PBA Scores, News and Updates

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Fajardo returns, Kevin Jones makes San Miguel debut in battle for solo PBA lead

SOPHOMORE June Mar Fajardo makes his first appearance in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup while new import Kevin Jones hopes to make an immediate impact as San Miguel Beer takes on Talk ’N Text in the battle of two unbeaten teams on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-10 Fajardo missed the team’s first two games after spraining his left ankle prior to the start of the conference. But that hardly mattered for the new-look Beermen, who under new coach Biboy Ravanes and active consultant Todd Purves have posted two impressive victories in as many outings.

With former New Jersey Net Josh Boone, San Miguel clobbered Meralco, 94-76, in its conference debut before manhandling Barangay Ginebra, 112-96.

Boone, though, was dropped on Monday in favor of Jones, with the San Miguel coaching staff stressing the need to get someone who can complement Fajardo’s play.

Coach Norman Black says Talk ’N Text will have to play its best game against a San Miguel team that puts a lot of emphasis on defense and strong perimeter shooting.

“Based on San Miguel’s first two games, we will have to bring our best game when we play them,” Black said, heading to his team’s 8 p.m. encounter with the Beermen.

Black noted that San Miguel is moving the ball well as evidenced by the 25-assist average in its first two games.

Ravanes said Fajardo’s minutes will be managed against the Tropang Texters since he joined the team’s practice only on Thursday.

“Puwede na siya (Fajardo) maglaro pero limited minutes lang siya kasi kahapon nag-shooting lang siya tapos ngayon (Thursday) pa lang siya sumali sa practice,” Ravanes said.

Ravanes also expects Jones to fit in well for the Beermen, taking note of his ability to play defense since his college days at West Virginia.

“He’s (Jones) not really a guy who’ll give you 30 points per game, but he fits well in our system,” said Ravanes, who took over from Gee Abanilla during the conference break.

“Ang maganda sa kanya, nagje-jell siya sa defensive system namin. Iyan ang attribute na nababagay sa sistema namin.”

Jones is fresh from a stint with the Canton Charge in the NBA Developmental League, where he averaged 16.0 points and 7.3 rebounds before joining the Beermen last week.

From SPIN.ph

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PBA chairman says Gilas guest stint in Governors Cup a 'win-win situation'

PBA chairman Mon Seguismundo said a guest stint for Gilas Pilipinas as the 11th team in the season-ending Governors Cup is a 'win-win situation,' both for the pro league and the national team as it prepares for the Fiba World Cup and Asian Games, respectively.

Seguismundo, who is also the representative of Meralco in the league board, explained that bringing in Gilas for the import-laden conference will translate to “10 more games or the equivalent of five extra playdates for team members" - and extra exposure for all the member ballclubs.

“I presented eight elements to the PBA board recently (regarding Gilas’ participation). This will result in higher revenues and sustained lengthened exposure for PBA teams,” Seguismundo told Spin.ph on Thursday.

“That means there will be 10 more games.”

The Meralco top honcho, however, stressed there are several other suggestions which the board will try to study to accommodate the training and preparation of the national team.

Earlier, Ginebra alternate governor Robert Non suggested that instead of making Gilas a part of the league’s season-ending meet, it would be more ideal if a pocket tournament will be held featuring the national team and two selections composed of PBA players.

Non said staging a pocket tournament will also benefit Gilas without disrupting the schedule of the tournament featuring imports 6-foot-6 and below.

But the Meralco senior vice president for human resources and corporate services maintains having Gilas in the Governors Cup will easily heighten fan interest, especially since not everyone could see them play in the flesh during the world basketball showcase in Spain.

“I think we just have to be innovative here, rather than saying it can’t be done,” he said. “The important thing here is we’ve agreed in principle that the PBA will go all-out in supporting Gilas.”

Seguismundo said the PBA board will be convening on March 27 to tackle the issue on Gilas’ participation, by which time the chairman expects the board to come out with a clearer plan for the national squad.

From SPIN.ph

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Lamizana, Ramos explode as Air21 dismantles Barako Bull (03/14/14)

MANILA, Philippines – Herve Lamizana fired all of his 24 points in the second half as Air21 silenced a bad-shooting Barako Bull crew, 103-85, to pick up their second win in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday, March 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After going scoreless in the first two quarters, Lamizana caught fire, shooting 9 of 12 for 20 of the team's points in the third quarter alone that sealed the story for Air21.

The Express buckled down on defense to shackle Energy import Josh Dollard to just 12 points, way below his 44.5-point average heading into the match; Air21 also exploded for 29 second quarter points too that broke the game wide open.

Newly-acquired Aldrech Ramos added 17 markers including a pristine 4 of 4 from three-point land.

The Express started pulling away from a tight ball game midway in the second period, with Mac Cardona and Aldrech Ramos combining for 12 points in a run that transformed a 16-17 deficit into a 43-26 bubble.

Air21 shot 68% from the field in the second quarter to carry a huge lead heading into the break and never looked back.

With only Denok Miranda carrying the load for the Energy, Air21 kept Barako Bull at bay for the entire third quarter. A Herve Lamizana trey made it 72-53 for the Express with just over a minute left in the penultimate quarter.

Josh Dollard struggled in the final frame as Barako went all-Filipino for most of the second half. Air21 meanwhile continued their onslaught, leading by as much as 35 to allow coach Franz Pumaren's troops to seal their second win in three outings. Barako Bull meanwhile fell to 1-2 in the conference.

Earlier in the first quarter, a defensive board by Asi Taulava enabled him to move to top 7th overall in the PBA's all time list for most defensive rebounds.

Scores:

Air 21 103: Lamizana 24, Ramos 17, Cardona 15, Taulava 14, Burtscher 8, Matias 7, Villanueva 5, Yeo 5, Jaime 2, Poligrates 2, Sharma 2, Atkins 2, Borboran 0, Camson 0.

Barako Bull 85: Intal 18, Miranda 18, Dollard 12, Miller 10 Pennisi 9, Lastimosa 6, Jensen 4, Buenafe 4, Fortuna 3, Wilson 1, Deutchman 0, Isip 0, Marcelo 0, Pena 0.

Quarter scores: 16-17, 45-32, 75-57, 103-85.

From Rappler.com

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Talk 'N Text stays unbeaten as Alapag, Howell steady ship after Black ejection (03/14/14)

JIMMY Alapag and Richard Howell combined to steady the Talk 'N Text ship following the ejection of coach Norman Black as the Tropang Texters held off San Miguel Beer, 107-99, to grab the solo lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Howell, a double-double machine during his NBA D-League days with the Idaho Stampede, scored 11 of his team's first 15 points in the final period to open a 92-76 lead for the Texters while Alapag made sure the lead stood with a late barrage that ended an SMB rally.

The duo's heroics allowed Talk 'N Text to remain unbeaten three games into its campaign in the mid-season conference despite the absence of Black, who was thrown out on successive technicals for complaining about a horror foul called on Howell late in the third quarter.

“First of all, it’s very lonely in the locker room sitting there by yourself,” the mild-mannered coach said after the game, eliciting laughs from the media throng. “It’s my first time to get ejected in 28 years. I’m not even sure if I deserve it (getting ejected)."

San Miguel, which fell to 2-1 (win-loss), trailed by as much as 19 points but got within 93-97 in the final two minutes behind Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz and new import Kevin Jones.

But Alapag took over from there, nailing a long three-point shot before adding four more free throws in the final 55 seconds to keep the Texters beyond reach.
 
The Beermen, who jumped off to a 2-0 start with original import Josh Boone, got 35 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks in a foul-plagued 40-minute performance from Jones.
Reigning MVP Arwind Santos had a quiet nine points on a frigid 2-of-10 field goal shooting, while Philippine Cup Best Player June Mar Fajardo returned from a two-game absence due to ankle sprain to score seven points and nine rebounds.

Howell led the Tropang Texters with a personal PBA career-best 38 points, to go along with 20 rebounds, five steals and four assists in a solid all-around game for the league-leading squad.

Alapag added 18 and seven assists, while Ranidel de Ocampo chipped in 16.

The scores:

Talk 'N Text 107 - Howell 38, Alapag 18, De Ocampo 16, Castro 10, Fonacier 8, Canaleta 6, Reyes Ry. 5, Aban 3, Carey 2, Williams 1, Reyes Ro. 0, Baclao 0.

San Miguel 99 - Jones 35, Hubalde 14, Lassiter 12, Lutz 9, Santos 9, Fajardo 7, Mercado 5, Kramer 4, Tubid 2, Ross 2, Maierhofer 0, Duncil 0.

Quarterscores: 26-19, 51-38, 77-68, 107-99

From SPIN.ph

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Villanueva goes to Air21 for Matias, Sharma

MANILA, Philippines – The Air21 Express continue to beef up their roster with another trade.

The trade, which reportedly reflected right after Air21's victory over Barako Bull on Friday night, March 14, had the Express shipping bigman Carlo Sharma along with forward Ronnie Matias to GlobalPort Batang Pier, in exchange for another big in Enrico Villanueva.

The 33-year old Villanueva was a former Most Valuable Player (MVP) during his collegiate career in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Standing at 6-foot-5, Villanueva was a 2003 7th overall draft pick and has since went on to become a PBA Mythical First Team member. He was also the Most Improved Player in the 2004-2005 season.

Over his 11-year PBA career, Villanueva has averaged 9.75 points and 6.37 rebounds, per pba-online.net.

Matias and Sharma suited up for Air21 during their dominant win against Barako, scoring 7 and two markers, respectively.

Air21 in the past week traded Vic Manuel for Alaska's Aldrech Ramos, who quickly strut his stuff with the Express dropping 17 points on a perfect 4-of-4 from long range.

From Rappler.com

[2013rev2013]

di mapakali at mapirmi si matias ah, lagi na lang trade..

[tonistork]

eh unknown naman itong Matias na ito. . si yeng guiao nga lang nagtiyaga dito.

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Rain or Shine sends Alaska near bottom of standings (03/15/14)

MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters buried defending champions Alaska Aces further down in the standings after a 92-78 win in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, March 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska played well early taking a 9-3 advantage a little over 3 minutes into the game.

But Rain or Shine's Chris Tiu found his touch and gave the Elasto Painters the lead, 13-12, capping a 10-to-3 run in the first quarter with a three-pointer. Alaska would trail the rest of the way.


Chan on target

Gilas gunner Jeff Chan caught fire in the third quarter hitting triple after triple. The Painters blew the game wide open in the third highlighted by Chan's 4-point play and the back-to-back triples from import Alex McLean and Chan that gave Rain or Shine an 18-point lead, 67-49, with 1:43 left in the third.

Chan finished the game with 24 points on 6/10 shooting from downtown.

Rain or Shine had an answer for every Alaska run effectively maintaining at least a 10-point distance between them and the defending champs who now falls to 1-3 in the standings - just a win away from the cellar-dwelling GlobalPort Batang Pier.

Head coach Yeng Guiao said his team simply played better today. They now hold a 1-1 win-loss record.

Import Rob Dozier carried the fight for Alaska finishing with 27 points while also providing energy and key stops on the defensive end. Unfortunately, he was the only Ace to finish in double figures.

The Scores

Rain or Shine (92) - Chan 24, McLean 19, Lee 11, Almazan 9, Tiu 9, Arana 8, Rodriguez 4, Cruz 3, Belga 2, Tang 2, Norwood 1, Teng 0, Ibanes 0.

Alaska (78) - Dozier 27, Jazul 9, Thoss 8, Hontiveros 7, Casio 5, Espinas 5, Abueva 5, Manuel 5, Baguio 5, Dela Cruz 2.

Quarters: 18-17; 38-32; 69-58; 92-78

From Rappler.com

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Butch, Meralco survive late rally to keep GlobalPort winless (03/15/14)

MANILA, Philippines – The Meralco Bolts held off a late rally from GlobalPort to keep the Batang Pier winless after a 104-99 finish in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, March 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meralco import Brian Butch had an electric performance pouring in a game-high 42 points along with 24 rebounds on 6/11 shooting from the three-point area including the go-ahead trey that broke the tie and gave the Bolts the lead for good with 46 seconds left in the game.

Butch was brilliant all game long already tallying a double-double by halftime with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Gary David, Anjo Caram, Reynel Hugnatan, and John Wilson all contributed at least 8 points to provide the local support needed to keep GlobalPort from notching their first win in the tournament.

GlobalPort started to make a run with over 5 minutes left in the game. The Batang Pier put the pressure on Meralco after rookie Terrence Romeo dished the ball to import Evan Brock for an emphatic slam. Brock followed it up with a strong drive to the hoop to cut the deficit to two, 87-89.

Brock continued to carry Batang Pier connecting with big man Jewel Ponferrada for a score down low. Brock knotted the game at 97 on the free throw line with 1:26 remaining but that was the closest GlobalPort was gonna get.

Brock finished the game with 32 points. He also had plenty of help from sensational rookie Terrence Romeo who poured in 21 points but it wasn't enough to give Pido Jarencio his first win as a PBA head coach.

The Scores:

Meralco (104) - Butch 42, David 16, Caram 9, Hugnatan 9, Wilson 8, Mandani 6, Hodge 6, Ildefonso 5, Guevarra 3, Al-Hussaini 0, Artadi 0.

Globalport (99) - Brock 32, Romeo 21, Ponferrada 10, salvador 6, Custodio 6, Washington 5, Macapagal 5, Salva 4, Yee 3, Cabagnot 3, Nabong 2, Garcia 2, Chua 0.

Quarters: 27-28; 56-41, 84-74, 104-99

From Rappler.com

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PBA Best Import Ladder Weeks 1-2: How well is Howell?

MANILA, Philippines – We have seen how the first two weeks of the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup faired and it’s time to assess which reinforcements have showcased the X-factor to lead their respective ball clubs in this import-laden conference.

1. Richard Howell, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

27.3 PPG, 20.7 RPG, 2 APG, 2.7 SPG, 1 BPG, 61.52 EFF

Richard Howell is recognized as the best import in the tourney so far, becoming involved in about every crucial play there is for the Tropang Texters. He grabbed 30 rebounds against Alaska in their opening assignment and also took over in a late run against San Miguel. He is silently leading the Texters to an unbeaten slate.

2. James Mays, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers

15 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 SPG, 1 BPG, 30 EFF

James Mays had a monster night with 29 points and 29 rebounds including 12 offensive boards - one more than the Ginebra squad - to give the Mixers a 90-80 win over Brgy. Ginebra on Sunday, March 16. Mays gave San Mig a plethora of second chance possessions and also schooled his opponents underneath the rim.

3. Herve Lamizana, Air21 Express

21.3 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 4.7 BPG, 48.81 EFF

Herve Lamizana is the best defensive import out there, leading the entire league in blocks per night. He had a great effort of limiting Josh Dollard to a nightmarish 12-point night when the Air21 Express defeated the Barako Bull Energy on March 14. His presence is critical in getting defensive stops and shutting down their opponent’s offense.

4. Brian Butch, Meralco Bolts

32.7 PPG, 20.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2 SPG, 2 BPG, 67.15 EFF

Meralco’s sweet-shooting big man led the Bolts to two wins against one loss in the first two weeks; he may not be the most hulking or most imposing import in the tournament, but he gets the job done for the Bolts with his quickness and touch from the outside.

5. Josh Dollard, Barako Bull Energy

33.7 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 59.24 EFF

In his first two outings, the prolific Energy import averaged 44.5 points; however he was limited to just 22.5 in the next two, where Barako lost. Although there is no doubt he’s Barako Bull’s best scorer, he has to get his teammates more involved to translate their play into success.

6. Rob Dozier, Alaska Aces

23 PPG, 16.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.7 BPG, 56.83 EFF

The reigning Best Import of the Conference is averaging decent numbers, although the entire Alaska Aces crew has been struggling so far. Either Dozier must do more or the locals must step up for them to defend the Commissioner’s Cup crown.

7. Evan Brock, Globalport Batang Pier

27 PPG, 22 RPG, 2 APG, 2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 60.17 EFF

The significantly experienced Evan Brock joined the Batang Pier to give leadership, and he is definitely proving his worth early with big numbers. However, Globalport must get their acts together to get back on track and also, deliver new head coach Pido Jarencio his first win.

8. Leon Rodgers, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

32 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 53 EFF

High hopes sprung from the Ginebra faithful when highly-touted Leon Rodgers entered the PBA and suited up for the nation’s most popular squad. However, it seems he has not yet lived up to their expectations, throwing up too many shot attempts per game. Against San Mig Coffee on Sunday, Rodgers made just 12/33 attempts. The rest of the team shot 13/36.

9. Kevin Jones, San Miguel Beermen

35 PPG, 13 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 2 BPG, 61.86 EFF

The Beermen’s new recruit Kevin Jones played solid in his debut game with 35 points and 13 rebounds, but unfortunately it went for naught in a losing effort against the league-leading Tropang Texters. He committed a costly fifth foul in the fourth period which spelled the difference for San Miguel, as a three-point gap turned into a huge 16-point hole which they were never able to climb out of.

10. Alex McLean, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

20 PPG, 17 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1 BPG, 45.33 EFF

Alex McLean is exactly what coach Yeng Guaio ordered for the Elasto Painters. We all know Guiao doesn’t want any superstars in his fold and instead focuses on developing everyone into quality players. McLean isn’t a high-profile cager but he is there to give Rain or Shine whatever they need.

Bye, Boone!

San Miguel import Josh Boone is the first import to be replaced, despite notching 32 points and 21 rebounds in his second game against Ginebra. He played two games for the Beermen, averaging 24 points and 18.5 rebounds.

From Rappler.com

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PBA Best Player Race Weeks 1-2: Castro’s lightning strikes

MANILA, Philippines – Though the battle of giants in the import-flavored PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup diverts much of the media’s attention, the locals themselves are keeping up with the action with impressive play themselves.

Through the first two weeks of action, who are the talents who’ve stepped up and brought their “A games” to the table so far? Time to check Rappler’s first installment of the PBA Best Player Race for this conference.

1. Jayson Castro, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

14.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 27.57 EFF

The two-time PBA finals MVP found multiple methods to score his 25 points against Barako Bull: first, he drained three triples in the first half alone; in the second half, he took over with dazzling moves that Barako Bull’s defense was never able to solve. He says he is completely healthy, which only spells trouble for other squads.

2. Asi Taulava, Air21 Express

17 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 36.70 EFF

At 41 years old, Taulava continues to defy time, playing with overflowing energy for the Express. The 6-foot-9 former MVP gives Air21 an additional defender and rebounder (No. 1 in defensive rebounds among locals) inside. As far as his battle against Father Time is considered, there is no stopping ‘The Rock.’

3. Ian Sangalang, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers

16 PPG, 5 RPG, 1 APG, 33.85 EFF

The energetic Mixers rookie won PBA Player of the Week honors, proving that he deserved to be selected second overall. The young Sangalang has embraced a big role for San Mig Coffee and is already showing how mature he is; Against Ginebra, Sangalang once again drained the crucial baskets late in the match to help coach Tim Cone’s wards win their second straight game.

4. Ranidel De Ocampo, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

16.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 34.79 EFF

Also making this week's list is Talk 'N Text big man Ranidel De Ocampo, who is shooting 35% from three-point land. De Ocampo continues to provide an extra muscle inside to help import Richard Howell, while also pouring baskets whenever coach Norman Black needs them.

5. Chris Ellis, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

13.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 33.83 EFF

The sophomore star is playing his best conference yet, leading the Ginebra locals in scoring so far. He is slowly showing more aspects of his game, proving he is more than a high-flyer. If the reigning PBA dunk champion continues to live up to his potential, then Ginebra will definitely have a solid chance of making it to the next round.

6. Jimmy Alapag, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

14.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6 APG, 1 SPG, 35.44 EFF

The third Tropang Texter on our list is 36-year-old Jimmy Alapag, who is in top form after a dismal tourney in the Philippine Cup where he, like Castro, was plagued with injury. Now that he's healthy, Alapag has been able to score more than 14 points a game and is also facilitating TNT's well-oiled offense, dishing 6 assists per night.

7. Jeff Chan, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

19 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 35.30 EFF

Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jeff Chan his shooting 50% from long distance so far in the tourney, leading the Elasto Painters to a split in their first two assignments. He fired six triples in a 92-78 win over Alaska. He is also the top scoring local for Coach Yeng Guiao’s wards and he should keep shooting at an accurate help to help ROS succeed.

8. LA Tenorio, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

8.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 31.07 EFF

Tenorio, who had a pristine start to last conference’s wars, is doing the same so far in this tourney. Although Ginebra is at 1-2, Tenorio is leading the league in assists (8.0), still showing the nation how well he facilitates his team’s offense. His 6.5-rebound average is also impressive for a 5-foot-9 guard.

9. Denok Miranda, Barako Bull Energy

12.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.3 SPG, 28.62 EFF

Miranda is back as Barako’s main point guard after shaking nagging injuries. His 18-point, 9-assist statline against Air21 on Friday is a proof that he can still keep up with the rest of the league’s finest court generals. As a former two-time PBA champion, Miranda is expected to give the Energy more leadership every time he’s on the floor.

10. Paul Lee, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

13 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 29.23 EFF

Rounding out our Top 10 list for this week is Paul Lee, who vowed to bounce back this conference after a heart-breaking finals loss. His confidence is way up after finding his real game in the finals vs San Mig Coffee, and he is now establishing himself as Rain or Shine's legitimate go-to guy.

From Rappler.com

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James Mays does the damage as San Mig keeps dominance of Ginebra (03/16/14)

IMPORT James Mays and rookie Ian Sangalang dealt the knockout blows in the payoff quarter as San Mig Super Coffee trounced a disoriented Barangay Ginebra side, 90-80 for its second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-8 Mays held his own against the taller Ginebra frontline, coming away with ferocity on both ends of the floor after scoring 29 points and grabbing 29 rebounds during the first game between the two rival teams since their epic Game Seven do-or-die match in the Philippine Cup semifinals.

“James (Mays) was a monster on the boards, monster off the hustle. His activity level was wow, he’s Mr. Everywhere,” said a beaming San Mig coach Tim Cone in describing his energetic prized import.

Mays, who played for Springfield Armor in the NBA Development League last year, joined forces with Sangalang as the two grabbed loose balls and scored at every given opportunity that frustrated the listless Kings in the end.

San Mig improved to a perfect 2-0 record, just behind the 4-0 slate of Talk ‘N Text, while Ginebra dropped its second straight game for a 1-2 mark.

The Mixers’ energetic effort off the boards rewarded them a sizeable 62-48 rebounding edge, including an astounding 26-11 difference in the offensive end.

Mays actually had 12 offensive rebounds, one more than  the entire Ginebra team.

The scores:

SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 90 - Mays 29, Yap 13, Simon 11, Sangalang 10, Devance 7, Melton 6, Barroca 5, Reavis 5, Pingris 2, Mallari 2, De Ocampo 0.
 
GINEBRA 80 - Rodgers 35, Aguilar 12, Tenorio 11, Slaughter 7, Ellis 6, Caguioa 4, Mamaril 2, Forrester 2, Reyes 1, Ababou 0, Monfort 0.
 
Quarterscores: 21-22, 41-43, 69-67, 90-80

From SPIN.ph

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Tim Cone full of praise for 'fearless' Ian Sangalang as San Mig rookie earns first Player of the Week Citation

N the eyes of coach Tim Cone, San Mig rookie Ian Sangalang may not be flashy but he can certainly get the job done.

The multi-titled Cone was full of praise for Sangalang after splendid performances in back-to-back games earned the former San Sebastian star his first PBA Press Corps PBA Player of the Week citation.

The 6-5 former NCAA MVP averaged 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in San Mig's first two games of the PBA Commissioner's Cup as he continued to earn the confidence of the league's most successful coach.

“There was a reason he (Sangalang) was the consensus No. 2 pick in that (rookie) draft,” said Cone, who picked the rookie behind Ginebra's Greg Slaughter in this season's drafting.

“He was No. 2 and nobody else, nobody else I thought because he’s fearless," added Cone.

In so short a time, Sangalang has found his place in Cone's frontline rotation thanks to his nice touch around the basket, a willingness to bang inside the paint, and maturity rarely seen from a rookie.

Sangalang also picked up from where he left off in the Philippine Cup, scoring 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting along with five rebounds to propel San Mig to a runaway 91-75 ripping of Globalport on Wednesday.

Then, Sangalang fired eight of his 10 points in a critical fourth quarter run to help San Mig score a 90-80 win over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday night.

"He doesn’t play pretty, but man, he plays effective,” Cone said of his rookie sensation.

From SPIN.ph

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Intrigued why Big Dome flooring was covered with extra white lines during Sunday's games? Here's the reason

UNKNOWN to many, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup doubleheader on Sunday featuring Barangay Ginebra and San Mig in the main game, was almost put off following the noticeable delicate flooring of the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Extra white lines covered the Big Dome floor for both the games of the Kings and Mixers and Talk `N Text and Barako Bull earlier as Spin.ph learned that several wood tiles on the court surface popped up.

“Umalsa yung mga tiles nung sahig. Kaya nilagyan ng tape. Nagulat na lang nga kami kasi bakit biglang naging ganun ang itsura,” said the source who refused to be named as he was not authorized to speak on the issue.

“Kala niyo simple lang yun. Delikado yun.”

League commissioner Chito Salud had to arrive early at the venue to personally supervise the ‘temporary repair’ on some 25 tiles that popped up

“Galit talaga si Kume, kasi kita mo naman naka-alsa yung sahig. Delikado sa players yun. Hindi pwedeng ganun yan,” said the source.

“Ayaw ng PBA pasimulan yung game hanggat naka-alsa yung mga tiles. Peligroso talaga yun. Kaya kanina diniskartehan na lang. Hanggang kelan ganyan yan, itanong niyo na lang sa Araneta.”

The same source bared the maple floorings are already 15 years old, which explains why it is no longer in perfect condition.

Araneta Coliseum officials refused to answer queries from Spin.ph saying that wasn’t the case when the Big Dome office closed last Friday.

But an Araneta insider who refused to be identified admitted the flooring is indeed ‘due for servicing.’

“Alam ko naka-schedule na talaga ang pag-gawa niyan eh. Bukas (Monday) alam ko ire-repair na talaga siya,” said the Big Dome official.

Meanwhile, some of the players reached by Spin.ph were just as surprised with the extra lines that covered the floor.

“Oo nga, bakit ba may mga linya dun? Ang pangit tignan eh,” said San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap.

“Ginamit ba sa volleyball yun?” added teammate Mark Barroca.

San Mig rookie Ian Sangalang even expressed hesitation walking on the floor during the game, saying, “naiilang nga ako pumuwesto kasi feeling ko nasa shaded lane na ako. Wala pa pala!”

Even players who saw action in the first game between the Tropang Texters and Energy also complained about the ‘floor bandages.’

“Nung nag-shooting kami, naka-angat talaga. Kaya nila nilagyan ng tape. Nakita ko pa nga nung nilalagyan ng tape eh,” said Barako Bull guard Ronjay Buenafe.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Impressed Tim Cone says James Mays a cross between former San Mig imports Denzel Bowles, Marqus Blakely

SAN Mig coach Tim Cone couldn’t hide his excitement for finding yet a gem of an import in James Mays.

Only two games into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Mays showed what he’s capable of following his monster game of 29 points and 29 rebounds in the Mixers’ 90-80 win over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday.

More than the impressive stats line, the 6-foot-8 Mays provided the energy, hustle, and unselfish plays for the team - all attributes that readily endeared him to Cone at the end of the game.

“He’s well-versed (with the triangle offense). He’s certainly not a ‘swapang’ (selfish) guy because he goes and gets the ball,” Cone said, mentioning the numerous intangibles Mays has brought to the team.

“He doesn’t sit there, like give me the ball, and go clear out. But he’s a really good passer. He should work well with our system,” he added.

Asked how Mays measures up to San Mig’s two recent imports in Denzel Bowles and Marqus Blakely, both of whom gave the franchise a championship each, Cone said the energetic import could be a cross between the two.

“That's probably an apt description. He (Mays) doesn’t have the offense of Denzel, and he doesn’t have the athleticism of Marqus, but he has the great motor of Marqus and the likeability of Denzel with his teammates,” said the San Mig mentor, who just last month, became the all-time winningest coach in the pro league after steering the Mixers to the Philippine Cup championship for his 16th title.

Bowles, the 6-foot-10 American import, who currently plays with the Jilin Northeast Tigers in the Chinese league, led the Mixers to the Commissioner's Cup title in 2012.

Blakely, on the other hand, helped the Mixers win the Governors Cup crown last season.

Still, Cone said he doesn’t want to get caught up with the hype at the moment.

With seven more games to go in the single-round eliminations, San Mig will have to keep working since the Mixers will next face Rain or Shine on Saturday in a rematch of the Philippine Cup Finals protagonists

From SPIN.ph