BRGY. GINEBRA KINGS

TALK ‘N TEXT BREAKS OUT OF SLUMP

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:27:00 +0000

TALK ‘N TEXT BREAKS OUT OF SLUMP
Cardona leads 3rd qtr breakaway as Texters snap skid
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes said they haven't figured out yet how to play 48 full minutes and this is the reason why they're below the .500 mark halfway through the KFC PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.

Reyes said that's the case even in their won game against Barangay Ginebra Wednesday night at the Astrodome.

The Tropang Texters came out flat before picking up their game in the second period then pouring it on in the last two quarters on the way to a 103-90 win over the Kings.

"We have yet to play a complete game this season even in this victory. We have to find a way to play 48 minutes to be in contention in this tourney," said Reyes.

"That's the drawback of having a deep bench with players who have yet to groove their game together. In our game against Purefoods, we played very well in the first 46 minutes only to flounder in the last two minutes. May game na maganda ang laro ni Jimmy Alapag at Yancy de Ocampo, hindi naman maganda ang kay Jason Castro at kay Don Allado. Ngayon baligtad at hindi talaga magkasabay-sabay ang ganda ng laro," Reyes further explained.

Reyes said a combination of their bad defense and Ginebra's torrid shooting enabled the Kings to dominate the game early, getting a 36-16 bulge in the first three quarter.

"All throughout, ang usapan lang namin huag kaming mawalan ng loob. Good for us, we got our game going in the last three quarters," said Reyes as they ended their three-game skid.

Mark Cardona came through with a personal season high of 32 points to pace the Tropang Texters who dealt the Kings a sixth loss against three wins.

Harvey Carey put in a double-double performance with 15 points and 11 rebounds while Don Allado, Jared Dillinger and Jimmy Alapag chipped in at least 15 points each.

Ronald Tubid, Junjun Cabatu, Jayjay Helterbrand, Sunday Salvacion and Willy Wilson all finished in double figures for the Kings, still struggling badly minus injured key players Mark Caguioa, Junthy Valenzuela and Rafi Reavis.

Talk n Text came out flat but got into the groove in the second quarter, charging to within six, 49-55, at halftime.

After a long chase, the Tropang Texters seized the upperhand at 57-55 by scoring the first eight points in the final half.

The Tropang Texters had made it a 10-to-nothing run before the Kings, returning from a timeout, ended their spell on a three-point play by Willie Wilson off a foul by Jimmy Alapag with already over four minutes into the third quarter.

Even then, there was no more stopping the Tropang Texter, who twice enjoyed a 17-point lead in the second half.

The Tropang Texters converted 63.6 percent of their shots as they hit their strides to get into the game in the second period. (NC)

The scores:

Talk n Text 103 -- Cardona 32, Allado 17, Dillinger 16, Alapag 15, Carey 11, Castro 7, De Ocampo 3, Ritualo 2, Reyes 0, Aljamal 0, Peek 0.

Ginebra 90 -- Tubid 17, Cabatu 16, Helterbrand 15, Salvacion 13, Wilson 12, Mamaril 6, Menk 6, Escalona 4, Artadi 1, Pacana 0, Holper 0, Crisano 0.

Quarterscores: 16-36, 49-55, 82-67, 103-90

Source: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2362/1/

Uichico wants Arboleda

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:15:00 +0000

Uichico wants Arboleda
By Tito S. Talao, Manila Bulletin
September 12, 2008

And picture him getting serenaded by tens of thousands of Kings fans -- the way Junthy Valenzuela is now showered with affection by Ginebra diehards -- when he takes the floor against his former team.

Find it hard to envision? Jong Uichico, the Ginebra coach, sees it clearly.

In fact, the mild-mannered but hard-driving Uichico is looking forward to Arboleda directing play and settling things down for the Kings -- with Jayjay Helterbrand or Mark Caguioa at his side -- when they come searching for their ninth title.

"I would like to see that happen," Uichico told sportswriters yesterday.

"I'm really impressed with how much he has improved. Truth is I believe he was a big reason why Air21 made it to the championship."

Taken aback by what they heard, the astonished reporters asked Uichico if what he said was on the record.

"Yes, you can write it down," he said with a grin.

Uichico made it clear, however, that he won't be "going after" Arboleda, hinting the Express playmaker will have to come knocking at Ginebra's door.

THOMAS POWERS AIR21 OVER GINEBRA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:11:00 +0000

THOMAS POWERS AIR21 OVER GINEBRA

Express’ import explodes for 37 pts, 22 rebs to pull Kings down to 1-6

Wednesday, 07 May 2008

Source: pba.ph

AFTER breaking into the win column of the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference, it’s back to the doldrums for Barangay Ginebra.

Steve Thomas had a game-high 37 points, 22 rebounds and emerged the better import in his matchup with Chris Alexander, powering Air21 Express to a rousing 97-88 win over the Kings Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-10 Thomas punctuated perhaps his best game of the conference by going 10-of-18 from the field and 17-of-22 from the foul line in a performance that frustrated the throng of Ginebra fans – including reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa – who trooped to the Big Dome.

The loss was a big blow for the Kings who are coming off a thrilling 102-99 win opposite Purefoods for their first victory in the season-ending conference. They further fell to the bottom of the standings with a 1-6 record.

“Steve Thomas held his ground against Chris Alexander,” said Air21 mentor Bo Perasol following the Express’ fourth win in seven games. “The bottomline for us was to control their transition offense because their backcourt always tries to push the ball.”

Jayjay Helterbrand paced the Kings with 19 points, Alexander had 18 and 24 rebounds and Mark Caguioa finished with 16 markers.

Eric Menk finally came on board for the league’s most popular team after missing the Kings’ first six games owing to a leg injury. He scored 8 points – all in the third period – and grabbed 6 rebounds in 18 minutes of play.

Unfortunately, none among them came through when the Express were in the midst of a big fourth quarter run that turned a hard-fought game around. The contest featured 12 deadlocks and 23 lead changes.

With the scored tied at 82, Ranidel de Ocampo scored on back-to-back baskets to lead a telling 8-1 Air21 run that made it a 90-83 game.

Caguioa hit a trey at the 2:24 mark, sparking hopes of a possible Ginebra comeback as the Kings closed in 86-90.

But Arwind Santos answered back with a three-pointer of his own, before Wynne Arboleda scored on a one-hander runner to douse off the rally, 95-86.

Arboleda led all Air21 locals with 15 points, Nino Canaleta had 13 and de Ocampo 11.

The first half was just as tightly fought.

After 12 minutes of play, the scored was tied at 23. It was 43-all late in the second quarter before the Kings closed out the period with a 6-3 run to take a slim 49-48 lead with them to the locker room.

The game already had three deadlocks and six lead changes by halftime.

Thomas accounted for half of the Express’ output with 21 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field and 11-of-12 stint from the foul line. He also had 9 rebounds. (GR)

The scores:

Air21 97 – Thomas 37, Arboleda 15, Canaleta 13, De Ocampo 11, Santos 7, Cruz 5, Billones 5, Se 4, Kramer 0, Sotto 0, David 0.

Ginebra 88 – Helterbrand 19, Alexander 18, Caguioa 16, Menk 8, Tubid 7, Valenzuela 5, Crisano 5, Artadi 4, Mamaril 4, Salvacion 2, Pablo 0.

Quarterscores: 23-23, 48-49, 75-78, 97-88.

King, Giants have new imports

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:40:00 +0000

King, Giants have new imports

By: Zean Macamay

Source: www.journal.com.ph

Cyrus Baguio of the South team forces his way up for a basket against Enrico Villanueva (left) and MacMac Cardona of the North squad in Sunday’s PBA All-Star game in Bacolod City. The Southerners won in overtime, 163-158.

STANDINGS W L
Coca-Cola 5 1
Red Bull 4 1
Talk ‘N Text 4 2
Sta. Lucia 3 2
Magnolia 3 2
Purefoods 2 3
Alaska 2 3
Air21 2 3
Welcoat 1 4
Ginebra 0 5

Games on Wednesday: (Araneta Coliseum)
4:50 p.m.-- Welcoat vs Magnolia
7:20 p.m. -- Coca-Cola vs Red Bull

BACOLOD CITY �" By tomorrow, Ginebra will have a new import. In the days to come, Purefoods might just have a new one, too.

The Gin Kings’ third import for the Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference arrives tomorrow, a 7-foot-1, 260-pounder who averaged in double figures on points and rebounds in 40 games while playing for the National Basketball Development League in the U.S.

Chris Alexander, a 27-year old Iowa State product, replaces the error-prone Ernest Brown, the 7-footer who failed to steer the Gin Kings to a victory just like the import he bumped off �" Rahshon Turner.

Brown looked like a reinforcement that could fit well in the Ginebra system, norming 19 points and 10 rebounds in three games. But he was clearly a player that’s careless with the ball, averaging a conference worst 6.4 turnovers.

A reliable source who refused to be identified bared this latest development needed by the Gin Kings, who are the only winless team in the season-ending conference and are one defeat away from going down to their worst start in eight years.

Ginebra has by far suffered five straight losses, with their last three coming by an average margin of three points. If it loses on Friday against Purefoods, it will be its worst start since also going 0-5 (win-loss) in the 2000 Commissioner’s Cup.

Alexander will be the third import with a height of at least 7 feet to step onto the PBA this conference. Adam Parada of Red Bull turned out to be a prize catch, leading the Bulls to a 4-1 slate. The Bulls can even take the solo lead if they win over league-leader Coca-Cola once the tournament resumes on Wednesday.

Brown, however, wasn’t a success story despite respectable numbers on points and rebounds.

In Alexander, the Gin Kings acquire an all-around player with a superb touch from the free-throw line. In his last stint in the U.S., he powered the Sioux Falls Skyforce to the semifinals in the NBDL where he averaged 11.6 points and 11.2 rebounds in 40 gruelling games.

He is likely to play with the Gin Kings on Friday against the Giants, who apparently are contemplating on replacing their explosive import in Darius Rice.

Rice is the No. 1 scorer in the tournament, but his individualistic style of play appears not suited to the system of Purefoods, which only have two wins to show in five games.

One of the imports the Giants are trying to acquire, according to another highly-placed source, is Chris Burgess.

Burgess already played in the PBA and had produced superb numbers, averaging 17 points and 17 rebounds while playing for San Miguel Beer in the 2004-05 Fiesta Conference.

He led the Beermen into the semifinals but suffered a serious ankle injury. He was replaced by Adrian Curtis but San Miguel still went on to beat Red Bull in the semis and won the championship in only five games opposite Talk ‘N Text.

“He (Rice) might be the No. 1 in scoring, but majority of the touches on our offense are his. The team doesn’t need a scoring champion, what the team needs is a team player who can bring out the best on the locals.”

Purefoods’ sudden idea to change its import clearly emanated from the result of its last game April 20. It went up against perennial bottom-dweller Welcoat and was stung by a 103-110 defeat.

Kings looking for new import

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:19:00 +0000

Kings looking for new import

By: Zean Macamay

Source: www.journal.com.ph

BACOLOD CITY – For the second time in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference, Ginebra has decided to change its import.

Ernest Brown, the error-prone, seven-foot reinforcement of the Gin Kings, may no longer see action when the league’s most popular team tries to avoid suffering its worst start in eight years this weekend.

Coach Jong Uichico yesterday confirmed that they are currently negotiating with an American player but has refused to reveal his identity. He added that he would like his new import to arrive as soon as possible before the Gin Kings battle sister-team Purefoods on Friday.

“Yes, we are looking for an import,” said Uichico. “And I hope that he could plane in before our next game.”

Like the player he replaced in Rahshon Turner, Brown has never led Ginebra to victory. Brown played for three games for the Gin Kings and normed 19 points and 10 rebounds.

But the former second round pick of the Miami Heat in the 2001-2002 NBA season has also been careless with the ball, averaging 6.4 turnovers. He had eight errors in his debut game against Sta. Lucia Realty in Tacloban City.

Once a dominant team in the past, Ginebra has been struggling to find its old deadly form. The Gin Kings are only a defeat away from going down to their worst start since losing their first five games in the 2000 Commissioner’s Cup.

The Gin Kings lost their last three games with Brown by an average margin of close to three points. They went down to Magnolia in their last outing, 92-95 and absorbed a heart-ripping 81-82 loss to Coca-Cola before that.

They are the only team in the ongoing conference that has yet to taste a victory. Welcoat, the league’s perennial cellar-dweller, scored a breakthrough win against Purefoods (110-103) last April 20 – a victory that snapped a 15-game losing streak dating back to the last Philippine Cup.
In related developments:
*Rommel Adducul’s recovery may not take that too long after all.

Purefoods team manager Rene Pardo bared this yesterday after being informed that the Giants’ starting center’s lump on his neck is already palpable.

Adducul has been diagnosed last month with nasopharyngeal cancer. When the news of Adducul’s condition erupted, it was revealed that he could be out for the remainder of the season, at least.

Pardo said that if Adducul’s swift recovery continues, he could start gradual training in three weeks.

“Wala nang nakakapa at nakikita na bukol sa leeg niya,” said Pardo. “He could start training soon, but it would still need clearances from the doctors.”

*The PBA Board is leaning towards choosing ABS-CBN as its TV coveror for the next three years.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:30:00 +0000

WELCOAT SCORES FIRST VICTORY; GINEBRA REMAINS WINLESS

dennis PRINCIPE

Monday, 21 April 2008

Source: www.sportsnews.ph

NOT only did Welcoat score their first win, the Dragons have also found a way to protect what is considered by more established teams a safe lead in the dying minutes of a game.

Welcoat finally notched their first ever victory this conference by defeating Purefoods TJ Giants, 110-103 in the resumption of the Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Welcoat import Marquis Gainous topscored for the Dragons with 25 points but it was rookie Joe Devance who did the damage as he scored a personal conference high 16 points, nine of which in the final period to conclusively bring glee, at least last night, to what seemed to be a gloomy beginning for the Dragons.

Before the win the Dragons lost its first four games this conference as well as all its last 15 games dating back to the previous Philippine Cup. Their last two defeats could have been easily a victory for the Wellbest franchise lost come-from-behind efforts by opponents Coca-Cola Tigers (98-96) last April 9 and to the Alaska Aces (92-90) last Wednesday.

The Hawaii-born Devance, 26, drilled in a three-pointer minutes into the final canto to give Welcoat an 81-80 lead which they never relinquished from then on.

Welcoat surprised Purefoods with a blistering 17-6 attack to give the Dragons a 98-86 lead under four minutes remaining in the game.

Welcoat's frenzied assault somewhat simmered down after Purefoods import Darius Rice connected a three-pointer entering the three minute mark.

Welcoat’s new recruit Mark Isip who was part of the trade that sent Nic Belasco to Coke, converted a baseline jumper to give the Dragons its last taste of a double-digit lead, 100-89.

Purefoods guard Peter June Simon completed a fast break to pull within, 100-91. After an offensive miscue by Welcoat, Purefoods again closed the gap as Rice, fouled by Devance from beyond the three-point arc, converted three free throws.

Purefoods was able to steal the leather after those three free throws by Rice but the Giants failed to convert two attempts from outside the three-point area.

In what turned out to be the game’s turning point, Rob Wainwright, inbounding in front of their bench, found rookie Ryan Arana cutting from the baseline who then converted a quick undergoal stab to give Welcoat a 102-94 edge.

Arana, who missed one game after he fell and hit his head on the floor in their losing cause against Air21 last April 9, added nine points, six in the pivotal fourth canto.

Purefoods had their last gasp as veteran guard Roger Yap (22 points, 15 in the 4^th) completed a three point play off a foul by Marquis Gainous but Wainwright, who contributed 15 points for the Dragons, drilled in a three-pointer, his only basket in the final quarter.

Rice had 28 points for the Giants but what compounded their woes was the mediocre performance of former MVP James Yap who could only contribute seven markers, his lowest output in his last 105 games dating back to the 2006 Philippine Cup.

Meanwhile in the second game Magnolia extended their winning streak to three and handed Ginebra its fifth straight loss via a 95-92 squeaker.

In an out of town game over in Laoag Saturday night Red Bull downed Alaska Aces in overtime, 100-97

First Game:

Welcoat 110 -- Gainous 25, De Vance 16, Santee 15, Wainwright 15, Isip 10, Arana 9, Salangsang 7, Reyes 6, Ibanes 5, Tangkay 2, Dulay 0, Baguion 0, Sta. Maria 0.

Purefoods 103 -- Rice 28, Yap R. 22, Simon 15, Raymundo 15, Villanueva 8, Yap J. 7, Lanete 4, Salvador 2, Yee 2, Evangelista 0.

Quarterscores: 25-30, 52-51, 74-73, 110-103.

Second Game

Magnolia 95 – Watkins 20, Seigle 15, Tugade 12, Cortez 10, Hontiveros 10, Racela 9, Ildefonso 9, Pingris 5, Pena 3, Villanueva 2, Tolomia 0, Calaguio 0.

Ginebra 92 – Brown 18, Helterbrand 18, Caguioa 16, Valenzuela 10, Tubid 9, Mamaril 9, Artadi 6, Crisano 6, Salvacion 0. Pablo 0.

Quarters: 42-47, 68-70, 95-92.

Laoag Game

Red Bull 100 – Baguio 24, Parada, 19, Cruz 19, Hrabak 9, Sharma 8, Alvarez 7, Najorda 6, Robinson 4, Adriano 2, Ybanez 2, Pennisi 0.

Alaska 97 – Holcomb 29, Miller 14, Cariaso 14, Thoss 11, Tenorio 9, Dela Cruz 4, Ferriols 4, Laure 4, Hugnatan 2, Fonacier 0, Cabatu 0, Quinahan 0. Quarters: 22-16; 39-30; 53-55; 82-all, 100-97.

Red Bull, Ginebra seal Junthy deal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:17:00 +0000

Red Bull, Ginebra seal Junthy deal
By Nelson Beltran
Tuesday, April 15, 2008

After months of negotiation, Barangay Ginebra and Red Bull finally reached a deal yesterday with the Gin Kings acquiring Junthy Valenzuela in exchange for two draft picks.

The Gin Kings gave up their 2009 second round and 2010 first round picks for Valenzuela – the team’s latest acquisition coming after the sudden re-entry of Fil-Am behemoth Alex Crisano Saturday.

With 15 players on their roster, coach Jong Uichico has to relegate one to the reserve list for Valenzuela to be able to play as the Kings battle the Coca-Cola Tigers Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rookie JR Aquino was placed on the reserve list on the return of Crisano, who was granted clearance by no less than the Office of the President.

At Red Bull, Mark “Big Mac” Andaya was reactivated from the reserve list to fill the void left by Valenzuela.

“We will miss Junthy. He’s among our original players and a key ingredient in our success. But just like the other trades, we’ll find ways to make up for his absence,” said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao. “We’ll still be contending. We expect not just somebody but several of our players to step up.”

Valenzuela, a Cebuano guard-forward, became the latest of hard-nosed Red Bull talents acquired by another team on a trade deal the Photokina Marketing franchise just couldn’t refuse.

The Bulls have given up in earlier trade deals Kerby Raymundo, Willie Miller, Lordy Tugade, Enrico Villanueva and Larry Fonacier.

With Valenzuela gone, Mick Pennisi has been left as the lone remnant of the original Red Bull team that joined the league in 2000.

Several Ginebra players, including Sunday Salvacion, had been offered in exchange for Valenzuela before Red Bull settled for the two future draft picks.

Meanwhile, Danny Seigle was named Accel-Smart PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period April 6-13.

Notwithstanding a recurring foot injury, Seigle racked up the numbers propping the Beverage Masters to back-to-back wins in the week that was in the Fiesta Conference.

In an 89-81 breakthrough triumph over the Alaska Milk Aces last Friday, Seigle had 18 points, 14 in the second half. He shot 6-of-11 from the floor, added six rebounds and spiked it up with three assists and a steal.

He followed that up with a team-high 18 points on 8-of-14 field shooting plus 10 rebounds, two assists and as many steals in a 91-86 victory over the Phone Pals last Sunday.

Those points were enough to keep Seigle in the company of Barangay Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa as the only locals to lead their respective teams in scoring in the import-flavored tournament.

Source: http://philstar.com/index.php?Sports&p=49&type=2&sec=30

Junthy goes to Ginebra

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:12:00 +0000

Junthy goes to Ginebra

By: Gerry Ramos

Junthy Valenzuela

RED Bull lost another link to its illustrious past.

Junthy Valenzuela, the blue-collar Red Bull guard who rose to become one of the team’s most dependable stalwarts, was finally let go by the Barakos yesterday following a trade with the Barangay Ginebra Kings, signaling the end of more than a decade of partnership with the Photokina franchise.

In the works for more than two weeks, the deal didn’t push through until Monday morning when Red Bull and Ginebra officials pulled the trigger sending the 6-foot-2 guard-forward out of Sala-zar Institute of Technology in Cebu to the Kings, not for Sunday Salvacion as originally proposed, but for a and 2nd and 1st round picks in the 2009 and 2010 PBA Rookie Draft, respectively.

By trading away the 28-year-old native of Bago City, the Barakos lost the final piece of the original six-man gang they elevated with them when the franchise made the jump from the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) to Asia’s first ever professional league in 2000. Apart from Valenzuela, the group included Kerby Raymundo, Davon Harp, Lordy Tugade, Jimwell Torion and Bernard Tanpua.

Only big man Mick Pennisi, a direct Fil-Am hire by Red Bull that same year, remains out of the original 2000 Barako team that still has Yeng Guiao for coach.

Guiao naturally feels sad about the parting of ways.

“We will miss him a lot,” said Guiao of Valenzuela, whose hard-nosed, gung-ho approach to the game easily endeared him to his well-respected mentor.

“But our team will find a way to fill up his shoes.”

Valenzuela has not suited up for any team other than Red Bull ever since he was spotted by the ballclub together with Torion while playing in the 1997 PBL VisMin Cup in Cebu. While he never won a title with the franchise in the amateur ranks, Valenzuela was part of three Red Bull championships in the PBL.

In the 2004-05 season, Valenzuela was named member of the league’s All-Defensive team, before being included in the Mythical First Team for the very first time the year after.

His move to Ginebra assured the Kings of a stable defensive presence at the 1-2-3 spots, areas the team is at its best offensively behind the backcourt duo of Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa.

He’s also expected to boost the morale of a team that is currently off to its worst start (0-3) since the 2002 Governors Cup.

Valenzuela attended the Red Bull practice for the last time yesterday, and later on, proceeded to Ginebra’s afternoon scrimmage at the Greenmeadows gym.

In the aftermath of the trade rumors that surrounded Valenzuela prior to the start of the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup, Guiao opted to use his prized guard sparingly until such a time a clear case is arrived at on whether he’ll stay with the Barakos or not.

In his final two games with his former team, Valenzuela averaged 6.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1 steal in 13 minutes of action.

His agent, Danny Espiritu, said they will try to renegotiate with Ginebra management on Valenzuela’s contract that wont’ expire until 2009.

Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-04-15&sec=7&aid=56088

Bulls spill Ginebra

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:57:00 +0000

Bulls spill Ginebra

By Waylon Galvez

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao wasn’t expecting too much from import Adam Parada, but the 7-footer from Mexico came through with an impressive debut last night.

Parada scored 28 points and grabbed 21 rebounds as the Bulls downed the Gin Kings of Barangay Ginebra, 89-83, in the season-ending Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The former stalwart from University of California-Irvine completed a three-point play off a foul by Ginebra reinforcement Rashon Turner that gave Red Bull an 85-81 advantage with 1:44 remaining in the game.

"We did not expect to get such a good game from Adam," Guiao said. "He’s an effective big man, he makes good decision. He works hard inside. Rebounding has been our weakest stat."

Cyrus Baguio also had a big game with 23 points, including a crucial fade away jumper for an 87-83 lead with 1:17 left. Mike Hrabak added 11 points.

Mark Caguioa had a game-high 33 points to lead Ginebra.

Guiao decided not to play veteran guard Junthy Valenzuela, who is reportedly on the trading block with Ginebra’s Sunday Salvacion. Salvacion also did not play though he was at the Kings’ bench.

"I chose not to play him. Maski ako naguguuhan pa, I don’t want to put him in a situation na maaalangan s’ya. We don’t want him to go. But there are factors that need to be considered," Guiao added.

Air21 defeated Welcoat Paints, 105-96, last night in the other game.

Ranidel De Ocampo led a balanced Air21 attack with 25 points while import Steven Thomas came through with a double-double effort of 23 points and 15 rebounds with a shot block.

But it was defense that did it for Air21 as the Express denied Welcoat’s two imports – 6-foot-10 Jason Keep and 6-foot-0 Corey Santee – from taking control of the game.

Veteran guard Wynee Arboleda and Arwind Santos took turns in defending against Santee, a former Texas Christian University playmaker who shot 7-of-15 from the field for 19 points with five turnovers.

Keep, a white import from Oklahoma State, also shot poorly, making just five of 13 attempts for 12 points.

Although he had 14 boards, Keep was outplayed by Thomas and Air21’s local big men like De Ocampo and Santos who blocked Keep’s shot in the first quarter.

"I don’t know if our commitment to defend has a great effect although we’re averaging 106 points in the previous conference (Philippine Cup)," Air 21 coach Bo Perasol said. "The 96 points (by Welcoat) was a big improvement already."

The Express also got solid numbers from Santos with 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Rommel Canaleta contributed 14.

Air21 played without three bigmen -- Gabby Espinas, Homer Se and Ervin Sotto -- who are nursing injuries. JC Intal also did not play due to skin allergy, while Gary David, who had knee surgery last conference, played sparingly.

The match was actually close in the first quarter and even in the early part of the second period.

Ahead, 31-30 lead, the Express dropped a 16-0 bomb starring De Ocampo, Santos and Cañaleta to give them a 47-30 advantage with four minutes in the second period.

Halftime ended at 52-34.

A jumper by Thomas gave the Express their biggest lead at 54-34 early in the third quarter.

The Dragons cut the deficit to six points, 59-65, when Rob Wainwright, who scored a team-high 24 points, nailed a three-pointer that capped a 25-11 run with 2:49 left in the third quarter.

In the final frame, Thomas, a 6-8 power forward who played college ball for Middle Tennessee State until the 2005 season, took over as he scattered 10 points that kept the Dragons at bay.

Air21 joined Coca-Cola in the win column after the Tigers defeated Talk ’N Text Saturday in Panabo City, 85-76.

The Express shot 43-of-85 or 50.6 percent from the field while holding Welcoat to 37-of-86 or 43 percent.

The loss was the Dragons’ 12th straight dating back to the Philippine Cup.

The last time Welcoat tasted a win was Nov. 16, 2007 when it defeated Magnolia Beverage, 95-93.

Welcoat, together with Coke, earned the concession of parading two imports this conference after finishing at the bottom in the Philippine Cup.

Meanwhile, the PBA Commissioner’s Office will hold a healing mass for Rommel Adducul, the cancer-stricken player of Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, 5 p.m. tomorrow at the Christ the King Church in Green Meadows.

According to PBA Executive Director Rickie Santos, the gathering is just one way to show support for the 31-year-old Adducul, who was recently diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer.

The 6-foot-6 center, a native of Tuguegarao, Cagayan, is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

The scores:

First Game

Air 21 105 — De Ocampo 25, Santos 24, Thomas 23, Canaleta 14, Cruz 7, Arboleda 5, Kramer 4, David 3.

Welcoat 96 — Wainwright 24, Santee 19, Mente 13, Keep 12, Tangkay 8, De Vance 6, Reyes 6, Ibanes 5, Isip 3, Arana 0, Baguion 0.

Quarters: 29-24, 52-34, 74-65, 105-96.

Welcoat 29 23 22 31 — 105.

Air21 24 10 31 31 — 96.

Second Game

RED BULL 89 — Parada 28, Baguio 23, Hrabak 11, Najorda 7, Robinson 6, Alvarez 4, Cruz 4, Adriano 4, Sharma 2, Ybanez 0, Pennisi 0.

BARANGAY GINEBRA 83 — Caguioa 33, Turner 12, Reavis 11, Helterbrand 9, Pablo 6, Tubid 4, Menk 4, Pacana 2, Artadi 2, Wilson 0.

Quarters: 27-25, 41-47, 63-69, 89-83.

Red Bull 27 14 22 26 — 89.

Ginebra 25 22 22 14 — 83.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT20080331120640.html

GINEBRA HOPES TO TURN FORTUNES AROUND WITH TURNER

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:42:00 +0000

GINEBRA HOPES TO TURN FORTUNES AROUND WITH TURNER

Welcoat picks Keep over Morgan

Thursday, 13 March 2008

The imports roster for the coming Smart PBA Fiesta Cup is almost complete with Barangay Ginebra signing up Rahshon Turner of Knights of Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) and Welcoat eventually choosing former San Diego stalwart Jason Beau Keep over Georgia State’s Sylvester Morgan.

With two weeks before the opening of the season-ending tourney, only Magnolia, Purefoods and Red Bull have yet to strike a deal with their respective prospects.

The Giants are looking to enlist 6-foot-10 Darius Rice of Miami while the Barakos may settle with veteran PBA import Jameel Watkins. The Beverage Masters are keeping their choice secret.

Others already signed are Bobby Burries and Jason Dixon of Coca-Cola, Wesley Wilson of Sta. Lucia, Randy Holcomb of Alaska, Aaron McGhee of Talk n Text and Steve Thomas of Air21.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico thinks he’s got a rock-solid bruiser in Turner, a 6-foot-7 center who has played pro ball in several European leagues.

"He is an experienced player and I do believe he can be of big help in our cause," said Uichico of Turner, who’s expected to arrive Thursday night.

Turner, a 200-pound native of Passaic, New Jersey, played for Gravelines in France last year, making the French All-Star Game. He also had stints in Holland
and Spain.

He suited up with FDU from 1994 to 1998, leading the team to the Northeast Conference (NEC) tournament title and a berth in the US NCAA proper in his senior season.

Meanwhile, Welcoat coach Leo Austria opted to get Keep over Morgan after a thorough analysis of their credentials.

Keep played the final season of his collegiate career at San Diego after a one-year stay at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and a two-year stint with Oklahoma State. He averaged 18.0 points and 9.1 rebounds with the San Diego Toreros.

The Bend, Oregon native was runner-up to Gonzaga's Blake Stepp for the 2003 West Coast Conference Player of the Year. He earned all-tournament honors at the 2003 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament after averaging 16.3 points on 64.3 shooting percentage (third best in the tourney). (NC)

Source: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2021/1/

Ginebra loses crown; Tigers boot out Pals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:55:00 +0000

Ginebra loses crown; Tigers boot out Pals
By Musong R. Castillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:06:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines--(UPDATE) AND JUST like that, the tournament's defending champion headed for the exit, joined by the team penciled as a favorite to snag the crown.

Asi Taulava and Mark Clemence Telan had different views as far as motivation was concerned but both were on the same page during the game, powering Coca-Cola to an 81-73 victory over Talk 'N Text Friday night in the Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Taulava said it wasn't in any way personal. Telan saw it otherwise.

Saying he really wanted "to kill" Talk 'N Text, Telan scored 22 points and hauled down nine rebounds in helping the Tigers oust the team he used to play for.

Taulava also terrorized his former team with 13 points and 16 rebounds before apologizing later on to management of the squad where he spent his first 10 years in the league.

"We really wanted to kill Talk 'N Text and I think we did it," said Telan, who was traded by the Phone Pals after the 2006 season.

The victory put the Tigers into another KO game against Air21 on Sunday, after the Express ended the reign of the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings with a 119-110 victory in the second game. The winner of that match plays Alaska in the quarterfinals.

The Express nearly blew an eight-point lead in the last three minutes, and needed a three-pointer from Ranidel de Ocampo in the last 27.7 seconds to oust the Kings, who became the 22nd team that failed to defend the all-Filipino crown.

"I apologize to my former bosses for the way I played against them in the last two games," said Taulava, soaked in sweat and looking very tired after playing 39 minutes, but obviously very elated.

"This is nothing personal," he added. "I wish the best to the Talk 'N Text bosses, and I apologize, especially if I said anything (on Wednesday) that might have offended them."

Meanwhile, Carlo Sharma of Red Bull and Jondan Salvador of Purefoods were suspended for a game each and fined P25,000 and P20,000 respectively, for fighting during their game won by the Barako on Wednesday.

The scores:
First Game
COCA-COLA 81--Telan 22, Taulava 13, Enrile 8, Arigo 7, Buenafe 6, Isip 6, Cabagnot 5, Dimaunahan 5, Tolomia 4, Calimag 3, Misolas 2.

TALK 'N TEXT 73--Cardona 22, Peek 14, Washington 8, Allado 7, Ritualo 6, Alapag 5, Carey 4, Belano 4, De Ocampo 3, Aljamal 0.

Quarters: 23-15, 38-37, 64-57, 81-73

Second Game
AIR21 119--Arboleda 32, De Ocampo 29, Santos 14, David 12, Canaleta 9, Intal 7, Chia 7, Kramer 6, Espinas 2, Se 1, Cruz 0, Sotto 0.

BARANGAY GINEBRA 110--Caguioa 23, Helterbrand 21, Menk 18, Tubid 15, Salvacion 12, Reavis 9, Mamaril 7, Macapagal 3, Artadi 2, Pablo 0.

Quarters: 33-34, 58-56, 90-84, 119-110

Source: http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080118-113336/Former-Pals-help-take-out-Talk-N-Text

Gin Kings, Phone Pals ousted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:52:00 +0000

Gin Kings, Phone Pals ousted

Waylon Galvez

Defending champion Barangay Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text are two of the league’s crowd favorites. But last night, they found themselves in need of true and loyal friends following their crushing setbacks that somehow spoiled their New Year – no thanks to Air21 and Coca-Cola.

With Wynne Arboleda playing the game of his life, the Air21 Express demolished the Gin Kings, 119-110, and arranged a do-or-die showdown with the Tigers in the PBA Smart-Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The wily guard exploded for a career-high 32 points on top of 10 rebounds, four assists and a steal to lead the Express’ stunning victory over the Gin Kings.

Ranidel de Ocampo and Arwind Santos also stepped up big time down the stretch to deliver the telling blows that scuttled Ginebra’s last-ditch comeback.

De Ocampo had 29 points, while the high-leaping Santos chipped 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Air21 coach Bo Perasol, however, refused to be swayed, saying it was just the start of their long trek to the top.

"This will be nothing if we cannot win against Coke," Perasol said. "This is just a stepping stone. We know it’s going to be tough. But if we can come up with the same intensity we have a good chance."

For the second time in three days, Coca-Cola drew a spectacular performance from a former Talk ‘N Text player to beat the Phone Pals for the second straight time.

With Mark Telan scoring 22 points, the Tigers downed the Phone Pals, 81-71, and kept its quarterfinal bid alive.

Last Wednesday, it was Asi Taulava who starred for the Tigers as he came through with a double-double performance that denied the Phone Pals a playoff for an outright quarterfinal berth.

The 6-foot-9 Taulava did score 13 points and grab 16 points but it was Telan who made the major difference this time.

The sudden-death match is set tomorrow at the same venue with the winner advancing to the best-of-three quarterfinals against Alaska.

"Ang mentality namin ni Asi coming into the series is to kill Talk ‘N Text," said Telan, who played for Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise during the 2005-06 season. "We want to be in the quarterfinals."

Taulava, who was dealt by Talk ‘N Text to Coke late last year for Ali Peek and a first round pick in the 2008 Rookie Draft, was grateful with the win but in a way sad for his former teammates, particularly the Pals’ point guard Jimmy Alapag.

Taulava, 34, played almost 10 seasons with the Phone Pals. He won the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award with the team in 2003.

"I want to apologize to my former bosses, nothing personal. If I said anything that offended them, I’m sorry. I wish the best for them," Taulava, shook hands with Alapag a midcourt after the game. "We’re like brothers (with Alapag), I told him ‘think of the best’. He’s like a little brother to me. Now I don’t have a little brother, I have a bunch of brothers," he added.

The Tigers were protecting a 73-71 lead with five minutes left in the final frame, when rookie Ronjay Buenafe ignited a 8-2 run to make it an 81-73 advantage with 46.3 second to go.

"We came into this game, honestly unsure of what kind of team we are, but we agreed to give it all out, I think it was our energy, playing defense," Favis, whose team defeated TNT last Wednesday (101-85), added.

The Tigers took an early 20-8 advantage on a basket by Taulava with 2:57 left in the first period. The Pals were able to cut the deficit to just one at halftime, 3837.

However, Coke used a 16-6 run for a 54-43 lead on a finger-roll by Telan with 7:02 to play in the third quarter. Following triple by Alapag, John Arigo answered with a three-pointer for another 11-point lead, 5746.

Seven straight points by Talk ‘N Text closed the gap at 53-57, but Coca-Cola answered with four straight points, 61-53.

Peek and Mark Cardona scored back-to-back baskets but playmaker Aries Dimaunahan buried a trey at the buzzer to end the quarter, 64-57. Talk ‘N Text, a semifinalist in this same conference a season ago, was led by Cardona’s 22 points.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT20080119114768.html

Phone Pals Drops Gin Kings, eye QF slot

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:30:00 +0000

Phone Pals Drops Gin Kings, eye QF slot

Renren Ritualo, shooting impeccably all night, finished 7-0f-8 from beyond the arc, 8-of-10 overall from the field, and added 7 rebound while backcourt mate Mark Cardona added 20 points to lead a rout of the Brgy. Ginebra Kings, 104-87 yerterday in the 2007-2008 Smart PBA Philippine Cup

A win by the Phone Pals in their last eliminations game against the Coca-Cola Tigers on Wednesday will force a playoff between Talk 'N Text and Magnolia for the last automatic quarterfinals slot.

Jay Washington added 16 points and 14 rebounds for Talk 'N Text while Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand scored 22 and 21 points respectively to pace the Kings.

We knew for a fact that this game was very important for us. We’re trying to keep our chance for the Magic Five. We’re still in control of our fate and we just have to come out and do our work," said Talk n Text coach Derick Pumaren.

"Our job is not yet over. Coca-Cola, for sure, will be a tough challenge with Asi Taulava up against us for the first time," said Pumaren.

Scores:

Talk n Text 104 – Ritualo 23, Cardona 20, Washington 16, Aljamal 11, De Ocampo 11, Peek 7, Alapag 5, Allado 5, Belano 4, Carey 2, Barcellano 0, Billones 0.

Ginebra 87 – Caguioa 22, Helterbrand 21, Tubid 9, Mamaril 6, Menk 6, Reavis 6, Macapagal 5, Salvacion 5, Artadi 4, Aquino 3, Escalona 0.

Quarterscores: 26-16, 52-34, 83-62, 104-87.

Source: http://www.pba-online.net

Kings clobber Barakos, 115-100, to keep path to PBA q'finals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 01:26:00 +0000

Kings clobber Barakos, 115-100, to keep path to PBA q'finals
01/05/2008 | 01:13 AM
The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings kept their hopes alive of gaining an automatic quarterfinal slot in the 2007-08 Smart-PBA Philippine Cup by clobbering the Red Bull Barakos, 115-110, on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

After an 11-day rest, the Kings came back on the hard court with great resolve, upending the Barakos to improve their win-loss card to 8-9.

The Barakos, who got their second straight loss, slid in the rankings with 9-7 card.

Scoring high for the Kings were Jayjay Helterbrand with a game-high 29 points, Eric Menk with 24 (along with 12 rebounds), and Mark Macapagal 15 (13 of which he scored in the fourth quarter).

Thus the Kings scored their second back-to-back victories in the tourney. The bad news is that the Kings still have some catching up to do to gain outright entry into the quarterfinals.

They have to win their last game against the Talk 'N' Text Phone Pals and hope that both the Red Bull Barakos and the Magnolia Beverage Masters lose all their remaining games to get a playoff crack at the fourth and fifth spots.

"It’s a long shot but we still have a shot. That’s important," Kings coach Jong Uichico said, as they won their first game of the year and kept their hopes for the Magic Five at the close of the eliminations.

"If ever we salvage an outright entry into the quarters, it’s really the hard way," Uichico added. "But as long as we’re fighting hard and doing the things that we should do, happy na ako."

Uichico felt his boys had lost their discipline in the second quarter but found a way to get back on track in the second half as they duplicated their October 19 rapping of the Barakos, with a score of 102-95.

The two teams figured in a battle of sieges. Ginebra had a jackrabbit start and then Red Bull making a big turnaround in the second period. Ginebra recovered in the third quarter only to see
the Barakos wage another rally in the final period.

The Kings had the final laugh, though, as they came through with a decisive run to break a 99-all standoff.

Macapagal rattled in four straight charities before scoring on a short jumper to trigger the run that resolved the outcome of the game.

With the Barakos down by six, 99-105, Junthy Valenzuela hit a three-pointer that could have narrowed down the gap with two minutes to go. But he extended his foot as he made his shot against the defending Macapagal and was called for an offensive foul.

Valenzuela led the Barakos with 28 points, 11 coming in the second quarter to fuel an amazing run that had the team erasing an early 15-point deficit and establishing a 63-50 lead at the half.

The Kings started the game with a 15-2 run and sat on a 30-23 cushion at the end of the first period.

Mike Hrabak and Topex Robinson also had a hand in their second quarter fightback.

Scores

Ginebra (115) Helterbrand 29, Menk 24, Macapagal 15, Reavis 11, Mamaril 10, Salvacion 9, Artadi 8, Caguioa 5, Tubid 4, Aquino 0, Escalona 0

Red Bull (110): Valenzuela 28, Baguio 23, Hrabak 17, Robinson 10, Najorda 9, Duncil 7, Pennisi 7, Sharma 5, Bugia 2, Cruz 2, Ybanez 0

Quarters: 30-23, 50-63, 87-84, 115-110

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/75340/Kings-clobber-Barakos-115-100-to-keep-path-to-PBA-qfinals

GINEBRA OUTSTEADIES PUREFOODS IN CHRISTMAS THRILLER

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:21:00 +0000

GINEBRA OUTSTEADIES PUREFOODS IN CHRISTMAS THRILLER
Kings now solo 7th; Giants’ Final 4 entry stalled
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
DEFENDING champion Barangay Ginebra defeated league leader Purefoods with a nail-biting 100-98 win in the 2007-08 PBA Smart Philippine Cup Christmas offering before an overflow crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.Sunday Salvacion buried a three-pointer with 57.4 seconds to go that gave the Kings the lead, 95-93, while Rafi Reavis provided the defensive stops down the stretch to snatch the victory.The Kings improved their win-loss record to 7-8, while derailing the Giants’ bid for earning at least a playoff berth for one of the two outright semifinal seats. It also avenged a humiliating 103-76 first round setback.“It’s a good Christmas gift,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said, whose team improved to 3-1 on Christmas Day games.“I hope we can carry it over to next year’s games. Let’s see what happens. We’re close to getting to the wild card. I don’t know if we can get to the quarters, but that’s what we’re hoping for,” he added.Salvacion had 21 points for Ginebra. Eric Menk also collected 21 while adding 11 rebounds. Reavis also had a double-double with 10 points and 14 boards.Ginebra made 5-of-6 free throws in the final 19.1 seconds left. Reavis’ two foul shots gave the Kings a 98-93 lead with 14.6 seconds to go, but Purefoods rookie Rob Sanz buried a triple to make it 96-98 with 7.5 seconds to play.Prior to his free throws, Reavis made a big steal when he tapped the leather from Kerby Raymundo. He also had an offensive rebound of a missed triple by PJ Simon.Menk sealed it with two more foul shots with 5.9 seconds, 100-96.The Giants led by as may as 19 points, 30-11, late in the first period following back-to-back triples by Roger Yap and Simon.But the Kings were able to cut it to 42-38 before settling for a 48-41 count at the half.Things got a little tense with 4:11 left in the second period with Purefoods ahead, 33-41, when Tubid and rookie Ardy Larong got tangled under the Ginebra basket.Helterbrand and Larong engaged in a verbal altercation and both were given technical fouls. Also handed a technical each were coaches Ryan Gregorio of Purefoods and Jong Uichico of Ginebra.The Giants shot 41.5 percent (17-of-41) from the field while the Kings made 36.1 percent (13-of-36) of their shots. Purefoods also outrebounded Ginebra in the first half, 31 to 21. (WG)The scores:Ginebra 100 – Salvacion 21, Menk 21, Tubid 18, Helterbrand 13, Reavis 10, Macapagal 6, Artadi 6, Mamaril 3, Aquino 2.Purefoods 98 – Yap J. 20, Raymundo 20, Simon 18, Pingris 12, Yap R. 10, Sanz 7, Adducul 5, Larong 4, Yee 2, Salvador 0, Evangelista 0.Quarters: 13-30; 41-48; 67-72; 100-98.

Source: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/1929/59/

Gin Kings shock Giants, 100-98, in PBA thriller

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 01:54:00 +0000

Gin Kings shock Giants, 100-98, in PBA thriller
12/26/2007 | 12:47 AM

Defending champion Barangay Ginebra hung on steadily in the closing minute of the fourth period to beat league leader Purefoods with a nail-biting 100-98 win in the 2007-08 PBA-Smart Philippine Cup before a huge crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

The victory thus improved the Gin Kings' win-loss record to 7-9, while derailing the Giants' bid for earning at least a playoff berth for one of the two outright semifinal seats. It also avenged a humiliating 103-76 first round setback.

"It’s a good Christmas gift," Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said, whose team improved to 3-1 on Christmas Day games. "I hope we can carry it over to next year’s games. Let’s see what happens. We’re close to getting to the wild card. I don’t know if we can get to the quarters, but that’s what we’re hoping for."

Sunday Salvacion buried a three-pointer with 57.4 seconds to go that gave the Kings the lead, 95-93, while Rafi Reavis provided the defensive stops down the stretch to snatch the victory.

Salvacion had 21 points for Ginebra, with Eric Menk also contributing 21 points and 11 rebounds. Reavis also had a double-double with 10 points and 14 boards.

Ginebra made 5-of-6 free throws in the final 19.1 seconds left. Reavis’ two foul shots gave the Kings a 98-93 lead with 14.6 seconds to go, but Purefoods rookie Rob Sanz buried a triple to make it 96-98 with 7.5 seconds to play.

Before making his free throws, Reavis made a big steal when he tapped the leather from Kerby Raymundo. He also had an offensive rebound of a missed triple by PJ Simon.

Menk sealed it with two more foul shots with 5.9 seconds, 100-96.

The Giants led by as may as 19 points, 30-11, late in the first period following back-to-back triples by Roger Yap and Simon.

But the Kings were able to cut it to 42-38 before settling for a 48-41 count at the half.

Things got a little tense with 4:11 left in the second period with Purefoods ahead, 33-41, when Tubid and rookie Ardy Larong got tangled under the Ginebra basket.

Helterbrand and Larong engaged in a verbal altercation and both were given technical fouls. Also handed a technical each were coaches Ryan Gregorio of Purefoods and Jong Uichico of Ginebra.

The Giants shot 41.5 percent (17-of-41) from the field while the Kings made 36.1 percent (13-of-36) of their shots. Purefoods also outrebounded Ginebra in the first half, 31 to 21.

Scores

Ginebra (100): Salvacion 21, Menk 21, Tubid 18, Helterbrand 13, Reavis 10, Macapagal 6, Artadi 6, Mamaril 3, Aquino 2

Purefoods (98): Yap J. 20, Raymundo 20, Simon 18, Pingris 12, Yap R. 10, Sanz 7, Adducul 5, Larong 4, Yee 2, Salvador 0, Evangelista 0

Quarters:

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/74137/Gin-Kings-shock-Giants-100-98-in-PBA-thriller

Tigers beat Gin Kings, 84-82, for 5th straight win at PBA Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:58:00 +0000

Tigers beat Gin Kings, 84-82, for 5th straight win at PBA Cup

12/22/2007 | 01:19 AM
The Coca-Cola Tigers continued their immaculate rise in Friday's main game of the 2007-08 Smart-PBA Philippine Cup, defeating the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, 84-82 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Rookie sensation Ronjay Buenafe was the hero for the streaking Tigers, scoring a three-point play with 9.1 seconds to help his team edge the crowd favorites.

The victory, the team's fifth straight and sixth over-all, has put them in seventh place in the team standings. The Gin Kings dropped to solo eight place with a 6-9 win-loss card.

Buenafe went scoreless in the first half, apparently because he was too conscious of his parents — who worked in Japan in the last 18 years — watching him.

But he rediscovered his touch in time to uncork 13 points in the second half, highlighted with the three-point play that sent the Tigers to their fifth straight win and sixth overall to jump from second to last to solo seventh place.

"Ronjay was a bit shaky at the start but he found his groove in time to save us," Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis said.

Asi Taulava was held to his scoring low as a Tiger with 10 points, but he found a way to compensate for it by plucking a career-tying high and season-best 26 rebounds.

It was Taulava's sixth straight double-double effort since he was traded to Coke by Talk 'N' Text in exchange for Ali Peek and a 2008 rookie draft pick.

"Ginebra found a way to contain Asi so I told the team to exert extra effort," Favis said. "Fortunately for us, Ronjay stepped up the biggest."

Sunday Salvacion paced the Kings, who missed injured top gun Mark Caguioa, with 19 points, four of them four rainbow connections, but they couldn’t hang on to the win as they fell to a ninth defeat against six triumphs to slide to eighth spot.

After a scoreless first half, Buenafe unloaded eight straight points in a run that transformed a 37-40 deficit to a 54-47 upperhand midway through the third quarter.

But Salvacion unleashed three-point shooting spree, hitting three triples in a closing run that gave Ginebra back a 63-61 lead going into the final period.

Led by Ronald Tubid and Jay Jay Helterbrand, the Kings controlled the pace early on and seized a 24-20 advantage after the opening quarter.

But the Tigers found a way to stymie the Kings’ furious pace with a transition defense that pushed them a little bit closer, 40-37, at the break.

Coca-Cola (84): Cabagnot 17, Buenafe 13, Taulava 10, Dimaunahan 9, Enrile 7, Arigo 7, Calimag 6, Telan 6, Catli 5, Isip 4, Tolomia 0, Duremdes 0

Brgy. Ginebra (82): Salvacion 19, Helterbrand 16, Tubid 12, Menk 12, Macapagal 6, Artadi 6, Reavis 5, Mamaril 4, Escalona 0

Quarters: 20-24; 37-40; 61-63; 84-82

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/73818/Tigers-beat-Gin-Kings-84-82-for-5th-straight-win-at-PBA-Cup

GINEBRA STUNS MAGNOLIA AS HELTERBRAND WAXES HOT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:33:00 +0000

GINEBRA STUNS MAGNOLIA AS HELTERBRAND WAXES HOT

Jay Jay fires career-high 34 points, Tubid adds 27

Sunday, 16 December 2007

With backcourt buddy Mark Caguioa still hurting, Jay Jay Helterbrand was glad to take up the scoring cudgels.

Helterbrand unleashed his biggest scoring game after a long while as Barangay Ginebra bamboozled Magnolia, 115-100, Sunday night to boost its quarterfinal bid in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Helterbrand torched the Beverage Masters with a career-high 34 points, including five rainbow connections as the Kings ended a two-game skid with a sixth win in 14 outings to climb up from a three-way tie at seventh place to solo grip of it.

“I have to give credit to the players. They’re still coming out with their best despite the fact that we’re coming off two straight losses,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

The Kings also drew inspiring efforts from a pair ofenergizer bunnies—Ronald Tubid and Paul Artadi.

Tubid uncorked a 27-point performance, his 2^nd-highest output in a Ginebra jersey, firing 17 in the second half when he backed up Helterbrand in turning what was once a close contest into a ghastly rout.

Artadi, formerly of Purefoods who is Tubid’s ex-teammate at University of the East, brandished his newfound jumpshots to the hilt as he finished with 10 points that went with five assists and two steals.

Tubid also got Magnolia big men Enrico Villanueva and Danny Ildefonso in a bad mood.

Villanueva was assessed a flagrant foul after he kicked Tubid in the third quarter while Ildefonso swiped the Ginebra guard’s elbow in the final canto resulting to a technical foul.

“Ronald and Paul are giving us the energy right now, they’re helping the team in many ways,” said Uichico.

Danny Seigle, Ildefonso and Villanueva ended up leading Magnolia with 19, 18 and 16 points, respectively, but they couldn’t prevent the Beverage Masters from absorbing a third straight loss and seventh overall against as many wins.

The Kings avenged a 90-101 setback to the Beverage Masters last Nov. 18 also at the Big Dome.

The hyperactive Tubid energized the Kings early by exploding for 10 first half points, including eight in the second quarter when they outscored Magnolia, 25-17, to turn a slim 24-21 lead to a more comfortable 49-38 advantage.

Helterbrand took care of things in the opening canto when he unloaded nine of his 11 first half points in the period that gave Ginebra some form of control.

The league’s crowd darlings made their move midway into the second quarter when ahead by just three points, 33-30, the Kings detonated a 16-8 bomb to seize an 11-point upperhand at the break.

Credit Barangay Ginebra’s strong start to impressive shooting as it made 20 of the 45 shots it took for 44.4 percent as against the 11-of-35 shooting clip by Magnolia for a woeful 31.4 percent. (JV)

The scores:

Brgy. Ginebra 115- Helterbrand 34, Tubid 27, Menk 12, Artadi 10, Mamaril 10, Caguioa 10, Reavis 7, Salvacion 5, Escalona 0, Macapagal 0.

Magnolia 100- Seigle 19, Ildefonso 18, E. Villanueva 16, Tugade 9, Pena 7, Calaguio 6, Hontiveros 6, Tenorio 5, Racela 5, Gonzales 4, J. Villanueva 3, Eman 2.

Quarterscores: 24-21; 49-38; 82-65; 115-100.

/Source: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/1916/59/

WILLIAMS BINGE PROPELS STA. LUCIA PAST GINEBRA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:16:00 +0000

WILLIAMS BINGE PROPELS STA. LUCIA PAST GINEBRA
Mendoza’s game-winning basket gives Realtors even 6-6 card
Sunday, 09 December 2007

Kelly Williams was struggling to find his range. But when he found it, he was just unstoppable.

Williams buried four booming triples in the fourth quarter as Sta. Lucia pulled the rug from under Barangay Ginebra, 79-78, Sunday and joined Talk N Text at fifth spot in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Held to just two points in the first three quarters, Williams found his range and drained four triples in the final canto, including three in the last three minutes to erase an eight-point deficit.

Paolo Mendoza, who hasn’t really found his range lately, buried a running, fade-away jumper with 4.6 seconds that turned out to be the game winner as the Kings missed a pair of attempts in the dying seconds.

With the win, the Realtors moved up to No. 5 alongside the Phone Pals after sealing their second straight win and sixth overall against the same number defeats.

Jay Jay Helterbrand waxed hot for 11 of his game-high 19 points in the fourth period but he missed a triple that would have snared the Kings the victory. Long-limbed Rafi Reavis had the chance to steal the game one last time but his follow-up at the buzzer bounced off the rim, sending the Realtors into frantic celebration.

“That was a big shot by Paolo Mendoza. He’s been trying to find his range in the past games, he found it in time to save us,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

Ginebra, which led by as much as 10 points, 59-49, late in the third quarter, fell to their eighth setback against five wins.

The Kings made their move late in the third quarter when they turned a 49-all deadlock to a 59-51 advantage, thanks to a 10-2 blitz going into the final period.

Rookie Ryan Reyes, picked third behind Welcoat’s Joe De Vance and Magnolia’s Samigue Eman, exploded with nine points in the first quarter as the Realtors built a 24-16 advantage.

But the Kings came back strong and outscored the Realtors in the second period, 17-11, to cut their deficit to two points, 33-35.

Although Sta. Lucia was eluding the defense with crisp passes, Ginebra was hitting shots inside, thanks to the bull-strong pair of Eric Menk and Billy Mamaril, who combined for 15 points and 11 boards in the first half. (JV)

The scores:

Sta. Lucia 79- Williams 16, Espino 16, Omolon 12, Reyes 6, Mendoza 6, Yeo 5, Miranda 4, Mamaclay 0, Coronel 0, Daa 0, Gonzales 0

Brgy. Ginebra 78- Helterbrand 19, Menk 14, Salvacion 12, Artadi 9, Mamaril 9, Tubid 7, Caguioa 6, Reavis 2, Macapagal 0, Santos 0.

Quarterscores: 24-16; 35-33; 51-59; 79-78.

/copied from: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/1906/59/

Brgy. Ginebra Survives Air21 Blitz

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:39:00 +0000

Brgy. Ginebra Survives Air21 Blitz

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:29:00 +0000

Brgy. Ginebra Survives Air21 Blitz
Posted by Renan on 2007-12-08

Wynne Arboleda and JC Intal committed travelling violaions in the closing seconds as Brgy. Ginebra avoided a repeat of their first meeting with Air21 this year with a tough 108-103 win yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome.Their first meeting with Air21 winning 102-95 despite trailing by 11 points with just five minutes to go.This time, with the Kings holding a 102-85 lead with 3:37 left, Air 21 got back-to-back three pointers in less than a minute courtesy of Arwind Santos, who scored a career-high 32 points and Wynne Arboleda to start an 18-2 run, pulling the Express to within two, 103-105 less than a minute left.Jayjay Helterband drove strong to the basket and was fouled, but missed both free throws to give Air21 a chance at tying. 17 seconds to go.But then Wynne Arboleda committed the travelling miscue, virtually ending any chance of an Express victory."We're really having some problems getting off the hump. But I hope things will turn for the better with Mark (Caguioa) slowly picking up his rhythm," Uichico said.Eric Menk ltopscored for Brgy. Ginebra with 19. Helterbrand added 18, Caguioa 16, Mamaril 15, Salvacion 11, and Tubid 10.Santos added 14 rebounds to his career-high scoring tally. KG Canaleta finished with 23 points, Ranidel de Ocampo had a duble-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds, and Arboleda finished with 13.

Scores:Barangay Ginebra
108 – Menk 19, Helterbrand 18, Caguioa 16, Mamaril 15, Salvacion 11, Tubid 10, Reavis 9, Artadi 8, Macapagal 2, Aquino 0.

Air21
103 – Santos 32, Canaleta 23, de Ocampo R. 14, Arboleda 13, Kramer 7, Se 5, Chia 4, Intal 3, Sotto 2, Cruz 0, Baluyot 0.Quarterscores: 21-22, 46-52, 82-73, 108-103

Source: http://pba-online.net/

BARANGAY GINEBRA EXACTS SWEET VENGEANCE ON WELCOAT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:33:00 +0000

BARANGAY GINEBRA EXACTS SWEET VENGEANCE ON WELCOAT

Helterbrand takes charge as Kings win 2 straight

Wednesday, 28 November 2007

Jayjay Helterbrand took charge in the fourth quarter and Sunday Salvation hit a huge 3-pointer with 1:59 remaining as Barangay Ginebra held off a furious comeback by Welcoat to prevail, 94-87, Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The heart-stopping ending brought some relief to coach Jong Uichico after watching the Kings blow a 14-point second quarter bulge.

BARANGAY GINEBRA EXACTS SWEET VENGEANCE ON WELCOAT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:29:00 +0000

BARANGAY GINEBRA EXACTS SWEET VENGEANCE ON WELCOAT

Helterbrand takes charge as Kings win 2 straight

Wednesday, 28 November 2007

The heart-stopping ending brought some relief to coach Jong Uichico after watching the Kings blow a 14-point second quarter bulge.

"I don't know how we could blow away a 14-point lead. The way I look at it, we have a tendency to relax when we're comfortably ahead. It’s something that we really have to work on because it's a dangerous habit," Uichico said.

"I'm still happy with the win though, but I hope the players won't be satisfied. The games ahead are much tougher."

Helterbrand, who took matters into his own hands when Ginebra’s top guns were firing blanks, scattered 20 points aside from dishing off 10 assists. Mark Caguioa, who sizzled for 35 points the last time around, shot a woeful 8-of-23 from the field this time, but still led all scorers with 21 points. Ronald Tubid had 14 markers, and Rafi Reavis and Mark Macapagal combined for 22 points for the Kings, who have won two in a row and improved to a 4-6 record.

The win also avenged the defending champions’ embarrassing 64-82 loss to the Dragons on October 27 in Roxas City.

"Now we're closing in on the middle of the pack. But we still have to improve in many areas to be able to compete for the championship," Uichico said.

Welcoat knocked 10-of-34 3-point attempts, six more than the four converted by the Kings. But the biggest three of the night belonged to Salvacion, who made just four attempts all game and managed only four points.

After Rob Wainwright put Welcoat ahead, 86-85, with a 3-pointer, Salvacion answered with his own trey 27 seconds later to give the Kings a one-point lead.

Jay-R Reyes had a chance to tie the count after sinking his first free throw but he missed the other. Helterbrand scored on Ginebra's next possession to all but seal the win, 90-87.

It was the third straight loss for the Dragons, who fell to 3-7. And there's a strong chance it could cost the Dragons even more.

Already without top rookie Joe Devance and guard Froilan Baguion, the Dragons could also lose star center Reyes, who hurt his knee during a looseball scramble in the closing seconds.

Wainwright finished with 17 points and Belasco had 16 for the Dragons, who appeared down and out by the time they fell behind by 23-37 early in the second quarter.

But they kept their patience and slowly rallied behind the 3-point shooting of Wainwright and Belasco and the timely shots of Reyes, Lopez and Gelig.

Jireh Ibanez's three with 9:28 left in the third quarter shoved Welcoat ahead, 56-53.

The Dragons managed to stretch their lead to as much as 72-65 at the end of the third canto but Ginebra needed only a couple of Welcoat plays that went awry to step on the gas and get back into the game. (DBC)

The scores:

Ginebra 94 - Caguioa 21, Helterbrand 20, Tubid 14, Reavis 12, Macapagal 10, Menk 8, Salvacion 5, Artadi 2, Mamaril 2, Aquino 0.

Welcoat 87 - Waiwright 17, Belasco 16, Reyes 15, Lopez 11, Gelig 9, Mente 9, Ibanes 5, Sta. Maria 3, Dulay 2, Arana 0, Tangkay 0.

Quarters: 20-15, 49-45, 65-72, 94-87.

/copied from: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/1886/59/

CAGUIOA PROPELS GINEBRA PAST COCA-COLA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:10:00 +0000

CAGUIOA PROPELS GINEBRA PAST COCA-COLA

The Sparks explodes for 35; Helterbrand bangs in 25

Saturday, 24 November 2007
Former MVP winner Kenneth Duremdes had his breakout game in a Coca-Cola uniform but Mark Caguioa had a bigger outing for Barangay Ginebra. Caguioa dished out his best game in his return from the RP team, tying a tournament-high 35 points as the Kings outlasted the Tigers in a fiercely-fought match in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Saturday. Read more...

CAGUIOA PROPELS GINEBRA PAST COCA-COLA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:08:00 +0000

CAGUIOA PROPELS GINEBRA PAST COCA-COLA

The Sparks explodes for 35; Helterbrand bangs in 25

Saturday, 24 November 2007

Former MVP winner Kenneth Duremdes had his breakout game in a Coca-Cola uniform but Mark Caguioa had a bigger outing for Barangay Ginebra.

Caguioa dished out his best game in his return from the RP team, tying a tournament-high 35 points as the Kings outlasted the Tigers in a fiercely-fought match in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Saturday.

The former Glendale Community College mainstay erupted for 26 points in the second half, including seven in the last 49 seconds to bail Ginebra out of trouble.

Scoring their first win since Caguioa’s return, the Kings gained some relief as they caught up with the Welcoat Dragons at eighth place at 3-6.

The Tigers slid deeper in the cellar as they absorbed a seventh straight defeat following a winning debut in the tourney. They have already matched the franchise’s longest losing skein suffered from Nov. 3 to Dec. 1 last year.

Worse, there could be no immediate solution in sight with key players John Arigo, Alex Cabagnot and Ronjay Buenafe nursing injuries.

The Tigers put up a brave front against the Kings as Duremdes and Mark Telan recalled their old forms only to falter at the finish.

The Kings pounced on the Tigers’ crucial errors at endgame with Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand closing the contest with a 9-0 run in the last 49 seconds.

Caguioa tied the tournament-high of 35 points twice made by Alaska’s Willie Miller as the Ginebra stalwart went 4-of-6 from the three-point range, 9-of-12 from the two-point zone and 5-of-6 from the stripe.

"The Fast and the Furious" went to work with Jayjay Helterbrand ably backing up Caguioa with 25 points, six assists and four rebounds.

"Games are very difficult for Ginebra nowadays. We have to find ways to have better games consistently," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

"We’re happy with the win but not with the way we got it. Of course, the players didn’t give up and that’s a good sign," Uichico added.

The Kings and the Tigers figured in a furious contest marked by seven deadlocks and 17 lead changes.

Duremdes paced the Tigers with 24 points – his best output in the team’s red uniform. Telan, meanwhile, had his sixth double-double game in the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

But Duremdes, Telan and the Tigers cracked up at the finish.

Coca-Cola was enjoying a five-point lead at 92-87 when Ginebra came through with a 10-to-nothing run to grab the lead to stay at 97-94.

The Tigers threatened the last time at 102-103 before Caguioa and Helterbrand went for the kill. (NC)

The scores:

Ginebra 110 – Caguioa 35, Helterbrand 25, Artadi 13, Reavis 12, Holper 6, Tubid 6, Salvacion 5, Mamaril 4, Menk 3, Macapagal 1, Aquino 0.

Coca-Cola 102 – Duremdes 24, Telan 22, Peek 18, Catli 14, Caceres 9, Enrile 4, Echavez 4, Dimaunahan 4, Tolomia 3, Isip 0.

/copied from: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/1879/59/