Barangay Ginebra Ako Ikaw?

Castro lifts Talk ‘N Text over B-MEG to tie series

2012-04-25T22:29:00.002-07:00

Jayson Castro was so fast, the B-MEG Llamados didn’t know what hit them.
Talk ‘N Text was trailing by five points, 99-94, with less than two minutes left when Castro scored six straight points including the go-ahead three-pointer at the 35.7-second mark to lift the Tropang Texters to a 104-102 victory Wednesday night at the packed SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Talk ‘N Text preserved the win, but not without several tense moments at the free throw line. The Tropang Texters forced two straight defensive stops, but Donnell Harvey and Kelly Williams both missed all their ensuing free throws to keep the Llamados in the game.
But B-MEG import Denzel Bowles threw the ball away off Williams’ miss, instead of calling timeout. Ryan Reyes cradled the ball, making two free throws to give Talk ‘N Text a 102-99 edge. The Tropang Texters sent Bowles to the free throw line on the next possession, and the B-MEG reinforcement split his free throws to cut the deficit to two points.
Jimmy Alapag hit two more free throws in the succeeding play to preserve the win for the Tropang Texters, before Bowles hit a meaningless layup to end the game for the final score.
“In the end, it will all boil down to the last possession, that’s how it’s gonna be,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes.
He credited a more efficient performance for his team for the victory.
“Today we only had seven turnovers and 12 missed free throws. We can survive a game with that number of turnovers and missed shots,” Reyes said.
He said it really was his strategy to foul Bowles at the end of the game with Talk ‘N Text up three points.
“It was my instruction to foul Bowles. My only fault was not telling Ali Peek to foul when Bowles was still in the half court. But then again, it’s a much better gamble instead of giving up a foul when Bowles was already attacking or have given up a hand off to a shooter, who’ll take a three-pointer and give up three free throws,” said Reyes.
Talk ‘N Text tied the series at 1-all, winning despite explosive performances from Bowles, who scored 33 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and James Yap, who scored 20 of his conference-high 25 points in the second half on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Yap also had eight rebounds.
Harvey carried the fight for Talk ‘N Text, scoring 29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Castro added 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists despite nursing various leg injuries.
The scores:
Talk ‘N Text 104 – Harvey 29, Castro 23, Reyes 13, Peek 12, Williams 8, Dillinger 6, De Ocampo 6, Fonacier 4, Alapag 3, Gamalinda 0, Carey 0
B-MEG – Bowles 33, Yap 25, Urbiztondo 15, Simon 10, Pingris 9, Barroca 4, Devance 4, De Ocampo 2, Intal 0, Villanueva 0, Reavis 0
Quarters: 24-16, 49-48, 73-75, 104-102

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/castro-lifts-talk-n-text-over-b-meg-to-tie-series

CONE, REYES WANT EXTRA EFFORT

2012-04-24T23:13:00.001-07:00

B-MEG coach Tim Cone can't stress enough the need for his charges to dig deep within themselves and

find the energy and intensity for an even better game.

So does his Talk N Text counterpart, Chot Reyes.

It is with such similar intents as backdrop that the Llamados and Tropang Texters square off anew

Wednesday in Game 2 of their PBA Commissioner's Cup championship duel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

B-Meg took the best-of-seven series opener 88-82 last Monday after making the defensive stops while

pouncing on TNT's atrocious shooting from both the stripes and the field.

How to follow that act up is Cone's main concern.

"I've said it before, that for us to win back-to-back games takes extra effort," said Cone.

His own players finding the will and touch following a dismal performance gnaws at Reyes.

The Texters made only 29 of 75 field attempts but it was his team's 16-for-36 foul shooting,

including a 3-for-10 clip in the decisive fourth period, that rankled Reyes most.

"in the crucial moments we kept missing," said Reyes. "We had too many turnovers, missed too many

shots, and they outrebounded us. But in the end, if we missed 10 less free throws than we did we

could have won.

"That's basketball. We need to put that ball through the hoop. In this game, we just couldn't."

Cone, however, won't be so easily deceived and knows there are other areas Reyes and his staff would

be working on.

"They'll look at the tapes, see what we've been doing, the pick-and-rolls, and also what we're

trying to take away. They'll see those," said Cone.

"I've always felt the loser in a series has the advantage coming into the next game," he added.

"They will make the adjustments and we have to make quick reactions in the course of the game. It

could be difficult doing that. They have 48 hours to decide what to do."

Cone and his staff will also be looking at the tapes and would sure be having the Llamados

sharpening their three-point shooting after making only 1-for-8 to the Texters' 8-for-25 clip from

beyond the arc. Free throw shooting should be on one corner of his mind.

"It was real kind of reversal," said Cone, whose charges went 5-for-13 from the stripe in the fourth

period after missing just four of 10 in the entire first half.

"In the first half, they missed 10 free throws. We're really lucky, for in the second half they

started making and we started missing those free throws."

B-Meg also did not get to the line in third period while TNT made seven of 10 charities that helped

raze the Llamados' 48-40 halftime lead and install the Texters ahead, 67-62, going into the fourth.

Then the defending champion's sour shooting returned and not only from the stripe. In the first

seven minutes of the final canto, the Texters went 0-for-6 from the field and 2-for-6 from the

stripe, helping fuel the Llamados' surge to a 77-69 lead.

Despite their woes the Texters still managed to keep within 82-86 and got given a lease on life when

Denzel Bowles almost ruined a 25-point, 11-rebound performance with two missed charities in the

final 30 seconds.

But the Texters bade their bid goodbye by going 0-for-2 from the field and committing a turnover the

rest of the way, in the process totally stoking Reyes' frustrations. (NC)

Source: http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1545

PBA approves Lassiter-to-Petron deal; Powerade ‘happy with trade’

2012-04-22T23:24:00.001-07:00

The PBA has approved the five-man transaction that would finally bring star rookie Marcio Lassiter from the Powerade Tigers to the Petron Blaze Boosters.
In a text message, PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial confirmed the league’s approval of the deal.
The trade is a revised version of an initial proposal last February, which would have sent Lassiter to the Boosters in exchange for Rey Guevarra and Noy Baclao. That original proposal was vetoed by the PBA, with league commissioner Chito Salud saying that it would have a negative effect on the league’s balance.
In the new trade, Powerade sent Lassiter and Celino Cruz to Petron for Guevarra, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, and Lordy Tugade. The PBA described the trade as having “acceptable parity” for both sides.
Powerade went through with the deal despite an earlier pronouncement from coach Bo Perasol that he would prefer that the team not trade Lassiter, the team’s second-leading local scorer and the top candidate for the Rookie of the Year award. Perasol was among the signatories to the trade documents.
Powerade executive Ronnie Asuncion, for his part, explained the rationale behind the trade in a statement. “We are very happy with this trade. We are getting a much-needed big man in Rabeh Al-Hussaini and getting two proven shooters and scorers in Guevarra and Tugade,” he said. The statement added that Perasol welcomed the trade.
Al-Hussaini won Rookie of the Year honors last season, but has just recently returned to action after recovering from torn ACL surgery. Tugade, 34, is a veteran shooter who has seen limited minutes for Petron, while Guevarra, the third overall pick in last season’s draft, is a role player off the bench for the Boosters.
Cruz, 34, is a journeyman point guard who has seen action for Shell, Red Bull, Burger King, Purefoods, and Ginebra.

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-approves-lassiter-to-petron-deal-powerade-happy-with-trade

David, Caguioa top candidates for Best Player of Commissioner’s Cup

2012-04-22T23:23:00.001-07:00

Powerade’s Gary David could end up as the winner of the Best Player of the Conference for the second straight tournament.
David stayed at the No. 1 spot in statistical points race after the semifinal round of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
And his closest competitor for the BPC plum could be Barangay Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa.
David’s 34.5 SPs average was still on top of the category even though his Tigers were booted out early in the elimination round.
Ending up second was Caguioa with 31.0 SPs average. He missed all the games in the semifinal round against eventual winner B-MEG due to an eye injury.
Marcio Lassiter, recently traded to Petron Blaze, ranked No. 3 in stats with 30.3 SPs, followed by Alaska teammates Cyrus Baguio (29.1) and LA Tenorio (29.0).
Only the top five in the SPs are eligible for the top individual honor of the tournament.
This will be the first time that the BPC winner will not come from any of the two teams playing in the finals in six years.
The Llamados and Talk ‘N Text are fighting for the Commissioner’s Cup crown with Game One on Monday.
Tropang Texters forward Ranidel de Ocampo ranked No. 9 with 26.1 SPs average.
The SPs comprise 40 percent of the voting. Media votes comprise 30 percent, and players’ votes 25, while the PBA commissioner’s office takes the remaining five percent.
In the Best Import derby, B-MEG’s Denzel Bowles is almost a shoo-in to win the award as he topped the stats with 45.24 SPs. He was followed by Gabe Freeman of Barako Bull (43.57), Talk ‘N Text’s Donnell Harvey (42.09) and Ginebra’s Jackson Vroman (35.73).
Bowles is the only import who has been with the team since Day One of the tournament.

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/david-caguioa-top-candidates-for-best-player-of-commissioners-cup

Again, a possible BPC Plum might slip away for Mark Caguioa for the Nth time

2012-04-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

A Possible second BPC for Mark "the spark" Caguioa might slip again after he failed to play for the Barangay Barangay Ginebra in their series against the B-Meg Llamados.

Powerade's streaky shooter Gary David still leads the Best Player of the Conference race despite his team was ousted just before the quarterfinal, he lead the race with an averaged of 35.5 stats points(SPs) a game while Caguioa trails in second with 31.0 sps.

Gary David lead the locals this season in scoring with an averaged of 27.10 points per game, his total of 271 points this conference that he sets in the Battle for Quarterfinal berth is still the highest output of a local this conference. Only four players were able to reach the 200 mark aside from david this conference. Willie Miller(253), Marc Cardona(232), Alaska(218), and James Yap (227) who is the only player that may top Gary David's 271.

Mark Caguioa ended the conference with a 16.90 points 6.40 rebounds, 2.40 assit and 1.0 steal per ball game. He is expected to be out for three-months after his surgery.

Can you believe it guys?Whole through out his career, Caguioa only won 1 Best Player of the conference?despite his strong showing every conference?

Source: http://yourthecatcher.blogspot.com/2012/04/again-possible-bpc-plum-might-slip-away.html

Powerade, Petron agree on new Lassiter trade

2012-04-20T01:47:00.003-07:00

Despite Powerade coach Bo Perasol’s earlier declaration of his preference not to trade Marcio Lassiter, the Tigers’ star rookie is once again in a deal that would send him to the Petron Blaze Boosters. The PBA commissioner’s office on Friday confirmed receipt of a five-player trade proposal between Powerade and Petron that involves Lassiter as the centerpiece. In the proposed deal, Lassiter and point guard Celino Cruz will be dealt to the Boosters in exchange for center Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Rey Guevarra, and Lordy Tugade. The trade is not yet final, as PBA commissioner Chito Salud has the right to veto or revise deals which he deems unfair. “Pag-aaralan kong mabuti yung trade,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud. According to the league’s media bureau chief Willie Marcial, the trade papers were signed by Perasol and Powerade executive Ronnie Asuncion, and Petron team manager Hector Calma. Earlier this month, Perasol said he was against trading Lassiter, but added that the decision would be management’s, not his. “Alam niyo naman ang stand ko, kung ako ang papipiliin as much as possible ayaw ko ma-trade si Marcio,” he said. It will be the second time this season Petron will be involved in a deal to try to acquire Lassiter, the top candidate for Rookie of the Year honors. Last February, the two teams agreed on a deal that would send Lassiter to Petron in exchange for Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra. Salud vetoed the deal, citing its negative effect on the balance of the league. The controversial deal proposal came amid reports that Coca-Cola Bottlers, Inc., which owns the Powerade Tigers, has sold the franchise to San Miguel Corporation, which owns Petron, raising questions from other team officials. Both CCBPI and SMC denied that there was a sale. Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/powerade-petron-agree-on-new-lassiter-trade

Kings ex-import suffers depression

2012-04-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Former Barangay Ginebra import Chris Alexander confessed the other day that he turned down juicy playing contracts in Korea and Qatar because of depression from being axed by the PBA team that is close to his heart. Alexander, 31, led Ginebra to the 2007-08 Fiesta Conference title and was recalled to lead the Kings in the current Commissioner’s Cup. But his second tour of duty was cut short after three games even as Ginebra got off to a 2-1 start with the 7-1 behemoth averaging 14 points and 20.3 rebounds. From the PBA, Alexander took his sneakers to Korea for a tryout. He was offered a two-week contract for the playoffs but couldn’t break out of his depression. Alexander left Korea after two days and returned to his family in St. Louis. While back home, he got a lucrative offer to play in Qatar and that, too, was rejected. “I was emotionally distraught,” said Alexander who flew in last week to play for the Philippine Patriots as Nakiea Miller’s replacement in the ABL. “For close to two months, I did nothing in St. Louis. I couldn’t get myself to watch basketball on TV. But I kept track of how Ginebra was doing in the PBA. I checked out twitter and facebook, interacting with Ginebra fans. I was hurt. I didn’t think they would cut me. I couldn’t imagine they would let me go after what I did in 2008. Jay-Jay (Helterbrand) was hurt in the finals and it was Paul (Artadi) and I who lifted the team to the championship. I did it before, I knew I could do it again.” Alexander said he found out about his exit from the internet. “We just played in Dubai and I read in the internet that my replacement was arriving in Manila four hours after we left to go back,” he said. “Sure, I was bitter. From when I left Ginebra in 2008, all I dreamed about was going back to play in the PBA. I did two years in Korea. I played in China. I was the last cut at the Oklahoma City camp. But my heart stayed with Ginebra. When I got the call to go back, I knew it would be like old times.” Alexander said he realizes he’s not the same dominant player he was four years ago. “I’m a lot smarter now,” he said. “I’ve become more of a passer. I still rebound and run the floor. I don’t look to score as many points but I get my teammates involved in the offense. It’s a lot more of a mental game for me now.” A consolation for Alexander was he was replaced by former Iowa State teammate Jackson Vroman. “I played nine games with Jax at Iowa State,” he said. “Jax is a heckuva player. At least, I was replaced by a guy who’s a good player. I knew him to be a good free throw shooter before, maybe, he’s not anymore.” Alexander said he wanted to block basketball from his mind but Patriots team manager Erick Arejola and player agent Sheryl Reyes persistently phoned to bring him back to Manila. “They called every day,” said Alexander. “I cried when I was cut by Ginebra. I was emotionally down. Ginebra’s the only team for me in the PBA. I love the Ginebra fans and the Ginebra spirit. But I understand that basketball is a business. I don’t blame anyone for letting me go. I respect the decision. It’s just that I was hurt deep inside.” Alexander was finally convinced to pack his bags and return to Manila. “I’m back alone,” he said. “My wife is seven weeks pregnant with our third child and it’s too far for her to travel, what with the kids and all. It took a lot of convincing to get me back to play but I want to prove something. I’m motivated to play my best for the Patriots. The ABL is a competitive league with guys like Tiras Wade and Steve Thomas, guys I know. My goal is to do everything I can to win it all for the Patriots.” The day after he arrived, Alexander was on the court familiarizing himself with coach Glenn Capacio’s system. He made his Patriots debut two days after his return, compiling 16 points and 12 rebounds in 35 minutes in a 93-78 loss to San Miguel Beer. Alexander said he wasn’t even supposed to suit up in the game. “Coach asked if I wanted to sit out because I just got in but I wanted to play,” he said. Alexander said he hoped Ginebra would advance to the finals but last Tuesday, the Kings were bundled out of contention by B-Meg in the closer of their semifinal series. “I wanted Ginebra to go all the way,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for coach Siot (Tanquingcen) and Jay-Jay brought me back to church. Throughout my depression, I stayed in touch with Jay-Jay. (Assistant) coach Allan (Caidic) is also a close friend. I remember when I was playing in Korea, he would send me an inspiring message after a bad game and the next game, I was unstoppable. At first, I didn’t want to go back to Manila unless it was for Ginebra. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t just Ginebra close to my heart but the Filipino fans and the country. That’s why I came back.” In his twitter, Alexander lamented Ginebra’s loss to B-Meg. “My insides are burning,” he said. “I saw my good friends fall without me. I hate that they lost. Win as a team, lose as a team.” Source: Joaquin Henson, The Philippine Star

B-MEG BARGES INTO FINALS

2012-04-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

B-MEG'S road to redemption is wide open.

The Llamados rode the able back of Denzel Bowles during spirited spurts in handily beating Barangay
Ginebra 108-84 Tuesday and advancing to the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals at the Smart Araneta
Coliseum.

Bowles finished with gamehighs of 34 points and 14 rebounds and totally outplayed the Jackson
Vroman-led Kings frontline in leading B-Meg to a 3-1 victory in the best-of-five semifinals duel.

Joe Devance, James Yap, PJ Simon and Marc Pingris also played key roles but it was the 6-foot-10,
22-year-old Bowles who drew the most praise from Llamados coach Tim Cone.

"A young kid like that, responding the way he did, grabbing every rebound making every tough play,"
relished Cone. "I thought that's what really inspired us."

Dylan Ababou, Vroman, Mike Cortez, KG Canaleta and Jayjay Helterbrand tried their best and did
succeed in giving Ginebra the good start it needed to follow up its 88-79 victory just last Sunday.

But all faded in the face of B-Meg's determined and prolonged charge, with Ababou picking up his
sixth foul just 41 seconds into the fourth period with Vroman following suit in the final 5:56 mark.

As a result, the Kings would wind up either third or fourth, depending on the outcome Wednesday of
the other deciding match in the semifinal pairing between Talk N Text and Barako Bull.

For Cone, his 24th finals stint and the Purefoods/B-Meg franchise's 22nd is just a culmination of
the lessons the team learned from a sorry fifth-place finish in the Philippine Cup, when it emerged
from the eliminations as the top seed, only to be felled by No. 8 Powerade in the quarterfinals.

"When I came into this team we talked about growth and the Powerade thing... that would help us
grow," said Cone.

"That motivated us for this conference and we learned not to take anything for granted."

Ginebra should have had the same mind-set after letting an early 25-11 lead slip away.

B-Meg's charge let up a bit and Ginebra managed to whittle what was once a 59-80 deficit to just
73-86, early in the fourth period.

But Bowles quickly responded with back-to-back baskets and the rout was in full swing again.

Cone may be cherishing his own shot for a 14th title overall, but not after blaming himself for
B-Meg's bad start to the game.

"I had this brilliant idea to go zone," he related. "I thought by giving them something new we would
catch them by surprise. But they started making their shots. I was really embarrassed."

Working mostly behind Bowles, the Llamados worked their way back and used a prolonged run that is
equal to the second-most in franchise history in taking the half 58-46 and the game's control for
good.

Bowles scattered 12 of his points during a 19-0 assault from a 39-44 count, and the Llamados went
into the fourth canto with an 86-71 spread.

Ababou wound up with 17 points with Vroman adding 14 and seven. For the fifth time in the duel, the
6-10 naturalized Lebanese failed to score in the fourth. (NC)

The scores:

B-MEG 108 - Bowles 34, Devance 18, Yap 16, Simon 11, Pingris 7, Barroca 5, Intal 5, Villanueva 5, De
Ocampo 4, Reavis 2, Urbiztondo 1, Acuna 0, Gaco 0.

GINEBRA 84 - Ababou 17, Vroman 14, Cortez 13, Canaleta 12, Helterbrand 10, Hatfield 8, Raymundo 5,
Labagala 3, Mamaril 2, Wilson 0, Villanueva 0.

Quarters: 24-31, 58-46, 86-71, 108-84

Source: http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1533

Jordan NT defeats Ginebra Kings, 84-81

2010-06-25T00:11:00.000-07:00

source: gmanews.tv

For several stretches, Barangay Ginebra flashed its never-say-die spirit against a classy counterpart bound to compete in the biggest cage tournament in the world – the FIBA World Championship.

But Jordan was too tough to crack, even during crunch time.

Sam Daghlas, the Jordanian’s do-it-all guard, came through with crucial buckets to keep the stubborn Gin Kings at bay and tow his squad to an 84-81 triumph at the start of the 2010 Smart Philippine Invitational Challenge at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Thursday.

Parading a decimated lineup, the Jordanians squandered a 16-point, third-quarter lead, but held on to preserve a victory in this tournament organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

The Gin Kings, who repeatedly kept on coming back and urged by a partisan crowd, were in the thick of the fight after taking a 76-75 lead on two free throws by Enrico Villanueva with 3:26 remaining.

But Daghlas came through for the squad of Portuguese mentor Mario Palma as he scored on a reverse layup in the next play to regain the driver’s seat. He then hit two crucial jumpers, including one in front of Mike Cortez, for an 83-78 advantage with 13.8 seconds remaining.

The win put Jordan a game closer to securing a spot in the finals. The team, though, needs to get past the Smart-Gilas developmental team.

"We had key players on injured list," said Palma. “We lost four centers because of injuries while Rasheim Wright is still not in good condition after coming back from an ACL injury."

"We will be tougher. We’re playing here to show something to the Filipino people what we can do," he added.

Daghlas finished with 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting.

Burly 6-foot-8 frontliner Islam Abbaas finished with a game-high 21 points while lanky 6-foot-7 Zaid Abbas added 17 markers.

Jordan, behind the patient offense and tight defense that netted nine steals, posted its biggest lead, 61-45, as Mohammad Hadrab converted a layup off a Ginebra turnover with 2:01 left in the third.

But the Kings, who opted not to insert stars Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa while giving limited minutes on Rudy Hatfield, Eric Menk and import Denham Brown, came storming back behind Cortez, Villanueva and Sunday Salvacion.

Cortez showed flashes of old brilliance while Salvacion triggered the Kings’ rally with two triples in an 18-3 spurt.

Counting their recent setbacks in the PBA, the Gin Kings absorbed their fourth straight loss.

"I'm impressed with the quality of plays," said Palma. "Filipino players are very good, they have lot of skills, especially on shooting and they showed it in the second half."

Salvacion led Ginebra with 15 points on 5-of-7 clip from rainbow country. Cortez had 13 while Intal chipped in 10. - RCJ, gmanews.tv

Quarters: 29-13, 42-31, 65-53, 84-81

Llamados hand Kings 3rd straight loss, bolster semis bid

2010-06-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

Derby Ace made a strong case for the remaining outright semifinals berth in the PBA Fiesta Cup after turning its Wednesday night encounter with Barangay Ginebra into a rout, 101-83, at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Llamados easily destroyed the Kings by firing away 10 three-pointers, with Cliff Brown showing the way on a high 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

In all, the energetic import finished with 24 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as he completely outplayed Ginebra counterpart Denham Brown.

The unexpected ending to the highly-anticipated showdown between two of the league’s most popular ballclubs netted the Llamados their 12th win in 17 outings, tying them with defending champion San Miguel Beer for second place and a possible shot at the no. 2 spot for an automatic slot in the Final Four.

Chances of Derby Ace joining outright semifinalist Talk `N Text into the next round is even brighter as the Llamados have lowly Barako Bull for their final elimination round assignment on June 27.

On the other hand, the Beermen wind up their classification round assignment with a game against the Alaska Aces, who, at 11-6, still has a mathematical chance of forcing a playoff for the no. 2 slot.

“It just feels good knowing you’ve got a shot at that outright semifinals berth," said Brown later.

James Yap added 21 points and Canaleta 11 as the two nailed one three-point shot after another when the Llamados broke away for good in the third period.

Marc Pingris also had 11 and his completed three-point play in the final 1:58 pushed the Llamados to their biggest lead of the night, 97-76.

The Kings capped the eliminations with an even 9-9 card and now await whether they will advance to the quarterfinals outright or at worst, go through the wildcard phase. The Kings lost their third straight game and five of their last six.

Either Rain or Shine or Coca-Cola could forge a playoff with Ginebra for a berth in the quarterfinals in the event they sweep their remaining two games, although the two are set to clash on Sunday. Both teams carry similar 7-9 cards.

The Kings were never really in the game and played catch-up for the entire night.

Brown was a complete bust for the second straight game and the import out of University of Connecticut who once scored 111 points in a basketball match, was held down to just 15 points, including two in the third period when the Llamados went on a big offensive splurge. - RCJ, GMANews.TV

The scores:

B-Meg Derby Ace 101 - Brown 24, Yap J. 21, Canaleta 11, Pingris 11, Artadi 7, Simon 6, Adducul 6, Yap R. 5, Reavis 4, Allado 4, Maierhofer 2.

Ginebra 83 - Brown 15, Hatfield 15, Caguioa 12, Villanueva 11, Salvacion 6, Helterbrand 6, Wilson 5, Cortez 5, Miller 4, Tubid 2, De Ocampo 2.

Quarters: 26-23, 47-37, 72-57, 101-83

Air21 moves out of cellar with squeaker over Ginebra

2010-06-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Air21 gained some ground again against Barako Energy Coffee in their battle for the last cut.

LeRoy Hickerson made two free throws with 11.7 seconds left then Billy Mamaril blocked a shot by Enrico Villanueva as Air21 nipped Barangay Ginebra, 98-97, to boost its wildcard bid in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.

“It’s tough getting the win which we needed so much. We wanted it badly to get some distance with Barako in our fight for the last slot in the wildcard round,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao.

“We’re keeping our attitude positive. We’re still very hopeful that if we make the wildcard, we’ll have a chance even against teams in the upper bracket,” Guiao added.

Avenging a similar one-point loss to the Kings in their previous tiff, the Express moved up to 4-13 -- a game behind the Sta. Lucia Realtors (5-12) and half-game in front of the Barako Energy Coffee Masters (3-13).

Air21 automatically lands in the wildcard round should Barako loses its last two games versus Talk n Text and B-MEG Derby Ace. Hickerson exploded for 33 points and 10 rebounds and drew huge support ironically from two former Ginebra players in Mamaril and Doug Kramer as they dealt the Kings a crucial loss.

Rain or Shine (7-9) and Coca-Cola (7-9) stayed in the running for the top five as Ginebra suffered an eighth loss against nine wins. Kramer came through with a career-high 17 points that went with 16 points while Mamaril got away with numerous key plays down the stretch. Mamaril, acquired recently by Air21 for Mike Cortez, spiked a seven-point game with two blocks and a big rebound down the stretch.

A blot was two missed charities in the last 5.5 seconds allowing the Kings to have a last-gasp shot. The Express eventually pulled through as Denham Brown missed a heave from midcourt at the buzzer.

It was a sorry loss for the Kings who took control most of the way behind the exploits of Mark Caguioa, Rudy Hatfield, Enrico Villanueva and Ronald Tubid. After a long chase, the Express surged ahead at 96-95 on a three-point play by Hickerson off Caguioa with 2:15 left to play.

Ginebra regained the upper hand for the last time at 97-96 on a drive by Brown before Hickerson went to the stripe and knocked in the charities sending Air21 ahead to stay with 11.7 ticks left.

“You have to give it to coach Yeng. We have the same fighting attitude. He never quits and I never quit,” said Hickerson. “We had some discussion with LeRoy before the game and it turned for the better. He’s got a different personality which may be good if we could harness or bad if not manage,” said Guiao. (SB)

The scores:

Air 21 98 - Hickerson 33, Kramer 16, Belga 11, Buenafe 9, Mamaril 7, Arboleda 7, Billones 5, Matias 4, Sharma 2, Gonzales 2, Ritualo 2, Williams 0, Alvarez 0.

Ginebra 97 - Caguioa 21, Hatfield 17, Villanueva 15, Tubid 14, Brown 11, Cortez 6, De Ocampo 5, Wilson 4, Miller 4, Intal 0, Helterbrand 0.

Quarters: 21-28, 52-57, 71-77, 98-97

4 teams fight for outright PBA semis slot

2010-06-15T00:48:00.002-07:00

source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph

With the first of the two outright semifinal berths in the PBA Fiesta Cup already secured by Talk ’N Text, four teams are in the running for the other one.

Defending champion San Miguel Beer, reigning Philippine Cup champion B-Meg Derby Ace, Alaska, and Barangay Ginebra are in the thick of the fight for the second automatic semis slot.

The Beermen lead the contenders with their 11-4 card win-loss card, but not far behind are the B-Meg Llamados (10-5), the Aces (9-6) and the Kings (9-7).

Talk ’N Text claimed the first outright slot with an 85-82 win over the Gabe Freeman-less SMB last Saturday in the PBA road game presented by Phoenix Fuel in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The win extended the Tropang Texters’ winning streak to 13 for a 14-2 record.

"It's a big win for us,” TNT mentor Chot Reyes said. “Now we can relax.”

The Beermen are expected to face a rough sailing in their final game against the Aces on June 26 in Dumaguete City.

This Wednesday, the Beermen will face the Coca-Cola Tigers (6-9), who stunned the Kings (96-95) last Sunday. They will then take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7-7) on Friday.

Even with its recent defeat, Ginebra still has a fighting chance to make it to the semifinals automatically although the Kings have to win their last two games against the Air21 Express (3-12) on Sunday and the Llamados on June 23.

But the fate of Ginebra won’t just fall on the hands of the Kings since a win by SMB will eliminate them in the race.

“Obviously, San Miguel has the inside track. Although they have tough games ahead, including us,” Alaska coach Tim Cone said, as his team will face Rain or Shine on Wednesday, Sta. Lucia Realty (4-11) on Sunday before taking on SMB.

“Our concern is to make the top five,” Cone said. “Once we get to the top five, we can now look at the possibility of making it to top two.

But making the top two is not really our concern.”

As for B-Meg Derby Ace, which won its last three games, including thrilling victories against San Miguel, (83-82) and Rain or Shine (86-84), the Ryan Gregorio-mentored squad will face Talk ‘N Text on Saturday in Tacloban City, then Ginebra and Barako Bull Coffee on June 27.

The teams who will be third to fifth places at the end of classification will also earn outright slots in the best-of-five quarterfinals. The sixth to ninth teams will play in the crossover knockout wildcard phase, while the 10th place team will be eliminated automatically.

Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. – Coca-Cola vs San Miguel
7:30 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Alaska

Coca-Cola Tigers escape past Ginebra in a wild finish

2010-06-15T00:48:00.001-07:00

source: gmanews.tv

John Williamson scored seven of Coca-Cola’s last 11 points and teamed up with Asi Taulava in the endgame as the Tigers pulled off a 96-95 come-from-behind win over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings Sunday in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Playing in his debut game, the 6-foot-6 import out of University of Cincinnati carried the load for the Tigers in the payoff period before Taulava came through with a power play off Rudy Hatfield that broke the game’s final deadlock and put Coca-Cola ahead for good, 95-93.

Williamson, coming in as a late replacement for Rashad Bell, led the Tigers with 24 points and nine rebounds. His split from the foul line with nine seconds remaining stretched the Tigers’ lead to three, 96-93, opening the door for a possible game-tying basket by the Kings.

The league’s crowd darling almost did it as Sunday Salvacion recovered the rebound off a Mark Caguioa miss, hurriedly positioned himself in deep left corner, and buried a fade-away shot with a defender’s hand on his face as the clock was ticking down.

The shot went in at the buzzer, sending the Ginebra bench in frenzy and creating pandemonium inside the playing arena.

But a review of the game tape showed one of Salvacion’s foot stepping inside the three-point area, allowing the Tigers to escape with the win after trailing by as many as 11 points in the opening half.

“This win is so significant because it builds improvement on our team. Our main focus was to improve," said coach Bo Perasol with a big sigh of relief. “I told my players to just get the process improved, either we go to the wildcard phase or the playoffs in preparation for anything."

The Tigers are now 6-9 overall as they won for the second time in three outings, enhancing further their bid for the wildcard phase.

Taulava also dominated inside with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Ginebra’s 7th loss in 16 outings formally slammed the door on its hopes of making the semifinals outright. At the most, the team’s only hope is landing an automatic berth in the quarterfinals.

Mark Caguioa led the Kings with 24 points, but committed a crucial offensive foul on Marvin Cruz with 10 seconds remaining and Ginebra just down by two.

Willie Miller added 21 and Denham Brown 20, including two free throws with 1:55 left that tied the game for the last time, 93-93. - RCJ, GMANews.TV

Scores:

Coke 96 - Williamson 24, David 16, Taulava 15, Macapagal 11, Mendoza 9, Rizada 6, Allera 5, Rodriguez 4, Espino 4, Cruz 2, Gonzales 0, Antonio 0.

Ginebra 95- Caguioa 24, Miller 21, Brown 20, De Ocampo 10, Villanueva 5, Helterbrand 5, Cortez 3, Hatfield 3, Wilson 2, Salvacion 2, Intal 0, Cruz 0, Tubid 0.

Quarter scores:22-30, 48-57, 73-69, 96-95

Ginebra gets back on track with 21-point rout of Barako Coffee

2010-06-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

source: PBA.ph

Barangay Ginebra picked up the pieces after two jolting defeats, shredding Barako Energy Coffee, 107-86, after a slow start Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Import Denham Brown scored 26 points to go with his 16 rebounds and Mark Caguio accounted for 12 of his 19 markers in the second quarter to spark a ferocious charge that put the Kings in control.

“The first quarter was terrible. Good thing the players picked up their rhythm in the second,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, visibly relieved after their repeat victory against the Coffee Makers.

Their ninth win in 15 games cushioned successive losses against Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text and kept the Kings well within the Top 5, shoring up their hopes for an outright quarterfinal, if not outright semifinal, berth in the PBA Fiesta Conference.

“But we can’t play that way. Our upcoming games are very crucial. I don’t know if we still have a chance to make the semifinals outright. Regardless, our target right now is to get as many wins as we could to make sure we get to the playoffs,” Uichico said.

Enrico Villanueva had 12 points, Sunday Salvacion added 11 and Willie Miller contributed 10 and six assists for the Kings, who made 11 of 27 3-point shots and went 10 of 15 from the free throw line.

Eric Menk sat out his third straight game with a pulled calf muscle but the Kings still dominated the boards, 58-38.

The Kings shot just 38 percent in the first quarter and appeared in trouble when the Coffee Makers surged to a 23-11 lead on successive baskets by import Sam Monroe and Richard Alonzo.

Barako Energy Coffee held a 29-22 lead when Caguioa picked up his offensive rhythm and led a 17-7 run that shoved the Kings ahead, 39-36.

A basket by Paolo Hubalde and another by import Sam Monroe put Barako Energy Coffee back on top by two but the Kings quickly responded with an 18-3 blast for a 57-44 halftime advantage. The Coffee Makers never recovered after that.

Monroe scored 17 points and Reed Juntilla and Hubalde added 13 apiece for the Coffee Makers, who picked up their seventh consecutive loss and moved on the brink of elimination with a 3-12 card. (DBC)

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 107 - Brown 26, Caguioa 19, Villanueva 12, Salvacion 11, Miller 10, Hatfield 10, Tubid 7, Intal 4, Cruz 3, De Ocampo 3, Wilson 2, Ferriols 0, Helterbrand 0.

Barako Coffee 86 - Monroe 17, Juntilla 13, Hubalde 13, Dimaunahan 10, Reyes 9, Alonzo 6, Najorda 6,Isip 4, Vergara 3, Wainwright 3, Faundo 2, Duncil 0.

Quarterscores: 22-29, 57-44, 79-61, 107-86

TNT survives Ginebra, reclaims top spot

2010-06-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Talk ‘N Text survived Barangay Ginebra’s scorching rally in the final 2 minutes to hang on for a 92-84 victory Saturday night in the KFC-PBA Fiesta Cup at the Batangas City Sports Complex in Batangas City.

The Tropang Texters were comfortably ahead at 86-74 with 2:32 left in the game when the Kings, behind the hot hands of Sunday Salvacion, staged a comeback that fell short.

With the win, Talk ‘N Text extended its win streak to a franchise-best 11 games and reclaimed the top spot with 12-2 mark, just half a game ahead of San Miguel Beer (11-2).

“We have to recover because this game really took a lot from us considering we played last Wednesday and as you see, my players are cramping up,” said Texters head coach Chot Reyes.

“So, we are not thinking about Alaska right now. Our concern is to recover and be ready to play on Wednesday,” he added.

The victory also moved them to a win away of assuring a playoff for one of the two automatic semis seats. It ended Ginebra’s amazing 10-game winning run in out of town matches.

Jimmy Alapag finished with 21 points and 7 assists for TNT but suffered cramps at the end of the game. Mark Cardona and Harvey Carey contributed 14 markers apiece for the TNT, which managed to win the contest despite a 3-point output of prized recruit Kelly Williams.

New Kings’ import Denham Brown tallied 25 points while Mark Caguiao added 15. Rudy Hatfield had 12 points and 12 boards for coach Jong Uichico, whose wards dropped to 8-6.

Ibañes shines as Painters hold off Kings' uprising

2010-05-30T21:53:00.001-07:00

source: gmanews.tv

There’s no way Rain or Shine would allow Barangay Ginebra steal another game at its expense. Jireh Ibañes, the Elasto Painters’ sparkplug from the bench, made sure about that.

Ibañes scored a team-high 15 points as the Elasto Painters held tougher down the stretch in preserving an 84-83 win over the hard-fighting Kings Sunday night in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ibañes almost single-handedly carried the fight for Rain or Shine at the height of Ginebra’s big fourth quarter rally, accounting for the team’s final three points, including a tough drive to the basket off a transition that gave the Elasto Painters an 84-81 lead inside the final two minutes.

The Kings, who battled back from as much as 40-55 deficit early in the second half, made it a one-point game after Mark Caguioa sank the last of his game-high 28 markers with 68 seconds left.

But Ginebra failed to capitalize from there, botching its final three offensive plays, the last of which courtesy of a short Willie Miller jumper as time expired, finally putting an end to the Kings’ four-game winning run for an 8-5 card.

“This game really belongs to us," said Ibanes, reminded about the similar meeting between the two teams in the first round of the eliminations, when the Kings also came back from 16-points down and won, 100-98.

“The management and the coaching just have a complete trust in me. They told me to just wait for the right opportunity to come, and that opportunity came now," added the Rain or Shine guard, who was 6-of-8 from the field.

Ibañes averaged just 2.4 points in the Elasto Painters’ first 10 games in the eliminations, but his breakout game Sunday night allowed Rain or Shine to improve its record to 6-5.

Ibañes, the hero, almost ended up the goat as well.

After Milton Ambres missed on a corner three-pointer with 10 seconds left and the Kings down by just a point, Ibanes grabbed the rebound, scooted downcourt and was promptly fouled by Rudy Hatfield for two free throws to stop the clock.

But the Rain or Shine guard bungled the front-end of his charities, prompting him to intentionally miss the second foul throw as well.

Enrico Villanueva collared the board and called timeout, giving the Kings 1.2 seconds to go for a game-winning basket, a thing that never happened. – RCJ, GMANews.TV

The scores:

Rain or Shine 84 - Ibanes 15, Mercado 15, Norwood 13, Lewis 12, Arana 9, Tang 6, Chan 6, Reyes 5, Laure 3, Cruz 0, Hrabak 0, Telan 0.

Ginebra 83 - Caguioa 28, Ambres 20, Tubid 12, Miller 10, Wilson 3, Hatfield 3, De Ocampo 3, Mamaril 2, Helterbrand 2, Villanueva 0.

Quarters: 25-18, 49-40, 69-63, 84-83

'Miller Time' sparks Kings' triumph over streaking Beermen

2010-05-26T21:50:00.001-07:00

source: gmanews.tv

`Miller Time’ finally put an end to the longest winning streak in the PBA Fiesta Cup.

Willie Miller played his best game in a Barangay Ginebra uniform, scoring 26 big points and guiding the Kings to a rousing 104-90 victory over defending champion San Miguel Wednesday night before a huge crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

The only guard to win the MVP title twice, Miller presided over a strong Barangay Ginebra start, and then bailed the team out of danger when the Beermen threatened for the last time coming home.

After Dondon Hontiveros put San Miguel to within 88-91 with a booming three-pointer inside the final five minutes, Miller strung up five straight points, including a quick-released three-point shot off a Mark Caguioa assist, that stretched the Ginebra lead to eight.

Milton Ambres then decided the outcome of the bruising game with another trey for a 99-88 count with 81 seconds left to play.

Acquired in a blockbuster, one-on-one trade with Alaska for Cyrus Baguio, Miller went 10-of-14 from the field and was 4-of-5 from three-point range. He also had eight assists.

“His teammates are always urging him on the offensive end, kaya sana nga mag-tuluy-tuloy na ito," said coach Jong Uichico in the post-game press conference.

Ginebra’s eight win in 12 outings put back the league’s crowd darling in solo third place.

The loss ended the nine-game winning run of the Beermen, who prior to the setback, last suffered defeat at the hands of Coca-Cola, 108-98, last March 28.

But the reigning champion remained on top with a 10-2 slate.

“We played the no.1 team, so it was really a hard-fought game. Good thing, we came up with a win tonight. Hopefully, we’ve gone over the hump," Uichico added.

Miller scored half of his total output in the opening half. His soft jumper following a behind-the-back dribble off Alex Cabagnot gave the Kings the first of their two 14-point leads in the second quarter, 60-46.

But the champion that they are, the Beermen bounced back in the third period, outscoring the Kings in the first six minutes of the second half, 19-4, to take the upperhand, 67-66.

The Kings, however, regained the lead at 78-77, entering the final quarter.

Ambres added 16 points, Eric Menk had 14 and Caguiao chipped in 12 as the Kings won for the third straight time.

Gabe Freeman, recipient of a flagrant foul courtesy of Enrico Villanueva in the third period, finished with 19 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Beermen, while Santos had 16, the last of which broke San Miguel’s silence in the stretch run but not enough to turn the game around, 101-90, with less than a minute remaining.

Jay Washington, engaged in a jawing incident with Willie Wilson in the final 3:54, and Hontiveros each had 12 for the defending champion. - RCJ, GMANews.TV

KINGS GET BACK AT ACES WITH COME-FROM-BEHIND WIN

2010-05-23T22:33:00.001-07:00

source PBA.PH

Live ScoreListen LivePBATeamsNewsScheduleResultsStatsVideoPhotosForumPBA StoreTicketsKINGS GET BACK AT ACES WITH COME-FROM-BEHIND WIN
Sun, 05/23/2010 - 00:03

CEBU CITY – In a gambit that paid off, Barangay Ginebra played all-Filipino in the homestretch and stunned Alaska Milk with a lightning attack leading to a sweet revenge.

The Kings, behind a big endgame run, got back at the Aces, 105-93, in their rematch in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference elimination round at the Cebu Coliseum here Saturday night.

“We just kept on fighting, fighting and fighting. Things turned around at the right time,” said head coach Jong Uichico as his troops topped the Aces in the Cebu stop of the Phoenix Fuel PBA On Tour.

“We just didn’t give up. Our players played their hearts out and that’s just the way the Ginebra team should play come what may,” added Uichico as they avenged an 81-86 defeat to the Aces in their initial tiff and, thus, gained solo third in the standings with a 7-4 win-loss card.

Baffled at endgame, the Aces slid from joint third down to fifth with a 6-5 card.

Eric Menk, Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid, Willie Miller and Willie Wilson worked on a decisive closing run that carried the Kings to a third win in a row – the team’s longest streak in the tourney thus far.

The Fiesta Conference champs two seasons ago, the Kings closed out with a 19-2 attack curiously after coach Uichico decided to take import Mildon Ambres out for good following back-to-back lapses that allowed the Aces to get a five-point lead, 91-86, with 3:43 left to play.

With Ambres on the bench, the Kings employed a stifling defense, holding the Aces scoreless for over three minutes.

When the Aces broke the spell through a layup by LA Tenorio, the game was already beyond reach, 93-102, with time down to 28 seconds..

Tubid banged away a three-pointer, Miller canned two free throws, Wilson made a short stab and Tubid had another triple that sent Barangay Ginebra ahead at 96-91.

And there was no stopping the Kings as they roared on to halt the Aces’ own two-game romp.

Menk pumped in a personal conference-high of 25 points, including a booming trey that sealed their win at 101-91 with 42 ticks left.

Caguioa added 20 while Miller and Jayjay Helterbrand chipped in 12 apiece as the Kings engaged the Aces in a battle despite Ambres’ so-so game.

Simpson showed up Ambres with the former finishing with 24 points against the latter’s 10.

Cyrus Baguio had another sterling game versus his former team but he himself lost his touch at the finish.

It was a sorry loss for the Aces who took control most of the second half, leading by 12 points on back-to-back three-pointers by Larry Fonacier at the start of the payoff period.

Helterbrand and Miller ignited a run that brought the Kings to within one at 86-87 with 4:39 left.

Then Simpson pounced on defensive breakdowns by Ambres, coming through with a four-point binge that gave the Aces their 91-86 margin. (SB)

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 105 – Menk 25, Caguioa 20, Miller 12, Helterbrand 12, Ambres 10, Tubid 9, Hatfield 8, Villanueva 4, De Ocampo 3, Wilson 2, Cruz 0.

Alaska 93 – Simpson 24, Baguio 17, Dela Cruz 11, Devance 11, Tenorio 9, Thoss 7, Fonacier 6, Borboran 4, Eman 2, Hugnatan 2, Dela Pena 0.

Quarterscores: 25-20, 46-50, 69-75, 105-93

PBA Player of the Week: Menk sparks rise of the Kings

2010-05-17T22:51:00.001-07:00

source: gmanews.tv

There are ony two Most Valuable Players for the Baragay Ginebra Gin Kings – Eric Menk and Jayjay Helterbrand.

But only one them played true to form.

At a tiem when the Gin Kings needed a quick turnaround to keep their season going, Menk provided the spark to be chosen as the hands down choice of the PBA Press Corps as the Player of the Week for May 10 to 16.

Menk beat Williams, who was traded to Talk N Text recently, for the honors.

The man known as Major Pain averaged 16.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists that approximated his numbers during his 2004-05 MVP for season.

Not bad for a 35-year-old, who went into the week averaging just 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in Ginebra’s first eight games in the Fiesta Conference.

Now, the Kings are safely ensconced at fourth-running spot with a 6-4 win-loss record and Menk is undeniably a big factor.
Uichico rightfully maintains it is his most senior player setting the tone for the rest of the team.

“He has been working extra hard to be in the best shape possible and is so focused on his game," said the multi-titled tactician.

It was the moment the Gin Kings were waiting for. The team was uncharacteristically scrambling coming into the week, having lost three of their its last four games. Even the squad’s lone win was nothing to brag about, barely squeaking past another struggling team in Air21, 101-100, last May 5.

Then came Menk’s 20-point explosion against Barako Coffee that was capped by six points in a 12-0 windup, tiding the Kings over from an 81-90 deficit and deficit and into a 93-90 win last Wednesday.

“The other guys were looking for me and luckily my shots went in," said Menk. “It was an escape, but it's good we came out with the win."

It was also a good morale and confidence builder as Ginebra went on to handily beat Sta. Lucia, 102-85, last Sunday, marking the first time in four meetings this season the Kings won over the Realtors.

With Mildon Ambres, Ronald Tubid and Jayjay Helterbrand showing the way, Menk was content with a 12-point, eight-rebound production. - RCJ, GMANews.TV

PLAYING OLD FIRE, GINEBRA ROUTS NEW-LOOK STA. LUCIA

2010-05-17T22:50:00.000-07:00

source:pba.ph

Sun, 05/16/2010 - 18:59

FOR once in quite a while, Barangay Ginebra displayed some of its old fire.

That, and the fact Sta. Lucia Realty was still trying to adjust playing without two of its most prized players, led to the Kings' 102-85 victory Sunday in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Mildon Ambres and Ronald Tubid led the Ginebra players who mostly provided the sustaining fire as the Kings not only started the second round of eliminations on a bright note but also broke the spell SLR has cast on it this season.

“At least we saw something positive in today's game. They (Kings) played more as a team today. They tried their very best and showed fire,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, whose team barely won two of its last three games, struggling in both.

Things were drastically different Sunday night as the Kings dominated from start to finish, even leading by 23 points twice, en route to improving their win-loss record to 6-4.

Uichico, however, quickly pointed out SLR is still trying to adjust from the trade sealed last Wednesday that saw Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes being shipped to Talk ‘N Text.

The absence of the two, who combined to average 32.0 points, 21.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.0 blocks in three previous wins against Ginebra this season, was clearly a factor and tempered Ginebra's jubilation.

“It's hard to make this a judgment day, kasi nawalan ng players ang Sta. Lucia. Those two are the core of their team,” Uichico pointed out.

Yet Uichico is also aware his team may have gained some momentum.

“We have tough games coming up, against Alaska and San Miguel Beer, so kailangan we should build on this win, keep on improving,” he said.

Adjustment is also the operating word for the Realtors, who dropped to a 4-6 slate.

“We have so many things to adjust,” said SLR coach Boyet Fernandez, whose team drew a game-high 31 points and nine rebounds from Anthony Johnson but got outrebounded 40-53.

“We've got a lot to learn in our defensive rotation,” he added. “Hindi pa nag-click sa rotation, at kailangan pa ang konting adjustment, execution-wise sa mga bagong dating.”

Marlou Aquino's grandfather also passed away in Pangasinan recently, preventing him from joining practice for two days. But there were some bright notes, like Yousif Aljamal draining four triples for 12 points and Ali Peek hauling down seven rebounds.

But those are overshadowed by the fact that Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk each had at least 12 points, while Rudy Hatfield added on to anchoring the defense on Johnson by snaring 10 rebounds for Barangay Ginebra.

The Kings also shot 50 percent from the floor, the percentage pulled down a bit by its 11-for-24 clip from beyond the arc.

Tubid going a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point land and Ambres and Helterbrand adding three triples each helped Barangay Ginebra pull away, although it was Caguioa's fastbreak layup that made it a 93-70 count, 4:29 left.

That proved enough to put a stamp on Barangay Ginebra's total domination of the second half and quash whatever drive the Realtors may still have had.

It was a different story in the first two quarters.

With Tubid scoring eight straight points during a 13-4 run to start the second period, the Kings seemed well on their way to a runaway win.

Those thoughts quickly vanished when Aljamal came in to drain three triples and, with help from Johnson and Gabby Espinas (13 points), led SLR in whittling the deficit to just 37-48.

It took another trey by Tubid before Barangay Ginebra had a 51-37 halftime lead it sustained to 77-63 going into the fourth period, mainly due to Ambres' 14 third quarter points. (NC)

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 102 - Ambres 21, Tubid 17, Helterbrand 17, Caguioa 12, Menk 12, Hatfield 7, Villanueva 6, Wilson 5, Miller 2, De Ocampo 2, Cruz 1

Sta. Lucia 85 - Johnson 31, Espinas 13, Aljamal 12, Mendoza 11, Omolon 5, Peek 5, Belasco 4, Escobal 2, Aquino 2, Urbiztondo 0, Menor 0, Belano 0

Quarterscores: 27-13, 51-37, 77-63, 102-85.

B-MEG DERBY ACE BREAKS OUT OF LOGJAM, NOW IN SOLO 3RD

2010-05-10T22:43:00.001-07:00

source: PBA.PH

Sun, 05/09/2010 - 22:22
Defensive demon B-MEG Derby Ace pulled together a solid job on both ends of the court Sunday night, blasting Barangay Ginebra, 95-82, to gain solo third place in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum. The Llamados, the league’s best defensive team but dead last in scoring, came through with their best offensive effort since their Philippine Cup title conquest, beating the Kings for their fifth win in eight games. James Yap, Cliff Brown, Nino Canaleta, Rafi Reavis and Don Allado tossed in double-digit outputs as Derby Ace relegated Ginebra to fifth place with a 4-4 card. Averaging only 82.14 before the game, the Llamados made big improvement in this contest on a 42.6-percent clip. “We really did what’s required defensively, and we made sure to see progress on our offense,” said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio. “That’s something we’re really working on – scoring. It’s a relief that my players are getting challenged and rising to the occasion,” Gregorio added. Yap rifled in 17 points while Canaleta, Reavis and Allado added 10 apiece as the Llamados took control most of the way even with their import getting into foul-trouble situation early. “Early fouls on our import gave me some anxious moments in the game, but the locals were determined to play and see us through,” said Gregorio. “It’s nice to win games especially against quality teams like Ginebra, and hopefully we continue to get going,” Gregorio added. The Kings couldn’t keep up with the Llamados in the final half, going 1-2 with import Mildon Ambres. After Ambres took a long three-point attempt that didn’t hit anything with 5:02 left, coach Jong Uichico opted to play with an all-Filipino crew the rest of the way. The crowd booed Ambres as he was heading to the bench with Ginebra down by 10 at 74-84. The Kings came within seven, 82-89, on a five-point swing by Willie Miller before Rafi Reavis delivered the killer blow on Ginebra on a thunderous slam on a lob pass by Rico Maierhofer. Brown finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds while Ambres ended up with 17 points and the same number of rebounds. (SB) The scores: Derby Ace 95 - Yap. J 17, Brown 13, Canaleta 10, Reavis 10, Allado 10, Simon 9, Yap R. 9, Pingris 7, Maierhofer 6, Artadi 2, Adducul 2, Timberlake 0. Ginebra 82 - Ambres 17, Menk 12, Miller 10, Hatfield 10, Tubid 7, Helterbrand 7, Villanueva 6, De Ocampo 6, Cruz 5, Wilson 2. Quarters: 23-27, 49-46, 73-63, 95-82

CAGUIOA SITS 1 GAME, FINED 20K FOR THROWING BALL AT REF

2010-05-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

source: PBA.PH

Sat, 05/08/2010 - 10:33

Barangay Ginebra shooting guard Mark Caguioa has been suspended for one game for throwing the ball at a game official during the Kings-Air21 Express match last Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Philippine Basketball Basketball Association Commissioner Sonny Barrios, who handed the decision yesterday, also fined Caguioa P20,000.

Caguioa will serve his suspension on Sunday when the Kings play the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados.

Barrios said he painstakingly tried to appreciate the explanation of Caguioa on the incident but emphasized the league rules on “the action and not the intention.”

In his letter to Caguioa, the Commissioner noted that there is strong video footage evidence showing that he had first looked at and seen referee Throngy Aldaba before actually throwing the ball at him. It would therefore be difficult to accept Caguioa’s contention that he was surprised to see referee Aldaba there, and he didn’t see he was bouncing the ball off a game official.

But even if Caguioa claimed he thought he was bouncing the ball off an opponent, Commissioner Barrios noted that the normal and legitimate way of bouncing off the ball against an opponent to retain possession is to bounce it off against the lower portion/extremities of the body (from knee down). However, Caguioa bounced the ball off the person’s chest – an act classified as Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 (FFP2) under the PBA Playing rules.

Barrios also cited a recent case involving Alaska’s Brandon Cablay, who was slapped a similar punishment after playfully tossing the ball and hitting his friend Air21 guard Mike Cortez.

“We cannot rule on intentions of offenders as it would be dangerous to read one’s intentions. Instead, we rule on one’s actions,” Barrios told Caguioa in his letter.

“Was the ball thrown at the referee? Was the referee hit by the ball? “

Those two questions, Barrios said, are the compelling determinants if the playing rule has been violated or not.

more top stories

Ginebra snatch one-point win over Air21

2010-05-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

source: PBA.ph

Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico did not hesitate to admit they were just lucky. The Kings salvaged a 101-100 decision past Air 21 Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum only because Express reserve guard Ronnie Matias missed a potential game winner at the buzzer.

“It was a lost game. We were just lucky,” proclaimed the low-keyed Uichico of the game that turned exciting in the closing minutes as the Express, who blew a 15-point advantage rallied from a 12-points deficit in the last four minutes and nearly pulled off a Houdini.

The breathtaking victory enabled the Kings to snap a two-game losing skid and improved to 4-3 (win-loss) record.

Import Mildon Ambers showed some improvement in his second game, scoring 26 points that went with his 18 rebounds. Eric Menk had 19 points and Willie Miller added 12, including two free throws with 2:10 remaining that turned out to be the insurance baskets for the Kings, who played the final two and a quarters without shooter Mark Caguioa.

Caguioa was tossed from the game with 5:07 to play in the second quarter for throwing the ball at referee Throngee Aldaba during a transition play.

“The team per se is struggling at this point. So every win while we are trying to find the right way is very important,” Uichico said.

The Kings looked like goners when they fell behind by 15 points late in the third quarter.

But things turned in their favor in the fourth as the Express, who dominated the game for most part, experienced some offensive meltdown in a span of ten and a half minutes that saw them missing 14 straight field goal attempts while succumbing to five turnovers.

The Kings capitalized on it. With Ambers and Menk hitting their range, the Kings outscored the Express, 23-3, to build a 97-85 lead with 4:49 to go.

Although the pressure shifted to their side, the Express still didn’t lose heart.

They made crucial stops and Ronjay Buenafe knocked in crucial baskets as the Express pulled to within 100-101 on a lay-up by import by Reggie Larry with 76 seconds remaining.

The Kings also appeared to have sealed the game when Larry fouled out with 33.5 seconds to play.

But in the ensuing play Menk missed a shot in the lane and Mike Cortez stole the ball from Ambers and quickly fed the open Matias. The sophomore guard took a shot from eight feet at the right corner.

The ball bounced off the rim a couple of times before falling out as time expired.

“We played a good game. Our imports played well. The locals also played well. The game was just stolen from us…,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao, who had his worst start for the first time since losing 10 of his first 11 games with Red Bull during its first conference in the league in the 2000 All-Filipino Conference.

Larry finished with 30 points and had 15 rebounds. Buenafe accounted for 24 including 6 for 11 from the 3-point range and Beau Belga added 13 for the Express, who picked up their sixth straight loss and fell deeper in the team standings with its 1-7 slate. (DBC)

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 101 - Ambres 26, Menk 19, Miller 12, Caguioa 10, Tubid 9, Wilson 8, Villanueva 6, Helterbrand 6, Hatfield 5, Cruz 0, De Ocampo 0.

Air21 100 - Larry 30, Buenafe 24, Belga 13, Gonzales 7, Cortez 7, Sharma 4, Rodriguez 3, Kramer 3, Ritualo 3, Williams 2, Matias 2, Alvarez 2, Billones 0.

Quarterscores: 26-30, 55-63, 74-82, 101-100.

GINEBRA, B-MEG DERBY ACE, AIR21 TRY LUCK WITH NEW IMPORTS

2010-05-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

Source pba.ph

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 08:51

Barangay Ginebra, B-MEG Derby Ace and Air21 are three ball clubs coming back from the PBA All-Star break with new imports in tow.

The Kings, the Llamados and the Express signed up new imports in an effort to boost their respective drives in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.

Ginebra enlisted Mildon Ambres in lieu of Awvee Storey. The Kings introduce Ambres to the PBA fans as they take on the Alaska Aces at the resumption of the season-ending tourney at the Araneta Coliseum Friday.

Meanwhile, Derby Ace tapped Cliff Brown for Lorenzo Wade while Air21 got Reggie Larry for Jason Forte.

Wade has been put on the injured list, thus, he can be reactivated anytime the team wishes to.

“We got Cliff Brown to fill in our need at No. 4 spot while Kerby Raymundo is out with an injury,” said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio.

Brown, 25, was a teammate of Jai Lewis with the Toyota Alvark in the Japanese league.

Also a veteran of the European league, Brown was measured standing 6-foot-4 15/16.

Ambres is also 25, fresh from a stint with the Idaho Stampede in the NBA Developmental League. He was measured at 6-5 1/16.

Larry was Purefoods’ original choice as import in the same tourney last year. He wasn’t able to play, though, as he suffered an injury a few days before opening day.

Brunei Barracudas coach Bong Ramos highly recommended Larry to the Air21 management.

Ramos used to call the shots for the Lina Group ballclub. Larry played under Ramos' team in the inaugural ABL tourney topped by the Philippine Patriots reinforced by Gabe Freeman and Jason Dixon.

The Kings and the Llamados sport 3-2 cards, tied with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at fourth place.

San Miguel leads the tourney with a 5-1 record, followed by Talk n Text at 5-2 and Coca-Cola at 4-3.

Air21 is at ninth with a 1-5 record. The Express have brought in three imports with Keena Young the first one, followed by Forte, then Larry. (SB)

BAGUIO SKIES IN ALASKA DEBUT

2010-05-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

Source: pba.ph

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 02:00

Cyrus Baguio upstaged Willie Miller in their debut with their new teams, helping Alaska Milk sustain its romp at the resumption of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.

Baguio made a big impact in his first game with Alaska, fueling the team’s mighty comeback from 15 points down en route to an 86-81 win over Barangay Ginebra at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Facing his former team, Baguio took charge at the finish, stealing the thunder from Miller as Alaska made it five in a row versus Ginebra dating back to their Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals showdown swept by the Aces.

The 6-foot-2 guard-forward tossed in 12 of his 14 points in the final quarter, outscoring the entire Ginebra team in the payoff period.

Baguio and the Aces stunned the Kings with a huge closing run, overcoming a poor first half as Alaska notched a third straight win after starting its stint in the reinforced tourney with two successive defeats.

“We’re totally out of whack in the beginning. Mark Caguioa was going crazy and we couldn’t stop him. Then Cyrus turned things around for us,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone on Baguio’s heroics.

“Willie (Miller) would certainly have his moments and Ginebra would love him, but tonight’s Cyrus’ night,” Cone added.

“Hindi ko in-expect ito. Nag-dasal lang ako na sana naman huag ako mapahiya sa unang laro ko sa Alaska,” said Baguio.

“Ang sama ng laro ko at the start kasi medyo nahihiya pa ako. Good thing, nakuha ko ang rhythm sa fourth quarter,” Baguio added.

Baguio was all over the floor in the final period, going 4-of-7 from the field and 3-of-4 from the stripe, and also getting three rebounds, two blocks and one assist.

The Ace survived after a struggle throughout the first three quarters of play.

Earlier, Ginebra dished out an inspired game playing with a new import in Mildon Ambres and prized new acquisition in Miller.

They led by as many as 15 before settling for a 51-38 halftime lead.

With their new mix, the Kings showed great potential only to falter at the finish and suffer a third loss against the same number of wins.

The Ginebra fans gave Miller a big applause as he checked in for the game a minute into the second half.

He grabbed two rebounds, issued two assists and committed an error before making his first basket as a Ginebra player, slithering past three defenders for a reversed layup.

Miller had a hand as the Kings built double-digit spreads in the second quarter even with Ambres resting on the bench.

Mark Caguioa led their second-quarter breakaway, going perfect from the field with a three-pointer and three twinners.

Back-to-back three-pointers by Ambres and Caguioa gave Ginebra a 27-22 lead in the opening period. (SB)

The scores:

Alaska 86 - Simpson 35, Baguio 14, Tenorio 13, Dela Cruz 12, Eman 4, Thoss 4, Hugnatan 4, De Vance 0, Fonacier 0, Cablay 0.

Ginebra 81 - Ambres 23, Caguioa 22, Cruz 11, Wilson 6, Hatfield 5, Menk 4, Tubid 3, Helterbrand 3, Ferriols 2, Miller 2, Mamaril 0.

Quarterscores: 22-27, 38-51, 60-74, 86-81