TeamPilipinas.info

Ginebra - BMEG grudge match up

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 06:00:00 +0000

With Mark Caguioa back in harness, Barangay Ginebra earnestly looks forward to its rematch with PBA Commissioner's Cup champion B-Meg. The Kings got off to a winning start in the season-ending Governors' Cup Wednesday, and they’re determined to get going as they take on the Llamados Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Caguioa and his teammates are motivated to score some measure of revenge against the very team that crushed their aspiration in the last conference.

The Llamados bundled the Kings out in five games in their best-of-seven semifinal series then went on to beat out the Talk n Text Tropang Texters in the finals.

Ginebra and B-Meg clash at 6:30 p.m. in an entirely different setting with the Kings now the healthier team.

Caguioa, Allein Maliksi and Rico Maierhofer are all back for the Kings while B-Meg key players Marc Pingris and Joe Devance are nursing injuries.

Caguioa and Maliksi returned with a flourish, providing tremendous boost as the Kings whipped the Air21 Express, 103-85, in their tournament debut.

“It just felt so good to be back,” said Caguioa, out of the rest of the second conference after suffering a fractured right eye socket curiously against B-Meg in their playoff for No. 2 seeding in the playoffs.

Ginebra won that match but B-Meg worked its way from the quarterfinals and got back at the Kings in the semifinals.

James Yap inflicted Caguioa the injury in an accidental collision, causing the Ginebra main man to also miss the All-Star Week. The B-Meg top gun, meanwhile, went on a roll, emerging the Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP and the All-Star Game MVP.

Yap had apologized, and Caguioa accepted the apology.

Nonetheless, the two are expected to figure in a showdown and so do imports Cedric Bozeman and Marqus Blakely.

Blakely had solid numbers in his PBA debut but the Llamados fell in overtime versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 94-100, Friday.

With Caguioa back on the court providing leadership and firepower, the Kings had little trouble disposing off the Express.

Wearing a protective eyewear, Caguioa scored 15 points, each one of his five baskets lustily cheered on by his teammates.

"Mark has always been the soul of this team. It’s really a blessing it didn’t take long for him to be back,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

B-Meg coach Tim Cone said they would need to play Ginebra with a sense of urgency.

“This conference is again a sprint and one can’t fall too far behind,” said Cone.

He’s not that much disappointed in their loss to Rain or Shine.

He said: “I felt after a slow start, we played solidly the rest of the way. We weren’t sharp early but we certainly didn’t play with a championship hangover.” (SB)

source: www.pba.ph

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

UFC 146: Dos Santos TKOs Mir to retain title (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 05:51:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos of Brazil successfully defended his title as he put on a boxing clinic en route to a second-round technical knockout over former champion Frank Mir.

In the main event of the heavyweight-filled UFC 146 fight card in Las Vegas late Saturday (Sunday morning in Manila), Dos Santos forced Mir into a stand-up battle and dominated the former two-time heavyweight champion.

It was the Brazilian champion's first defense of the title that he won at UFC on FOX 1 last November by knocking out former title-holder Cain Velasquez in just over a minute.

"It's awesome, it's amazing," Dos Santos said of his victory. "It's not bad for a nice guy, huh?"

In pre-fight trashtalks, Mir claimed that he will be able to beat Dos Santos on the ground, but that proved to be easier said than done as the Brazilian easily stuffed the former champion’s takedown attempt early in the first round.

Mir found some success in the first round by throwing leg kicks, but Dos Santos was able to find his range and was soon tagging Mir with left hooks and right straights.

Towards the end of the first, Dos Santos came close to finishing Mir when he wobbled Mir with a big right hand and clobbered him with a flurry of punches, but Mir was saved by the bell.

It soon came to an end in the second round, however, when Dos Santos rocked Mir with a huge right hand that sent Mir to the canvas.

Dos Santos hit Mir with hammer fists while the former champion tried in vain to push the Brazilian away. Dos Santos eventually moved away of his own volition and gave Mir a chance to get up, but Mir was unable to move from the canvas.

The champion sneaked in one last right hand punch before referee Herb Dean stopped the fight at the 3:04 mark.

"He's the champ, he's fast and I couldn't get out of the way. He hit me hard. There were so many of them and they were all hard shots," Mir said in the post-fight interview.

"He's a very dangerous guy," he added.

Mir said he knew Dos Santos would be difficult to take down but he did not want to get sucked into a boxing match either.

"He just forced me into it," Mir said.

Mir was not even Dos Santos' original opponent: Dutch kickboxer Alistair Overeem was the No. 1 contender for the heavyweight belt but failed a drug test administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Velasquez, Nelson also win

In the co-main event, former champion Velasquez put himself back in the heavyweight title picture after a dominant victory over Antonio "Big Foot" Silva.

Velasquez quickly took Silva to the ground and hit him with vicious elbows, eventually busting him open. With Silva bleeding terribly, referee Josh Rosenthal had to stop the bout as the doctor checked on the fighter.

Silva claimed that he could still continue, but Velasquez wore him down with vicious ground and pound and more elbows. The referee eventually stopped the fight at the 3:36 mark.

It was Velasquez's first bout since losing the belt to Dos Santos, while Silva was making his UFC debut.

Meanwhile, Roy "Big Country" Nelson dominated Dave Herman in their undecard bout. Nelson sent Herman to the canvas with a huge right hand and the referee stopped the contest after just 51 seconds.

Nelson shared Knockout of the Night honors with Dan Hardy, who also knocked out Duane Ludwig in the undercard.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

PBA: Peterson’s pacing matters for Barako Bull

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Sure, every Barako Bull team member liked what they saw in import Jamine Peterson who torched the hoops with a conference-high 33 points and hauled down 22 rebounds in his debut last Friday. Peterson really played like an image model of the newest energy drink in the country and led Barako Bull to a 106-101 win against Powerade.

But while coach Edmundo “Junel” Baculi marveled at Peterson, in the end, he felt like his import overdid things.

He had one piece of advice: Learn to pace it.

Whether or not Peterson heeded Baculi’s advise will be put on the spotlight when the Energy clash with the Alaska Aces at 4:30 pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Our import is very unpredictable. He overexerted himself in the first half. I think he’s trying to prove himself because he isn’t highly rated like the other imports. I hope he can sustain it. But we’ll instruct him not to overexert himself,” said Baculi.

True enough, Peterson wasn’t Barako Bull’s first choice as the Energy hoped two time Best Import would fit into the 6-5 height limit of the conference. But when Freeman measured a quarter of an inch over the limit, Baculi had to look for someone else. And Peterson caught his attention.

And probably, Baculi was right that Peterson’s mindset was to quickly make a good impression so much so that the 23-year old Providence Friars standout banged in 27 points right in the first half of the game against the Tigers.

But after that, he was held to a basket in the third quarter and four points in the fourth leading Baculi to feel a bit concerned.

“It’s a good thing our veterans contributed to our offensive set. But we have to be consistent, we must be always hot and minimize that coldness,” added Baculi who will continue to lean on the likes of Willie Miller, Danny Seigle, Ronald Tubid, Don Allado and comebacking Sunday Salvacion. Admittedly, Barako Bull has become deeper with the acquisition of Doug Kramer, Carlo Sharma and celino Cruz.

And that is what new Alaska Milk coach Luigi Trillo is wary of.

Trillo, who took over from Joel Banal as head tactician of the Aces, is looking forward to nailing down his first win in the PBA. Alaska Milk is coming off a 107-100 loss to Rain or Shine in the opening game of the tournament a week ago.

The Aces are led by Jason Forte who is on his third tour of duty in the PBA. Against the Elasto Painters, Forte had 25 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots.

Main men for Alaska Milk are LA Tenorio, Cyrus Baguio, Joachim Thoss and Bonbon Custodio.

Alaska Milk also acquired Gabby Espinas from Meralco in exchange for Jay-R Reyes. Espinas, a former Rookie of the Year cum Most Valuable Player in the NCAA while playing for Philippine Christian University, is expected to work his way into the Alaska Milk system. In his first game for the Aces, he he had six points and four rebounds in 15 minutes. (BP)

source: www.pba.ph

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Rondo lifts Celtics over 76ers into East finals (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:42:00 +0000

source: Agence France-Presse

BOSTON, Massachusetts — The Boston Celtics punched their ticket to the NBA Eastern Conference finals on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) with an 85-75 victory over Philadelphia behind a "triple-double" by Rajon Rondo.

Rondo scored 18 points with 10 assists and 10 rebounds as the Celtics won the decisive game seven in the Eastern Conference second-round series.

The Celtics will have little time to relax. They will open the best-of-seven Eastern conference finals in Miami against the star-studded Heat on Monday night (Tuesday, PHL time). That winner will face San Antonio or Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals.

The Celtics led by three points when Paul Pierce fouled out with 4:16 remaining.

Rondo scored Boston's next nine points as the Celtics stretched their advantage to double-digits.

Rondo scored 11 points in the final quarter and notched his ninth career playoff "triple-double".

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Boston fans began chanting "Beat the Heat!"

Celtics veteran Kevin Garnett, who had 18 points and 13 rebounds, echoed the sentiment.

"Let's do it!" Garnett said of tackling the Miami team led by NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

It will mark the third straight post-season that the Heat and Celtics meet.

Boston won in five games in 2010 in the first round and the Heat won in five last year in the second round.

Brandon Bass scored 16 and Pierce ended with 15 points and nine rebounds for Boston.

Andre Iguodala scored 18 points for Philadelphia, which had eliminated injury-plagued top seed Chicago in the first round.

Iguodala drained a three-pointer from the left corner with just over four minutes remaining to pull Philadelphia within 71-68.

Pierce then fouled out, but Rondo made sure the Sixers couldn't take advantage.— AFP

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Bradley eyes November 10 rematch

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:35:00 +0000

source: Nick Giongco | mb.com.ph

Manny Pacquiao is assured of a rematch clause in the unfortunate event that he gets upset by Tim Bradley on June 9 in Las Vegas, Top Rank big boss Bob Arum told the Bulletin.

Arum has penciled Nov. 10 as the date for that fight, a sign that Pacquiao is not looking past the unbeaten American fighter.

“This is the reason why I haven’t talked about any other fight with Manny other than this upcoming fight with Bradley,” said Arum.

Arum checked on Bradley’s preparation in the desert city of Indio, California, and was awestruck by Bradley’s confidence level and demeanor.

Bradley knows what is in store for him if he wins against the heavily-favored Pacquiao before an expected huge crowd at the MGM Grand.

“He is getting paid well in this fight and it’ll take care of his children,” noted the 80-year-old Arum.

“And if he wins and fights Pacquiao in a rematch, the money he’s getting will take care of his grandchildren.”

Bradley is so pumped up that he appeared ready to rumble when a busload of reporters and photographers converged to see him work out on Thursday.

“I am not in this fight to survive and collect a paycheck,” said Bradley, a 3-1 underdog.

Bradley is getting the biggest purse of his career and is said to be guaranteed $5 million, a figure that is five times more than his previous best paycheck.

Pacquiao is assured of at least $26 million and should get more once the pay-per-view sales is computed.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Lakers overhaul seen after playoff exit

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:08:00 +0000

source: Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol spent the final minutes of the Los Angeles Lakers’ final game arguing, disagreeing on the best way to run a pick-and-roll play.

It might have been the tandem’s last few minutes together with a franchise that has little patience when even great players stop bringing home championships.

The Lakers were eliminated in the second round of the NBA playoffs for the second straight year on Monday with a five-game loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although the Lakers had a solid season despite not having a real training camp to make the enormous switch from coaches Phil Jackson to Mike Brown, they weren’t as good as the NBA’s best.

That likely means changes for a franchise and a fan base that considers seasons ending before June to be abject failures.

“I’m really not used to it, so it’s pretty odd for me,” Bryant said of another early-by-Lakers-standards exit. “I’m not the most patient of people, and the organization is not extremely patient either. We want to win and win now, so I’m sure we’ll figure it out. We always have. I’m sure we will again.”

In Lakerland, it’s easy to forget that the large majority of NBA franchises would be quite pleased by a 41-25 win-loss regular season, yet another Pacific Division title and a decent performance against the Thunder, clearly a top-four team. Many teams would be excited to retool a squad topped by Bryant, four-time All-Star big man Gasol, and emerging All-Star center Andrew Bynum, who frequently dominated during his best pro season.

But no franchise has the incredibly high standards of Bryant and the 16-time champion Lakers, who don’t even acknowledge division titles that would be a significant achievement for other teams. A second-round playoff loss to a better team caused panic and widespread soul-searching on Tuesday.

“Come hell or high water, we’re going to be there again,” said the 33-year-old Bryant, who has repeatedly stated he’ll never leave the Lakers. “It’s just something about the Lakers organization.”

While general manager Mitch Kupchak contemplates his moves, most fans were agreed on his first job: The No. 1 trending topic on Twitter in Los Angeles was “(hash)IdTradeGasolFor.”

Gasol endured his toughest season since arriving in Los Angeles in early 2008, dealing with uncertainty and disappointment after the NBA rejected a trade that would have exiled him to Houston last December for Chris Paul. The genial Spanish giant averaged a career-low 17.4 points while failing to find a consistent role in new coach Brown’s offense before struggling mightily in the playoffs.

Gasol, who will make more than $38 million over the next two seasons, handled the scuttled trade with his usual grace, but his fans and teammates weren’t always so generous. Bryant called Bynum the Lakers’ second scoring option during the season, but called out Gasol for not scoring more in the postseason, ripping into Gasol after Game 4 last Saturday.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Pacquiao wants to be boxing's 'all-time great'

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:56:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao hopes boxing fans will remember his ring exploits for many years to come. He said he wishes that his story would inspire people the way he was inspired by boxing greats that came before him.

"To be considered an all-time great is very important to me,” Pacquiao said in Boxing Scene.

“Hopefully my story can inspire people to achieve their dreams. When I was growing up, watching Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr, and Larry Holmes fight inspired me to work harder and to become better. They still do inspire me. They were great. They were my heroes.”

This is why he remains hopeful that he would still be able to fight one of his greatest rivals, the controversial Floyd Mayweather Jr.

However, he admitted that making the fight happen would only depend on Mayweather.

“Will the fight ever happen? It's up to Floyd. I hope it does. I'm a competitor and I enjoy a challenge…As long as I continue fighting I will remain hopeful that the fight will take place," said the fighting congressman from the Philippines.

Pacquiao said he thought he could make the dream fight come true three years ago, when his camp first negotiated with Mayweather’s group.

He said Mayweather agreed to everything they asked for.

But the controversial boxer suddenly came up with the drug testing issue, which has become Mayweather’s “excuse” through the years.

“He no longer wants to split the pay-per-view revenue with me equally, something he agreed to in our first negotiation,” said Pacquiao.

"The only thing preventing a fight between Floyd Mayweather and me is Floyd Mayweather.”

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

German, Russian training eyed for Olympic bet

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:53:00 +0000

source: philstar.com

A month’s extensive training in Germany and Russia is under negotiation as part of the final phase of Mark Barriga’s preparation in the hope of gifting the country its first Olympic gold medal in the coming London Olympic Games.

National coaches Pat Gaspi and Roel Velasco also jointly announced during the SCOOP Sa Kamayan session Friday that, time permitting, the 18-year-old lone boxing qualifier might still see action in an international competition in Cardiff before proceeding to London in July.

Judo president Dave Carter said Filipino-Japanese grappler Tomohiko Hoshina, also the only judoka to carry the country’s colors in the quadrennial conclave, will continue his training in Japan.

Carter said during the forum, sponsored by Powerade, AKTV and FILA sports wear, that the 24-year-old Hoshina, who was in the country last week, had returned to Japan where he resumed his fine-tuning program at the Toien University.

Gaspi and Velasco, a bronze medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, said Barriga, a light-flyweight campaigner, will proceed straight to London from his training in Germany and Russia and, perhaps, Cardiff.

Hoshina, whose mother hails from Malolos, Bulacan, will be back on the eve of the national delegation’s departure to London.

Hoshina’s personal coach Yasuhiro Sato might also join his ward in London, depending on whether the Philippine Olympic Committee will permit him to do so.

Carter, Velasco and Gaspi jointly disputed perception that Barriga and Hoshina made it from the “backdoor” as newspaper reports had it.

Hoshina, for one, according to Carter, earned a seat through the Asian Continental Quota Allocation.

“For the information of everybody, to make it to the Olympics, a judoka must be ranked in the top 252 athletes in the world in both the men’s and women’s divisions. They are known as direct qualifiers,” Carter explained.

“The next level is the Continental Quota Allocation made up of the top 12 Asian campaigners where Hoshina belongs, being ranked No. 10,” Carter added.

“The last classification is the wild card where one qualifies when those who made it as direct and continental qualifiers surrender their seedings,” he said.

Gaspi said Barriga earned his ticket to London in accordance with procedures, being among the top 10 junior- flyweights in the world.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Ali Peek suffers from irregular heartbeat

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:48:00 +0000

source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph

Talk ’N Text veteran center Ali Peek could miss several games of the Tropang Texters due to irregular heartbeat. The 6-foot-4 Peek already had several tests at the Makati Medical Center. The results will be known Monday.

Interviewed hours before their match with Air21 yesterday, Peek, 37, said that he first had palpitation while vacationing in the United States a few days after TNT lost to B-Meg in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals two weeks ago.

Peek said he ignored it and returned to the country where he resumed training with the team.

Last Wednesday, Peek played 31 minutes and scored 11 points with 10 rebounds in a 105-99 loss to sister-team Meralco.

The palpitation occurred again Thursday morning, prompting Peek to inform his team and undergo checkup. He said that none in the family has a heart problem.

“I noticed it when I was in the States,” Peek said.

“I’ve had something similar but it was almost 10 years ago. But back then I wasn’t really taking care of myself. Now, it raised a concern so I decided to have it looked. The fact that it happened, the palpitation, it bothers me,” added Peek.

“But I’m doing fine, I felt fine even after the game (last Wednesday). One of the doctors said it might be fatigue,” he said.

Last November, Peek was sidelined following a near-fatal gunshot in the nape by a still unidentified assailant in the parking lot of the RFM Gym in Mandaluyong City.

Two months later, the 15-year veteran center rejoined TNT and helped the team win the Philippine Cup title.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Bradley 'solves' Pacquiao's left hand

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:47:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Timothy Bradley believes he has already solved Manny Pacquiao’s left hand with all the preparation he has done in training camp. Bradley is aware that the left straight is Pacquiao’s mightiest weapon, which is why he devoted much of his training time learning to dodge that punch.

“In the beginning of training camp, I was getting hit a whole lot with it,” the American boxer told RingTV.

"But now, I'm eluding it. Getting to the side, stepping underneath it. It's great defense, great footwork, great counter-punching. I've been looking really good.”

Bradley also said that he has addressed his “head butts” by learning to charge with his fists first instead of the head.

This, he said, will lessen the possibility of having accidental clash of heads during the June 9 fight.

"I'm definitely trying to eliminate head butts. You know, throwing my shots before coming in with my head,” said Bradley. “I don't want a head butt or clash to happen. Because I don't want any excuses at the end of the day.”

The Pacquiao fight is the biggest break in Bradley’s boxing career.

Not only can he take Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title, he also wants his place among today’s top boxers in the world.

Bradley said he’ll try to fight smart against the speedy and power punching Filipino champion.

He said that if he is able to take Pacquiao’s punches, the Filipino superstar will likely be in trouble.

“If I feel that he can't hurt me, then I'm definitely going to step to him and I'll make a fight out of it."

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

V-League: 4 teams begin hunt for two finals berths

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 14:26:00 +0000

source: gmanetwork.com

Title favorite UST collides with San Sebastian, while reigning champion Ateneo squares off with NCAA titlist University of Perpetual Help at the start of the semifinal round of the Shakey's V-League Season 9 first conference at The Arena in San Juan City Sunday.

The Tigresses, who are seeking their seventh crown, hope to end a three-year drought as they hope to continue their mastery over the Lady Stags in the 2 p.m. opener. UST beat San Sebastian twice this season.

The Lady Stags, behind power hitting Thai import Jeng Bualee and guest player Rubie De Leon, are out to spoil their bid with Joy Benito, Ara Mallare and libero Mae Crisostomo providing additional offensive support.

UST is no pushover as it boasts of a roster led by former league Most Valuable Player Mary Jean Balse, Judy Anne Caballejo, Maru Banaticla, Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan and reinforced by Thai guest player Utaiwan Kaensing.

Meanwhile, Ateneo will be staking its unbeaten slate against Perpetual Help in their 4 p.m. duel.

Lady Eagles coach Roger Gorayeb will again rely on Alyssa Valdez, Fille Cainglet, Angeline Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, setter Jem Ferrer and guest players Suzanne Roces and Thai Lithawat Kesinee in their bid to win a second league title.

Lady Altas mentor Mike Rafael will have Thai ace Pornpimol Kunbang and locals Norie Diaz, April Sartin, Sandra delos Santos, Honey Tubino and setter Shrrya Cabriana at his disposal. — JVP, GMA News

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

PBA: Graham, Express hand Tropang Texters second loss

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 14:25:00 +0000

ANTIPOLO – Air21 just won’t let this opportunity pass. Zach Graham sizzled with a conference-best 38 points and the rest of the team helped as the Express pummeled the injury-hit Talk n Text side for a 97-86 win in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center here Saturday night.

“We’re fortunate some of the main guys of Talk n Text are still not yet 100 percent,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.

The Texters continued to struggle with injuries to several players, and the Express took advantage of things, bouncing back from a losing tournament debut versus the Barangay Ginebra Kings Wednesday.

“I guess the guys responded to my challenge. After our embarrassing game against Ginebra, I was pretty hard on the players. I told them that’s not the way to play in the PBA,” said Pumaren.

The Express did respond to the challenge, pouncing on the Texters’ struggling game.

Talk n Text became the very first team beaten by Air21 twice.

And with its earlier loss to Meralco, Talk n Text is now 0-2 in the season-ending conference. It’s the first time in three years that the Smart-PLDT franchise got to such losing start in a tourney.

Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes plunged back into action but the Texters still failed to avoid suffering a first back-to-back defeats since falling 1-3 in their semifinals series versus Petron Blaze in the last Philippine Cup.

Graham did the biggest damage on Talk n Text as he went 12-of-36 from the field and 13-of-15 from the stripe to top the 33-point performance of Barako Bull import Jamelle Peterson Friday against B-Meg.

The Air21 reinforcement also hauled down 15 rebounds, took two steals and dished out an assist in 43 minutes of action.

“I have to give credit to our import. He showed a great all-around game, helping the locals along the way,” said Pumaren.

“I’ve talked to my locals. I told them we’re fortunate to have this import who can make the points, get the rebounds and play defense. But in the end, kailangan pa rin mag-trabaho ng mga locals dahil pwedeng mag-cancel out ng performances ang mga imports,” Pumaren also said.

Mark Isip and Elmer Espiritu were among the locals who stepped up for Air21 against Talk n Text.

Both came through with double-double numbers with Isip getting 17 points and 10 rebounds and Espiritu piling up 14 markers and 10 boards.

Paul Harris collected 30 points and 17 rebounds but couldn’t do everything for the Texters.

To his frustration, Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes, at one point, slammed his board on the floor while in a huddle with his team.

The Texters just couldn’t get their game going, trailing most of the way. (SB)

The Scores:

AIR 21 97 - Graham 38, Isip 17, Espiritu 14, Omolon 8, Ritualo 8, Sena 4, Jazul 4, Faundo 2, Hubalde 2, Bagatsing 0, Sison 0.

TALK N' TEXT 86 - Harris 30, Reyes 12, Dillinger 11, De Ocampo 9, Alapag 9, Fonacier 6, Williams 4, Raymundo 2, Aguilar 2, Gamalinda 1, Aban 0.

Quarters: 31-26, 54-43, 78-66, 97-86

source: www.pba.ph

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Banchero breaks out to help Beermen edge Dragons (ABL Semis Game 1)

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:47:00 +0000

source: Art Requiron | interaksyon.com

Chris Banchero dished off a season-high 15 assists in his breakout game of the season, lifting the San Miguel Beermen to a pulsating 111-104 victory over the Westports Malaysia Dragons in Game One of their ASEAN Basketball League semifinal series at the Olivarez Sports Center in Paranaque City.

Import Nick Fazekas had 32 points and eight rebounds while Duke Crews added 25 for the Beermen, who will go for the sweep and the finals seat on Saturday at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

But it was Banchero who sparked the Beermen with his crisp passes all game. He had 18 points and six steals, but his assist total did the damage for the Beermen to take first blood of the series.

“I talked to Chris because when he came to the team, he wanted to score. I challenged Chris that it’s not about how you score. Show me you can at least 12 assists and that’s what a true point guard does,” said San Miguel coach Bobby Parks.

Banchero did just that as he already had nine assists in the first half to help the Beermen cut the deficit to 55-49 after the Dragons took an 11-point lead early in the second period.

San Miguel won despite allowing 11 three-point conversions by the Dragons, winners of two out of three regular season games against the Beermen.

“Malaysia was hitting unbelievable shots and I didn’t expect that,” Parks said.

One of Malaysia’s Filipino imports Patrick Cabahug converted 10 of 21 shots for 24 points, including a three-pointer that allowed the Dragons to take an 86-81 lead with 6:05 left in the game.

Cabahug and Nic Belasco also hit two long two-pointers from the right corner that each put the Dragons ahead by two — the last time at 95-93. But Crews tied the game with a slam with 40.8 seconds left. That basket eventually sent the game into extra session as Fazekas didn’t connect on a long three-pointer on San Miguel’s last possession of the fourth.

Banchero opened overtime with a lay-up while Leo Avenido followed by scoring on a difficult reverse lay-up and drawing a three-point play to take a 100-95 lead.

Belasco scored after grabbing an offensive rebound to pull to within two points, 102-100, but that was the Dragons’ last stand. Avenido converted another lay-up to increase the lead to four points. Belasco missed a three-pointer and San Miguel grabbed the miss with Jun Mar Fajardo hitting two charities, 106-100.

Brian Williams had 32 points and scored a deuce to give Malaysia its biggest lead, 31-20, early in the second period. San Miguel tied the game on an 11-0 burst and after a 47-47 deadlock, the Dragons scored eight unanswered points as they went into the second half with the lead, which they could not contain.

Williams finished with 32 points while Tiras Wade added 23 points and Belasco chipped in 11 for the fourth-seed Dragons.

by Art Requiron, InterAKTV | interaksyon.com

Beermen: Nick Fazekas – 32, Duke Crews – 25, Chris Banchero – 18, Leo Avenido – 17, Junmar Fajardo – 11, Roger Yap – 6, Norman Gonzales - 2.

Dragons: Brian Williams – 32, Patrick Cabahug – 24, Tiras Wade – 23, Nic Belasco – 11, Guga Batumalai – 6, Chris Pacana – 5, Seelan Kuppusamy – 3.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Kimmel says he's key to Pacquiao vs Mayweather (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:41:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Actor-comedian and television show host Jimmy Kimmel offered to mediate between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the superfight that boxing fans want to watch.

During Pacquiao’s latest guesting on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel show, the TV host said, perhaps in jest, that he can make both boxers reach an agreement.

“What if I tell you that if I can get you and Floyd in a room on television, you could each have one representative, I could make this happen. I really feel like I could be the mediator. Would you agree to something like that?” Kimmel asked the Filipino boxer.

When Pacquiao said yes, Kimmel immediately invited Mayweather to visit the studio for a meeting with the Philippines' fighting congressman.

“Floyd you heard it, I invite you… we will hatch out an agreement and get this fight,” said the popular TV host.

It was Pacquiao’s 6th guesting on Kimmel’s show. The Filipino boxer has been appearing on the show before each of his fights in the last three years.

The boxer discussed various issues like his faith renewal and his controversial statement about same-sex marriage.

“Some reporter asked my stand on same-sex marriage and I told him that I don't favor same sex marriage... but I'm not saying that I'm condemning the gays,” said Pacquiao.

He also narrated his 10-year-old son’s request for him to beat Mayweather.

“He said, ‘Dad I want you to retire but before you retire, I want you to fight one more boxer… I want you to beat Floyd Mayweather,’” said Pacquiao.

It was at that point when Kimmel volunteered to mediate between Pacquiao and Mayweather.

Pacquiao also promoted his fight against Timothy Bradley, which is scheduled on June 9.

uploaded by JimmyKimmelLive

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Back-to-form Jay-Wash banners Petron win over Meralco

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:26:00 +0000

(2nd Game Update: Air21 def. TNT, 97-86) | ANTIPOLO CITY – Petron Blaze is back playing with a high-octane game after a faltering showing in the last conference. Making good use of their retooled lineup, the Boosters are now on a 2-0 roll in the PBA Governors Cup, and coach Ato Agustin said they intend to get going.

“The tournament features a ‘carry-over’ format, and so every game counts. Kailangan manalo ng manalo,” said Agustin after his team made it two in a row with a 101-88 win over Meralco at the Ynares Center here Saturday.

The Bolts slid to 1-1.

As in their triumphant 97-83 tournament debut against Powerade Sunday, the Boosters showcased an impressive balanced game, slowly pulling away in the final half.

Agustin made special mention of Jay Washington who picked up a good rhythm in his second game from his return from a foot injury.

“Balik na yong timing ni ‘Jay-wash,’” said Agustin of the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am forward, a big key in their breakaway from a tight game in the third quarter.

The two teams were engaged in a battle marked by 11 deadlocks and nine lead changes before Washington came through with decisive plays fuelling a run that shoved Petron ahead, 72-64, going into the payoff period.

The Boosters went unrelenting to the finish with Edward Basden, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos and Denok Miranda also providing a push.

Washington wound up with 19 points, nine rebounds, three steals and one steal in 25 minutes of action while Basden ended up with 24 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks in 44 minutes of play.

“Ang nakakatuwa dito alam ng lahat ang roles nila,” said Agustin.

“Swerte kami kay Basden. He’s a solid import who can play on both ends. Even then, he’s willing to share the ball with his teammates,” Agustin added.

Cabagnot, Santos and Miranda also put in double-digit outputs while Chris Lutz, Joseph Yeo, Chico Lanete and Danny Ildefonso had their own contributions.

Washington, however, stood out in delivering 17 points in the final half.

He rifled in a three-pointer and jammed in an alley-oop pass by Cabagnot to highlight his 7-of-10 field shooting.

Champ Oguchi also made 24 points for Meralco with Asi Taulava and Sol Mercado chipping in 19 and 17, respectively.

The Bolts could have made the game close if not for eight missed free throws in the fourth quarter. They wound up with a poor 17-of-30 shooting from the line. (SB)

2nd Game Update: Air21 def. TNT, 97-86

The scores:

PETRON BLAZE 101 - Basden 24, Washington 19, Cabagnot 16, Santos 12, Miranda 11, Lutz 7, Yeo 7, Lanete 3, Ildefonso 2, Reyes 0, Pena 0.

MERALCO 88 - Oguchi 24, Taulava 19, Mercado 17, Cardona 8, Ross 7, Hugnatan 7, Artadi 4, Reyes 2, Macapagal 0.

Quarterscores: 20-22, 42-42, 72-64, 101-88

source: www.pba.ph

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

'Pacquiao gets $26M guarantee in Bradley fight' (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:17:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Top Rank Inc. head honcho Bob Arum said boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will receive a guaranteed amount of $26 million for his upcoming June 9 fight against Timothy Bradley.

This was his reaction to reports that Pacquiao will only get $6 million for the fight.

“Manny Pacquiao is guaranteed $26 million,” the boxing promoter said in ESNews.

RingTV reported that Pacquiao is getting a $6-million base purse for the June 9 World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title fight as reported to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

This is only $1-million higher than Bradley’s base purse, which is $5 million.

But NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer clarified that Pacquiao’s potential earnings do not stop there.

"Obviously, Manny will get more than $6 million with his cut of foreign television and everything," said Kizer.

The fight will be shown on HBO pay-per-view and Pacquiao is expected to get the upside of the share.

"But these are their base purse amounts as reported to the commission," said Kizer.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

PBA: Two games in, Powerade looking to part ways with McCants

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:15:00 +0000

source: gmanetwork.com

The Powerade Tigers, after a 0-2 start in the PBA Governor's Cup, are looking for a spark to jump-start their campaign, and replacing former NBA player Rashad McCants as their import for the conference might be just the thing.

Powerade assistant head coach Charles Tiu confirmed to GMA News Online via text message that the team was "looking for a replacement" but declined to share details about whom the team was pursuing.

McCants, the 2005 NBA Draft's 14th overall pick, started for the Tigers when they lost 97-83 to the Petron Blaze Boosters last week, and 106-101 to the Barako Bull Energy on Friday.

The 6-foot-4 former North Carolina Tar Heel normed 25 points on 39.13 percent shooting, along with eight rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and two blocks in 36.50 minutes, versus five turnovers in the two games.

McCants had difficulty matching up against other imports, and his trigger-happy attitude was a tough fit alongside Gary David, Powerade's other talented scoring machine.

Over four NBA seasons for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings, McCants had career averages of 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.7 steals, while shooting 43.1 percent from the floor.

The Tigers next play on June 1 against the Alaska Aces. — AMD/JVP, GMA News

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

FilOil: Green Archers hand Altas 6th loss

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 12:53:00 +0000

source: Aaron Valdez | gmanetwork.com

De La Salle center Norbert Torres scored 20 points and blue-chip recruit Jeron Teng totaled 16 points to hands the UPHSD Altas their sixth loss in seven games in the FilOil Flying V Pre-season Tournament, Friday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The taller Torres overpowered the athletic Femi Babayemi, outscoring his Nigerian counterpart by 10 points and out-rebounding him eight to six. In fact, the Fil-Canadian and former youth team standout scored 13 of his total points in the first quarter, mostly on hook shots and short jumpers over his opposite on the floor.

Despite the match-up problem, Perpetual Help held the lead at halftime, owing mostly to guard Jett Vidal’s 11 points off the bench, as well as eight points from an unusually quiet game from Babayemi.

It wasn't easy though, as the Altas needed a concerted effort to dig themselves out of the five-point deficit in the first quarter, gaining the lead after Earl Thompson’s charities gave them a one-point edge. Overall, the Altas outscored the Green Archers 24-12 in the second quarter.

La Salle picked up the pace in the third quarter, as Webb and Vosotros sank back-to-back threes that put them within one point, before a pair of free throws from reserve point guard Mark Tallo gave La Salle the lead.

In the ten minutes immediately after halftime, the Archers outscored the Altas 22-12, drawing six timely points from Teng to turn the tables and snatch the lead, 58-55 with a quarter to play.

The Archers slowly deepened their control of the game in the fourth quarter, drawing contributions from Yutien Andrada, the burly Alfonso Gotladera, and Tallo. Last season's NCAA hosts had a chance to creep into the game after LA Revilla received a technical foul, but the Altas missed two straight field goals within the painted area.

Altas ace player Earl Thompson laid bricks from all over the court, frustrated by La Salle’s towering interior defense. Thompson finished with a 2-11 shooting performance.

Forward Anthony Paulino, who was seen lying face down in the dying minutes of the game, led all Perpetual Help scorers with 12 points, to go with three boards and three assists. Vidal added 11, while Babayemi and Justine Allano had 10 each.

Norbert Torres led all scorers with 20 points coupled with eight boards, while Teng finished with a respectable 16, and Tallo with 12. La Salle head coach Gee Abanilla was clearly experimenting with different line-ups though, as he fielded 13 players, 10 of whom got at least 10 minutes of playing time.

The win gave DLSU their fourth in six games while the Altas continue their underwhelming campaign, garnering their sixth loss in seven games. - AMD, GMA News

The scores:

DLSU 75 – N. Torres 20, Teng 16, Tallo 12, Vosotros 6, Andrada 5, G. Reyes 5, Webb 3, Revilla 2, Mendoza 2, Dela Paz 2, Gotladera 2, Reyes 0, Herrera 0, T. Torres 0

UPHSD 67 – Paulino 12, Vidal 11, Babayemi 10, Alano 10, Arboleda 9, Thompson 8, Elopre 5, Baloria 2, Jolangcob 0

Quarter scoring: 22-17, 36-41, 58-55, 75-67

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Bradley coming in light for Pacquiao fight

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 12:50:00 +0000

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Timothy Bradley plans to come in light for his welterweight title fight against World Boxing Organization (WBO) title holder Manny Pacquiao.

The unbeaten American boxer said he wanted to retain his speed against a quick fighter like Pacquiao.

The added weight could make him sluggish, hence, he’ll plans to stay around 144 pounds.

“I'm on weight. I left the gym at 147-pounds today. I'll probably be coming a little light on the day of the weigh-in, 145 or 144,” he said on Boxing Scene.

The welterweight limit is 147 pounds.

Pacquiao himself rarely breaches the 145 pounds when he fights as a welterweight.

The fight is scheduled to take place on June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The weigh-in takes place a day before the fight.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Knicks ink coach Woodson to multi-year deal

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 12:48:00 +0000

source: Agence France-Presse

Mike Woodson, who guided the New York Knicks to the NBA playoffs after taking over as interim coach in March, signed a multi-year contract extension, according to the team.

"Mike took over the team under challenging circumstances and made it clear, starting on day one, that he was going to hold every player on our roster accountable," said James Dolan, executive chairman of the Madison Square Garden Company that owns the Knicks, on Friday.

"We saw a significant improvement since Mike took over and believe our team will only keep improving under Mike's direction."

Woodson was named interim coach when Mike D'Antoni stepped down on March 14.

Woodson led New York to an 18-6 regular-season mark over the final 24 games and the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Knicks fell to the Miami Heat in five games in the first round, their victory in game four of the series snapping an NBA-record 13-game post-season losing streak.

"I'm very humbled and honored to continue coaching the franchise where I started my NBA career," Woodson said. "Our goal is to build off the success we had at the end of last season and to continue our quest of bringing an NBA Championship to Madison Square Garden."

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Ravina rules Stage 3, sweeps into top spot in Ronda Pilipinas

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 12:45:00 +0000

source: Emmanuel Santos | interaksyon.com

BUTUAN CITY – His rivals knew that it was only a matter of time before Baler Ravina of Roadbike Phils. made his move in the 2nd LBC Ronda Pilipinas.

What they didn’t reckon was it would happen so soon.

Ravina ruled the marathon Stage 3 on Saturday, a race tailor-made for someone with his uphill skills and guile. In the victory, the seasoned Ravina taught youthful Rustom Lim of American Vinyl-LPGMA a thing or two about big time road racing.

Ravina outwitted Lim after they broke away in the steep portion 27 kilometers from the finish line and engaged in a thrilling cycling battle royale in the last 10 kilometers en route to ruling the strength-sapping 227-km. grind that began under the scorching sun in Davao City.

With 500 meters to go, Lim was struck by cramps on his left thigh, enabling Ravina, the 33-year-old pride of Asingan, Pangasinan to solo past the finish line in a time of five hours, 47 minutes and 19 seconds to secure the top stage prize of P50,000 in this premier city in Agusan del Sur.

Lim salvaged runner-up honors (5:47.21), worth P25,00, while veteran Warren Davadilla of Metro Manila came rallying back to bag third place (5:47.4) and received P10,000 in the biking spectacle presented by LBC and backed by Total, MVP Sports Foundation, Rudy Project and ICOMIDAS.

“Hindi lang nagpaparamdam kay Rustom, pero nag-kakacramps na rin ako pagkatapos kami mag-breakaway,” said Ravina, who is eyeing his second major triumph after capturing the Le Tour de Pilipinas last month, in winning the lung-busting leg.

“Medyo magulang din si Baler, pero hinayaan ko na lang kasi mas ayokong masayang ang pinagpaguran ko dahil may mga papapalapit sa likod,” rued Lim, 19, who led his experienced rival until being hit by cramps in the last half-kilometer to the finish.

While having no intention of topping the stage, Ravina said he welcomed the opportunity to wear the LBC red jersey, symbol of overall leadership, in pooling a time of 14:20.33, which vaulted him to first after running 15th before the beginning of Stage 3.

“Okay na rin ito, maski hindi ko inaasahan kasi matagal pa naman ang karera,” Ravina said. “Pagtutulungan na lang namin ng mga kasamahan ko.”

Oscar Rindole of V-Mobile moved up one notch to second overall, 30 seconds off the new pacesetter at 14:21.23 while American Vinyl-LPGMA’s Cris Joven, who clinched the second stage from General Santos to Davao City last Friday, wheeled into third spot (14:21.22).

Expectedly, Ronda’s longest stage triggered a major shakeup in the standings, with erstwhile overall leader Tomas Martinez of One Tarlac being the biggest casualty after checking in at 18th place 5:49.19, relegating him to 16th overall (14:24.09).

Roadbike Phils. team manager Bong Sual said that their team strategy was not to make an impact early in the event, but nevertheless was happy for Ravina’s double whammy.

“Ang strategy talaga ay huwag biglain at unti-unting tumaas sa bawa’t lap,” Sual said. “Pero nandiyan na yan kaya kailangan iba naman ang mag-trabaho sa mga susunod pang mga leg.

“Dalawa ang magagaling na climbers naming na si Baler at si Macmac (Galedo) pero kailangan muna silang magpahinga at hahayaan ko naman ang iba ang kumayod. Pahinga muna sila.”

V-Mobile survived Roadbike Phils. onslaught and managed to cling to team overall lead (42:11.16) behind new second placer Mindanao (42:12.23) while Roadbike Phils. likewise rose to third place and within striking distance of the frontrunning squad (42:13.30).

Among those those watching intently in the afternoon gallery as the riders crossed the finish line was Marlboro Tour veteran Rex Pitao, also renowned for his mountain-climbing prowess and finished seventh overall twice in 1993-194 when Carlo Guieb was the back-to-back champion.

The cyclists will have a chance to recover from yesterday’s rigorous run when they hit the road in the relatively flat and short fourth leg, a 118-km. drive from here to Surigao City, the provincial capital of Surigao del Norte.

“The riders cannot take it easy here because there will be a lot of rough roads on this course because they might wind up with flats if they are not careful,” said race director Rick Rodriguez

The only uphill portion will be at the 67.5-km. point, just nearly 11 kilometers after the famous Lake Buhi, where the sinarapan, the smallest commercially-harvested fish, thrives.

by Emmanuel Santos, InterAKTV | interaksyon.com

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Beermen, Malaysians start best-of-three duel

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 02:45:00 +0000

source: philstar.com

UPDATE: SMB def. Dragons, 111-104

San Miguel Beer and No. 4 Westports Malaysia begin their best-of-three series in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League today with a promise of a slambang encounter between two of the league’s top teams at Olivarez gym in Sucat.

One, both teams boast of an explosive pair of imports with the Beermen, who swept all seven rivals in the third round of eliminations for a league-best 17-4, parading hot-shooting big man Nick Fazekas and slam-dunking Duke Crews and the Dragons pinning their hopes on Tiras Wade, the league’s top scorer, and Brian Williams, a power off the boards.

Two, the top seeded SMB is determined to bring back the trophy to the Philippines and continue its winning tradition stretching from the PBA.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

UPDATE: SMB def. Dragons, 111-104

“It will be a very exciting series. Malaysia has two good imports who get a lot of points. If we can slow them down, we’ll have a good chance,” said SMB coach Bobby Parks Sr.

Westports Malaysia, however, is confident of its chances and vows to spring a big surprise.

“We’ve got everything to gain in this series,” said Dragons mentor Ariel Vanguardia. “Nobody expects us to beat this powerhouse team but we can shock the world. I know my players are eager to prove themselves too and it will come down to who wants it more.”

Support for the American reinforcements is expected to play a key role in the playoffs.

SMB looks to get mileage from Chris Banchero, Froilan Baguion, Leo Avenido and Roger Yap while Dragons seek production from Pinoys Patrick Cabahug and Nic Belasco and Malaysian Guga Batumalai.

Meanwhile, the other semifinal pairing pitting the Philippine Patriots and the Indonesia Warriors will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

Bradley shows off on media day (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 02:40:00 +0000

source: Abac Cordero | philstar.com

Timothy Bradley welcomed a busload of mediamen to his training quarters in Indio, California yesterday, and declared himself ready for Manny Pacquiao.

It was media day for the undefeated 28-year-old American, and he used it as a perfect tool to show how ready he is for the biggest fight of his life.

The fight is set June 9 in Las Vegas.

Bradley has never been to a fight this big, and he told the media, who rode separate buses from Los Angeles and Las Vegas, courtesy of Top Rank, that he is.

Bradley flexed his muscles, and showed off his famous abs. As he worked out inside the ring, he wore ankle weights perhaps weighing five pounds each.

They’re designed to improve the power and quickness of the legs and feet. Yes, it may help him match up with Pacquiao, but not in terms of hand speed.

Bradley said everything’s fine. He said he’s ready to go.

“I am so ready,” he was quoted by www.ringTV.com as saying at the packed Indio Boys and Girls Club which has probably never seen a crowd as big as this one.

“I am no longer watching Pacquiao video. Nothing about Pacquio concerns me anymore. I am that ready,” said the hungry challenger to Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight crown.

“I am on weight, primed and ready. I have just a few more rounds of sparring and that is it.”

Pacquiao is doing the same thing over in Los Angeles, getting ready for the fight. He will hold his media day on May 29 (Wednesday in Manila) at the Wild Card Gym.

Chief promoter Bob Arum welcomed the media to the Bradley show, and will be there for Pacquiao.

“He looked sensational. He just looked very, very fresh,” said Arum of Bradley.

He’s saving the nicest words for Pacquiao.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

NBA fines Spoelstra $25,000 for comments

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 02:30:00 +0000

source: Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) – The NBA fined Miami coach Erik Spoelstra $25,000 on Friday (Saturday in Manila) for ''critical public comments'' about officiating in the Eastern Conference series with Indiana.

Spoelstra made the comments before Miami's shootaround Thursday in Indianapolis (Friday in Manila), hours before the Heat beat the Pacers in Game 6 to win the series. Spoelstra was quoted by several media outlets saying the NBA ''does not have a problem'' with Indiana committing hard fouls on Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Spoelstra told reporters he counted more than 12 instances where Heat players were struck in the face by the Pacers this season.

Miami had two players suspended for Game 6 for flagrant fouls. Indiana's Tyler Hansbrough was not suspended for a flagrant he committed against Wade, opening a cut over the Miami guard's right eye.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7

V-League: SSC trips Perpetual, faces UST in semis

noreply@blogger.com (dude2nuckle) — Sat, 26 May 2012 02:25:00 +0000

source: philstar.com

San Sebastian dodged Perpetual Help fightback with a gritty stand in the fifth set to carve out a 25-14, 25-18, 12-25, 16-25, 15-11 victory and arrange a Final Four duel with UST in the ninth Shakey’s V-League Presented by Smart at The Arena late Thursday.

The Lady Stags appeared headed for a rout after sweeping the first two sets but faced a resurgent Perpetual Help side in the next two sets and lost, setting the stage for a decider for the No. 3 spot in the semis.

But the Recoletos-based squad toughened up on defense with Jeng Bualee sustaining her power-hitting ways and taking charge in the clutch to frustrate the reigning NCAA champions and book the win in the event sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

SSC thus closed out the quarters phase with a 5-2 card for No. 3 and a semis showdown with UST, which took the No. 2 spot after disposing of National U in three, also last Thursday.

Perpetual wound up with a 4-3 mark and will square off with unbeaten topnotcher and defending champion Ateneo in the Final Four starting tomorrow.

The semis is a pair of best-of-three series with the winners clashing for the crown in the season-opening conference of the league backed by Mikasa and Accel in another best-of-three affair.

Bualee had a block, a kill and a drop shot to deliver the Lady Stags’ last three points and foil the Altas’ bid to complete a stirring comeback.

Bualee launched 30 kills and made three service aces to finish with 35 points, while Analyn Benito came away with 12 attacks for 14 points and Rubie De Leon chipped in 10 points.

“They kind of relaxed in the third and fourth sets but recovered in time. It was a test of character,” said SSC coach Clint Malazo, whose wards won the first two sets by limiting the Lady Altas to less than 20 points.

NCAA MVP Sandra Delos Santos had 18 hits, including 13 kills and four blocks, while Thai import Kunbang Pornpimol added 16 points and April Sartin added 13 points for Perpetual.

Advertisement
Watch online TV on your PC w/ over 3,500 channels available 24/7