TeamPilipinas.info

Chot Reyes could be the next Smart Gilas coach

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

source: June Navarro | inquirer.net

With Serbian coach Rajko Toroman now out of the equation, the next Smart Gilas Pilipinas head coach will come from the pool of high-profile local mentors.

Sources said Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes has the inside track, but Smart Gilas operations manager Butch Antonio played it coy, saying the national team program would take off with a meeting of the minds among the four coaches in the select group.

Apart from Reyes, who recently steered the Tropang Texters to the PBA Philippine Cup crown, the other candidates are multititled PBA coaches Norman Black, Jong Uichico and Ryan Gregorio.

“We already told coach Rajko that he won’t be rehired as Smart Gilas head coach,” said Antonio.

Toroman, who steered the PH five to a fourth-place performance in the Fiba Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, last year, came to Manila last week to pick up the things he left behind in his apartment and went back to Belgade in a huff.

Antonio said there’s a need to sit down with the coaches during the ongoing 12-day PBA break before the league resumes with the import-flavored Commissioner’s Cup on Feb. 10.

“There’s no fixed date on the meeting but we have to schedule it at once,” said Antonio. “The agenda will be to establish the framework of the program from the candidates to training to tournament schedules.”

Antonio earlier hinted that the core of Smart Gilas would come from Sinag Pilipinas, a talented bunch composed mostly of collegiate players who captured the gold medal in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

Reyes, who has eight PBA titles in a tie for fourth with Uichico, has become a strong contender for the coaching portfolio after sitting as a Toroman assistant in the failed mission to nail an Olympic slot in London last year.

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B-Meg gearing up for Commissioners Cup

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

The B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados are already gearing up for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup, especially after their shocking upset in the recently concluded Philippine Cup.

The Llamados were the top-seeds after the elimination round but fell to the upstart Powerade Tigers in three games in the first round of the play-offs.

Assistant coach Koy Banal said the team is using the extended off-season to prepare for the upcoming conference and familiarize themselves with their new teammates.

“Of course, (head coach) Tim Cone is very particular dun sa preparation namin with regards to the condition of the body,” he said. “Actually, we are practicing twice a day.”

Banal admitted that the trade of Kerby Raymundo, one of their star players, to Ginebra will have an effect on the team.

“Malaking kawalan si Kerby sa koponan ng B-Meg, pero meron namang players ang aming koponan na pwedeng pumuno sa mga maiko-contribute n’ya,” he said.

Banal noted that JC Intal – one of the players B-Meg received in exchange for Raymundo – will be able to contribute right away, along with the team’s import, Denzel Moles.

But both players will still have to learn the team’s triangle offense, something Banal said will be addressed.

Intal, for his part, said he was happy to be traded to the Llamados.

“Maganda rin naman ang team na nilipatan ko,” he said. “Kilala natin ang B-Meg at Purefoods sa mga winning traditions nila.”

“I’m very blessed to play for Coach Tim alongside James Yap and Marc Pingris. I’m happy pa rin na sa kanila ako napunta,” Intal added.

The Llamados are hoping to get back to the Finals this conference after falling short of their goal in the Philippine Cup. -- Report from Ernie Manio, ABS-CBN News Southern Tagalog

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Sparks, sans Y'husband, go up vs Global

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

source: Joey Villar | philstar.com

Loyola Meralco Sparks and Global FC seek to keep pace with co-leaders Stallion Gilligan’s and Kaya FC as they clash tonight in the First Division of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial pitch.

The Sparks and the Global booters are tied at third place with two wins and a loss for six points apiece going to their 7 p.m. encounter.

But Loyola will play without its best striker Phil Younghusband, who will serve a one-game suspension after being tossed out in the Sparks’ 1-4 defeat to Stallion over the weekend.

Global dropped its first outing to Army Fritz & Macziol, 1-2, but made it up with two wins in a row over Pasargad, 2-0, and Nomads Auction Manila, 5-1, to remain in the top four with six points.

What makes the Global booters dangerous is that they’re now playing with a complete lineup including Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado, one of the more popular members of the Azkals team.

Guirado is back in the fold after getting a red card versus Army Fritz & Macziol.

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Analysts believe Donaire will KO Vazquez

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Boxing analysts predict Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. will win over former super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. this weekend, and they see him winning big.

RingTV.com co-editors Doug Fischer and Michael Rosenthal believe Donaire’s climb to the 122-pound weight class will do wonders for the Filipino Flash’s performance.

“In recent history, when he makes a debut [in a weight class] he makes a tremendous splash,” said Fischer.

Donaire, the reigning WBA and WBA bantamweight champion, is debuting as a super bantamweight against Vazquez.

As a super bantamweight, Donaire no longer needs to strain himself while shedding weight, which is what he had to do in the 118-pound weight class.

“He's gotten used to cutting a lot of weight a week to the fight, I think he's gonna cut less weight. He may feel stronger and even faster,” said Fischer.

“I think he might give an explosive performance just like what he had last February against Fernando Montiel... I don't know if he's gonna get to Wilfredo Vazquez that quickly but I think he's gonna win by knockout,” he added.

Better than Arce

Rosenthal said another factor that plays to Donaire’s favor is Vazquez’s confidence.

Although Vazquez is coming off a 3rd-round knockout victory over Roberto Carlos Leyva last October, he suffered a 12th-round stoppage in the hands of Mexican boxer Jorge Arce five months earlier.

“There's a question with Vazquez, his confidence after the fight [against Arce],” said Rosenthal.

Rosenthal said Vazquez ran out of gas against Arce, who is a smaller and older fighter.

He believes Donaire’s a better fighter than Arce and would probably cause more trouble for Vazquez.

“Arce's probably a hall of famer, but right now, I think Donaire's up here and Arce's somewhere down here,” said Rosenthal.

At stake in the Donaire-Vazquez clash is the vacant WBO super bantamweight crown.

ABS-CBN Sports will air Donaire vs. Vasquez on Feb. 5 (Sunday), 10:15 a.m. on ABS-CBN Channel 2

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ABL: Philippine Patriots, San Miguel Beermen face separate foes

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

source: Jasmine W. Payo | inquirer.net

After surviving different tough teams, the two Philippine squads try to stay on a roll in the Asean Basketball League Wednesday night.

Claiming to have regained their focus, the AirAsia Philippine Patriots shoot for back-to-back triumphs against the winless Saigon Heat at 7 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Over in Singapore, the San Miguel Beermen go for another road win and a third straight triumph against the host Slingers at 8 p.m. at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“We expect another tough match up against the imports,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio.

The Patriots and the Beermen share third spot at 2-1 behind the unbeaten Westports Malaysia Dragons (3-0) and the Slingers (3-1).

Al Vergara, Ardy Larong, Angel Raymundo and veteran Rob Wainwright provided able support for import Anthony Johnson, who came up with huge numbers in the Patriots’ 86-73 home game victory over the Indonesia Warriors last Saturday.

“The whole game plan was to come out and be aggressive,” said Johnson, who exploded for 33 points, including 15 from beyond the arc, against the Warriors.

“We weren’t the same team during that loss [against San Miguel]. We had no chemistry, we weren’t running the plays and everybody was pointing fingers. Good thing we were able to refocus in practice.”

San Miguel coach Bobby Parks has also been pleased with new American import Doug Thomas, who provided the defensive muscle as Dalron Johnson and Leo Avenido took over the scoring chores in the Beermen’s 68-59 win over the Chang Thailand Slammers.

“I’m very happy with his (Thomas) defense and he’s causing mismatch problems,” Parks said after the Beermen downed the defending champion Slammers in Bangkok last Sunday.

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Arum planning Marquez-Peterson in July

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:00:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Boxing promoter Bob Arum is planning a July fight date between Manny Pacquiao’s bitter foe, Juan Manuel Marquez, and WBA/IBF junior welterweight champion Lamont Peterson.

According to Boxing Scene, Marquez has apparently agreed to do the bout, while Peterson is still studying his options, which includes a possible rematch against former junior welterweight champion Amir Khan.

Arum said the Marquez-Peterson fight might fall on July 14 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

"That's my goal. That's what I would like to see, but we'll see if we can do it," said Arum.

It is not yet clear, however, if Marquez will get his rematch against Pacquiao.

The Mexican champion earlier said he will only sign a deal that will guarantee him a fourth fight against the fighting congressman from the Philippines.

"Before I accept an agreement, it must include a fight against Pacquiao. Otherwise I will not sign it,” he said.

“I will not serve as a stepping stone for others," Marquez added.

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PFF sacks former U-23 Azkals skipper

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:35:00 +0000

source: Cedelf P. Tupas | inquirer.net

Former Philippine Under-23 squad skipper Matthew Hartmann has been suspended indefinitely from all events sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation for abruptly leaving the PH team in the middle of its campaign in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia last year.

At the same time, the PFF disciplinary committee “strongly reprimanded” coach Michael Weiss for “flip-flopping actions” related to the Hartmann case.

In a Jan. 25 letter, the German coach was also asked to propose actions to deal with similar situations in the future.

Hartmann, 22, left the team in Indonesia after the 1-2 loss to Timor Leste. Sources said he had a falling out with Weiss over team rules. The Under-23 Azkals went on to win just one of their last three matches.

Hartmann was also barred from playing for the Loyola Meralco Sparks in the United Football League.

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Perpetual spikers reach NCAA finals

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:34:00 +0000

source: inquirer.net

University of Perpetual’s men’s and women’s teams overpowered their respective foes to barge into the championship round in the 87th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Altas, the reigning champions, walloped the Arellano U Chiefs, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17, to arrange a best-of-three title showdown with the San Beda Lions, who made it through with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 win over the St. Benilde Blazers.

The Lady Altas, out to win it all after failing to win it all last season, likewise was emphatic as they thumped down the Letran Lady Knights, 25-16, 25-19, 25-15, to arrange their own championship duel in the women’s side.

That put both the Perpetual Help teams closer to a title sweep.

“We’ve accomplished our first goal, which is to make the finals,” said Lady Altas coach Mike Rafael in Filipino. “Now we’re hoping to achieve our biggest goal, which is to win it all.”

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Andre Berto suffers injury; Ortiz fight off

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Former world champion Andre Berto suffered an injury while training for his February 11 rematch against Victor Ortiz.

Berto, who is eyeing to avenge his loss to Ortiz last year, suffered a ruptured left biceps.

The injury will require arthroscopic surgery, thereby postponing his rematch with Ortiz.

"It is my understanding that Andre hurt it throwing a left hook during sparring. I was just told that the surgery will likely take place tomorrow," Victor Conte, Berto's nutritionist, said in RingTV.com.

"Andre was sparring against Tureano Johnson, and when he threw a short left hook to the head, Tony said that Berto told him that he heard a pop. After this happened, Andre went and had an MRI. Apparently, the muscle is detatched from the bone. That's what Tony said," narrated Conte.

Berto gave up the IBF welterweight title he won from Jan Zaveck to get a chance to avenge his loss to Ortiz.

Ortiz defeated Berto via unanimous decision to snatch the WBC welterweight title in April 2011.

"Disappointed isn't even the best word to describe how I feel right now,” said Ortiz.

"Do I have anything bad to say about Berto? No. Not at all. S--t happens. But I wish him a quick recovery, because I need to get into the ring with him ASAP," he added.

Ortiz himself is looking to rebound from his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr.

He lost the WBC welterweight title in a controversial bout against Mayweather. Last September.

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Watch out for Tigers' growl in Commissioner's Cup

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:22:00 +0000

For the Powerade Tigers, it’s just so hard not to be upbeat for the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup following their Cinderella ride in the Philippine Cup and their acquisition of a prized import.

“We’re excited for the second conference with Dwayne Jones,” said Powerade top official JB Baylon.

The Tigers believe they’ve built chemistry, confidence and competitiveness that can well give them another good run in the second conference.

For all their handicaps, coach Bo Perasol and his young troops carved an incredible feat in the Philippine Cup, defying tall odds to finish second behind eventual champion Talk n Text.

Powerade, barely making the playoffs as eighth placer in the elimination round, stunned top seed B-Meg in the quarterfinals then upended fifth ranked Rain or Shine in the semifinals to set up a titular showdown with Talk n Text.

The Tigers survived no less than four knockout matches in their stirring playoff run that earned them respect and accolades from peers and foes.

“Let me extend my warmest congratulations to the powerhouse Talk n Text Tropang Texters for their mastery of the game called basketball. In the same breath, let me salute the Powerade Tigers for making all of us in the Coca-Cola System mighty proud of their showing. If nothing else, your growing following is testament that the brand of play you show on court is what creates new sports heroes,” said Baylon in toasting his team.

“The Tigers had a run which befits their team – young, scrappy talented. With a big import, they’ll be very, very tough in the second conference,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

The Tigers are just taking a weeklong rest and return to the training camp Monday.

They’ll be back in action in the second conference with 6-foot-11 Jones, a five-year NBA veteran with stints with the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Charlotte Bobcats and the Phoenix Suns.

Jones is a huge inside presence who led the NBA Developmental League in rebounds in 2005 with an average of 11.7 while playing for the Florida Flame. He then also led the league in offensive rebounds (4.5) and placed third in blocks (2.0).

A product of Saint Joseph’s, the Morgantown, West Virginia native has had his experience of international plays, having played in Belgrade, China, Turkey and Puerto Rico.

Jones was signed by the Minnesota Timberwolves as an undrafted rookie free agent on Aug. 26, 2005.

Without a single official appearance for the Wolves, Jones was traded to the Boston Celtics on Jan. 27, 2006, along with Michael Olowakandi, Wally Szczerbiak and a future first-round draft choice, in exchange for Marcus Banks, Mark Blount, Ricky Davis, Justin Reed and two future conditional second-round draft choices.

He played 14 games for the Celtics during the season, averaging 1.0 points and 2.2 rebounds with a season high seven points.

Jones was traded to the Cavaliers on Oct. 13, 2006, in exchange for Luke Jackson, and appeared in four regular season games.

In his first full season as an NBA player in 2007-08, Jones averaged 1.0 point and 2.0 rebounds in 56 games.

In September 2008, Jones was signed by the Orlando Magic to play in the team's training camp, but was released before the season started. He then signed with Turkish league club Efes Pilsen SK. (SB)

source: www.pba.ph

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Donaire arrives in San Antonio, all set for Vazquez

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:11:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. has arrived in San Antonio, Texas ahead of his WBO title fight against Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. this weekend.

Examiner.com reported that the Filipino-American boxer arrived in San Antonio on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

The Filipino Flash is in high spirits as he prepares for his debut at the super bantamweight division.

Donaire, the WBC and WBO bantamweight champion, will fight Vazquez for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title.

The fight will serve as the main supporting bout of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Rubio clash, which is scheduled to take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Vazquez denies having weight issues

Meanwhile, Vazquez’s camp denied he’s having problems with his weight ahead of the Donaire fight.

Vazquez failed to make weight for his 7-day pre-fight weigh in.

The commission rules state that the fighter cannot weigh more than 5% over the contracted fight weight, which in this case is 122 pounds.

Vazquez tipped the scales at 132.6 pounds which was over the allowed maximum weight of 128.1.

"Vazquez had just eaten when they weighed him. There is no problem. That is why he was over. He went and worked out and ran after and then he made the weight,” Felix "Tutico" Zabala, co-promoter of the Daonire-Vazquez fight, told Boxing Scene.

Donaire is the heavy 7-1 betting favorite coming into Saturday's fight.

But Vazquez remains confident in his chances.

"I'm going to surprise everyone, even the people who want to see me lose. I am ready to prove people wrong," he said.

ABS-CBN will be airing the Donaire vs Vazquez fight on Sunday (February 5) on Channel 2 and Studio 23

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PBA D-League: NLEX melts Big Chill, faces Freego in the finals

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:12:00 +0000

source: gmanetwork.com

NLEX rammed its way to the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup finals as the Road Warriors outclassed the Big Chill Superchargers, 89-60, in Game 3, Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

RR Garcia scored 16 points while Calvin Abueva had an auspicious return following a one-game suspension, contributing 16 points and eight rebounds as the Road Warriors won the final two matches of the series following a lopsided 83-66 defeat in Game 1.

The Road Warriors maintained their wide margin throughout the game, a stark contrast to Game 2 where they led by 24 points, only to see it go down the drain before finally taking the win.

“In Game 2, we were up by 21 but they led by one. We learned our lesson that no lead is safe,” NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

NLEX braces for the best-of-three finals as it takes on Freego Jeans beginning on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

“Freego is a very good team. They have been together for a long time. Even though we won that game in the eliminations, the finals is a different story,” said Fernandez.

Led by Abueva’s nine points in the first period, NLEX raced to a 22-10 lead entering the second quarter. The Road Warriors’ advantage swelled further while limiting the Superchargers to just eight points in the period, to take a commanding 43-18 lead at the half.

The Road Warriors’ lead went as high as 40 points in the fourth quarter, 79-39, on a Chris Ellis two-handed slam dunk.

Raffy Reyes led the Superchargers with 16 points, while Jopher Custodio added 11 markers. - AMD, GMA News

The scores:

NLEX (89)—Abueva 16, Garcia 16, Ellis 12, Sangalang 8, Marcelo 8, Hodge 8, Lanete 6, Monfort 6, Hermida 5, Dehesa 2, Co 2, Arao 0, Belencion 0.

Big Chill (60)—Reyes 16, Custodio 11, Maconocido 9, Collado 7, Jensen 4, Ponferrada 4, Dizon 4, Tan 3, Mallari 2, Galinato 0, Santos 0, Glorioso 0.

Quarter scores: 22-10, 43-18, 71-37, 89-60.

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Pacquiao foe to be announced next week

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Top Rank chief executive officer Bob Arum plans to reveal Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao's next opponent by next week.

In an interview with Boxing Scene, Arum said he will announce who Pacquiao will be fighting next after the Julio Cesar Chavez-Marco Antonio Rubio fight and the Super Bowl.

"We won't announce anything until after the Super Bowl. I don't want to take anything away from the Chavez fight on February 4," Arum said.

"We want to wait until the Chavez fight, and after the Super Bowl... probably Tuesday," he added.

Pacquiao is set to make his return to the ring on June 9, although the venue of the bout has not been finalized.

Arum originally presented Pacquiao with a list of four possible opponents: Juan Manuel Marquez, Lamont Peterson, Timothy Bradley and Miguel Cotto.

But Marquez and Peterson are both out of the picture, and Cotto has refused to fight Pacquiao at the welterweight division, instead asking for a 150-pound catchweight.

A potential mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. is out of the question as well, after the undefeated American boxer refused to accept a 50-50 split.

This leaves Bradley as the most likely opponent for the Filipino boxer, though Arum has refused to count Cotto out of the equation.

"What if Cotto has an epiphany and suddenly calls and says he can make 147?" Arum said.

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Fonacier filled big shoes for Texters from start to finish

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

If he were to make the choice, Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes would also be for Larry Fonacier as MVP in the just concluded PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Reyes said Fonacier is the perfect choice.

“I laud you guys for choosing Larry as the Finals MVP,” Reyes said to the sportswriters covering the PBA beat. “I wouldn’t give it to any other person on our team than to Larry.”

As the most steady Talk n Text player in the titular series clinched by the Tropang Texters Sunday, Fonacier emerged the overwhelming winner of the Finals MVP award.

For Reyes, Fonacier was their most valuable player not only in the finals but the whole tourney.

“We played 21 players all in all in the tournament, but he’s the only one who played each game of the tourney,” said Reyes.

“He filled many shoes. He’s always there carrying a big load for us,” added Reyes.

Most importantly, he dished out his best when it mattered the most.

The 6-foot-2 deadshot from Ateneo sparkled with averages of 16.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in the series.

He’s also one of the defensive faces thrown by the Texters at Powerade scoring machine Gary David.

Fonacier scored at least 20 points in Games Three and Four. In Game Five, Fonacier scored only nine points but he put in all these in a decisive run helping the Texters pull in the second quarter.

“It’s a big honor, and I want to share it with my teammates, who really helped me out -- Jimmy for the assists, Jason, Ryan and Ali for the screens, and Kelly and Ranidel for getting the rebounds for us,” said Fonacier.

“All those guys, they made me better. So I share with them the honor,” he added.

It’s another feather in the cap for Fonacier, a winner with championships won for Ateneo in high school and college plays, in the PBL and with Red Bull, Alaska and Talk n Text in the pros. (SB)

source: www.pba.ph

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NBA: Griffin and Clippers dunk Thunder in home triumph (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:02:00 +0000

source: Reuters.com

Blake Griffin delivered the dunk of the season on a rim-rattling slam over Kendrick Perkins to highlight the Los Angeles Clippers' 112-100 victory over the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

Griffin, the reigning slam dunk champion, took a pass from Chris Paul early in the third quarter and elevated above a defenseless Perkins before slamming the ball viciously through the hoop with his right hand.

Blake Griffin DUNKS over Kendrick Perkins

The highlight gave the Clippers a 21-point lead and helped to snap the Thunder's four-game winning streak.

Paul orchestrated the victory with 26 points and 14 assists while Griffin and Caron Butler added 22 points each as Los Angeles got their second win over a top Western Conference team in as many games, having beaten Denver on Sunday.

Kevin Durant scored a game-high 36 points and had 13 rebounds while Russell Westbrook had 31 but the Thunder (16-4) fell behind by 11 after the first quarter and never recovered.

The Clippers (12-6) led by seven late in the second before making four successive three-pointers to grab an 18-point halftime lead. — Reuters

Oklahoma City Thunder vs LA Clippers Highlights

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‘PSC abolition OK, but don’t ignore POC’

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

source: June Navarro | inquirer.net

National Olympic chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. has no objection to a congressional proposal that would transform the Philippine Sports Commission into a cabinet-level government office.

Cojuangco said that as long as the influence of the Philippine Olympic Committee over the new sports body remains intact and the POC continues to take the lead role in the country’s participation in foreign competitions, there is nothing to worry over the PSC’s transformation.

“There’s no problem with the PSC becoming a department but eliminating the POC’s participation is nonsense,” he said.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, chair of the Senate committee on amateur sports competitiveness, recently filed Senate Bill No. 3092 which would abolish the PSC to pave the way for the creation of the Department of Sports under the Office of the President.

Trillanes said the passage of the bill would make the PSC immune from the influence of the POC.

“The government can’t meddle in the affairs of the POC,” said Cojuangco.

The POC has full autonomy on the selection of athletes, while the PSC funds the training and participation of the national athletes in events such as the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

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PBA D-League: Final or bust for NLEX, Big Chill

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

source: philstar.com

Expect the NLEX Road Warriors and the Big Chill Super Chargers to battle for every inch on the floor when they face each other today for the deciding Game 3 of their semi-final series.

The winner of the 2 p.m. duel at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City earns the right to a titular showdown against finalist-in-waiting Freego Jeans for the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

Coaches of both sides agreed their fourth meeting this conference will be fierce with a lot of physicality because neither of the two teams is going to back down.

“Yes, we expect a physical game, after all we’re playing for a finals slot,” Big Chill coach Arsenio Dysangco declared. “I feel the team who wants it more, who is willing to give that extra effort, has an advantage.”

The Super Chargers dominated the Road Warriors in Game 1, 83-66, and threatened to wrap up the best-of-three series when they rallied from a 24-point deficit in Game 2 only to come up short.

For a team whose modest goal was to just make the quarterfinals, the Super Chargers should be happy enough and with a sense of fulfillment no matter how this series would end.

But they are not yet done.

Dysangco said his troops are driven by their motivation to test their full potentials.

“We want to find out how far we can go. We want to test the limits of our capacity. Its only by going too far can one find out how far one can go,” Dysangco stressed.

“Pressure doesn’t usually lie with the underdogs. We’re just going to play hard and give our best. We’ve worked hard and earned every game and somehow have earned the respect of basketball fans and pundits. We have nothing to lose.”

The Road Warriors are, no doubt, far more talented and more athletic of the two teams but their near meltdown in Game 2 cast doubt on their invincibility and ability to clinch their second straight championship.

Certainly, poise and experience will make a difference in Game 3 and the Road Warriors showed a lot of it to survive Game 2, 69-62, and forced a sudden death.

NLEX is 1-2 against Big Chill this conference but coach Boyet Fernadez firmly believes the Road Warriors will win the game that mattered most to make the finals.

The return of power forward Calvin Abueva in the rotation after serving a one-game suspension also provides a shot in the arm for the Foundation Cup champions, who seemed to have a tough time containing Big Chill’s frontcourt led by Jewel Ponferrada and Jesie Collado.

“(Game 3) is a player’s game. I am confident my guys will get the job done. If we could play with the same kind of energy and resolve as we did (in Game 2) we’ll win this series,” Fernandez said.

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Cotto holds key to Manny's next bout

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

source: Abac Cordero | philstar.com

Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather won’t happen soon has opened all the possibilities, great ones, for fighters in and around the weight class the sport’s two biggest superstars are in right now.

Mayweather will fight on May 5, if he gets a license from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and in the list of potential opponents are Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez and initially, Robert Guerrero.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, is looking at June 9 for his return to the ring. The names in his own list include Cotto, Timothy Bradley and Lamont Peterson.

If Pacquiao vs Mayweather were to happen on May 5 or June 9, then it leaves these other boxers going at each other’s throats. But since it’s far-fetched from happening, the merry-go-round begins.

Mayweather and Pacquiao, the WBC and WBA welterweight champions, want Cotto, because a fight with the heavy-handed Puerto Rican would perhaps be the easiest to sell.

The problem with the weight, however, is keeping Cotto away from a rematch with Pacquiao, who’s insisting on 147 lb. Cotto said he won’t go that low for Pacquiao, in contrast to Mayweather who’s open to fighting Cotto at 150.

But the NSAC could stand in the way of Mayweather-Cotto, and if the undefeated American, who’s supposed to go to jail starting on June 1, is denied a license, then where goes Cotto go?

He can go to Pacquiao, and beg for a catchweight of 149 lb, or try to defend his junior-middleweight crown against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and make much less money than with a fight with Pacquiao.

Pacquiao’s promoter, in anticipation of a non-fight with either Mayweather or Cotto, has broached the idea of a mini-tournament featuring Pacquiao vs Bradley and Marquez vs Peterson.

Then the winners could clash sometime in October or November, again leaving Mayweather out of the picture.

Even without Mayweather, Pacquiao is in for two big fights this year, and Arum said the 33-year-old Filipino congressman should get no less than $20 million for each bout.

Mayweather can go to jail in June without fighting in May, and that’s if the NSAC denies him a license. But if he gets one, he’d most likely land the fight with Cotto.

Right now, Bradley, the undefeated light-welterweight champion, has the inside track in the Pacquiao derby.

“Does it look closer to being Bradley? It looks closer to being Bradley, obviously, by the process of elimination,” Arum told www.ringTV.com .

“Pacquiao’s opponent will be decided late this week. We’ve got plenty of time,” said the Top Rank chief, however, adding that Cotto still has a chance.

“What happens if Miguel Cotto comes back and says, ‘Okay, I’ll make the weight? That opens up another possibility. But right now, he’s saying that he wouldn’t.”

Everything might change depending on what the NSAC says Wednesday when it deals with Mayweather’s license.

Then the music stops.

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UFL: Kaya booters survive Navy side, share lead

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:30:00 +0000

source: Joey Villar | philstar.com

Kaya FC came back from a goal deficit to turn back upset-conscious Philippine Navy Red Juice, 2-1, to seize a share of the lead with the Stallion Gilligan’s FC in the First Division of the United Football League at the University of Makati field over the weekend.

Probably playing complacent with knowledge that they’re unbeaten and pitted against a winless side, the LBC-backed Kaya booters felt a major jolt after striker Vaughn Mellendrez, who formerly played for Smart San Beda, rammed in a goal on the 21st minute when no one is looking to give the Navymen an early 1-0 lead.

That’s when Kaya, mentored by locally based Spanish coach Juan Cutillas, woke up and slowly but surely clawed its way back that started when striker Joshua Beloya, formerly of Second Division team Bacolod FC and member of the Azkals’ under-23 team that saw action in last year’s Indonesia Southeast Asian Games, nailed a goal eight minutes later to knot the count at one apiece.

With the game tied, Ivory Coast’s Eric Dagroh came to Kaya’s rescue and broke the tie with a rocket-like goal on the 71st minute that decided the match and sent the title favorites to their third straight win and into a tie at the helm with Stallion with nine points apiece.

“We’re on track but its just the start and we haven’t faced some of the best teams in the league yet,” said Cutillas.

Kaya, however, will have its hands full when it faces equally dangerous, Phil and James Younghusband-led Loyola Meralco Sparks on the main game of Saturday’s offering at the Rizal Memorial pitch.

“That’s a big test, that game against Loyola,” said Cutillas.

The Navymen fell to their second loss and remained with just a point after their 1-1 deadlock with Nomads Auction Manila a couple of weeks back.

The late goal by the 22-year-old Dagroh was his second after nailing Kaya’s only goal in a 1-0 win over defending league and Cup champion Phl Air Force Phoenix in the opener last Jan. 14.

Dagroh ties Fil-Am midfielder Lexton Moy, who struck with two in a 2-1 edging of the Hans Smith-coached Green Archers United last week while Beloya nailed his first goal since joining Kaya this year.

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Dynasty or flag and country?

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

source: Nelson Beltran | philstar.com

For Talk ‘N’ Text, it’s one dilemma that keeps hounding the team.

After successfully defending the PBA Philippine Cup championship, the Smart-PLDT franchise is again faced with the question whether to keep its focus on building a dynasty in the pro league or tamper with the makeup of the champion team to help the national squad.

There’s no official announcement yet but words are out Talk ‘N’ Text coach Chot Reyes is going to take over from Rajko Toroman as head coach of Smart Gilas Pilipinas.

It’s not a remote possibility, either, that a number of Talk ‘N’ Text players will be invited to the national pool.

Reyes, still just a part of the Smart Gilas pool of coaches along with Jong Uichico, Ryan Gregorio and Norman Black, expects the group to start planning their courses of action by next week.

“Coach Rajko’s status (non-extension of his contract) has been resolved. I’m sure the group will start discussing the next steps,” said Reyes.

But with the next major international tourney still a year away, Reyes is keeping a mindset that his job is to prepare Talk ‘N’ Text to remain competitive in the next two conferences.

“There’s no urgent need for the national team this year. So as far as I’m concerned, the directive is to coach Talk ‘N’ Text in the next two conferences,” said Reyes.

After nailing back-to-back Philippine Cup titles, the Texters’ next goal is also to win the Commissioner’s Cup two in a row.

“The import will play a big part. But I can’t say yet how will our import fit although he’s been here for a while now. Since we’re in the finals, I just saw him on ‘walk-throughs,’” said Reyes of their import Omar Samhan, a 6-foot-11 white player from Saint Mary’s University.

The Texters will be out to stretch their domination of the league, going for a fourth title in the last five conferences and fifth in four years.

Reyes and his troops carved an incredible feat, fighting back from the brink of ouster in the semifinals versus Petron Blaze and going all the way to the pinnacle of glory in stamping their class against Powerade in the PBA Philippine Cup finale.

The Texters brushed off the Tigers, 110-101, Sunday to win their best-of-seven series in five games and become the first team in 27 years to successfully defend the All-Filipino crown.

“They wouldn’t give up but neither would we,” said Reyes who secured his eighth PBA championship, fifth in the Philippine Cup.

Reyes ranked this conquest among the sweetest, considering the trials they faced and hurdled.

“I believe championships are made of special moments, and there’s nothing more special than having Ali Peek with us here after his tragedy.”

Peek was shot by an unidentified assailant last November but survived and came back to help Talk ‘N’ Text win the championship.

Another special moment was the Texters’ epic comeback from 1-3 down versus the Boosters in the semifinals. Only two teams in Barangay Ginebra and Purefoods had done the feat.

“Even myself had thought this is not for us. But the players said it’s not over and that we can come back. When we did, I saw it as a good sign,” said Reyes.

To many, the Texters have won the championship as they overcame the tough Petron side in the semis.

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Bradley now front-runner for Pacquiao: Arum

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:30:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Undefeated junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley Jr. is now the most likely opponent for Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao when he returns to the ring on June 9.

This, according to Pacquiao and Bradley's promoter, Top Rank chief executive officer Bob Arum.

"Does it look closer to being Bradley? It looks closer to being Bradley, obviously, by the process of elimination," Arum said in an interview with RingTV.com.

Bradley was among the four boxers shortlisted for a potential bout against Pacquiao, along with Juan Manuel Marquez, Lamont Peterson and Miguel Cotto.

But Marquez is seeking a March fight in his native Mexico City, Peterson has been ordered to give a rematch to British boxer Amir Khan, and Cotto has refused to fight Pacquiao at the welterweight limit of 147-pounds.

Arum is not counting Cotto out of the equation, however.

"What happens if Miguel Cotto comes back and says, 'Okay, I'll make the weight?' That opens up another possibility," Arum said.

"But right now, he's saying that he wouldn't."

What Arum is sure of is that a May 5 bout against undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is out of the question.

"Floyd is out of the picture for May. He put himself out of the picture for May," Arum said. "Any discussion with Floyd was over when he said he wouldn't go for the 50-50 split."

Mayweather is also seeking a potential May 5 against Cotto. The American boxer has said that he is willing to fight at a 150-pound catchweight.

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Kirk Long named PCCL model college player

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:28:00 +0000

source: philstar.com

Kirk Long of the Ateneo Blue Eagles has been named Model Collegiate Player of the Year, the highest honor conferred by the Philippine Collegiate Champions League to players who graduated from college.

Long was cited for successfully combining academic and sports achievements completing collegiate education while playing competitive basketball and consistently upholding the high standards of performance and sportsmanship.

The PCCL and ABS-CBN Friday hosted “A Toast,” an event where Long and other players were honored.

Peter Musngi, managing director of ABS-CBN Sports, was also honored for his valuable support and contribution to the realization of “One National Collegiate Champion” concept.

PCCL chairman Reynaldo Gamboa presided over the award ceremonies.

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Pinoy boxer in coma after bout

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:26:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Filipino flyweight prospect Carlo Maquinto is in a coma following his boxing match against Mark Joseph Acosta last Saturday in Caloocan City.

According to PhilBoxing.com’s Ronnie Nathanielsz, Maquinto was rushed to the Far Eastern University (FEU) Hospital in Fairview, Quezon City after he collapsed to the mat after his fight.

Acosta dropped Maquinto twice in the first round before Maquinto rallied to salvage a majority draw decision.

Gerry Peñalosa, the organizer of the boxing event, told Nathanielsz that there was nothing wrong with Maquinto and that the referee did a good job in officiating the bout.

Games and Amusements Board commissioner Aquino Tamano was informed that the ringside doctor, Dr. Redentor Viernes, “did everything proper in attending to the fighter.”

Maquinto’s sister, Virgie, is with him at the FEU Hospital. Their mother is set to arrive from Iloilo soon. click here for more info..

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Red Lions oust Cardinals in fight-marred game

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:25:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

The defending champions San Beda College Red Lions booked a quarterfinals seat last Saturday in Group A of the 8th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup after ousting the Mapua Cardinals in a fight-marred encounter.

The Red Lions came up with their fourth win five games, but only after the Cardinals conceded the game with the score tied at 64-all at the St. Placid Gymnasium inside the San Beda campus.

The Cardinals were on the offensive when San Beda’s Julius Armon got into a scuffle with Mapua’s Jonathan Banal following some trash talk and an interception play at the midcourt line.

This led to a bench clearing incident with 3:22 left on the game clock. The referees ejected most of the players who entered the court, and Mapua head coach Chito Victolero decided to forfeit the game upon learnning that only four of his players will be allowed to play.

San Beda still had six players who can see action.

With their victory, the Red Lions now join two earlier Group A qualifiers, the National University Bulldogs and the Arellano University Chiefs in the quarterfinals.

Joining the three squads are the Lyceum Philippine University Pirates, who limited the Trinity University of Asia Stallions to just six points in the final quarter to win 66-57 and grab the fourth quarterfinals berth.

Meanwhile, Kevin Alas banged in 20 points as the Letran Knights put away fellow Group B quarterfinalists University of the East Warriors, 85-72, to sweep their six-game Group B assignment.

In the women’s action, the Adamson Lady Falcons blasted the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, 85-65, to claim an outright semi-finals berth via a five-game sweep.

The trio of Snow Peneranda, Jinky Balastra and Angel Ortega combined for 47 points for the Lady Falcons.

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Chieffy hurt, out of Azkals training camp

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:23:00 +0000

source: Olmin Leyba | philstar.com

Azkals co-captain Chieffy Caligdong's participation in the team's training camp in the Middle East and possibly the AFC Challenge Cup is hanging in the air after sustaining a left knee injury last Saturday.

"MRI test confirmed a partial tear," Azkals team manager Dan Palami told The STAR yesterday.

Caligdong was carted off the pitch just before halftime of Phl Airforce Phoenix's match against Phl Army in the United Football League, limping and wincing after getting a strong challenge from the Armymen.

Palami said they would have to check further with team physician Dr. Randy Molo as to how long the wily winger would need to recuperate and whether he has to go under the knife.

"We're not sure yet whether the injury is something he only sustained against Army or if it's an old injury (that was aggravated). It didn't swell afterwards so there's a possibility that it might be an old injury that's been shown by the MRI,” Palami said.

This endangers Caligdong's trip to Dubai and Doha with the Azkals, who are set to hold camp from Feb. 7-17 in preparation for their campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup in March. Already, the Azkals are without skipper and defender Aly Borromeo, who's out until April due to ACL, while their Europe-based pros are still uncertain due to club commitments.

"If he (Caligdong) has to rest, we'll have to do that. Or maybe there might be special rehab, exercises that he can do (to recover). We'll do everything to help him get back in shape," said Palami.

As this developed, the Philippine Football Federation's disciplinary committee has slapped an indefinite suspension on Fil-British Matthew Hartmann for "abandoning" the Under-23 Azkals during their stint in the last 26th Southeast Asian Games.

"With this suspension, he becomes ineligible to join any national football team and he's barred from suiting up for any football club or organization," said PFF president Nonong Araneta of the Azkals Under-23 SEAG team co-skipper, who's also effectively prohibited from playing for Loyola Meralco Sparks in the UFL.

Araneta said the Fil-British midfielder was given 10 days to appeal the PFF's decision.

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