’re now two wins away from the quarters and one loss away from taking a long vacation,” he added.
Alaska dropped to 12-5 and is now in a must-win situation to avoid a playoff for the second automatic semis berth. The Aces have now lost three straight and four of their last five matches.
The scores:
Burger King 87 - Quinahan 23, Buenafe 16, Matias 12, Gonzales 10, R.Yee 8, Cabagnot 6, Williams 4, Belga 3, Billones 3, Sharma 2, M.Yee 0, Aban 0.
Alaska 80 - Miller 19, Tenorio 13, De Vance 12, Dela Cruz 12, Thoss 8, Hugnatan 7, Cariaso 7, Fonacier 2, Borboran 0, Ferriols 0, Cablay 0.
Quarterscores: 13-18, 34-37, 61-56, 87-80
Taulava's jumper lifts Coca-Cola to win
source: gmanews.tv
Asi Taulava hit a turn-around jumper with 1.8 seconds left, lifting Coca-Cola to a tense 91-89 win over Barako Bull and finally eliminating the Energy Boosters from the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“The Rock" made the shot against Alex Crisano just below the free-throw line, sinking the attempt he doesn’t usually make as the Tigers overcame the loss of a 20-point lead to complete their 18-game elimination round campaign with a 6-12 (win-loss) record.
Coca-Cola will thus face Burger King in the knockout stage wild card. The Whopper were still playing as of posting time, trying to foil Alaska’s bid to claim the second outright semi-finals berth.
The win also aided Rain or Shine, which is now assured of advancing to the wild card even if it loses its final elimination round match against the Aces on Friday.
“Watch out for the Tigers, we’re on the prowl," said Taulava after the game.
He finished with another double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Once again, Barako Bull has failed to make the playoffs. This is the third time that the Boosters have not advanced past the preliminary stage.
Still, it was a performance that merited respect.
Teams of lesser stuff would already have flamed out after Coca-Cola built a 74-54 lead early in the final period.
The Tigers erected that seemingly insurmountable spread after seizing control with a rare 17-0 blast bridging the second and third quarters that erased a 39-33 deficit and established a 50-39 advantage for them.
The Tigers were still ahead, 87-75, but the Energy Boosters came ferociously back with a 14-0 assault, tying it for the last time at 89 after Aries Dimaunahan hit a triple with 5 seconds to go.
The Tigers then sued for time to map out the final offensive play. Taulava received the inbounds pass, dribbled once before turning around for the game-winner.
Crisano matched his career-high of 19 points to lead the Energy Boosters.
The scores
Coca-Cola 91 - Taulava 20, David 16, Rodriguez 15, Rizada 11, Macapagal 10, Gonzales 7, Ross 6, Espino 4, Calimag 2, Bono 0, Cruz 0, Enrile 0.
Barako Bull 89 - Crisano 19, Aljamal 14, Dimaunahan 14, Duncil 12, Najorda 9, Alonzo 8, Hubalde 4, Belano 3, Menor 2, Fernandez 2, Reyes 2, Faundo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-23, 44-39, 70-54, 91-89.
Asi Taulava hit a turn-around jumper with 1.8 seconds left, lifting Coca-Cola to a tense 91-89 win over Barako Bull and finally eliminating the Energy Boosters from the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“The Rock" made the shot against Alex Crisano just below the free-throw line, sinking the attempt he doesn’t usually make as the Tigers overcame the loss of a 20-point lead to complete their 18-game elimination round campaign with a 6-12 (win-loss) record.
Coca-Cola will thus face Burger King in the knockout stage wild card. The Whopper were still playing as of posting time, trying to foil Alaska’s bid to claim the second outright semi-finals berth.
The win also aided Rain or Shine, which is now assured of advancing to the wild card even if it loses its final elimination round match against the Aces on Friday.
“Watch out for the Tigers, we’re on the prowl," said Taulava after the game.
He finished with another double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Once again, Barako Bull has failed to make the playoffs. This is the third time that the Boosters have not advanced past the preliminary stage.
Still, it was a performance that merited respect.
Teams of lesser stuff would already have flamed out after Coca-Cola built a 74-54 lead early in the final period.
The Tigers erected that seemingly insurmountable spread after seizing control with a rare 17-0 blast bridging the second and third quarters that erased a 39-33 deficit and established a 50-39 advantage for them.
The Tigers were still ahead, 87-75, but the Energy Boosters came ferociously back with a 14-0 assault, tying it for the last time at 89 after Aries Dimaunahan hit a triple with 5 seconds to go.
The Tigers then sued for time to map out the final offensive play. Taulava received the inbounds pass, dribbled once before turning around for the game-winner.
Crisano matched his career-high of 19 points to lead the Energy Boosters.
The scores
Coca-Cola 91 - Taulava 20, David 16, Rodriguez 15, Rizada 11, Macapagal 10, Gonzales 7, Ross 6, Espino 4, Calimag 2, Bono 0, Cruz 0, Enrile 0.
Barako Bull 89 - Crisano 19, Aljamal 14, Dimaunahan 14, Duncil 12, Najorda 9, Alonzo 8, Hubalde 4, Belano 3, Menor 2, Fernandez 2, Reyes 2, Faundo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-23, 44-39, 70-54, 91-89.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
SMBeer protests TnT's Zamboanga win
source: Nelson Beltran | philstar.com
San Miguel Beer, keen on clinching the playoffs top seeding and giving sister team Purefoods a boost for an outright entry into the quarterfinals of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup, placed under protest the result of its game against Talk n Text in Zamboanga Saturday.
The SMB management wants a reversal of the outcome of the game, insisting Talk n Text should have automatically lost the game by forfeiture.
The Tropang Texters closed out their stint in the double-round eliminations with an 11-7 win-loss card as they edged the Beermen, 93-91, on a gutsy drive by Jimmy Alapag in the closing seconds of the out-of-towngame.
The Beermen, however, stressed the Texters should have lost the game by forfeiture as they reported to the playing court with the proper playing uniform almost an hour behind the 5 p.m. schedule.
The opening tip-off was made at 6 p.m.
PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios received SMB’s protest letter yesterday and met with key staff members but deferred making a decision on the protest.
The Texters learned that they had left their assigned light color uniforms in Manila. They arrived at the playing venue close to 6 p.m.
Apparently, the PBA couldn’t declare San Miguel the winner right away as a crowd of over 10,000 came to watch the game.
If San Miguel’s protest is upheld, Talk n Text would instead finish at 10-8, in danger of missing the Top Five.
At the moment, San Miguel (13-5) is assured of an outright semis berth, Alaska (12-4) is guaranteed of a playoff for the second semis spot while Ginebra (12-6) has a lock on a quarterfinal seat.
Purefoods (11-6), Sta. Lucia (10-7) and Talk n Text are disputing the last two outright seats in the quarters.
San Miguel Beer, keen on clinching the playoffs top seeding and giving sister team Purefoods a boost for an outright entry into the quarterfinals of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup, placed under protest the result of its game against Talk n Text in Zamboanga Saturday.
The SMB management wants a reversal of the outcome of the game, insisting Talk n Text should have automatically lost the game by forfeiture.
The Tropang Texters closed out their stint in the double-round eliminations with an 11-7 win-loss card as they edged the Beermen, 93-91, on a gutsy drive by Jimmy Alapag in the closing seconds of the out-of-towngame.
The Beermen, however, stressed the Texters should have lost the game by forfeiture as they reported to the playing court with the proper playing uniform almost an hour behind the 5 p.m. schedule.
The opening tip-off was made at 6 p.m.
PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios received SMB’s protest letter yesterday and met with key staff members but deferred making a decision on the protest.
The Texters learned that they had left their assigned light color uniforms in Manila. They arrived at the playing venue close to 6 p.m.
Apparently, the PBA couldn’t declare San Miguel the winner right away as a crowd of over 10,000 came to watch the game.
If San Miguel’s protest is upheld, Talk n Text would instead finish at 10-8, in danger of missing the Top Five.
At the moment, San Miguel (13-5) is assured of an outright semis berth, Alaska (12-4) is guaranteed of a playoff for the second semis spot while Ginebra (12-6) has a lock on a quarterfinal seat.
Purefoods (11-6), Sta. Lucia (10-7) and Talk n Text are disputing the last two outright seats in the quarters.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Coach Jong and Ginebra Kings are happy to be in quarters
source: Joel Orellana | businessmirror.com.ph
Barangay Ginebra actually has a slim chance of gaining a playoff for the second automatic semifinals slot, but Kings coach Jong Uichico doubts that Alaska would lose its remaining two assignments in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Ginebra secured a berth in the best-of-five quarterfinal series after dismantling Burger King, 122-104, on Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum to end its double-round elimination campaign with 12-6 mark.
The Kings are in third spot with a 12-6 win-loss mark, two games behind the second-running Aces (12-4).
“Hindi na ako umaasa [sa semis],” said Uichico minutes after their easy victory over the Whopper. “I think Alaska can win one of its last two assignments but we’re happy we’re in the quarters.”
The Aces have Barako Bull and Rain or Shine in their calendar and a victory will send them in the best-of-seven semifinal series. San Miguel Beer (14-4) was the first team to reach the semifinals.
The Energy Boosters (3-14) and the Elasto Painters (4-13) are both fighting for their lives in the tournament and are expected to give Alaska the tough time before clinching bonus.
But earning a quarterfinal berth early is already quite an achievement for Ginebra, according to Uichico, and they will use the break in getting their injured superstars Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa back in form.
“Our goal now is to be healthy and let the injured players get back in the flow of the game kasi matagal din silang nawala,” said Uichico. “Come quarterfinals, sana ready na sila.”
While the Kings have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, three more teams are jockeying for the last two automatic berths in that stage.
Sta. Lucia Realty (10-7), Talk ’N Text (11-7) and Purefoods Tender Juicy (11-6) are fighting for the last two slots.
To advance outright, Sta. Lucia must beat Purefoods by at least 47 points on Friday. Less than that would mean another playoff battle between the two teams.
A victory by the Giants will not only give them a guaranteed spot in the quarterfinals but also they will stay alive in the hunt for the No. 2 position though it still depends on howAlaska fares in its last two matches.
The Tropang Texters are on the sideline, cheering for Purefoods to win the battle to get a free ride in the quarterfinal round.
San Miguel Beer, meanwhile, placed its game against Talk ’N text last Saturday under protest. The Tropang Texters, who won the game, 93-91, brought the wrong set of uniforms in their game in Zamboanga City.
Games Wednesday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
5:00 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Coca-Cola
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Burger King
Barangay Ginebra actually has a slim chance of gaining a playoff for the second automatic semifinals slot, but Kings coach Jong Uichico doubts that Alaska would lose its remaining two assignments in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Ginebra secured a berth in the best-of-five quarterfinal series after dismantling Burger King, 122-104, on Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum to end its double-round elimination campaign with 12-6 mark.
The Kings are in third spot with a 12-6 win-loss mark, two games behind the second-running Aces (12-4).
“Hindi na ako umaasa [sa semis],” said Uichico minutes after their easy victory over the Whopper. “I think Alaska can win one of its last two assignments but we’re happy we’re in the quarters.”
The Aces have Barako Bull and Rain or Shine in their calendar and a victory will send them in the best-of-seven semifinal series. San Miguel Beer (14-4) was the first team to reach the semifinals.
The Energy Boosters (3-14) and the Elasto Painters (4-13) are both fighting for their lives in the tournament and are expected to give Alaska the tough time before clinching bonus.
But earning a quarterfinal berth early is already quite an achievement for Ginebra, according to Uichico, and they will use the break in getting their injured superstars Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa back in form.
“Our goal now is to be healthy and let the injured players get back in the flow of the game kasi matagal din silang nawala,” said Uichico. “Come quarterfinals, sana ready na sila.”
While the Kings have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, three more teams are jockeying for the last two automatic berths in that stage.
Sta. Lucia Realty (10-7), Talk ’N Text (11-7) and Purefoods Tender Juicy (11-6) are fighting for the last two slots.
To advance outright, Sta. Lucia must beat Purefoods by at least 47 points on Friday. Less than that would mean another playoff battle between the two teams.
A victory by the Giants will not only give them a guaranteed spot in the quarterfinals but also they will stay alive in the hunt for the No. 2 position though it still depends on howAlaska fares in its last two matches.
The Tropang Texters are on the sideline, cheering for Purefoods to win the battle to get a free ride in the quarterfinal round.
San Miguel Beer, meanwhile, placed its game against Talk ’N text last Saturday under protest. The Tropang Texters, who won the game, 93-91, brought the wrong set of uniforms in their game in Zamboanga City.
Games Wednesday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
5:00 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Coca-Cola
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Burger King
Intal shines as Kings’ top stars take a break
source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph
JC Intal, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle, is stepping up for Barangay Ginebra in the ongoing KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
Getting extra minutes on the floor following the absence of key players, Intal has averaged 19.5 points in the last four matches. He also contributes 7.25 rebounds, three assists, 2.25 steals and one shot block in 30.5 minutes.
With Jayjay Helterbrand on the injury list and Mark Caguioa still trying to get back into shape, Intal has given the team the much-needed firepower.
“He’s taking advantage of the opportunity,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said yesterday, a day after the Kings downed Burger King, 122-104. “I really don’t have anything to do with it, it’s just him. He’s been working hard.”
“He has the potential, the skills and the talent. What he needs is maturity. But he’s already there, I hope he’ll continue working hard,” added Uichico.
Against Burger King, Intal, nicknamed the “Rocket” because of his explosive moves to the basket, scored a career-best 24 points to go with his five rebounds, the same number of assists, three steals and a shot block in 31 minutes of action.
In his first 14 games with Ginebra this conference, Intal averaged only 7.9 points, 4 boards, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steal and 0.4 blocks.
The win gave Ginebra an automatic spot in the quarterfinals.
The Kings still have a legit shot at the last outright slot in the Final Four via playoff in the event Alaska drops its last two games toBurger King tomorrow and to Rain or Shine on Friday.
Games Wednesday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
5:00 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Coca-Cola
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Burger King
JC Intal, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle, is stepping up for Barangay Ginebra in the ongoing KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
Getting extra minutes on the floor following the absence of key players, Intal has averaged 19.5 points in the last four matches. He also contributes 7.25 rebounds, three assists, 2.25 steals and one shot block in 30.5 minutes.
With Jayjay Helterbrand on the injury list and Mark Caguioa still trying to get back into shape, Intal has given the team the much-needed firepower.
“He’s taking advantage of the opportunity,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said yesterday, a day after the Kings downed Burger King, 122-104. “I really don’t have anything to do with it, it’s just him. He’s been working hard.”
“He has the potential, the skills and the talent. What he needs is maturity. But he’s already there, I hope he’ll continue working hard,” added Uichico.
Against Burger King, Intal, nicknamed the “Rocket” because of his explosive moves to the basket, scored a career-best 24 points to go with his five rebounds, the same number of assists, three steals and a shot block in 31 minutes of action.
In his first 14 games with Ginebra this conference, Intal averaged only 7.9 points, 4 boards, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steal and 0.4 blocks.
The win gave Ginebra an automatic spot in the quarterfinals.
The Kings still have a legit shot at the last outright slot in the Final Four via playoff in the event Alaska drops its last two games toBurger King tomorrow and to Rain or Shine on Friday.
Games Wednesday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
5:00 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Coca-Cola
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Burger King
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Ginebra rams Burger King, stays in semis hunt
source: Nelson Beltran | philstar.com
Barangay Ginebra pummeled Burger King in the final half and completed a 122-104 rout of the Whoppers to keep its slim hopes for a crack at an outright semifinal entry in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.
The Kings, largely behind the exploits of JC Intal, Cyrus Baguio and Willy Wilson, went on a searing breakaway in the third quarter and sustained the pace in the final canto for the win that guaranteed them a spot in the Top Five.
Intal, Baguio and Wilson each scored at least 15 points as the Kings repeated over the Whoppers and finished with a 12-6 win-loss card in the double-round elimination phase.
Assured of a slot in the quarterfinals, the Kings even get a playoff shot at an outright entry into the semifinals if the Alaska Milk Aces lose their last two games versus the Whoppers Wednesday and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Friday.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, however, has conceded the slot to the Aces.
“I think Alaska can win one of two, if not two of two,” said Uichico.
Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes churned out double-double games while four other Sta. Lucia players chipped in double-digit outputs as the Realtors clobbered the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, 108-86, in the first game to stay in the hunt for an outright quarterfinals berth.
Williams made 25 points and 11 rebounds while Reyes put in 11 points and 10 assists on top of six rebounds and four steals as the Realtors snapped a two-game losing skein for and stayed right behind the Ginebra Kings (12-6), the Purefoods Giants (11-6) and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters (11-7) in their battle for the three automatic slots in the quarters.
Marlou Aquino piled up personal conference highs of 17 points and three assists while Joshua Urbiztondo, Gabby Espinas and Joseph Yeo scored in double figures as they sent the Energy Boosters to the brink of elimination.
“I’m happy we won this game. I was really worried before the game since Barako Bull was coming off a win while our team had lost our last two games,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.
“But the guys stepped up and made things happen. With the win, we still hold our destiny. We now look forward to our game against Purefoods,” Fernandez added.
With a 10-7 win-loss record, the Realtors can force a playoff or gain outright quarters berth with a win over the Giants in their crucial game Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
“Purefoods is a foot ahead of us and they beat us in our first game in Surigao. But we like our chances. The key is for us to come into the game bringing our defensive mentality,” Fernandez said.
The Energy Boosters, meanwhile, suffered their 14th loss against three wins as they were badly beaten by the Realtors in the last three quarters.
Barako Bull bows out of contention for the wildcard round if Burger King beats Alaska Milk.
Barangay Ginebra pummeled Burger King in the final half and completed a 122-104 rout of the Whoppers to keep its slim hopes for a crack at an outright semifinal entry in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.
The Kings, largely behind the exploits of JC Intal, Cyrus Baguio and Willy Wilson, went on a searing breakaway in the third quarter and sustained the pace in the final canto for the win that guaranteed them a spot in the Top Five.
Intal, Baguio and Wilson each scored at least 15 points as the Kings repeated over the Whoppers and finished with a 12-6 win-loss card in the double-round elimination phase.
Assured of a slot in the quarterfinals, the Kings even get a playoff shot at an outright entry into the semifinals if the Alaska Milk Aces lose their last two games versus the Whoppers Wednesday and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Friday.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, however, has conceded the slot to the Aces.
“I think Alaska can win one of two, if not two of two,” said Uichico.
Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes churned out double-double games while four other Sta. Lucia players chipped in double-digit outputs as the Realtors clobbered the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, 108-86, in the first game to stay in the hunt for an outright quarterfinals berth.
Williams made 25 points and 11 rebounds while Reyes put in 11 points and 10 assists on top of six rebounds and four steals as the Realtors snapped a two-game losing skein for and stayed right behind the Ginebra Kings (12-6), the Purefoods Giants (11-6) and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters (11-7) in their battle for the three automatic slots in the quarters.
Marlou Aquino piled up personal conference highs of 17 points and three assists while Joshua Urbiztondo, Gabby Espinas and Joseph Yeo scored in double figures as they sent the Energy Boosters to the brink of elimination.
“I’m happy we won this game. I was really worried before the game since Barako Bull was coming off a win while our team had lost our last two games,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.
“But the guys stepped up and made things happen. With the win, we still hold our destiny. We now look forward to our game against Purefoods,” Fernandez added.
With a 10-7 win-loss record, the Realtors can force a playoff or gain outright quarters berth with a win over the Giants in their crucial game Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
“Purefoods is a foot ahead of us and they beat us in our first game in Surigao. But we like our chances. The key is for us to come into the game bringing our defensive mentality,” Fernandez said.
The Energy Boosters, meanwhile, suffered their 14th loss against three wins as they were badly beaten by the Realtors in the last three quarters.
Barako Bull bows out of contention for the wildcard round if Burger King beats Alaska Milk.
Realtors edge closer to playoffs
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Sta. Lucia Realty moved closer for a playoff for an automatic quarterfinal seat after dismantling Barako Bull, 108-86, Sunday night in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Kelly Williams registered his 14th double-double game for the Realtors with 25 points and 14 rebounds while veteran center Marlou Aquino scored a conference-high 17 points to lead their team to the crucial win.
Sta. Lucia improved its mark to 10-7 and must beat Purefoods Tender Juicy (11-6) on Friday to secure a playoff for the automatic quarterfinal berth.
"We’re happy we overcame this game because Barako Bull is coming off a good win against Talk ‘N Text kaya kinakabahan ako coming into this game," said Realtors head coach Boyet Fernandez who also got 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from rookie Josh Urbiztondo.
"At least now, we hold our destiny. We just have to prepare ourselves dahil mahirap kalaban ang Purefoods," he added.
Ryan Reyes also had an all-around game for Sta. Lucia with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals while Gabby Espinas and Joseph Yeo finished with 11 and 10 markers respectively.
The loss placed the Energy Boosters on the brink of elimination as they slipped deeper at the cellar with a 3-14 mark.
Barako Bull must win its last game against Coca-Cola and hope that Rain or Shine (4-13) will bow to Alaska to force a playoff for the No. 9 spot in the knockout wildcard stage.
The Energy Boosters, which came from a 99-97 upset win over defending champion Talk ‘N Text, actually had a strong start and even led after the first period, 32-31, but Sta. Lucia’s offense finally clicked in the next period and outscored their opponents, 31-17, to grab a 62-49 halftime lead.
The 37-year old Aquino started the Realtors’ scoring binge as he had already 13 in the first period then one-time MVP Williams took over in the succeeding quarters en route to an easy win although BarakoBull tried to get closer to no avail.
Alex Criasno’s 3-point basket shoved the Energy Boosters within 2, 60-62, but Sta. Lucia finished the third period with a 15-8 run to push the lead back to 77-68 entering the fourth quarter and theRealtors were never threatened since then.
Yousif Aljamal led Barako Bull with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Leo Najorda added 19. Crisano and Ogie Menor chipped in 12 and 11 points respectively for coach Leo Isaac.
The scores:
STA. LUCIA 108 - Williams 25, Aquino 17, Urbiztondo 14, Reyes 11, Espinas 11, Yeo 10, Larong 8, Daa 4, Misolas 4, Waters 2, Omolon 2, Mendoza.
BARAKO BULL 86 - Aljamal 20, Najorda 19, Crisano 12, Menor 11, Faundo 6, Alonzo 6, Dimaunahan 4, Belano 4, Duncil 2, Hubalde 2, Reyes 0, Chia 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 31-32, 62-49, 77-68, 108-86.
Sta. Lucia Realty moved closer for a playoff for an automatic quarterfinal seat after dismantling Barako Bull, 108-86, Sunday night in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Kelly Williams registered his 14th double-double game for the Realtors with 25 points and 14 rebounds while veteran center Marlou Aquino scored a conference-high 17 points to lead their team to the crucial win.
Sta. Lucia improved its mark to 10-7 and must beat Purefoods Tender Juicy (11-6) on Friday to secure a playoff for the automatic quarterfinal berth.
"We’re happy we overcame this game because Barako Bull is coming off a good win against Talk ‘N Text kaya kinakabahan ako coming into this game," said Realtors head coach Boyet Fernandez who also got 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from rookie Josh Urbiztondo.
"At least now, we hold our destiny. We just have to prepare ourselves dahil mahirap kalaban ang Purefoods," he added.
Ryan Reyes also had an all-around game for Sta. Lucia with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals while Gabby Espinas and Joseph Yeo finished with 11 and 10 markers respectively.
The loss placed the Energy Boosters on the brink of elimination as they slipped deeper at the cellar with a 3-14 mark.
Barako Bull must win its last game against Coca-Cola and hope that Rain or Shine (4-13) will bow to Alaska to force a playoff for the No. 9 spot in the knockout wildcard stage.
The Energy Boosters, which came from a 99-97 upset win over defending champion Talk ‘N Text, actually had a strong start and even led after the first period, 32-31, but Sta. Lucia’s offense finally clicked in the next period and outscored their opponents, 31-17, to grab a 62-49 halftime lead.
The 37-year old Aquino started the Realtors’ scoring binge as he had already 13 in the first period then one-time MVP Williams took over in the succeeding quarters en route to an easy win although BarakoBull tried to get closer to no avail.
Alex Criasno’s 3-point basket shoved the Energy Boosters within 2, 60-62, but Sta. Lucia finished the third period with a 15-8 run to push the lead back to 77-68 entering the fourth quarter and theRealtors were never threatened since then.
Yousif Aljamal led Barako Bull with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Leo Najorda added 19. Crisano and Ogie Menor chipped in 12 and 11 points respectively for coach Leo Isaac.
The scores:
STA. LUCIA 108 - Williams 25, Aquino 17, Urbiztondo 14, Reyes 11, Espinas 11, Yeo 10, Larong 8, Daa 4, Misolas 4, Waters 2, Omolon 2, Mendoza.
BARAKO BULL 86 - Aljamal 20, Najorda 19, Crisano 12, Menor 11, Faundo 6, Alonzo 6, Dimaunahan 4, Belano 4, Duncil 2, Hubalde 2, Reyes 0, Chia 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 31-32, 62-49, 77-68, 108-86.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Fil-Ams file counter raps vs Gin Kings
source: Rhodina Villanueva | philstar.com
Two Filipino-Americans who claimed being assaulted by members of the Ginebra San Miguel team after a near traffic mishap at the South Luzon Expressway Saturday night filed frustrated murder charges against the team before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office.
In his complaint-affidavit, Joeffrey Orquia, of 1412-B One Serendra, McKinley, Parkway Ave, Taguig City, named assistant coach Arthur dela Cruz, players Junthy Valenzuela, Willie Wilson, Ronald Tubid, Homer Se and five other Ginebra team members he was not able to identify, as respondents.
Orquia said the Ginebra players took turns in beating him up and shouted invectives after he accosted the Ginebra bus driver and told him that their team vehicle almost hit their car while cruising along the SLEX.
He said the bus almost hit and ram their car when he tried to move to another lane while approaching a construction area near the Alabang viaduct.
At the C5 toll exit, Orquia, with friend Tristan Bael, decided to get off the car (Ford Lynx with plate number ZBL 921) and told the driver about the near mishap.
He said he was knocking at the bus door when Dela Cruz threw mineral water bottle at him. Valenzuela also joined in hitting him with another mineral water bottle.
Then the group reportedly got off the bus and started beating him. Orquia said he tried to parry the blows but the respondents simply overpowered him and chased him as he ran into their car.
Orquia said he was brought to the hospital after he suffered contusions, lacerated wounds, hematoma, hemorrhage and fractures.
Meanwhile, Bael, of No. 407 Andalucia Boulevard, Vista de Lago, Taguig City, in his complaint, identified Enrico Villanueva as the one who attacked him together with other Ginebra team members.
Bael said Villanueva held him while the others beat him up.
He said he sustained serious injuries in different parts of the body.
The two complainants said they gave their statement to Senior Police Officer 1 Ramon Paggadu of the Bicutan police station. They claimed that theGinebra players were not invited to give their side on the incident.
In an earlier interview, Paggadu, investigator of the Highway Patrol Group of SLEX, said it was Dela Cruz who complained of sustaining injuries in the incident.
Two Filipino-Americans who claimed being assaulted by members of the Ginebra San Miguel team after a near traffic mishap at the South Luzon Expressway Saturday night filed frustrated murder charges against the team before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office.
In his complaint-affidavit, Joeffrey Orquia, of 1412-B One Serendra, McKinley, Parkway Ave, Taguig City, named assistant coach Arthur dela Cruz, players Junthy Valenzuela, Willie Wilson, Ronald Tubid, Homer Se and five other Ginebra team members he was not able to identify, as respondents.
Orquia said the Ginebra players took turns in beating him up and shouted invectives after he accosted the Ginebra bus driver and told him that their team vehicle almost hit their car while cruising along the SLEX.
He said the bus almost hit and ram their car when he tried to move to another lane while approaching a construction area near the Alabang viaduct.
At the C5 toll exit, Orquia, with friend Tristan Bael, decided to get off the car (Ford Lynx with plate number ZBL 921) and told the driver about the near mishap.
He said he was knocking at the bus door when Dela Cruz threw mineral water bottle at him. Valenzuela also joined in hitting him with another mineral water bottle.
Then the group reportedly got off the bus and started beating him. Orquia said he tried to parry the blows but the respondents simply overpowered him and chased him as he ran into their car.
Orquia said he was brought to the hospital after he suffered contusions, lacerated wounds, hematoma, hemorrhage and fractures.
Meanwhile, Bael, of No. 407 Andalucia Boulevard, Vista de Lago, Taguig City, in his complaint, identified Enrico Villanueva as the one who attacked him together with other Ginebra team members.
Bael said Villanueva held him while the others beat him up.
He said he sustained serious injuries in different parts of the body.
The two complainants said they gave their statement to Senior Police Officer 1 Ramon Paggadu of the Bicutan police station. They claimed that theGinebra players were not invited to give their side on the incident.
In an earlier interview, Paggadu, investigator of the Highway Patrol Group of SLEX, said it was Dela Cruz who complained of sustaining injuries in the incident.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Can Kings make it to Final Four?
by Joaquin Henson | philstar.com
There are 11 games left in the PBA Philippine Cup double-round eliminations and the only sure thing is league-leading San Miguel Beer (13-3) is safely in the semifinals.
The teams are bunched up close to each other at the top and in the bottom. Here’s how they stand so far – No. 1 San Miguel Beer (13-3), No. 2 Alaska (11-3), No. 3 Barangay Ginebra (11-6), No. 4 Purefoods (10-6), No. 5 Talk ‘N’ Text (10-7), No. 6 Sta. Lucia Realty (9-6), No. 7 Burger King (5-11), No. 8 Rain Or Shine (4-12), No. 9 Coca-Cola (3-12) and No. 10 Barako Bull (3-13).
At the end of the eliminations, the lowest-ranked team is eliminated and the top two finishers advance to the semifinals outright. Teams that end up third, fourth and fifth qualify for the quarterfinals, leaving No. 6 to play No. 9 and No. 7 to play No. 8 in a pair of knockout games to start the wildcards. The winners of the two knockout games then slug it out in another do-or-die duel for the last quarterfinals ticket. That means the last quarterfinals qualifier will survive two knockout games.
The quarterfinal pairings will be No. 3 against the wildcard survivor and No. 4 against No. 5, both best-of-five series. Winners then move on to play the top two finishers in the best-of-seven semifinals. Survivors wind up disputing the crown in the best-of-seven finals.
Fans are wondering if Ginebra has a chance to make it to the semifinals with just one game – against Burger King on Sunday – remaining in its calendar. The answer is yes but it won’t be easy.
First, Ginebra must beat the Whoppers to raise its record to 12-6. The magic number of wins for an automatic semifinals ticket is 13 so the Kings will fall short by one.
Second, Alaska must blow at least three of its last four games – which is highly unlikely – to finish at 12-6. If Purefoods loses one of its last two assignments left, then Ginebra and Alaska will figure in a playoff for the second semifinals slot. If Alaska loses all its last four games – even more improbable, and Ginebra beats the Whoppers, then the Kings advance to the semifinals outright.
The scenario becomes even more interesting if Sta. Lucia sweeps its last three assignments against Alaska, Barako Bull and Purefoods to improve to 12-6.
* * * *
In another possibility, there could be a three-way tie for second place involving Purefoods, Alaska and Ginebra. That will happen if Purefoods beats Alaska and Sta. Lucia in the Giants’ last two games, the Aces win only one (over the Realtors) of its last four contests and Ginebra defeats Burger King. In this situation, Purefoods, Alaska and Ginebra will tote identical 12-6 records.
In a three-way tie for second, the team with the lowest quotient drops down to No. 4 and the other two face off for the No. 2 spot. At the moment, Ginebra is minus 16, Purefoods is minus 4 and Alaska is plus 20.
To make the three-way tie a reality, the Giants must beat the Aces which means Purefoods will improve on its quotient and it will take a 37-point loss by Alaska for Ginebra to move up in the quotient ladder. In effect, a three-way tie for second involving Purefoods, Alaska and Ginebra will relegate the Kings out of the semis picture.
Another three-way logjam for second place could involve Alaska, Ginebra and Sta. Lucia. They will finish at 12-6 if Alaska wins only one of its four remaining games (losing to Sta. Lucia in the process), Ginebra beats Burger King and the Realtors repulse the Aces, Barako Bull and Purefoods.
Here are the remaining games for each team: San Miguel Beer (Coca-Cola, Talk ‘N’ Text), Alaska (Sta. Lucia, Purefoods, Burger King, Rain Or Shine), Ginebra (Burger King), Purefoods (Alaska, Sta. Lucia), Talk ‘N’ Text (San Miguel Beer), Sta. Lucia (Alaska, Barako Bull, Purefoods), Burger King (Ginebra, Alaska), Rain Or Shine (Coca-Cola, Alaska), Coca-Cola (San Miguel Beer, Rain Or Shine, Barako Bull) and Barako Bull (Sta. Lucia, Coca-Cola).
* * * *
The way it looks, Alaska will join San Miguel in the semis as all the Aces need to clinch an outright ticket is to win two of its last four games against Sta. Lucia, Purefoods, Burger King and Rain Or Shine. Alaska has lost two of its last three but overall, the Aces have dropped only three games – to Rain Or Shine, Coca-Cola and Ginebra. In the first round, Alaska beat the Realtors, 91-83, the Whoppers, 87-73, and the Giants, 101-87.
It’s also possible that five teams could end up tied for second place with identical 11-7 records. But that would mean Alaska losing four in a row, Ginebra bowing to Burger King, Purefoods yielding to Sta. Lucia, Talk ‘N’ Text beating San Miguel Beer and the Realtors winning two of its last three games.
Since the PBA allows only one single playoff for one position, the two teams with the highest quotients will meet to determine the second outright semis qualifier. The loser in the playoff will slide to No. 3 and the next three positions will be decided by the quotient system.
Sta. Lucia might even pull a surprise by making it to the semis outright. The Realtors will do it if they win their last three assignments,Alaska loses four straight and Ginebra is upset by Burger King.
The battle to avoid the cellar is just as fierce. The Energy Boosters got a major lift when they upset Talk ‘N’ Text, 99-97, last Sunday. Their game against Coca-Cola next Wednesday could be the decider.
There are 11 games left in the PBA Philippine Cup double-round eliminations and the only sure thing is league-leading San Miguel Beer (13-3) is safely in the semifinals.
The teams are bunched up close to each other at the top and in the bottom. Here’s how they stand so far – No. 1 San Miguel Beer (13-3), No. 2 Alaska (11-3), No. 3 Barangay Ginebra (11-6), No. 4 Purefoods (10-6), No. 5 Talk ‘N’ Text (10-7), No. 6 Sta. Lucia Realty (9-6), No. 7 Burger King (5-11), No. 8 Rain Or Shine (4-12), No. 9 Coca-Cola (3-12) and No. 10 Barako Bull (3-13).
At the end of the eliminations, the lowest-ranked team is eliminated and the top two finishers advance to the semifinals outright. Teams that end up third, fourth and fifth qualify for the quarterfinals, leaving No. 6 to play No. 9 and No. 7 to play No. 8 in a pair of knockout games to start the wildcards. The winners of the two knockout games then slug it out in another do-or-die duel for the last quarterfinals ticket. That means the last quarterfinals qualifier will survive two knockout games.
The quarterfinal pairings will be No. 3 against the wildcard survivor and No. 4 against No. 5, both best-of-five series. Winners then move on to play the top two finishers in the best-of-seven semifinals. Survivors wind up disputing the crown in the best-of-seven finals.
Fans are wondering if Ginebra has a chance to make it to the semifinals with just one game – against Burger King on Sunday – remaining in its calendar. The answer is yes but it won’t be easy.
First, Ginebra must beat the Whoppers to raise its record to 12-6. The magic number of wins for an automatic semifinals ticket is 13 so the Kings will fall short by one.
Second, Alaska must blow at least three of its last four games – which is highly unlikely – to finish at 12-6. If Purefoods loses one of its last two assignments left, then Ginebra and Alaska will figure in a playoff for the second semifinals slot. If Alaska loses all its last four games – even more improbable, and Ginebra beats the Whoppers, then the Kings advance to the semifinals outright.
The scenario becomes even more interesting if Sta. Lucia sweeps its last three assignments against Alaska, Barako Bull and Purefoods to improve to 12-6.
* * * *
In another possibility, there could be a three-way tie for second place involving Purefoods, Alaska and Ginebra. That will happen if Purefoods beats Alaska and Sta. Lucia in the Giants’ last two games, the Aces win only one (over the Realtors) of its last four contests and Ginebra defeats Burger King. In this situation, Purefoods, Alaska and Ginebra will tote identical 12-6 records.
In a three-way tie for second, the team with the lowest quotient drops down to No. 4 and the other two face off for the No. 2 spot. At the moment, Ginebra is minus 16, Purefoods is minus 4 and Alaska is plus 20.
To make the three-way tie a reality, the Giants must beat the Aces which means Purefoods will improve on its quotient and it will take a 37-point loss by Alaska for Ginebra to move up in the quotient ladder. In effect, a three-way tie for second involving Purefoods, Alaska and Ginebra will relegate the Kings out of the semis picture.
Another three-way logjam for second place could involve Alaska, Ginebra and Sta. Lucia. They will finish at 12-6 if Alaska wins only one of its four remaining games (losing to Sta. Lucia in the process), Ginebra beats Burger King and the Realtors repulse the Aces, Barako Bull and Purefoods.
Here are the remaining games for each team: San Miguel Beer (Coca-Cola, Talk ‘N’ Text), Alaska (Sta. Lucia, Purefoods, Burger King, Rain Or Shine), Ginebra (Burger King), Purefoods (Alaska, Sta. Lucia), Talk ‘N’ Text (San Miguel Beer), Sta. Lucia (Alaska, Barako Bull, Purefoods), Burger King (Ginebra, Alaska), Rain Or Shine (Coca-Cola, Alaska), Coca-Cola (San Miguel Beer, Rain Or Shine, Barako Bull) and Barako Bull (Sta. Lucia, Coca-Cola).
* * * *
The way it looks, Alaska will join San Miguel in the semis as all the Aces need to clinch an outright ticket is to win two of its last four games against Sta. Lucia, Purefoods, Burger King and Rain Or Shine. Alaska has lost two of its last three but overall, the Aces have dropped only three games – to Rain Or Shine, Coca-Cola and Ginebra. In the first round, Alaska beat the Realtors, 91-83, the Whoppers, 87-73, and the Giants, 101-87.
It’s also possible that five teams could end up tied for second place with identical 11-7 records. But that would mean Alaska losing four in a row, Ginebra bowing to Burger King, Purefoods yielding to Sta. Lucia, Talk ‘N’ Text beating San Miguel Beer and the Realtors winning two of its last three games.
Since the PBA allows only one single playoff for one position, the two teams with the highest quotients will meet to determine the second outright semis qualifier. The loser in the playoff will slide to No. 3 and the next three positions will be decided by the quotient system.
Sta. Lucia might even pull a surprise by making it to the semis outright. The Realtors will do it if they win their last three assignments,Alaska loses four straight and Ginebra is upset by Burger King.
The battle to avoid the cellar is just as fierce. The Energy Boosters got a major lift when they upset Talk ‘N’ Text, 99-97, last Sunday. Their game against Coca-Cola next Wednesday could be the decider.
Aces score shaky win over Realtors
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Alaska clinched at least a playoff game for the second automatic semifinal seat with a shaky 85-77 win over Sta. Lucia Realty Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Veteran guard Jeffrey Cariaso had his productive game in a while with 13 points, all in the second half, to cover up an anemic performance from 2-time MVP Willie Miller to lead the Aces to their 12th win against 3 losses.
Joe Devance led Alaska with 17 points but it was Cariaso’s steady performance in the second half and LA Tenorio’s efficient quarterbacking that allowed the Aces to come back in the game and end a 2-game slide.
The win shut the door on the automatic semis bids of the Realtors and Talk ‘N Text.
Sta. Lucia was trailing 72-79 when Kelly Williams banged in a three-pointer that started a mini 5-0 run to close the gap at 77-79 with 53.1 seconds left.
But Devance scored on the next play on Miller’s pass and the Realtors came out empty handed in their next two possessions that resulted to Tenorio’s four free throws to seal the win for Alaska.
Williams paced the Realtors with 14 points and 14 rebounds. They dropped to 9-7. Joseph Yeo and Ryan Reyes also had 14 points apiece for coach Boyet Fernandez.
Tigers in huge win
Coca-Cola, meanwhile, pulled off an important victory over early semifinalist San Miguel Beer, 118-107, to keep a one-game lead over Barako Bull.
Asi Taulava, Norman Gonzales and RJ Rizada came through with solid performances to help the Tigers notched their fourth win against 12 losses and tied Rain or Shine for the 8th and 9th positions.
Taulava fired a game-high 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field to go along with his 15 rebounds and 6 assists in another fine performance for the one-time MVP of the league.
Gonzales hit a conference-high 22 markers while Rizada had a career-high 22 points, 12 came in the final quarter where Coke weathered the rally by the Beermen, who already booked the first automatic semifinal seat last week.
“We’re lucky to catch San Miguel in a game that has no importance to them and on the other hand is very important to us,” said Tigers head coach Bo Perasol who also got double figures in points from Larry Rodriguez and Mark Macapagal.
“We have to feel better with ourselves because we have two important games left, we must make sure we don’t get eliminated,” he added.
Rodriguez finished with 14 points while Macapagal had 13, 11 came in the first canto that set the tone for the Tigers.
They posted an 11-point spread twice in the fourth quarter, the last at 106-95 before the Beermen reeled off 8 straight points capped by back-to-back 3-pointers by Lordy Tugade and Jonas Villanueva to threaten at 103-106 with 2:02 remaining.
But Taulava hit a clutch jumper and Rodriguez added with an undergoal stab to get some breathing room, 110-103, 1:114 left.
After Arwind Santos tipped in his own missed shot for San Miguel, 105-110, Coke ended the game with a 6-2 run to halt the Beermen’s 4-game winning run.
Santos led San Miguel with 22 points while Tugade added 19. Mike Cortez and Dennis Miranda each had 12 for the Beermen, who stayed at the top of the team standing with 13-4 loss slate.
Coke failed to utilize new recruits Gary David and Chico Lanete who came in via a trade with Burger King last January 4. David served a 1-game suspension while Lanete has a hamstring injury.
Alaska clinched at least a playoff game for the second automatic semifinal seat with a shaky 85-77 win over Sta. Lucia Realty Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Veteran guard Jeffrey Cariaso had his productive game in a while with 13 points, all in the second half, to cover up an anemic performance from 2-time MVP Willie Miller to lead the Aces to their 12th win against 3 losses.
Joe Devance led Alaska with 17 points but it was Cariaso’s steady performance in the second half and LA Tenorio’s efficient quarterbacking that allowed the Aces to come back in the game and end a 2-game slide.
The win shut the door on the automatic semis bids of the Realtors and Talk ‘N Text.
Sta. Lucia was trailing 72-79 when Kelly Williams banged in a three-pointer that started a mini 5-0 run to close the gap at 77-79 with 53.1 seconds left.
But Devance scored on the next play on Miller’s pass and the Realtors came out empty handed in their next two possessions that resulted to Tenorio’s four free throws to seal the win for Alaska.
Williams paced the Realtors with 14 points and 14 rebounds. They dropped to 9-7. Joseph Yeo and Ryan Reyes also had 14 points apiece for coach Boyet Fernandez.
Tigers in huge win
Coca-Cola, meanwhile, pulled off an important victory over early semifinalist San Miguel Beer, 118-107, to keep a one-game lead over Barako Bull.
Asi Taulava, Norman Gonzales and RJ Rizada came through with solid performances to help the Tigers notched their fourth win against 12 losses and tied Rain or Shine for the 8th and 9th positions.
Taulava fired a game-high 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field to go along with his 15 rebounds and 6 assists in another fine performance for the one-time MVP of the league.
Gonzales hit a conference-high 22 markers while Rizada had a career-high 22 points, 12 came in the final quarter where Coke weathered the rally by the Beermen, who already booked the first automatic semifinal seat last week.
“We’re lucky to catch San Miguel in a game that has no importance to them and on the other hand is very important to us,” said Tigers head coach Bo Perasol who also got double figures in points from Larry Rodriguez and Mark Macapagal.
“We have to feel better with ourselves because we have two important games left, we must make sure we don’t get eliminated,” he added.
Rodriguez finished with 14 points while Macapagal had 13, 11 came in the first canto that set the tone for the Tigers.
They posted an 11-point spread twice in the fourth quarter, the last at 106-95 before the Beermen reeled off 8 straight points capped by back-to-back 3-pointers by Lordy Tugade and Jonas Villanueva to threaten at 103-106 with 2:02 remaining.
But Taulava hit a clutch jumper and Rodriguez added with an undergoal stab to get some breathing room, 110-103, 1:114 left.
After Arwind Santos tipped in his own missed shot for San Miguel, 105-110, Coke ended the game with a 6-2 run to halt the Beermen’s 4-game winning run.
Santos led San Miguel with 22 points while Tugade added 19. Mike Cortez and Dennis Miranda each had 12 for the Beermen, who stayed at the top of the team standing with 13-4 loss slate.
Coke failed to utilize new recruits Gary David and Chico Lanete who came in via a trade with Burger King last January 4. David served a 1-game suspension while Lanete has a hamstring injury.
Tigers mangle Beermen, 118-107
source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph
Coca-Cola, its back against the wall, stunned erstwhile league-leader San Miguel Beer, 118-107, Thursday night to fuel its playoff hopes in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Asi Taulava anchored the Tigers’ victory with a double-double 27 points and 15 rebounds with six assists.
Coca-Cola, which avenged its 84-107 loss to the same team last Nov. 21 in Cebu City, also got solid contributions from guard RJ Rizada, who averages only 6.6points this all-Filipino conference but came off the bench to score a career-best 20 points, 12 in the fourth quarter, and forward Norman Gonzales, who chipped in 22 points and eight boards.
The Tigers were up by 11, 106-95, after Larry Rodriguez converted his freebies off Mick Pennisi, who was assessed a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 for planting an elbow on Rodriguez’s neck with 2:55 left.
But the Beermen, playing without injured players Jay Washington (back), Dorian Pena (knee), Danny Seigle (strained leg), and Danny Ildefonso (ankle), rallied with an 8-0 explosion to threaten, 103-106, a little over two minutes to go.
Taulava, however, scored on a drive, and, after a miss by Enrico Villanueva, Rodriguez scored to give the Tigers breathing room, 110-103, with 1:14 to play.
The victory improved Coca-Cola’s win-loss record to 4-12 for a share of eighth spot with idle Rain or Shine.
The Beermen, who have clinched the first automatic semifinals slot, slipped to 13-4.
Coke coach Bo Perasol credited his players for stepping up big time in a game that has a lot of importance in their playoff bid.
“We’re lucky to catch San Miguel in a game that has no importance to them, but is very important for us. I told my players that whatever happens, we have to feel good for ourselves because we have two important games,” Perasol said.
Perasol is referring to Coke’s last two games against Rain or Shine this Friday at the Big Dome and on January 20 versus Barako Bull.
“We’ll make sure that we’ll not be the first to be eliminated this conference,” added Perasol, who is now 3-6 since he took over the Tigers, replacing Kenneth Duremdes, now the team’s alternate governor in the PBA board.
Rodriguez had 14 points, 12 rebounds, while Mark Macapagal had 13 for the Tigers, who missed the services of Gary David, serving a one-game suspension for his F2 on Purefoods’ Rico Maierhofer, and injured Chico Lanete. They were acquired in a trade with Burger King last month.
The scores:
First Game
COCA-COLA 118 – Taulava 27, Gonzales 22, Rizada 20, Rodriguez 14, Macapagal 13, Calimag 8, Ross 4, Enrile 4, Bono 2, Cruz 2, Espino 2.
SAN MIGUEL 107 – Santos 22, Tugade 19, Cortez 12, Miranda 12, Pennisi 11, Miranda 11, Custodio 8, Villanueva 6, Racela 5, Hontiveros 5, Eman 4, Holper 4.
Quarters: 28-30, 51-47, 82-74, 118-107.
Coca-Cola, its back against the wall, stunned erstwhile league-leader San Miguel Beer, 118-107, Thursday night to fuel its playoff hopes in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Asi Taulava anchored the Tigers’ victory with a double-double 27 points and 15 rebounds with six assists.
Coca-Cola, which avenged its 84-107 loss to the same team last Nov. 21 in Cebu City, also got solid contributions from guard RJ Rizada, who averages only 6.6points this all-Filipino conference but came off the bench to score a career-best 20 points, 12 in the fourth quarter, and forward Norman Gonzales, who chipped in 22 points and eight boards.
The Tigers were up by 11, 106-95, after Larry Rodriguez converted his freebies off Mick Pennisi, who was assessed a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 for planting an elbow on Rodriguez’s neck with 2:55 left.
But the Beermen, playing without injured players Jay Washington (back), Dorian Pena (knee), Danny Seigle (strained leg), and Danny Ildefonso (ankle), rallied with an 8-0 explosion to threaten, 103-106, a little over two minutes to go.
Taulava, however, scored on a drive, and, after a miss by Enrico Villanueva, Rodriguez scored to give the Tigers breathing room, 110-103, with 1:14 to play.
The victory improved Coca-Cola’s win-loss record to 4-12 for a share of eighth spot with idle Rain or Shine.
The Beermen, who have clinched the first automatic semifinals slot, slipped to 13-4.
Coke coach Bo Perasol credited his players for stepping up big time in a game that has a lot of importance in their playoff bid.
“We’re lucky to catch San Miguel in a game that has no importance to them, but is very important for us. I told my players that whatever happens, we have to feel good for ourselves because we have two important games,” Perasol said.
Perasol is referring to Coke’s last two games against Rain or Shine this Friday at the Big Dome and on January 20 versus Barako Bull.
“We’ll make sure that we’ll not be the first to be eliminated this conference,” added Perasol, who is now 3-6 since he took over the Tigers, replacing Kenneth Duremdes, now the team’s alternate governor in the PBA board.
Rodriguez had 14 points, 12 rebounds, while Mark Macapagal had 13 for the Tigers, who missed the services of Gary David, serving a one-game suspension for his F2 on Purefoods’ Rico Maierhofer, and injured Chico Lanete. They were acquired in a trade with Burger King last month.
The scores:
First Game
COCA-COLA 118 – Taulava 27, Gonzales 22, Rizada 20, Rodriguez 14, Macapagal 13, Calimag 8, Ross 4, Enrile 4, Bono 2, Cruz 2, Espino 2.
SAN MIGUEL 107 – Santos 22, Tugade 19, Cortez 12, Miranda 12, Pennisi 11, Miranda 11, Custodio 8, Villanueva 6, Racela 5, Hontiveros 5, Eman 4, Holper 4.
Quarters: 28-30, 51-47, 82-74, 118-107.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Williams, Intal are week's best players in Philippine Cup
source: gmanews.tv
One has already made his mark in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) while the other has yet to make a bigger impact. Sta. Lucia Realty's Kelly Williams and Barangay Ginebra's JC Intal earned KFC/Accel-PBA Press Corps Co-Players of the Week honors after boosting their respective teams' campaigns in the homestretch of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
Williams and Intal shared the award after putting up solid numbers to lead their respective teams to back-to-back wins during the January 4 to 10 playdate in the Philippine Cup.
It was Williams’ second POTW award when he shared the honors with Alaska’s LA Tenorio for the period of Nov. 16 to 22 while Intal earned his first weekly citation.
Williams, a former rookie of the year winner and 2007 MVP, led the Realtors in their victories over Rain or Shine and Burger King. He averaged 20.0 points, 18.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocked shot as Sta. Lucia improved to a 9-6 record to move closer of claiming an outright quarterfinals berth.
"(Williams) has been working hard since he was given the go-signal to play," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez of his prized forward who still needs to fully recover from the blood disorder that sidelined him in the latter stages of the last season’s Fiesta Cup.
"As his coach I'm so happy and proud of him. The last two games were an indication of how (Williams) is doing to get back to his game. He's been acting as the leader of this team. I do hope and pray that he will recover fully from his illness," added Fernandez.
For Williams, it is simply a matter of what he and his teammates can do to help Sta. Lucia’s cause. "We have been working hard as a team and I'm impressed at how the team is responding to coach Boyet's challenges to work hard."
While Intal, after scoring a career-high 20 points in the Kings’ 106-97 Christmas Day win over Coca-Cola, proved he can be a reliable scorer in Ginebra’s two victories against Talk ‘N Text and Alaska.
Intal logged in averages of 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks in those wins as the Kings occupied third place with an 11-6 record.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said Intal's efforts to improve on his game are the primary reason why the former Ateneo Blue Eagle is having a break-out conference. “He is playing to his potential because he is a hard worker and is willing to work on his weaknesses."
One has already made his mark in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) while the other has yet to make a bigger impact. Sta. Lucia Realty's Kelly Williams and Barangay Ginebra's JC Intal earned KFC/Accel-PBA Press Corps Co-Players of the Week honors after boosting their respective teams' campaigns in the homestretch of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
Williams and Intal shared the award after putting up solid numbers to lead their respective teams to back-to-back wins during the January 4 to 10 playdate in the Philippine Cup.
It was Williams’ second POTW award when he shared the honors with Alaska’s LA Tenorio for the period of Nov. 16 to 22 while Intal earned his first weekly citation.
Williams, a former rookie of the year winner and 2007 MVP, led the Realtors in their victories over Rain or Shine and Burger King. He averaged 20.0 points, 18.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocked shot as Sta. Lucia improved to a 9-6 record to move closer of claiming an outright quarterfinals berth.
"(Williams) has been working hard since he was given the go-signal to play," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez of his prized forward who still needs to fully recover from the blood disorder that sidelined him in the latter stages of the last season’s Fiesta Cup.
"As his coach I'm so happy and proud of him. The last two games were an indication of how (Williams) is doing to get back to his game. He's been acting as the leader of this team. I do hope and pray that he will recover fully from his illness," added Fernandez.
For Williams, it is simply a matter of what he and his teammates can do to help Sta. Lucia’s cause. "We have been working hard as a team and I'm impressed at how the team is responding to coach Boyet's challenges to work hard."
While Intal, after scoring a career-high 20 points in the Kings’ 106-97 Christmas Day win over Coca-Cola, proved he can be a reliable scorer in Ginebra’s two victories against Talk ‘N Text and Alaska.
Intal logged in averages of 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks in those wins as the Kings occupied third place with an 11-6 record.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said Intal's efforts to improve on his game are the primary reason why the former Ateneo Blue Eagle is having a break-out conference. “He is playing to his potential because he is a hard worker and is willing to work on his weaknesses."
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Ginebra assistant coach hurt in traffic row
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings assistant coach Arthur dela Cruz wanted to prevent a traffic spat involving 2 Filipino-Americans from escalating but he got hurt instead in Alabang, Muntinlupa City early Sunday.
Dela Cruz’s swollen left hand suffered a fracture during the traffic row that happened at 1 a.m. He also has cuts on his knees and legs.
Senior Police Officer 1 Ramon Pagaddu, investigator of the Highway Patrol Group of South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), said the 2 Fil-Ams aboard a Ford Lynx (plate number ZBL 921) thought the tourist bus, with Ginebra players on board, forcibly got near them.
The Ford Lynx passengers were identified as Orquia Joeffrey Lacuesta and Tristan Bael. The car chased the bus until the C-5 exit.
The Fil-Ams reportedly went down their car and knocked on the door of the bus.
'Seemingly under the influence'
According to Pagaddu, the suspects were “seemingly under the influence of liquor.” The bus door was broken after being whacked with a skateboard.
Dela Cruz was trying to stop the Fil-Ams from forcing the driver, Likong Leutemio Olami, to go down the bus. It caught him by surprise when the suspects pulled him down the bus.
Olami and dela Cruz refused to be interviewed by the media.
“Di ako tumulong, hinatak nila ako. Inaawat ko nga yong driver. Di ko alam nangyari, sabi ko lang tama na tapos hinatak nila ako palabas. Dalawa humatak sa akin. Tumama kamay ko, hinatak nila ako,” dela Cruz said in the police precinct.
'Simple misunderstanding'
Meanwhile, Ginebra assistant coach and former pro Allan Caidic said he was sleeping when the incident occurred.
“Natutulog ako, simple misunderstanding lang sa traffic siguro, galing kaming game sa Batangas. On the way back dito, sa may C-5 exit dito, nagkaroon ng commotion,” noted Caidic.
“Yung dalawang Fil-Am ata yon. What I’ve heard, somewhere in Alabang, biglang may mga cones, they want to change lane, right of way yung bus so lumabas, parang na-cut. I don't know ha, natutulog ako. So hinabol niya hanggang sa pagdating dito sa exit, bumaba yung dalawa, kinakalampag yung bus,” he continued.
Caidic said the officials have already sent their players home.
The Fil-Am suspects, on the other hand, did not show up at the precinct.
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings assistant coach Arthur dela Cruz wanted to prevent a traffic spat involving 2 Filipino-Americans from escalating but he got hurt instead in Alabang, Muntinlupa City early Sunday.
Dela Cruz’s swollen left hand suffered a fracture during the traffic row that happened at 1 a.m. He also has cuts on his knees and legs.
Senior Police Officer 1 Ramon Pagaddu, investigator of the Highway Patrol Group of South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), said the 2 Fil-Ams aboard a Ford Lynx (plate number ZBL 921) thought the tourist bus, with Ginebra players on board, forcibly got near them.
The Ford Lynx passengers were identified as Orquia Joeffrey Lacuesta and Tristan Bael. The car chased the bus until the C-5 exit.
The Fil-Ams reportedly went down their car and knocked on the door of the bus.
'Seemingly under the influence'
According to Pagaddu, the suspects were “seemingly under the influence of liquor.” The bus door was broken after being whacked with a skateboard.
Dela Cruz was trying to stop the Fil-Ams from forcing the driver, Likong Leutemio Olami, to go down the bus. It caught him by surprise when the suspects pulled him down the bus.
Olami and dela Cruz refused to be interviewed by the media.
“Di ako tumulong, hinatak nila ako. Inaawat ko nga yong driver. Di ko alam nangyari, sabi ko lang tama na tapos hinatak nila ako palabas. Dalawa humatak sa akin. Tumama kamay ko, hinatak nila ako,” dela Cruz said in the police precinct.
'Simple misunderstanding'
Meanwhile, Ginebra assistant coach and former pro Allan Caidic said he was sleeping when the incident occurred.
“Natutulog ako, simple misunderstanding lang sa traffic siguro, galing kaming game sa Batangas. On the way back dito, sa may C-5 exit dito, nagkaroon ng commotion,” noted Caidic.
“Yung dalawang Fil-Am ata yon. What I’ve heard, somewhere in Alabang, biglang may mga cones, they want to change lane, right of way yung bus so lumabas, parang na-cut. I don't know ha, natutulog ako. So hinabol niya hanggang sa pagdating dito sa exit, bumaba yung dalawa, kinakalampag yung bus,” he continued.
Caidic said the officials have already sent their players home.
The Fil-Am suspects, on the other hand, did not show up at the precinct.
Barako Bull beats TNT, end 11-game losing streak
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Barako Bull halted an 11-game losing streak after shocking defending champion Talk ‘N Text, 99-97, to stay alive for a possible stint in the knock-out wildcard stage.
Richard Alonzo had a near perfect shooting game with 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field but it was the clutch plays of ex-TNT guard Felix Belano who gave the Energy Boosters some cushion in the end.
“Pumipitik-pitik pa,” said Barako Bull head coach Leo Isaac who also got 21 points and 8 rebounds from Leo Najorda off the bench. “Two games left, at least hawak namin ngayon an gaming kapalaran.”
Belano fired a 3-pointer and stole the ball on Jimmy Alapag to give the Energy Boosters a 95-89 cushion before the Tropang Texters unloaded a quick 8-3 run to slice the lead to 97-98 under 30 seconds left.
Jojo Duncil split his free throws to give Barako Bull a 99-97 lead, 15.7 ticks left but Harvey Carey muffed two potential game-tying shots and Ranilde de Ocampo’s follow-up shot also misfired, allowing the Energy Boosters to escape with the win.
Alapag and Jason Castro finished with 23 and 22 points respectively for Talk ‘N Text, which absorbed its second straight loss and slipped to 10-7.
Barako Bull 99 - Alonzo 23, Najorda 21, Belano 13, Duncil 10, Crisano 9, Menor 6, Reyes 6, Dimaunahan 6, Fernandez 3, Aljamal 2, Chia 0.
Talk N' Text 97 - Alapag 23, Castro 22, De Ocampo R. 17, Carey 10, Cardona 8, Escobal 5, Dillinger 4, Peek 2, Ritualo 2, De
Ocampo Y. 2, Belasco 2.
Quarterscore: 22-22, 41-47, 69-69, 99-97
Barako Bull halted an 11-game losing streak after shocking defending champion Talk ‘N Text, 99-97, to stay alive for a possible stint in the knock-out wildcard stage.
Richard Alonzo had a near perfect shooting game with 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field but it was the clutch plays of ex-TNT guard Felix Belano who gave the Energy Boosters some cushion in the end.
“Pumipitik-pitik pa,” said Barako Bull head coach Leo Isaac who also got 21 points and 8 rebounds from Leo Najorda off the bench. “Two games left, at least hawak namin ngayon an gaming kapalaran.”
Belano fired a 3-pointer and stole the ball on Jimmy Alapag to give the Energy Boosters a 95-89 cushion before the Tropang Texters unloaded a quick 8-3 run to slice the lead to 97-98 under 30 seconds left.
Jojo Duncil split his free throws to give Barako Bull a 99-97 lead, 15.7 ticks left but Harvey Carey muffed two potential game-tying shots and Ranilde de Ocampo’s follow-up shot also misfired, allowing the Energy Boosters to escape with the win.
Alapag and Jason Castro finished with 23 and 22 points respectively for Talk ‘N Text, which absorbed its second straight loss and slipped to 10-7.
Barako Bull 99 - Alonzo 23, Najorda 21, Belano 13, Duncil 10, Crisano 9, Menor 6, Reyes 6, Dimaunahan 6, Fernandez 3, Aljamal 2, Chia 0.
Talk N' Text 97 - Alapag 23, Castro 22, De Ocampo R. 17, Carey 10, Cardona 8, Escobal 5, Dillinger 4, Peek 2, Ritualo 2, De
Ocampo Y. 2, Belasco 2.
Quarterscore: 22-22, 41-47, 69-69, 99-97
Purefoods beats Rain or Shine, stays on track for outright Semis berths
source: PBA.ph
KG Canaleta propped Purefoods past gritty Rain or Shine 101-88 Sunday, keeping the Giants' hopes for an automatic semifinals seat alive in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Canaleta scattered 14 of his 15 points inside the last 13 minutes of play that gave immeasurable boost to a Purefoods team that almost squandered what was once a 19-point lead.
In the end, the spark Canaleta gave propped the Giants to their 10th win in 16 games.
Should Purefoods win its remaining games against Alaska and Sta. Lucia Realty, then it has a chance for the No. 2 slot behind 13-3 San Miguel Beer and the remaining outright semis seat that comes with it.
The Giants could even grab the berth outright provided the 11-3 Aces and 10-6 Talk ‘N Text do not win any of their own remaining games. The Tropang Texters are taking on cellar-dweller Barako Bull later Sunday.
“It's really tight at the upper half of the standings and we really didn't want to lose the opportunity to have a crack at the second semis slot. As long as there's light we'll continue to pursue it,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
Even missing the slot and being relegated to an outright quarterfinals slot, reserved for the third to fifth placers after the 18-game eliminations, is still fine with Gregorio.
“At this point, an automatic quarterfinals slot is something really worth working for. But as I told the boys, we must elevate our goal. In case we miss the semis at least we're still in the quarters and that's still a good place to be,” he explained.
Rain or Shine was looking for a win that will assure it of a place in the wildcard phase. Now, with a second straight loss that was also its 12th in 16games, it is in danger of being caught by chasers Coca-Cola, 3-12, and 2-13 Barako Bull.
The 10th-placed team makes an early exit while the sixth to ninth teams go through the knockout wildcard.
Led by Gabe Norwood's career-high 29 points, the Elasto Painters did put up one whale of a fight that saw them whittle what was a daunting deficit to just 63-67, 2:21 left in the third period.
But there was simply too much Purefoods, typified by Canaleta's explosion.
“It's always hard to play against Rain or Shine. They have the personnel, but they just couldn't close out games,” said Gregorio.
“We were really expecting them to make a run, and they did. That team has so much pride. When we were starting to miss our shots, we turned to Canaleta and he scored 14 in the second half.
“That is just basketball. They make a run and we weather the storm and tonight we were able to do it.”
The 6-foot-4 former Slam Dunk King drained a set triple and hit a baseline runner, before James Yap's buzzer-beating triple from 24 feet gave theGiants a 75-64 lead.
James Yap had another triple that put Purefoods safely ahead, 94-75, only 4:02 left in the game.
The 2006 MVP wound up with 23 points with Kerby Raymundo adding 22 and Roger Yap 14, eight rebounds and four assists.
Sol Mercado's 20 points and eight assists led those who backstopped Norwood, who also had seven rebounds and five assists, but went dry despite playing the entire fourth period.
It was all Norwood for RoS in the early goings.
Last year's Rookie of the Year already had 21 points in the first half but did not get much support as the Elasto Painters found themselves trailing by 31-50 and 35-52 at the half.
The scores:
Purefoods 101 - Yap J. 23, Raymundo 22, Canaleta 15, Yap R. 14, Maierhofer 9, Allado 6, Pingris 5, Artadi 4, Timberlake 3, Reavis 0.
Rain or Shine 88 - Norwood 29, Mercado 20, Chan 12, Hrabak 11, Telan 9, Laure 4, Cruz 2, Arana 1, Alfad 0, Arellano 0, Tang 0, Reyes 0.
Quarterscores: 31-15, 52-35, 75-64, 101-88.
KG Canaleta propped Purefoods past gritty Rain or Shine 101-88 Sunday, keeping the Giants' hopes for an automatic semifinals seat alive in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Canaleta scattered 14 of his 15 points inside the last 13 minutes of play that gave immeasurable boost to a Purefoods team that almost squandered what was once a 19-point lead.
In the end, the spark Canaleta gave propped the Giants to their 10th win in 16 games.
Should Purefoods win its remaining games against Alaska and Sta. Lucia Realty, then it has a chance for the No. 2 slot behind 13-3 San Miguel Beer and the remaining outright semis seat that comes with it.
The Giants could even grab the berth outright provided the 11-3 Aces and 10-6 Talk ‘N Text do not win any of their own remaining games. The Tropang Texters are taking on cellar-dweller Barako Bull later Sunday.
“It's really tight at the upper half of the standings and we really didn't want to lose the opportunity to have a crack at the second semis slot. As long as there's light we'll continue to pursue it,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
Even missing the slot and being relegated to an outright quarterfinals slot, reserved for the third to fifth placers after the 18-game eliminations, is still fine with Gregorio.
“At this point, an automatic quarterfinals slot is something really worth working for. But as I told the boys, we must elevate our goal. In case we miss the semis at least we're still in the quarters and that's still a good place to be,” he explained.
Rain or Shine was looking for a win that will assure it of a place in the wildcard phase. Now, with a second straight loss that was also its 12th in 16games, it is in danger of being caught by chasers Coca-Cola, 3-12, and 2-13 Barako Bull.
The 10th-placed team makes an early exit while the sixth to ninth teams go through the knockout wildcard.
Led by Gabe Norwood's career-high 29 points, the Elasto Painters did put up one whale of a fight that saw them whittle what was a daunting deficit to just 63-67, 2:21 left in the third period.
But there was simply too much Purefoods, typified by Canaleta's explosion.
“It's always hard to play against Rain or Shine. They have the personnel, but they just couldn't close out games,” said Gregorio.
“We were really expecting them to make a run, and they did. That team has so much pride. When we were starting to miss our shots, we turned to Canaleta and he scored 14 in the second half.
“That is just basketball. They make a run and we weather the storm and tonight we were able to do it.”
The 6-foot-4 former Slam Dunk King drained a set triple and hit a baseline runner, before James Yap's buzzer-beating triple from 24 feet gave theGiants a 75-64 lead.
James Yap had another triple that put Purefoods safely ahead, 94-75, only 4:02 left in the game.
The 2006 MVP wound up with 23 points with Kerby Raymundo adding 22 and Roger Yap 14, eight rebounds and four assists.
Sol Mercado's 20 points and eight assists led those who backstopped Norwood, who also had seven rebounds and five assists, but went dry despite playing the entire fourth period.
It was all Norwood for RoS in the early goings.
Last year's Rookie of the Year already had 21 points in the first half but did not get much support as the Elasto Painters found themselves trailing by 31-50 and 35-52 at the half.
The scores:
Purefoods 101 - Yap J. 23, Raymundo 22, Canaleta 15, Yap R. 14, Maierhofer 9, Allado 6, Pingris 5, Artadi 4, Timberlake 3, Reavis 0.
Rain or Shine 88 - Norwood 29, Mercado 20, Chan 12, Hrabak 11, Telan 9, Laure 4, Cruz 2, Arana 1, Alfad 0, Arellano 0, Tang 0, Reyes 0.
Quarterscores: 31-15, 52-35, 75-64, 101-88.
Ginebra beats Alaska, keeps outright Semis bid alive
source: PBA.ph
BATANGAS – Barangay Ginebra stayed on the romp on the road, firming up its bid for a slot in the Magic Five with a stirring 93-90 come-from-behind win over Alaska Milk at the Batangas City Sports Center here Saturday night.
The Kings waged a fierce second-half siege largely behind the exploits of their acrobatic slashers, overcoming an 18-point deficit for the key victory that sent the team to solo third entering the homestretch of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup elimination phase.
High-flyers Cyrus Baguio, JC Intal and Ronald Tubid fuelled the Kings’ uprising that led to the team’s sixth straight triumph on the road dating back to the 2009 Fiesta Conference.
Barangay Ginebra thus jacked up its record to 11-6 for solo third ahead of Talk 'N Text (10-6), Sta. Lucia (9-6) and Purefoods (9-6).
Returning from a three-week rest, the Aces buckled down to work early but failed to sustain their effort, thus, missing another shot for at least a playoff for an outright semis seat.
With San Miguel Beer putting the lock on the first outright semis seat, Alaska is now in pursuit of the second semis berth along with the Kings, Tropang Texters, Realtors and Giants.
The Aces have Sta. Lucia, Purefoods and Burger King for their last three assignments in the elims with two victories guaranteeing the team of an automatic semis passage.
The Kings started flat but frolicked in the second half with tremendous boost on the exploits of Baguio, Intal and Tubid.
The three deadly slashers put in at least 17 points each for the Kings who overcame a 24-42 deficit and a 29-point explosion by Alaska main man Willie Miller.
Willy Wilson added 11 points on top of numerous hustle plays helping Ginebra get past Alaska in the penultimate stop of the PBA Phoenix Fuel on Tour.
The Philippine Cup titlists three seasons ago, the Kings scored heavily on fastbreak plays to negate Miller’s personal conference-best output.
Ginebra piled up 11 fastbreak points to none for Alaska in the third quarter as the Kings raced ahead at 62-61.
Keeping the pace in the fourth, the Kings erected a 15-point spread at 85-70 before facing the Aces’ own chase at the finish.
The Aces jumped the gun on the Kings, building an 18-point margin at 42-24 before settling for a 44-34 lead at halftime.
Miller ran a show in the first quarter then the Alaska reserves took over in the second period as they dominated the Kings in the first 24 minutes of play.
The two-time MVP winner nearly outscored the entire Ginebra team in the opening period, making 15 points on a fierce 7-of-8 field-goal shooting. (SB)
The scores:
Barangay Ginebra 93 – Baguio 20, Tubid 17, Intal 17, Wilson 11, Cruz 9, Salvacion 6, Menk 6, Mamaril 4, Villanueva 3, White 2.
Alaska 90 – Miller 29, Devance 13, Dela Cruz 13, Tenorio 11, Thoss 8, Hugnatan 6, Borboran 5, Fonacier 3, Cariaso 2, Sotto 0.
Quarterscores: 18-25, 34-44, 62-61, 93-90
BATANGAS – Barangay Ginebra stayed on the romp on the road, firming up its bid for a slot in the Magic Five with a stirring 93-90 come-from-behind win over Alaska Milk at the Batangas City Sports Center here Saturday night.
The Kings waged a fierce second-half siege largely behind the exploits of their acrobatic slashers, overcoming an 18-point deficit for the key victory that sent the team to solo third entering the homestretch of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup elimination phase.
High-flyers Cyrus Baguio, JC Intal and Ronald Tubid fuelled the Kings’ uprising that led to the team’s sixth straight triumph on the road dating back to the 2009 Fiesta Conference.
Barangay Ginebra thus jacked up its record to 11-6 for solo third ahead of Talk 'N Text (10-6), Sta. Lucia (9-6) and Purefoods (9-6).
Returning from a three-week rest, the Aces buckled down to work early but failed to sustain their effort, thus, missing another shot for at least a playoff for an outright semis seat.
With San Miguel Beer putting the lock on the first outright semis seat, Alaska is now in pursuit of the second semis berth along with the Kings, Tropang Texters, Realtors and Giants.
The Aces have Sta. Lucia, Purefoods and Burger King for their last three assignments in the elims with two victories guaranteeing the team of an automatic semis passage.
The Kings started flat but frolicked in the second half with tremendous boost on the exploits of Baguio, Intal and Tubid.
The three deadly slashers put in at least 17 points each for the Kings who overcame a 24-42 deficit and a 29-point explosion by Alaska main man Willie Miller.
Willy Wilson added 11 points on top of numerous hustle plays helping Ginebra get past Alaska in the penultimate stop of the PBA Phoenix Fuel on Tour.
The Philippine Cup titlists three seasons ago, the Kings scored heavily on fastbreak plays to negate Miller’s personal conference-best output.
Ginebra piled up 11 fastbreak points to none for Alaska in the third quarter as the Kings raced ahead at 62-61.
Keeping the pace in the fourth, the Kings erected a 15-point spread at 85-70 before facing the Aces’ own chase at the finish.
The Aces jumped the gun on the Kings, building an 18-point margin at 42-24 before settling for a 44-34 lead at halftime.
Miller ran a show in the first quarter then the Alaska reserves took over in the second period as they dominated the Kings in the first 24 minutes of play.
The two-time MVP winner nearly outscored the entire Ginebra team in the opening period, making 15 points on a fierce 7-of-8 field-goal shooting. (SB)
The scores:
Barangay Ginebra 93 – Baguio 20, Tubid 17, Intal 17, Wilson 11, Cruz 9, Salvacion 6, Menk 6, Mamaril 4, Villanueva 3, White 2.
Alaska 90 – Miller 29, Devance 13, Dela Cruz 13, Tenorio 11, Thoss 8, Hugnatan 6, Borboran 5, Fonacier 3, Cariaso 2, Sotto 0.
Quarterscores: 18-25, 34-44, 62-61, 93-90
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Helterbrand raring to go, but Kings still wary
source: Joel Orellana | businessmirror.com.ph
Jayjay Helterbrand may be all set to plunge into action, but Barangay Ginebra is not taking any chances.
Kings head coach Jong Uichico said the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) will most likely suit up in the team’s final elimination-round game in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.
“Mahirap biglain ’yung injury ni Jayjay. Unlike kay Mark [Caguioa] na puwede ilaro for a few minutes, kailangan pa ring ipahinga ’yung injury [hamstring] ni Jayjay,” Uichico said minutes after beating Talk ’N Text, 105-82, on Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We might field him in the last game of the elimination. We just want to make sure that he’s 100-percent ready when he plays again,” Uichico added.
Caguioa, after missing Ginebra’s last 13 games due to tendonitis, scored eight points in nine minutes in his return to the Kings’ lineup.
The victory allowed Ginebra to catch up with the Tropang Texters in third spot with a 10-6 win-loss mark, boosting its chances for a top-five finish.
With two games left, the Kings actually have a mathematical chance to force a playoff for the No. 2 spot for the automatic semifinals slot but fate is not on their hands anymore.
“Getting into the quarterfinals was our original target, especially with the injuries we have at the start of the tournament,” said Uichico, whose wards play Alaska on Saturday in Batangas City and Burger King on January 17.
“I don’t know if we can still get an outright semis berth but we’ll be happy if we land in the quarterfinal round,” he added.
Helterbrand has not played in the last seven games of the team although there were times he was in uniform but was not fielded in by the coaching staff.
Caguioa gives Uichico a boost in offense, but the 2001 Rookie of the Year was still a step slower in his comeback game against the Tropang Texters, the reason he was used sparingly.
“If ever Mark will play again in our next game, ganoon lang ang minutes na puwedeng ibigay ko sa kanya dahil hindi pa namin siya puwede biglain,” said Uichico.
“We’ll see kung ano ang magiging reaction ng knees niya after this game. Hopefully, kung makapasok kami sa semis, makumpleto na kami,” he added.
Another key Ginebra player on the sideline is Junthy Valenzuela, who is yet to see action in the All-Filipino tournament. Valenzuela underwent knee surgery but has yet to take part in a full practice session with the team.
Jayjay Helterbrand may be all set to plunge into action, but Barangay Ginebra is not taking any chances.
Kings head coach Jong Uichico said the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) will most likely suit up in the team’s final elimination-round game in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.
“Mahirap biglain ’yung injury ni Jayjay. Unlike kay Mark [Caguioa] na puwede ilaro for a few minutes, kailangan pa ring ipahinga ’yung injury [hamstring] ni Jayjay,” Uichico said minutes after beating Talk ’N Text, 105-82, on Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We might field him in the last game of the elimination. We just want to make sure that he’s 100-percent ready when he plays again,” Uichico added.
Caguioa, after missing Ginebra’s last 13 games due to tendonitis, scored eight points in nine minutes in his return to the Kings’ lineup.
The victory allowed Ginebra to catch up with the Tropang Texters in third spot with a 10-6 win-loss mark, boosting its chances for a top-five finish.
With two games left, the Kings actually have a mathematical chance to force a playoff for the No. 2 spot for the automatic semifinals slot but fate is not on their hands anymore.
“Getting into the quarterfinals was our original target, especially with the injuries we have at the start of the tournament,” said Uichico, whose wards play Alaska on Saturday in Batangas City and Burger King on January 17.
“I don’t know if we can still get an outright semis berth but we’ll be happy if we land in the quarterfinal round,” he added.
Helterbrand has not played in the last seven games of the team although there were times he was in uniform but was not fielded in by the coaching staff.
Caguioa gives Uichico a boost in offense, but the 2001 Rookie of the Year was still a step slower in his comeback game against the Tropang Texters, the reason he was used sparingly.
“If ever Mark will play again in our next game, ganoon lang ang minutes na puwedeng ibigay ko sa kanya dahil hindi pa namin siya puwede biglain,” said Uichico.
“We’ll see kung ano ang magiging reaction ng knees niya after this game. Hopefully, kung makapasok kami sa semis, makumpleto na kami,” he added.
Another key Ginebra player on the sideline is Junthy Valenzuela, who is yet to see action in the All-Filipino tournament. Valenzuela underwent knee surgery but has yet to take part in a full practice session with the team.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Gin Kings trip Texters; Purefoods beats Gilas
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Barangay Ginebra jeopardized Talk ‘N Text’s bid for a possible automatic semifinal slot after pulling off a 105-82 rout in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Kings outscored the Tropang Texters in the fourth quarter by 19 points, 31-12, to turn a tight contest into a lopsided one, thus tying the latter at the No. 3 spot with a 10-6 win-loss mark.
JC Intal had another solid game for Ginebra with 19 points, including a 360-degree one-hand slam to highlight the team’s onslaught in the payoff period.
Ronald Tubid added 18 markers while Enrico Villanueva and Eric Menk finished with 12 and 10 markers respectively for the Kings, who welcomed Mark Caguioa after sitting out the last 13 games due to ailing knees.
“Nice to get this win and hopefully we can get two more para maka-sure na sa quarters,” said Ginebra mentor Jong Uichico.
The Kings were leading by just 4 after the third period, 74-70, when Intal engineered a 22-4 burst to erect a 96-74 advantage with 5:12 left.
Since then, Talk ‘N Text was never able to recover as it stumbled on a series of turnovers and suffered its worst loss in almost a year.
Jimmy Alapag paced Tropang Texters with 17 points. Jason Castro chipped in 15 while Harvey Carey and Ranidel de Ocampo had 12 and 11 points respectively.
The Kings held down Mark Cardona to just 7 points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field. Cardona was averaging 21.8 points per game prior the match. He collected two quick fouls in the first period, the reason why coach Chot Reyes benched him almost the whole first half.
Realtors bury Painters
Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia Realty banked on the explosive game of Kelly Williams and escaped with a crucial 95-91 win over Rain or Shine to keep its quarterfinal slot hope flickering.
Williams fired a game-high 25 points and grabbed a career-high tying 19 rebounds to lift their Realtors to their 8th win against 6 losses.
“Thumbs up to Kelly. He really played well tonight especially in the last two minutes of the game,” said Sta. Lucia head coach Boyet Fernandez who also drew 12 points from Joseph Yeo off the bench.
“He’s really working hard in practice and we’re happy he’s back now,” Fernandez added.
Jason Misolas added 10 while Josh Urbiztondo and Nelbert Omolon had 9 points apiece for Sta. Lucia.
The Elasto Painters were in the lead after Jeff Chan buried a three-pointer, 89-87, with 2:18 remaining before Williams hit the next 6points of the game, including a difficult fall-away jumper to give the Realtors a 93-89 lead with 56.3 ticks left.
Rain or Shine got the chance to move closer when it threatened at 91-95, but it failed to convert its free throws. It thus fell deeper in the team standings with its 4-11 slate.
Gabe Norwood led the Elasto Painters with 18 points while Chan added 17. Sol Mercado had a fine all-around performance with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.
Giants down Gilas
Roger Yap led Purefoods Tender Juicy’s balanced attack with 16 points in dismantling Smart Gilas, 99-81, in their tune-up match in the curtain-raiser.
James Yap added 14 markers while Nino Canaleta and Romel Adducul each had 11 points for Purefoods, which led from start to finish.
Kerby Raymundo started the team’s strong start with 6 quick points to take a 32-18 lead after the first period. The lead ballooned to 54-38 going to second half.
Roger Yap then unloaded 8 of his 16 points in the third canto as the Giants erected a 74-57 cushion and were never threatened since then.
Team captain Chris Tiu led Smart Gilas with 18 points while Japeth Aguilar added 12. Mark Barroca chipped in 11 points while Dylan Ababou and Mac Baracael each had 10 points for the national team of coach Rajko Toroman.
The scores:
Ginebra 105 - Intal 19, Tubid 18, Villanueva 12, Menk 10, Cruz 8, Caguioa 8, Baguio 7, Wilson 6, Mamaril 6, Salvacion 6, White 5, Abarrientos 0.
Talk n Text 82 - Alapag 17, Castro 15, Carey 12, De Ocampo R. 11, Cardona 7, Belasco 5, Dillinger 4, Peek 4, Ritualo 0, Isip 3, Escobal 0, De Ocampo Y. 0.
Quarterscores: 28-20, 43-47, 74-70, 105-82
Barangay Ginebra jeopardized Talk ‘N Text’s bid for a possible automatic semifinal slot after pulling off a 105-82 rout in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Kings outscored the Tropang Texters in the fourth quarter by 19 points, 31-12, to turn a tight contest into a lopsided one, thus tying the latter at the No. 3 spot with a 10-6 win-loss mark.
JC Intal had another solid game for Ginebra with 19 points, including a 360-degree one-hand slam to highlight the team’s onslaught in the payoff period.
Ronald Tubid added 18 markers while Enrico Villanueva and Eric Menk finished with 12 and 10 markers respectively for the Kings, who welcomed Mark Caguioa after sitting out the last 13 games due to ailing knees.
“Nice to get this win and hopefully we can get two more para maka-sure na sa quarters,” said Ginebra mentor Jong Uichico.
The Kings were leading by just 4 after the third period, 74-70, when Intal engineered a 22-4 burst to erect a 96-74 advantage with 5:12 left.
Since then, Talk ‘N Text was never able to recover as it stumbled on a series of turnovers and suffered its worst loss in almost a year.
Jimmy Alapag paced Tropang Texters with 17 points. Jason Castro chipped in 15 while Harvey Carey and Ranidel de Ocampo had 12 and 11 points respectively.
The Kings held down Mark Cardona to just 7 points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field. Cardona was averaging 21.8 points per game prior the match. He collected two quick fouls in the first period, the reason why coach Chot Reyes benched him almost the whole first half.
Realtors bury Painters
Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia Realty banked on the explosive game of Kelly Williams and escaped with a crucial 95-91 win over Rain or Shine to keep its quarterfinal slot hope flickering.
Williams fired a game-high 25 points and grabbed a career-high tying 19 rebounds to lift their Realtors to their 8th win against 6 losses.
“Thumbs up to Kelly. He really played well tonight especially in the last two minutes of the game,” said Sta. Lucia head coach Boyet Fernandez who also drew 12 points from Joseph Yeo off the bench.
“He’s really working hard in practice and we’re happy he’s back now,” Fernandez added.
Jason Misolas added 10 while Josh Urbiztondo and Nelbert Omolon had 9 points apiece for Sta. Lucia.
The Elasto Painters were in the lead after Jeff Chan buried a three-pointer, 89-87, with 2:18 remaining before Williams hit the next 6points of the game, including a difficult fall-away jumper to give the Realtors a 93-89 lead with 56.3 ticks left.
Rain or Shine got the chance to move closer when it threatened at 91-95, but it failed to convert its free throws. It thus fell deeper in the team standings with its 4-11 slate.
Gabe Norwood led the Elasto Painters with 18 points while Chan added 17. Sol Mercado had a fine all-around performance with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.
Giants down Gilas
Roger Yap led Purefoods Tender Juicy’s balanced attack with 16 points in dismantling Smart Gilas, 99-81, in their tune-up match in the curtain-raiser.
James Yap added 14 markers while Nino Canaleta and Romel Adducul each had 11 points for Purefoods, which led from start to finish.
Kerby Raymundo started the team’s strong start with 6 quick points to take a 32-18 lead after the first period. The lead ballooned to 54-38 going to second half.
Roger Yap then unloaded 8 of his 16 points in the third canto as the Giants erected a 74-57 cushion and were never threatened since then.
Team captain Chris Tiu led Smart Gilas with 18 points while Japeth Aguilar added 12. Mark Barroca chipped in 11 points while Dylan Ababou and Mac Baracael each had 10 points for the national team of coach Rajko Toroman.
The scores:
Ginebra 105 - Intal 19, Tubid 18, Villanueva 12, Menk 10, Cruz 8, Caguioa 8, Baguio 7, Wilson 6, Mamaril 6, Salvacion 6, White 5, Abarrientos 0.
Talk n Text 82 - Alapag 17, Castro 15, Carey 12, De Ocampo R. 11, Cardona 7, Belasco 5, Dillinger 4, Peek 4, Ritualo 0, Isip 3, Escobal 0, De Ocampo Y. 0.
Quarterscores: 28-20, 43-47, 74-70, 105-82
Williams carries Realtors to win over Rain or Shine
source: gmanews.tv
Kelly Williams carried the Sta. Lucia Realtors on his broad shoulders at crunch time, draining six of the team’s final eight points in a big 95-91 win over Rain or Shine Wednesday night at the resumption of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-6 Fil-Am showed the way for Sta. Lucia with 25 points, none of them more important than the pair of free throws and successive fade-away jumpers he made that clinched the Realtors’ ninth win in 15 games and a possible outright quarterfinals berth.
“It only says that he’s the leader of this team," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez of his prized player, the 2007 league Most Valuable Player (MVP).
“I give him the thumbs up. He really stepped up down the stretch. Those were really crucial shots."
Williams scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, went 9-for-19 from the field and 7-for-9 from the foul line while grabbing a career best-tying 19 rebounds.
He came through with his heroics the moment the Realtors found themselves trailing after Jeff Chan knocked in a shot-clock beating three-pointer that gave Rain or Shine the lead for the last time at 89-87.
Williams tied the count with two free throws, then connected on a looping fall-away with 1:21 left to give the Realtors the lead back at 91-89.
After Sol Mercado’s pass to Jay-R Reyes resulted in a turnover, Williams once more came through with a big basket, launching an attempt that looked short, only for the ball to bounce once as it hit the rim, then trickled in as theRealtors went up, 93-89, with 56 seconds to go.
Gabe Norwood then had a miss, and Ryan Reyes was deliberately fouled. Reyes hit both free throws, practically sealing the outcome with a 95-89 advantage, time down to 30.9 seconds.
Norwood paced the Elasto Painters with 18 points, but not enough to prevent the team from suffering its 11th defeat with only four wins to show, still in danger of missing the playoffs.
Sta. Lucia now has four games left before it concludes its 18-game elimination round campaign, needing, according to Fernandez, a sweep for a safe passage to the quarterfinals.
“Ang sabi ko sa mga bata we need to sweep our last five games including this one," said Fernandez. “So Rain or Shine is out of the way. But we’ll take it one game at a time. We don’t want to be relegated to the wild card, masyadong delikado."
The scores
Sta. Lucia Realty 95 – Williams 25, Yeo 12, Misolas 10, Urbiztondo 9, Omolon 9, Reyes 8, Aquino 8, Espinas 5, Mendoza 5, Pacana 4, Daa 0.
Rain or Shine 91 – Norwood 18, Chan 17, Mercado 14, Laure 13, Cruz 10, Tang 7, Arana 4, Reyes 3, Hrabak 3, Ibanes 2, Telan 0.
Quarterscores: 28-20; 47-51; 71-69; 95-91
Kelly Williams carried the Sta. Lucia Realtors on his broad shoulders at crunch time, draining six of the team’s final eight points in a big 95-91 win over Rain or Shine Wednesday night at the resumption of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-6 Fil-Am showed the way for Sta. Lucia with 25 points, none of them more important than the pair of free throws and successive fade-away jumpers he made that clinched the Realtors’ ninth win in 15 games and a possible outright quarterfinals berth.
“It only says that he’s the leader of this team," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez of his prized player, the 2007 league Most Valuable Player (MVP).
“I give him the thumbs up. He really stepped up down the stretch. Those were really crucial shots."
Williams scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, went 9-for-19 from the field and 7-for-9 from the foul line while grabbing a career best-tying 19 rebounds.
He came through with his heroics the moment the Realtors found themselves trailing after Jeff Chan knocked in a shot-clock beating three-pointer that gave Rain or Shine the lead for the last time at 89-87.
Williams tied the count with two free throws, then connected on a looping fall-away with 1:21 left to give the Realtors the lead back at 91-89.
After Sol Mercado’s pass to Jay-R Reyes resulted in a turnover, Williams once more came through with a big basket, launching an attempt that looked short, only for the ball to bounce once as it hit the rim, then trickled in as theRealtors went up, 93-89, with 56 seconds to go.
Gabe Norwood then had a miss, and Ryan Reyes was deliberately fouled. Reyes hit both free throws, practically sealing the outcome with a 95-89 advantage, time down to 30.9 seconds.
Norwood paced the Elasto Painters with 18 points, but not enough to prevent the team from suffering its 11th defeat with only four wins to show, still in danger of missing the playoffs.
Sta. Lucia now has four games left before it concludes its 18-game elimination round campaign, needing, according to Fernandez, a sweep for a safe passage to the quarterfinals.
“Ang sabi ko sa mga bata we need to sweep our last five games including this one," said Fernandez. “So Rain or Shine is out of the way. But we’ll take it one game at a time. We don’t want to be relegated to the wild card, masyadong delikado."
The scores
Sta. Lucia Realty 95 – Williams 25, Yeo 12, Misolas 10, Urbiztondo 9, Omolon 9, Reyes 8, Aquino 8, Espinas 5, Mendoza 5, Pacana 4, Daa 0.
Rain or Shine 91 – Norwood 18, Chan 17, Mercado 14, Laure 13, Cruz 10, Tang 7, Arana 4, Reyes 3, Hrabak 3, Ibanes 2, Telan 0.
Quarterscores: 28-20; 47-51; 71-69; 95-91
Purefoods Giants spoil Gilas’ farewell match
source: Joel Orellana | businessmirror.com.ph
Smart Gilas wanted to end its campaign on a bright note, but Purefoods was a tough nut to crack.
The Philippine developmental pool dropped its final tune-up game in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, bowing to the Giants, 81-99, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Roger Yap led the Giants with 16 points, while James Yap added 14 for the Giants.
The young squad, coached by Serbian Rajko Toroman, ended its guest stint in the All-Filipino tournament with three wins and seven losses.
The three wins were scored at the expense of Coca-Cola (98-93), Rain or Shine (96-89) and San Miguel Beer (109-96).
“It was a good experience for the team and this will help us in the long run,” said Toroman, whose team departs on Thursday for a Middle East tour to be capped by its participation in the prestigious 21st Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament slated from January 14 to 23.
Toroman’s team will play the best clubs in the Gulf and will face its former player CJ Giles, who is in the lineup of a Lebanese commercial team. Giles was scrapped in theSmart Gilas roster because of attitude problem.
Before the Dubai joust, Smart Gilas will also play friendlies with the national teams of Qatar and Kuwait on January 8 and 12, respectively.
Nino Canaleta and Romel Adducul each had 11 markers for Purefoods, which took advantage of the absence of American reinforcement Jamal Sampson, who sat out the game because of a back injury.
Behind Kerby Raymundo’s six points in the first period, the Giants jumped the gun on the national team and took a 32-18 advantage after the first 12 minutes.
Adducul unloaded nine of his total output in the second canto, as Purefoods extended its advantage to 54-38.
Roger Yap then took charge in the third as he poured half of his output in that stage to erect a 74-57 cushion. The Giants never threatened since then.
Skipper Chris Tiu led Smart Gilas with 18 points, while Japeth Aguilar added 12. Mark Barroca chipped in 11 points, while Dylan Ababou and Mac Baracael each had 10 points for the national team.
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
1st game — Purefoods def. Smart-Gilas, 99-81
2nd game — Sta. Lucia def. Rain or Shine, 95-91
3rd game — Ginebra def. Talk N' Text, 105-82
Smart Gilas wanted to end its campaign on a bright note, but Purefoods was a tough nut to crack.
The Philippine developmental pool dropped its final tune-up game in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, bowing to the Giants, 81-99, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Roger Yap led the Giants with 16 points, while James Yap added 14 for the Giants.
The young squad, coached by Serbian Rajko Toroman, ended its guest stint in the All-Filipino tournament with three wins and seven losses.
The three wins were scored at the expense of Coca-Cola (98-93), Rain or Shine (96-89) and San Miguel Beer (109-96).
“It was a good experience for the team and this will help us in the long run,” said Toroman, whose team departs on Thursday for a Middle East tour to be capped by its participation in the prestigious 21st Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament slated from January 14 to 23.
Toroman’s team will play the best clubs in the Gulf and will face its former player CJ Giles, who is in the lineup of a Lebanese commercial team. Giles was scrapped in theSmart Gilas roster because of attitude problem.
Before the Dubai joust, Smart Gilas will also play friendlies with the national teams of Qatar and Kuwait on January 8 and 12, respectively.
Nino Canaleta and Romel Adducul each had 11 markers for Purefoods, which took advantage of the absence of American reinforcement Jamal Sampson, who sat out the game because of a back injury.
Behind Kerby Raymundo’s six points in the first period, the Giants jumped the gun on the national team and took a 32-18 advantage after the first 12 minutes.
Adducul unloaded nine of his total output in the second canto, as Purefoods extended its advantage to 54-38.
Roger Yap then took charge in the third as he poured half of his output in that stage to erect a 74-57 cushion. The Giants never threatened since then.
Skipper Chris Tiu led Smart Gilas with 18 points, while Japeth Aguilar added 12. Mark Barroca chipped in 11 points, while Dylan Ababou and Mac Baracael each had 10 points for the national team.
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
1st game — Purefoods def. Smart-Gilas, 99-81
2nd game — Sta. Lucia def. Rain or Shine, 95-91
3rd game — Ginebra def. Talk N' Text, 105-82
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Ginebra puts ‘Spark’ back in active duty
source: Musong R. Castillo | sports.inquirer.net
There will be a fearsome figure joining Barangay Ginebra Wednesday night—at least during the round robin.
Gunslinger Mark Caguioa has been reactivated by the Gin Kings in time for their crucial clash with Talk ‘N Text, but coach Jong Uichico said he does not see his superstar swingman actually playing even as the jockeying for outright spots in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup playoffs intensifies at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We would want to find opportunities for him to get some minutes,” Uichico told the Inquirer over the phone after the Kings informed league offices that it has placed Doug Kramer on the injured list to activate Caguioa.
“If those opportunities arise, then he will play,” Uichico added. “If they don’t, no problem.”
Caguioa’s mere presence, though, could fire up the Gin Kings and the Barangay Ginebral faithful.
The “Spark” saw action in the first two games of the Kings before hurting his left knee. He was out of commission for close to three months but started practicing before the holidays.
Ginebra is at 9-6 (win-loss) and trails the Texters by half a game for third spot. The Kings have three games left in their schedule and need to win at least two to assure themselves of advancing to the quarterfinals outright.
For the Texters, a win Wednesday night will enable them to keep their slim outright semifinal hopes alive as they trail second-running San Miguel by a full two games with also three assignments left in their schedule.
Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia starts its uphill climb to the quarterfinals when the Realtors battle Rain or Shine in the 5 p.m. contest.
The Realtors are at 7-6, and a sweep could even make them a contender for an automatic place in the Final Four if everything goes awry for the league-leading Alaska Aces and San Miguel.
Ronald Tubid will continue to be the focal point of the Ginebra offense as the team continues to await the full recovery of Caguioa and the return of reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela—two more Kings on the injured list.
Mac Cardona, the league’s leading scorer, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo will be the main men for the Texters.
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
There will be a fearsome figure joining Barangay Ginebra Wednesday night—at least during the round robin.
Gunslinger Mark Caguioa has been reactivated by the Gin Kings in time for their crucial clash with Talk ‘N Text, but coach Jong Uichico said he does not see his superstar swingman actually playing even as the jockeying for outright spots in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup playoffs intensifies at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We would want to find opportunities for him to get some minutes,” Uichico told the Inquirer over the phone after the Kings informed league offices that it has placed Doug Kramer on the injured list to activate Caguioa.
“If those opportunities arise, then he will play,” Uichico added. “If they don’t, no problem.”
Caguioa’s mere presence, though, could fire up the Gin Kings and the Barangay Ginebral faithful.
The “Spark” saw action in the first two games of the Kings before hurting his left knee. He was out of commission for close to three months but started practicing before the holidays.
Ginebra is at 9-6 (win-loss) and trails the Texters by half a game for third spot. The Kings have three games left in their schedule and need to win at least two to assure themselves of advancing to the quarterfinals outright.
For the Texters, a win Wednesday night will enable them to keep their slim outright semifinal hopes alive as they trail second-running San Miguel by a full two games with also three assignments left in their schedule.
Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia starts its uphill climb to the quarterfinals when the Realtors battle Rain or Shine in the 5 p.m. contest.
The Realtors are at 7-6, and a sweep could even make them a contender for an automatic place in the Final Four if everything goes awry for the league-leading Alaska Aces and San Miguel.
Ronald Tubid will continue to be the focal point of the Ginebra offense as the team continues to await the full recovery of Caguioa and the return of reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela—two more Kings on the injured list.
Mac Cardona, the league’s leading scorer, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo will be the main men for the Texters.
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
Caguioa, Helterbrand won’t join team until they’re 100% healthy-Uichico
source: sports.inquirer.net
Mark Caguioa and Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Barangay Ginebra’s Fast and the Furious combination, are already doing some scrimmages and drills in team practices even during the just concluded holidays.
But after a talk with coach Jong Uichico, don’t expect either of them to be suiting up soon.
“For me, it’s 100% (healthy) or nothing,” Uichico told the Inquirer over the phone yesterday when asked of the progress of his two injured superstars, undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Gin Kings who have played less than seven games combined in the KFC Philippine Cup.
“We will not have them play unless we are very sure that everything is OK as far as their knees are concerned,” Uichico added. “Look at what happened to Mark. We let him play (at the start of the season) and then after two games, he’s in the injured list again.”
Uichico said that the two, and even Junthy Valenzuela, another injured swingman, have started joining practices and are all being asked to play in scrimmages and participating in drills.
“But in limited stints only,” Uichico bared. “We don’t want to over-extend them in practice.”
The soft-spoken coach could not come up with an answer when pressed to give a timeframe on the duo’s return, though he said that he hopes that it would be in this conference, or in time for the playoffs at least.
Right now, the Kings are at 9-6, tied for fourth spot with sister squad Purefoods.
And Uichico’s primary aim at this point is to keep the team within automatic playoff range, even if his Ginebra side has been walking wounded for most of the elimination round of the season-opening tournament.
Ginebra battles defending champion Talk ‘N Text in a crucial game when action resumes tomorrow after a 12-day break even as Sta. Lucia tries to creep back into outright quarterfinal slot contention in the other game against Rain or Shine at the Araneta Coliseum.
“Right now, our main focus is to win at least two of our last three (elimination round) games just to assure ourselves of a quarterfinal seat,” Uichico said. “We’ve been very blessed at the way the team has performed, considering the personalities that are absent.” /Inquirer (Cebu Daily News)
UPDATE: Ginebra puts ‘Spark’ back in active duty (click here)
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
Mark Caguioa and Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Barangay Ginebra’s Fast and the Furious combination, are already doing some scrimmages and drills in team practices even during the just concluded holidays.
But after a talk with coach Jong Uichico, don’t expect either of them to be suiting up soon.
“For me, it’s 100% (healthy) or nothing,” Uichico told the Inquirer over the phone yesterday when asked of the progress of his two injured superstars, undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Gin Kings who have played less than seven games combined in the KFC Philippine Cup.
“We will not have them play unless we are very sure that everything is OK as far as their knees are concerned,” Uichico added. “Look at what happened to Mark. We let him play (at the start of the season) and then after two games, he’s in the injured list again.”
Uichico said that the two, and even Junthy Valenzuela, another injured swingman, have started joining practices and are all being asked to play in scrimmages and participating in drills.
“But in limited stints only,” Uichico bared. “We don’t want to over-extend them in practice.”
The soft-spoken coach could not come up with an answer when pressed to give a timeframe on the duo’s return, though he said that he hopes that it would be in this conference, or in time for the playoffs at least.
Right now, the Kings are at 9-6, tied for fourth spot with sister squad Purefoods.
And Uichico’s primary aim at this point is to keep the team within automatic playoff range, even if his Ginebra side has been walking wounded for most of the elimination round of the season-opening tournament.
Ginebra battles defending champion Talk ‘N Text in a crucial game when action resumes tomorrow after a 12-day break even as Sta. Lucia tries to creep back into outright quarterfinal slot contention in the other game against Rain or Shine at the Araneta Coliseum.
“Right now, our main focus is to win at least two of our last three (elimination round) games just to assure ourselves of a quarterfinal seat,” Uichico said. “We’ve been very blessed at the way the team has performed, considering the personalities that are absent.” /Inquirer (Cebu Daily News)
UPDATE: Ginebra puts ‘Spark’ back in active duty (click here)
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
Ginebra, Talk ’N Text collide
Defending champion Talk ’N Text collides with crowd-favorite Ginebra San Miguel Wednesday as the two ball clubs press their bids for one of two outright semifinals berths in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters and the Kings clash at 7:30 p.m., right after the 5 p.m. encounter between Sta. Lucia Realty and Rain or Shine.
Purefoods, on the other hand, takes on the Smart-Gilas national team in an exhibition game at 2:30 p.m. This will be the last stint by the Nationals as a guest team in the PBA in preparation for various tournaments like the Asian Games this December in Guangzhou, China and the FIBA-Asia Championship next year, the qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.
Both Ginebra and TNT are coming off big wins to end year 2009.
The Texters downed the Realtors, 117-112, last Dec. 23 to improve their record to 10-5 behind the Alaska Aces (11-2) and San Miguel Beer (12-3) while the Kings beat the Coca-Cola Tigers, 106-97, on Christmas Day.
Ginebra’s win forced a two-way tie for fourth place with Purefoods at 9-6, followed by Sta. Lucia with a 7-6 card.
The Realtors have still a legitimate shot for one of two automatic berths, but to do so, they have to win their remaining five games, including against the Elasto Painters, who have been emboldened by their 88-72 win over Barako Bull last Dec. 23.
The third to fifth finishers after the classification phase will move to the quarterfinals automatically with the sixth to ninth placers playing in a crossover knockout wildcard phase. The last finisher after the classification round will be eliminated from the playoffs.
In their first round meeting, TNT scored a convincing 87-72 victory as Ginebra played without injured superstars Jayjay Helterbrand – the reigning Most Valuable Player – and Mark Caguioa.
Helterbrand and Caguioa, both nursing knee injuries, won’t play anew for the most popular squad in the league.
But even without the dynamic duo, TNT mentor Chot Reyes considers Ginebra a tough assignment with the likes of Ronald Tubid, Cyrus Baguio, JC Intal and even the comebacking Johnny Abarrientos expected to step up.
“After two weeks off, we couldn’t ask for a bigger game to stat the New Year,” Reyes said. “We can’t wait to play again, and I’m sure, they’re just as eager.”
Reyes said that though veteran playmaker Jimmy Alapag and sophomore wingman Jared Dillinger were hampered by injuries last month, the two will be ready to play against the Kings although not in full strength.
As for the Sta. Lucia-Rain or Shine game, the Realtors will try to rebound from that setback to the Texters as they eye a repeat against the Elasto Painters, whom they downed in overtime in the first round 95-90.
“We had three good practices, so now we have to translate it to the game. We need to start the year with a win to get our confidence back. We have to compete against SLR in order for us to win,” said coach Caloy Garcia.
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
The Tropang Texters and the Kings clash at 7:30 p.m., right after the 5 p.m. encounter between Sta. Lucia Realty and Rain or Shine.
Purefoods, on the other hand, takes on the Smart-Gilas national team in an exhibition game at 2:30 p.m. This will be the last stint by the Nationals as a guest team in the PBA in preparation for various tournaments like the Asian Games this December in Guangzhou, China and the FIBA-Asia Championship next year, the qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.
Both Ginebra and TNT are coming off big wins to end year 2009.
The Texters downed the Realtors, 117-112, last Dec. 23 to improve their record to 10-5 behind the Alaska Aces (11-2) and San Miguel Beer (12-3) while the Kings beat the Coca-Cola Tigers, 106-97, on Christmas Day.
Ginebra’s win forced a two-way tie for fourth place with Purefoods at 9-6, followed by Sta. Lucia with a 7-6 card.
The Realtors have still a legitimate shot for one of two automatic berths, but to do so, they have to win their remaining five games, including against the Elasto Painters, who have been emboldened by their 88-72 win over Barako Bull last Dec. 23.
The third to fifth finishers after the classification phase will move to the quarterfinals automatically with the sixth to ninth placers playing in a crossover knockout wildcard phase. The last finisher after the classification round will be eliminated from the playoffs.
In their first round meeting, TNT scored a convincing 87-72 victory as Ginebra played without injured superstars Jayjay Helterbrand – the reigning Most Valuable Player – and Mark Caguioa.
Helterbrand and Caguioa, both nursing knee injuries, won’t play anew for the most popular squad in the league.
But even without the dynamic duo, TNT mentor Chot Reyes considers Ginebra a tough assignment with the likes of Ronald Tubid, Cyrus Baguio, JC Intal and even the comebacking Johnny Abarrientos expected to step up.
“After two weeks off, we couldn’t ask for a bigger game to stat the New Year,” Reyes said. “We can’t wait to play again, and I’m sure, they’re just as eager.”
Reyes said that though veteran playmaker Jimmy Alapag and sophomore wingman Jared Dillinger were hampered by injuries last month, the two will be ready to play against the Kings although not in full strength.
As for the Sta. Lucia-Rain or Shine game, the Realtors will try to rebound from that setback to the Texters as they eye a repeat against the Elasto Painters, whom they downed in overtime in the first round 95-90.
“We had three good practices, so now we have to translate it to the game. We need to start the year with a win to get our confidence back. We have to compete against SLR in order for us to win,” said coach Caloy Garcia.
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
Monday, January 4, 2010
PBA teams hope long break is beneficial
source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph
Despite the long lay-off, PBA coaches are not worried of the so-called “holiday rust,” believing their boys can dish out their usual performances much more now that the Philippine Cup is now entering its crucial stage.
“I don’t think the break is going to have that much effect because we actually had practice until the 31st (of December). But of course, actual game and practices are different,” coach Siot Tanquincen of San Miguel Beer said Monday.
“Likewise, every team had this break so no team actually has an advantage over the other.” Tanquincen added.
Alaska leads the field with an 11-2 record, followed by San Miguel’s 12-3, defending champion Talk ’N Text’s 10-5, while Purefoods TJ Hotdogs and Barangay Ginebra share fourth to fifth places with similar 9-6 records.
Sta. Lucia Realty sports a 7-6 slate, followed by Burger King (5-10), Rain or Shine (4-10), Coca-Cola (3-12) and Barako Bull (2-12).
The top two teams after the classification phase will earn outright Final Four berths, while the third to fifth teams will advance to the quarterfinals automatically. The sixth to ninth teams will figure in a knockout wildcard round for the last quarterfinal slot.
The 10th and last finisher will be eliminated automatically from the playoffs.
The last time the league held games was on December 25 with Purefoods winning over Burger King (85-74) and Ginebra beating Coca-Cola (106-97).
“The players looked re-energized and rejuvenated. We needed the long break to rest the aching bodies and give time for the injured players to recuperate,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, adding that the players who benefited from the rest are injured stars James Yap (back), Kerby Raymundo (knee) and PJ Simon (MCL).
“I don’t think the long lay-off will be an issue since we all worked hard to remain sharp to maintain our goal of landing in the top four after the eliminations,” he added.
The Giants will resume play tomorrow when they face the Smart-Gilas national team in an exhibition game at 2:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.
Likewise, regular games will also return as Sta. Lucia meets Rain or Shine at 5 p.m., while TNT battles Ginebra at 7:30 p.m. in what should be an exciting match as both teams are still in the fight for the two outright seats in the semis.
“We only had a total of three days break after our 25th game. Of course there will always be that ‘kalawang’ as they say but hopefully we can get rid of it right away,” Ginebra’s Jong Uichico said.
“Break shouldn’t be an issue,” coach Chot Reyes of TNT said.
Latest PBA trade:
Burger King, Coke trade players
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
Despite the long lay-off, PBA coaches are not worried of the so-called “holiday rust,” believing their boys can dish out their usual performances much more now that the Philippine Cup is now entering its crucial stage.
“I don’t think the break is going to have that much effect because we actually had practice until the 31st (of December). But of course, actual game and practices are different,” coach Siot Tanquincen of San Miguel Beer said Monday.
“Likewise, every team had this break so no team actually has an advantage over the other.” Tanquincen added.
Alaska leads the field with an 11-2 record, followed by San Miguel’s 12-3, defending champion Talk ’N Text’s 10-5, while Purefoods TJ Hotdogs and Barangay Ginebra share fourth to fifth places with similar 9-6 records.
Sta. Lucia Realty sports a 7-6 slate, followed by Burger King (5-10), Rain or Shine (4-10), Coca-Cola (3-12) and Barako Bull (2-12).
The top two teams after the classification phase will earn outright Final Four berths, while the third to fifth teams will advance to the quarterfinals automatically. The sixth to ninth teams will figure in a knockout wildcard round for the last quarterfinal slot.
The 10th and last finisher will be eliminated automatically from the playoffs.
The last time the league held games was on December 25 with Purefoods winning over Burger King (85-74) and Ginebra beating Coca-Cola (106-97).
“The players looked re-energized and rejuvenated. We needed the long break to rest the aching bodies and give time for the injured players to recuperate,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, adding that the players who benefited from the rest are injured stars James Yap (back), Kerby Raymundo (knee) and PJ Simon (MCL).
“I don’t think the long lay-off will be an issue since we all worked hard to remain sharp to maintain our goal of landing in the top four after the eliminations,” he added.
The Giants will resume play tomorrow when they face the Smart-Gilas national team in an exhibition game at 2:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.
Likewise, regular games will also return as Sta. Lucia meets Rain or Shine at 5 p.m., while TNT battles Ginebra at 7:30 p.m. in what should be an exciting match as both teams are still in the fight for the two outright seats in the semis.
“We only had a total of three days break after our 25th game. Of course there will always be that ‘kalawang’ as they say but hopefully we can get rid of it right away,” Ginebra’s Jong Uichico said.
“Break shouldn’t be an issue,” coach Chot Reyes of TNT said.
Latest PBA trade:
Burger King, Coke trade players
Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
Four-player deal: Burger King trades David for Coke's Cabagnot
source: philstar.com
Burger King and Coca-Cola closed a trade deal in the first working day of 2010 with the Whoppers acquiring the services of Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales for Gary David and Chico Lanete.
“On our end, we made this deal to solve our problem on the absence of Wynne Arboleda. With our acquisition of Alex Cabagnot, we’ve got a solid guard to rely on,” Burger King top official Lito Alvarez told The STAR.
“But acquiring a solid player requires you to also give up a solid player. We had to give up Gary David,” Alvarez added.
At Coca-Cola, David will be playing under former Air21 (now BK) coach Bo Perasol.
“Coach Bo asked for Gary. He knows how to use Gary. He blossomed to the kind of player he is today under coach Bo with us,” Alvarez said.
The two ballclubs worked on this trade deal in an effort to improve their bids in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup which resumes tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Whoppers (5-10) and the Tigers (3-12) are down in the lower half of the chart, slugging it out with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-10) and the Barako Bull Energy Boosters (2-12) for the last three slots in the wildcard plays.
In fact, Cabagnot and David are doing well individually.
Cabagnot is No. 18 in the stats side of the Best Players of the Conference derby with averages of 13.5 points, 5.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds.
Burger King is Cabagnot’s third team after being drafted by Sta. Lucia No. 2 overall behind Jay Washington in the 2005 annual draft.
“We need a player like Cabagnot but it’s not easy to give up Gary David,” Alvarez told The STAR moments after announcing the trade deal to the Lina Group people after a Mass at Cargohaus in Pasay.
“Even Mr. (Bert) Lina was surprised. He talked to me and reminded me how close to each other the daughters of Wynne (Arboleda) and Gary (David),” said Alvarez. “I’m sure, though, that everything will be fine. This is just basketball and friends will always be friends.”
David, a product of Lyceum University, is originally a Coca-Cola Tiger.
No. 10 draft pick by Coca-Cola in 2004, David played one season with the Tigers then was shifted to Air21.
Meanwhile, the PBA said due to the busy international basketball calendar this year, top-caliber Asian imports whom the PBA teams hope to tap in a bid to draw the crowds may not be available to play in the coming Fiesta Conference.
“Most of the big name stars we hope to sign are either tied up with their mother ballclubs or will be deep in training for the big international tournaments scheduled late this year,” according to the PBA.
The league said teams can now openly recruit their respective imports for the 2010 Fiesta Conference with a 6-foot-6 height limit.
Imports who had been measured from the 2005-06 season, however, need not be re-measured with the reinforcement’s last record of measurement to be used as the import’s official height.
**NOTE: A bigger trade coming soon....
Burger King and Coca-Cola closed a trade deal in the first working day of 2010 with the Whoppers acquiring the services of Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales for Gary David and Chico Lanete.
“On our end, we made this deal to solve our problem on the absence of Wynne Arboleda. With our acquisition of Alex Cabagnot, we’ve got a solid guard to rely on,” Burger King top official Lito Alvarez told The STAR.
“But acquiring a solid player requires you to also give up a solid player. We had to give up Gary David,” Alvarez added.
At Coca-Cola, David will be playing under former Air21 (now BK) coach Bo Perasol.
“Coach Bo asked for Gary. He knows how to use Gary. He blossomed to the kind of player he is today under coach Bo with us,” Alvarez said.
The two ballclubs worked on this trade deal in an effort to improve their bids in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup which resumes tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Whoppers (5-10) and the Tigers (3-12) are down in the lower half of the chart, slugging it out with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-10) and the Barako Bull Energy Boosters (2-12) for the last three slots in the wildcard plays.
In fact, Cabagnot and David are doing well individually.
Cabagnot is No. 18 in the stats side of the Best Players of the Conference derby with averages of 13.5 points, 5.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds.
Burger King is Cabagnot’s third team after being drafted by Sta. Lucia No. 2 overall behind Jay Washington in the 2005 annual draft.
“We need a player like Cabagnot but it’s not easy to give up Gary David,” Alvarez told The STAR moments after announcing the trade deal to the Lina Group people after a Mass at Cargohaus in Pasay.
“Even Mr. (Bert) Lina was surprised. He talked to me and reminded me how close to each other the daughters of Wynne (Arboleda) and Gary (David),” said Alvarez. “I’m sure, though, that everything will be fine. This is just basketball and friends will always be friends.”
David, a product of Lyceum University, is originally a Coca-Cola Tiger.
No. 10 draft pick by Coca-Cola in 2004, David played one season with the Tigers then was shifted to Air21.
Meanwhile, the PBA said due to the busy international basketball calendar this year, top-caliber Asian imports whom the PBA teams hope to tap in a bid to draw the crowds may not be available to play in the coming Fiesta Conference.
“Most of the big name stars we hope to sign are either tied up with their mother ballclubs or will be deep in training for the big international tournaments scheduled late this year,” according to the PBA.
The league said teams can now openly recruit their respective imports for the 2010 Fiesta Conference with a 6-foot-6 height limit.
Imports who had been measured from the 2005-06 season, however, need not be re-measured with the reinforcement’s last record of measurement to be used as the import’s official height.
**NOTE: A bigger trade coming soon....
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Ginebra’s 2 aces still in sick bay
source: inquirer.net
By Musong R. Castillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:42:00 01/04/2010
MARK Caguioa and Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Barangay Ginebra’s the Fast and the Furious combination, are already doing some scrimmages and drills in team practices even during the just concluded holidays.
But don’t expect either of them to be suiting up soon.
“For me, it’s 100 percent (healthy) or nothing,” coach Jong Uichico told the Inquirer over the phone yesterday when asked of the progress of his two injured superstars, undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Gin Kings who have played less than seven games combined in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup.
“We will not have them play unless we are very sure that everything is OK as far as their knees are concerned,” Uichico added. “Look at what happened to Mark. We let him play (at the start of the season) and then after two games, he’s in the injured list again.”
Uichico said that the two, and even Junthy Valenzuela, another injured swingman, have started joining practices and are all being asked to play in scrimmages and participating in drills.
“But in limited stints only,” Uichico noted. “We don’t want to over-extend them in practice.”
The soft-spoken coach could not come up with a time frame on the duo’s return, though he said that he hopes that it would be in time for the playoffs at least.
Right now, the Kings are at 9-6, tied for fourth spot with sister squad Purefoods.
Uichico’s primary aim at this point is to keep the team within automatic playoff range, even if his Ginebra side has been walking wounded for most of the elimination round of the season-opening tournament.
Ginebra battles defending champion Talk ‘N Text in a crucial game when action resumes Wednesday after a 12-day break even as Sta. Lucia tries to creep back into outright quarterfinal slot contention in the other game against Rain or Shine at the Araneta Coliseum.
By Musong R. Castillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:42:00 01/04/2010
MARK Caguioa and Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Barangay Ginebra’s the Fast and the Furious combination, are already doing some scrimmages and drills in team practices even during the just concluded holidays.
But don’t expect either of them to be suiting up soon.
“For me, it’s 100 percent (healthy) or nothing,” coach Jong Uichico told the Inquirer over the phone yesterday when asked of the progress of his two injured superstars, undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Gin Kings who have played less than seven games combined in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup.
“We will not have them play unless we are very sure that everything is OK as far as their knees are concerned,” Uichico added. “Look at what happened to Mark. We let him play (at the start of the season) and then after two games, he’s in the injured list again.”
Uichico said that the two, and even Junthy Valenzuela, another injured swingman, have started joining practices and are all being asked to play in scrimmages and participating in drills.
“But in limited stints only,” Uichico noted. “We don’t want to over-extend them in practice.”
The soft-spoken coach could not come up with a time frame on the duo’s return, though he said that he hopes that it would be in time for the playoffs at least.
Right now, the Kings are at 9-6, tied for fourth spot with sister squad Purefoods.
Uichico’s primary aim at this point is to keep the team within automatic playoff range, even if his Ginebra side has been walking wounded for most of the elimination round of the season-opening tournament.
Ginebra battles defending champion Talk ‘N Text in a crucial game when action resumes Wednesday after a 12-day break even as Sta. Lucia tries to creep back into outright quarterfinal slot contention in the other game against Rain or Shine at the Araneta Coliseum.
INTAL POWERS GINEBRA PAST COCA-COLA IN XMAS NIGHTCAP
Source PBA.PH
Fri, 12/25/2009 - 20:38
JC Intal, Ronald Tubid and Cyrus Baguio figured in an aerial showdown among themselves, giving the Barangay Ginebra fans a special Christmas treat.
More importantly, Intal, Tubid and Baguio were men of the hour, carrying the Ginebra Kings to a 106-97 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup Christmas Day setto at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Intal made a career-high 20 points, Tubid put in 18 and Baguio added 14 as they totally outperformed their Coke counterparts, giving Ginebra a triumphant closing game in 2009.
The tourney takes a 12-day break with Ginebra tied with Purefoods Tender Juicy at fourth place with identical 9-6 win-loss cards.
San Miguel Beer, with a 12-3 record, and Alaska, at 11-2, lead the race for the two outright semifinal berths with Talk n Text at third with a 10-5 slate.
The all-Filipino confab resumes on Jan. 6 with Ginebra and Talk n Text pitted in the 7:30 p.m. mainer. Sta. Lucia and Rain or Shine clash at 5 p.m.
"This is a big win keeping us right behind the leaders entering the homestretch of the elims," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
"We must keep on improving then hopefully next year we can have our injured players back. We have three tough games left against Talk n Text, Alaska and Burger King," Uichico added.
Coca-Cola, meanwhile, is now only half-game ahead of cellar-dweller Barako Bull (2-12) as the Tigers reeled with a 12th loss against three wins.
The Tigers, the Energy Boosters, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-10) and the Burger King Whoppers are slugging it out to avoid last-place finish in the double-round elims. The 10th placer is out of the playoffs.
Coca-Cola big men Dennis Espino and Asi Taulava produced huge numbers but these were negated by the sterling games of Intal, Tubid and Baguio.
Tubid sparkled in the first half, Baguio sizzled in the third quarter then Intal had his own show in the final period highlighted by two electrifying slams.
"JC had his potential based on his skills. Kulang pa lang sa knowledge and understanding of the game through experience," said Uichico.
"But we're happy nagtra-trabaho talaga sila ng husto habang kulang kami. Hopefully, we can get outright quarters entry and by that time, sana balik na ang mga injured players namin," Uichico added.
Among Ginebra stars sidelined by injuries are Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela. (SB)
The scores:
Ginebra 106 - Intal 20, Tubid 18, Wilson 16, Baguio 14, Cruz 11, Villanueva 11, Mamaril 10, Abarrientos 6, White 0, Salvacion 0, Menk 0.
Coca-Cola 97 - Espino 21, Taulava 17, Cabagnot 16, Rizada 13, Rodriguez 10, Macapagal 8, Ross 6, Gonzales 3, Calimag 2, Cruz 1.
Quarterscores: 28-26, 61-54, 85-76, 106-97
Fri, 12/25/2009 - 20:38
JC Intal, Ronald Tubid and Cyrus Baguio figured in an aerial showdown among themselves, giving the Barangay Ginebra fans a special Christmas treat.
More importantly, Intal, Tubid and Baguio were men of the hour, carrying the Ginebra Kings to a 106-97 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup Christmas Day setto at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Intal made a career-high 20 points, Tubid put in 18 and Baguio added 14 as they totally outperformed their Coke counterparts, giving Ginebra a triumphant closing game in 2009.
The tourney takes a 12-day break with Ginebra tied with Purefoods Tender Juicy at fourth place with identical 9-6 win-loss cards.
San Miguel Beer, with a 12-3 record, and Alaska, at 11-2, lead the race for the two outright semifinal berths with Talk n Text at third with a 10-5 slate.
The all-Filipino confab resumes on Jan. 6 with Ginebra and Talk n Text pitted in the 7:30 p.m. mainer. Sta. Lucia and Rain or Shine clash at 5 p.m.
"This is a big win keeping us right behind the leaders entering the homestretch of the elims," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
"We must keep on improving then hopefully next year we can have our injured players back. We have three tough games left against Talk n Text, Alaska and Burger King," Uichico added.
Coca-Cola, meanwhile, is now only half-game ahead of cellar-dweller Barako Bull (2-12) as the Tigers reeled with a 12th loss against three wins.
The Tigers, the Energy Boosters, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-10) and the Burger King Whoppers are slugging it out to avoid last-place finish in the double-round elims. The 10th placer is out of the playoffs.
Coca-Cola big men Dennis Espino and Asi Taulava produced huge numbers but these were negated by the sterling games of Intal, Tubid and Baguio.
Tubid sparkled in the first half, Baguio sizzled in the third quarter then Intal had his own show in the final period highlighted by two electrifying slams.
"JC had his potential based on his skills. Kulang pa lang sa knowledge and understanding of the game through experience," said Uichico.
"But we're happy nagtra-trabaho talaga sila ng husto habang kulang kami. Hopefully, we can get outright quarters entry and by that time, sana balik na ang mga injured players namin," Uichico added.
Among Ginebra stars sidelined by injuries are Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela. (SB)
The scores:
Ginebra 106 - Intal 20, Tubid 18, Wilson 16, Baguio 14, Cruz 11, Villanueva 11, Mamaril 10, Abarrientos 6, White 0, Salvacion 0, Menk 0.
Coca-Cola 97 - Espino 21, Taulava 17, Cabagnot 16, Rizada 13, Rodriguez 10, Macapagal 8, Ross 6, Gonzales 3, Calimag 2, Cruz 1.
Quarterscores: 28-26, 61-54, 85-76, 106-97
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