PBA Scores, News and Updates

[Zurca]

PBA preview: Rain or Shine gets bigger and better with subtle offseason moves

Rain or Shine

2012-2013 PBA record: 31-26

Head coach: Joseller 'Yeng' Guiao

New additions: Raymond Almazan, Jeric Teng, Alex Nuyles (rookies)

Holdovers: JR Quinahan, Beau Belga, Jeff Chan, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jireh Ibanes, Ryan Arana, Jervy Cruz, Larry Rodriguez, Ronnie Matias, Tyrone Tang, Chris Tiu,

Reserve: Jonathan Uyloan

Strengths: Rain or Shine made minimal movements during the offseason, but the acquisitions the team pulled off will certainly make it better this season.

The arrival of 6-foot-7 rookie slotman Raymond Almazan bolsters the Elastopainters' undersized frontline and, as Beau Belga correctly pointed out, gives the team the off-the-ball defender it has not had for a long time.

On the other hand, coach Yeng Guiao said rookies Alex Nuyles and Jeric Teng - both noted scorers in college - deepen an already formidable backcourt that already has Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Ryan Arana, Tyrone Tang and Chris Tiu.

The Painters' lineup is formidable enough. Now if they can show the same intensity and hunger that was in full display before the franchise won its first-ever league title in the Governors Cup two seasons ago, expect Rain or Shine to be in strong contention for every championship this season.

Weakness: Guiao correctly tempered expectations for Rain or Shine by pointing out that Almazan is not a 'wow' signing like Greg Slaughter was for Ginebra this season and June Mar Fajardo for Petron the year before. Also, the reed-thin Letran star is not expected to be as dominant as Fajardo was for Petron in his rookie year last season.

Aside from that, Almazan is not a post threat like Fajardo or Slaughter, meaning Rain or Shine is still lacking in a strong presence in the middle that could attract the attention of the defense to free up the team's armada of shooters - that is, unless Belga suddenly decides to throw his weight around inside instead of shooting three-pointers with JR Quinahan.

And before Rain or Shine fans get too excited, better be warned that the team is guard-heavy and has a lot of people playing the same positions - and few to man other roles.

Season outlook: If there is one coach in the league who can put together an uneven team and make it work, it should be Guiao. The multi-titled coach has one of the most unpredictable rotation patterns in the league but somehow always succeeds in getting wins out of the seeming chaos.

That the team mostly kept its core intact makes the Painters a legitimate contender in the Philippine Cup. Aside from that, Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan are expected to be fresher this season after a busy 2013 season shuffling between Gilas and their PBA commitments.

But most of all, remember that Guiao never fails to bring the best out of players - enough reason to heighten expectations for Rain or Shine this season.

Power rating: 4


From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Source: Danny Ildefonso offered coaching job as hopes dim for return to Petron lineup

UNTIL things went horribly wrong over the past week, Danny Ildefonso was set for what was planned to be his swansong with Petron - the only team he has played for in his decorated, 14-year PBA career.

According to team insiders, the Blaze Boosters had planned to give the two-time MVP a chunk of playing time behind sophomore June Mar Fajardo this season to give their longtime star a fitting farewell in a league where he once was one of the most dominant players.

Upon his retirement, sources said, Ildefonso was supposed to settle into an executive position in one of the San Miguel-owned teams just like other great players who had played for the organization like Alvin Patrimonio (San Mig), Hec Calma (Petron), and Samboy Lim (Ginebra).

However, all those plans suddenly went out the window last Tuesday when the pride of Urdaneta, Pangasinan was told after practice that he was out of the lineup and a contract extension not forthcoming.

The reason?

Ildefonso, sources said, had incurred the ire of team bosses over comments he had made about moves Petron has undertaken the last few years, from the trades that dealt away former stars Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros to last season's firing of Olsen Racela as coach.

Two days before Petron begins its season with a PBA Governors Cup game against Globalport at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, hopes are dim that Ildefonso would get back a spot in the rotation, although Petron still has two open reserve spots in its lineup.

One of those should have been Ildefonso's, a team insider said, before plans went awry.

“Kung makikita mo hindi gaanong gumalaw sa big man position ang team. Kasi inihahanda sa kanya eh,” said the source, who is still clueless if the plan will still be executed.

“Hindi ko alam. Pero hindi na siya pinapirma eh. So baka called off na,” he added.

Meanwhile, people close to Ildefonso said the 36-year-old many-time All-Star is still bent on talking to SMC officials led by big boss Ramon S. Ang and head of basketball operations Robert Non, in the hope of mending his relationship with a company which he said "he owes a lot to."

The latest buzz from the team is that Ildefonso has been offered a coaching contract, so he can continue the mentoring of Fajardo and the Blaze Boosters' other big men.

Ildefonso is not deciding on the offer until he has talked to the SMC bosses, the source added.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

PBA Preview: Staying healthy a must in Talk 'N Text side's quest for four-peat

Talk ‘N Text

2012-2013 record: 35-21

Head coach: Norman Black

Rookie: Eliud Poligrates

Offseason free-agent additions: Nonoy Baclao

Gone from last season: Rabeh Al-Hussaini

Holdovers: Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, Ryan Reyes, Sean Anthony, Larry Fonacier, Jai Reyes, Jason Castro, Kelly Williams*, John Ferriols, Ranidel de Ocampo, Ali Peek, Aaron Aban

Reserves: Rob Reyes, Robby Celiz

* returning from leave of absence

Strengths: Minus the distractions from Gilas Pilipinas' campaign in last year's Fiba Asia championships, there's no reason to believe that Talk 'N Text won't contend for any of the three league championships this season.

The Tropang Texters' lineup remains formidable, with Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes and Ali Peek still among the best in their respective positions - regardless their advanced age. Ranidel de Ocampo and Larry Fonacier are at the peak of their careers while Jason Castro already represents the present and future of the franchise.

On the other hand, the return of Kelly Williams, the acquisition of Sean Anthony last season, and the offseason trade that brought in Noy Baclao have fortified Talk 'N Text's frontline while sparing the team of the unpredictability of Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

That plus the load of championship experience and years of playing together this team has make the Texters hard to ignore in any discussion of top title contenders this season.

Weaknesses: As with most veteran-laden teams, health becomes an issue especially towards the playoffs when teams need to be at the peak of their powers. Unfortunately, Talk 'N Text has rarely managed to be 100 percent healthy these past few seasons.

Reyes, Alapag, de Ocampo have struggled with injuries of late and there is still uncertainty over the health status of Williams, regardless of his return.

Talk 'N Text has managed to endure injuries on the way to winning the league's sole all-Filipino tournament the past three seasons. But with all its top rivals upgrading their lineups, that may no longer be the case this season.

Season outlook: Coach Norman Black's squad is a cinch for the Final Four, where the team can count on its championship experience to make a big difference in a playoff-type, pressure situation.

The team, though, didn't get any younger this season and in fact had just one rookie pick - at 27th overall - in Eliud Poligrates. So this season may be the best indicator on how long the Tropang Texters can turn back the hands of time and resist the desire to rebuild for the future, perhaps with a team built around Castro.

Power rating: 4 stars


From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

PBA preview: Hope at long last is in the air after serious buildup by Express

Air21 Express

2012-2013 record: 14-25

Head coach: Franz Pumaren

Rookie: Eric Camson

Offseason free-agent additions: Elmer Espiritu, Mark Cardona

Gone from last season: Nelbert Omolon, Eric Salamat, Rob Reyes

Holdovers: Vic Manuel, Joseph Yeo, Asi Taulava, KG Canaleta, Simon Atkins, Bonbon Custodio, Ren-ren Ritualo, Carlo Sharma, Wynne Arboleda, Ogie Menor, Michael Burtscher

Reserve: Mark Borboran

Strengths: Several top-notch players have come and gone at Air21, but this season marks the first time in a long while that the Express have put together a team capable of stealing the thunder from the league's big guns.

New acquisition Mark Cardona marks the final piece in the puzzle for Franz Pumaren, who has patiently assembled a roster made up mostly of his former players at De La Salle that has enough firepower to make a serious run in the playoffs.

Offense should no longer be a problem for the Express with proven scorers like Joseph Yeo, KG Canaleta, and Cardona while the ageless Asi Taulava should make the team respectable inside the paint despite the emergence of top big men like June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter.

With most of the new players having played before under Pumaren's system, chemistry shouldn't be much of a problem for a team that has had problems putting its act together in the past.

Weakness: While scoring won’t be an issue anymore for the franchise, the Express will have to find a way to stop teams if they hope to win consistently. That should be a problem for the team, especially if its last line of defense - Taulava - gets into foul trouble since Air21's frontline isn't particularly deep.

The Express' point guard spot is also suspect after they gave up Mike Cortez in the Taulava deal with Meralco. That leaves the playmaking duties in the untested hands of Simon Atkins and Bonbon Custodio - who is not even a natural point guard - as well as 37-year-old Wynne Arboleda.

Season outlook: The Express, no doubt, have become stronger with the presence of Taulava, Cardona, and Yeo, who could easily help Canaleta on the offensive end. But again, it takes more than just offense to win games in the PBA, let alone a championship.

But look for Air21 to give every team it faces a run for its money this season - and perhaps pull off a couple of surprises for Pumaren.

Power rating: 3.0


From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

That's a lot of Bull: Barako rises above offseason criticism with big PBA debut

OUT to show that its offseason moves make sense, Barako Bull hammered Air21, 88-75, on Wednesday night to start its PBA Philippine Cup campaign on a rousing note at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy Cola, the subject of scorn after trading away all their draft picks this year in exchange for veterans, relied on their experience as they opened a big lead early and never allowed Air21 to come close.

“The players really want to prove something,” said Energy Cola coach Bong Ramos, who took over from former national coach Rajko Toroman just weeks before the start of the season.

“It’s only the first game. Pero wala pa talaga sila napo-prove. But I can see this team can pull off some surprises,” he added.

New acquisition Denok Miranda and fellow veteran Mark Isip spearheaded the onslaught for the Barako Bull, which enjoyed margins as big as 33 points against a fancied Air21 side that acquired several key pieces late last season.

Air21 only made the score respectable with a late run when the outcome was already beyond doubt.

The Energy Cola broke the game open in the middle quarters where Isip, Miranda, Ronjay Buenafe, and Mark Macapgal did most of their damage against the Express, who were without their prized addition Macmac Cardona.

Isip registered a team-high 16 points, while Buenafe, Macapagal, and Miranda all waxed hot from long range to also finish in double figures in scoring.

Joseph Yeo fired a game-high 22 points, including nine — all on triples — in the last three minutes where he tried to singlehandedly make a last-ditch push, with his last triple cutting the lead to just 13 points that turned out to be the final score.

The scores:

Barako Bull 88 – Isip 16, Buenafe 11, Macapagal 10, Miranda 10, Intal 9, Jensen 8, Villanueva 6, Wilson 4, Miller 4, Pennisi 4, Fortuna 2, Marcelo 2, Pena 2

Air 21 75 – Yeo 22, Canaleta 18, Taulava 10, Ritualo 7, Sharma 6, Custodio 5, Menor 4, Camson 2, Espiritu 1, Burstcher 0, Arboleda 0, Manuel 0.

Quarterscores: 22-17; 48-28; 75-44; 88-75

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Injury-hit Petron still prove too much to handle for rejigged Globalport side

A SHORTHANDED Petron still proved too much for a rejigged Globalport side as it cruised to a 97-87 triumph to jumpstart its PBA Philippine Cup campaign on Wednesday night at the Smart-ARaneta Coliseum.

Despite missing injured players Alex Cabagnot and Ronald Tubid, the Blaze Boosters still probed a potent offensive force as they spoiled the debut of touted rookies Terrence Rome, RR Garcia, and Nico Salva as well as new Batang Pier coach Ritchie Ticzon.

We’re happy and worried about this win, happy because despite some personnel problems we managed to get the win,” said Boosters coach Gee Abanilla, whose team suffered another blow in the game when big man Yousef Taha went out with a knee injury.

Reigning MVP Arwind Santos and June Mar Fajardo delivered as usual, while Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz provided the offensive spark for the Boosters.

The Boosters maintained a double-digit lead throughout as they pounced on an understandably error-prone Batang Pier and leaned on their transition game that translated to 13 fastbreak points.

Petron made 35 of 76 shots for 46.1 percent and dominated the rebounding department with a 58-47 edge.

Lassiter and Lutz tallied 18 points apiece, Santos had 16 points and seven boards, while Fajardo came up with a double-double of 15 points and 16 boards along with four assists.

Sol Mercado registered an all-around outing with 20 points, six assists, and five boards, while former Booster Jay Washington had a double-double of 15 points and the same number of caroms on top of two blocks for the Batang Pier.

The scores:

Petron (97) – Lassiter 18, Lutz 18, Santos 16, Fajardo 15, Kramer 11, Hubalde 7, Taha 6, Ross 3, Duncil 2, Deutchman 1

Globalport (87) – Mercado 20, Washington 15, Romeo 13, Najorda 10, Menk 6, Hayes 6, Belencion 4, Salvador 4, Garcia 4, Salva 3, Ponferada 2, Lingganay 0, Nabong 0

Quarterscores: 28-18; 56-44; 75-63; 97-87

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Here's schedule on airing of PBA games on TV5, Aksyon TV and FOX Sports

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Paul Lee, Belga save day as Rain or Shine survives 'bad game' to hold off Meralco

PAUL Lee hit the go-ahead shot while heavyweight big man Beau Belga delivered the game-clinching free throws to lead Rain or Shine to a nail-biting 94-89 victory over a fighting Meralco Bolts side in their PLDT myDSL-Philippine Cup match on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The E-Painters gained the early lead in the standings with a 2-0 record following the close win, a fitting follow-up to their 87-74 spanking of the Alaska Aces during Sunday’s season-opening game in Davao City.

“It’s a tough win for us. But we’re happy with the win,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “I thought we really played bad today. Meralco forced us to really play a bad game, but it just so happened we made some threes at the crucial point and were able to make some crucial stops also.”

Lee’s three-point play pushed Rain or Shine ahead for good, 90-89 after Meralco managed to grab the upperhand several times during the final period behind Gary David and Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

The Bolts got a lucky break late in the game when the referees called a jumpball between Jervy Cruzand Meralco’s Mike Cortez even though the burly Rain or Shine big man had clear possession of the leather.

Even Guiao said he was surprised by the call, saying it would have changed the complexion of the game.

“We were caught by surprise with that jump ball. That would have cost us the game,” he said.

However, Cruz managed to tap the ball to Belga, who was immediately fouled by Cortez. Belga went on to nail two pressure-packed free throws, while Meralco’s late-game three-point attempt by Jared Dillinger totally missed the mark.

The 6’5” Belga sealed the outcome with two more free throws as he finished with a career-high tying 20 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists, while four other Rain or Shine logged 10 or more points in a balanced scoring attack.

Rookie center Raymond Almazan, this year's No. 3 pick overall, struggled in his first game as a pro, after going scoreless in a foul-plagued-14-minute performance.

The scores:

Rain or Shine 94 - Belga 20, Arana 14, Rodriguez 13, Lee 12, Chan 11, Norwood 7, Cruz 6, Tang 5, Ibanes 3, Nuyles 2, Teng 1, Almazan 0.

Meralco 89 - David 24, Al-Hussaini 14, Hugnatan 11, Cortez 10, Wilson 10, Dillinger 8, Hodge 7, Guevarra 5, Salvacion 0, Allado 0, Mandani 0.

Quarters: 18-23, 38-41, 66-60, 94-89

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Typhoon relief efforts the winner as Alaska gifts owner a big win on birthday

ALASKA Milk erected a big lead early in the final period then held off San Mig Super Coffee’s endgame charge, 84-80 to book its first win in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Aces held San Mig to just two field goals in the first seven minutes of the fourth period to built a 79-61 spread which proved just enough to cushion a 12-2 finishing kick by the Mixers.

The win came as a huge birthday gift for Alaska to team owner Fred Uytengsu, who turned 52 on Friday and as part of his celebration had vowed to donate P52,000 for every point difference Alaska had in the win.

“It’s Mr Uytengsu’s birthday today. I’m just happy to be able to do this for him,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo after his team bounced back from a 74-87 season-opening loss to Rain or Shine last Sunday.

“He called me and spoke to management. He said everybody is doing their share in  helping for (Typhoon) Yolanda (victims) so we’re not having Christmas party this year,” he said.

“He found a way to give P40 million to the Yolanda victims and for every point we were up, he’s donating P52,000.”

Big man Sonny Thoss led the Aces with 19 points, eight assists and two steals while serving as the team’s defensive anchor, allowing Alaska to whip a San Mig team that only resumed practice last week.

Cyrus Baguio added 18 while JV Casio had 15, helping Alaska avenge its loss to San Mig during their quarterfinal tussle in last season’s Governors Cup. The Mixers went on to bag the title in the season-ending conference.

San Mig star James Yap bounced back from a sub-par game against Barangay Ginebra with 19 points and six rebounds, but the Mixers appeared rusty and still out of their rhythm compared to the sharper, more determined Aces side.

San Mig dropped to 0-2 in the company with Meralco, which earlier bowed to Rain or Shine, 89-94.

The scores:

ALASKA 84 - Thoss 19, Baguio 18, Casio 15, Jazul 8, Ramos 8, Abueva 7, Espinas 6, Dela Cruz 2, Avenido 1, Hontiveros 0, Eman 0.

SAN MIG 80 - Yap 19, Sanggalang 15, Barroca 13, Pingris 11, Reavis 8, Mallari 6, Holstein 4, Acuna 2, Gaco 2, Alvarez 0, De Ocampo 0, Cawaling 0.

Quarterscores: 26-17, 43-38, 69-59, 84-80

From SPIN.ph

[kingjames24szupladoh]

Global Port def. Air21 final score 114-100
Best player: Terrence Romeo
34 pts 6 rebs 3 asts 6/9 3pt fgs

The Scores :

GlobalPort 114 - Romeo 34, Washington 19, Mercado 14, Ponferrada 8, Menk 7, Salvador 7, Garcia 7, Belencion 6, Najorda 6, Salva 4, Hayes 2.

Air21 100 - Yeo 24, Taulava 21, Jaime 13, Canaleta 11, Custodio 8, Manuel 8, Camson 6, Espiritu 3, Sharma 3, Ritualo 3, Menor 0, Arboleda 0.

Quarters: 20-18, 47-46, 83-74, 114-100

[Zurca]

'Special' Romeo wins praise from Globalport coach after hitting 34 in only second game as pro

IN just his second game as a pro, Terrence Romeo played like a true-blue star in leading Globalport to 114-100 win over Air21 for its first win in the PLDT myDSL-Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Romeo, Globalport’s fifth overall rookie pick, poured in 26 of his PBA career-high 34 points in a dazzling second-half performance that drew raves from the sparse crowd that witnessed his star turn at the Big Dome.

The reigning UAAP MVP highlighted his red-hot shooting night by going six-of-nine from downtown. He shot five three-pointers in the second half alone when Globalport turned a one-point halftime lead to as big as 101-82 midway through the final period.

“It’s a good thing we were able to make our three-point shots because now we shot 10-of-27. That’s our forte as a team - move the ball around and sharing the ball,” said Globalport’s interim coach Ritchie Ticzon, who earned his first win as a PBA coach.

Ticzon called their prized recruit Romeo “special” after he surpassed his UAAP career high of 33 in only his second game in a Globalport uniform.

“He’s really special.  Eveyrbody knows that. Even in the UAAP, we already knew he is special,” he added.

The win came as a huge emotional lift for Globalport after the sophomore team was beaten by an undermanned Petron side, 97-87 on Wednesday during both teams’ season debut.

Jay Washington chipped in 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Sol Mercado added 14, four rebounds and seven assists for the Batang Pier.

Joseph Yeo led the Express (0-2) with 24 points, while Asi Taulava added 21 and 15 boards in another losing effort.

The scores:

GlobalPort 114 - Romeo 34, Washington 19, Mercado 14, Ponferrada 8, Menk 7, Salvador 7, Garcia 7, Belencion 6, Najorda 6, Salvador 4, Hayes 2.

Air21 100 - Yeo 24, Taulava 21, Jaime 13, Canaleta 11, Custodio 8, Manuel 8, Camson 6, Espiritu 3, Sharma 3, Ritualo 3, Menor 0, Arboleda 0.

Quarters: 20-18, 47-46, 83-74, 114-100

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Red-hot Petron shrugs off injuries to stay unbeaten with hammering of Texters

PETRON Blaze started out like a house on fire, cooled down a little bit in the final period before recovering its bearing to put away three-time champion Talk ‘N Text, 77-63  and grab a share of the lead in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Hard hit by early-season injuries Alex Cabagnot (torn plantar), Chico Lanete (strained hamstring), Ronald Tubid (knee) and Yousef Taha (knee), the Boosters hardly showed signs of slowing down as they posted leads as big as 26 points, 54-28, on a basket by Doug Kramer late in the first half.

The Tropang Texters, without injured stars Ranidel de Ocampo (strained calf muscle) and Ryan Reyes (hamstring), summoned enough fight to pull within 60-70 on two free throws by Jimmy Alapag.

But that was the closest the Tropang Texters could get as Arwind Santos and Chris Lutz put the finishing touches to the Blaze Boosters' second win in as many games this season.

“We’re really happy with the effort we gave tonight. Though we were kind of shorthanded, we managed to make do with what we have,” Petron coach Gee Abanilla said after his team tied idle Rain or Shine at the top of the standings in the season-opening tournament.

Abanilla refused to say the double-digit win was in anyway a statement game, considering that Talk ‘N Text didn’t play with two of its best scorers and defenders.

“No, it’s not (a statement game). Maybe we just caught them (Tropang Texters) off-guard, plus they didn’t have Ranidel and Ryan Reyes,” he said,

Petron’s airtight defense held Talk ‘N Text to just 27.2 percent shooting from the field overall.

Gilas Pilipinas mainstays Jason Castro, Jimmy Alapag and Larry Fonacier combined to shoot just 10-of-37 from the field overall, typifying the defending champions’ struggle in the game.

Talk ‘N Text dropped to 1-1, in a tie with Alaska and Gloobalport, which whipped Air21, 114-100, in the day's opening game.

The scores:

Petron 77 - Santos 15, Lassiter 13, Lutz 12, Fajardo 10, Kramer 10, Hubalde 8, Ross 6, Deutchman 3, Duncil 0.

Talk N' Text 63 - Castro 15, Baclao 10, Alapag 9, Fonacier 8, Anthony 7, Poligrates 4, Williams 3, Aban 2, Ferriols 2, Carey 2, Peek 1, Reyes 0.

Quarters: 22-12, 55-32, 68-51, 77-63

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

'Twin Towers' cast big shadow as Ginebra proves too big, too strong for Rain or Shine

BARANGAY Ginebra’s offense hummed like a well-oiled machine while 'Twin Towers' of Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter provided the defensive presence once more as the Gin Kings clobbered Rain or Shine, 97-84, in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup match on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Former league MVP Mark Caguioa bounced back from a sub-par season debut against San Mig Super Coffee by firing 22 points on a near-flawless 9-of-12 shooting, providing the scoring spark for Ginebra team that so far lived up to its lofty preseason billing after a major buildup.

Just as impressive were Aguilar and Slaughter who patrolled the lane on defense, controlled the boards and put in their own highlight plays to the delight of another big pro-Ginebra crowd at the Big Dome.

“Nanalo kami dahil maganda start namin. Yung energy namin nandun. Saka yung hustle, yung team effort, and one good thing namin, defense namin maganda din,” said coach Ato Agustin after Ginebra joined Petron Blaze and Barako Bull at the top of the standings on 2-0 win-loss cards.

Rain or Shine dropped to solo second place at 2-1.

The 6’9” Aguilar finished with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Slaughter, this year’s top rookie pick overall, added 18, 13 boards and three blocks.

Agustin said he was happy to see his 6-11 rookie stand his ground against the physical plays of Rain or Shine’s big men.

“Ngayon mas lumalaban siya sa ilalim. 'Yun kasi tinuturo namin sa kanya, na kailangang niyang gumawa ng paraan para makakuha siya ng bola sa loob,” he said.

Veteran playmaker LA Tenorio had a field day orchestrating the plays en route to finishing with a near triple-double of 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while adding five steals in 36 minutes of play.

Rain or Shine rallied from a 16-point third quarter deficit to close in at 62-64, but Ginebra’s firepower proved too much to handle in the end.

The scores:

Ginebra 97 - Caguioa 22, Aguilar 19, Slaughter 18, Tenorio 10, Ellis 9, Helterbrand 6, Reyes 5, Ababou 3, Forrester 3, Baracael 2, Monfort 0, Mamaril 0.

Rain or Shine 84 - Arana 21, Chan 14, Cruz 11, Almazan 9, Belga 8, Nuyles 6, Lee 5, Rodriguez 4, Norwood 3, Quinahan 2, Ibanes 1, Tang 0, Teng 0.

Quarters: 29-19, 48-37, 68-62, 97-84

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Much-maligned Barako Bull continues to defy expectations with win over Alaska

RONJAY Buenafe capped his fourth-quarter heroics with a twisting layup off two defenders as Barako Bull shoot down the Alaska Aces, 97-93, to become an unlikely co-leader in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Buenafe fired 27 points while making seven three-point shots, leading the Energy Cola’s spectacular climb from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit on the way to a second straight win - not bad at all for a team that had come under fire for controversial deals in the offseason.

His difficult layup with 33.7 seconds to go off two Alaska defenders, gave Barako Bull the lead for good, 95-93, before JC Intal split his free throws after Alaska sophomore Aldrich Ramos missed a three-point attempt.

The Aces had one last opportunity to send the game into overtime, but Cyrus Baguio’s fallaway three-point attempt went short. Willie Miller then sealed the win for Barako Bull with a split from the free throw line, time down to 2.2 seconds.

“Start of the fourth quarter, we adjusted also. I’m happy because the players responded sa adjustments. It’s a game of execution and it’s a game of adjustment,” said winning Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos.

The win pushed Barako Bull to a share of the lead with idle Petron Blaze and Rain or Shine, which was to play Barangay Ginebra in the second game on Sunday.

Barako Bull finished the game with 17 three-point shots, the franchise’s all-time most shots made in a regulation play. The Energy Cola had seven triples in the fourth quarter alone where they outscored the Aces, 34-17.

Baguio led the Aces with 20 points but was a non-factor in the fourth quarter as the team lost for the second time in three games.

The scores:

Barako 97 - Buenafe 27, Isip 12, Jensen 9, Intal 9, Pennisi 9, Miller 8, Macapagal 5, Wilson 4, Villanueva 4, Miranda 4, Labagala 3, Pena 3.

Alaska 93 - Baguio 20, Thoss 16, Espinas 15, Casio 12, Jazul 9, Abueva 9, Avenido 4, Ramos 4, Hontiveros 2, Eman 2, Belasco 0, Dela Cruz 0.

Quarters: 21-16, 44-40, 63-76, 97-93

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Game made easy for LA Tenorio with emergence of healthy Caguioa, 'Twin Towers'

BARANGAY Ginebra star LA Tenorio said the game has suddenly become easy for him with a healthy Mark Caguioa and the emergence of 'Twin Towers' Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar.

Unlike the final stretch of last season when injuries to Aguilar and Caguioa put the pressure on Tenorio to take over the scoring lead, the former Ateneo star said he is now spoiled for choice when looking for someone to set up for a basket among Ginebra's battery of scorers.

“It’s (two wins to open the season) because of my teammates din. They deliver when I look for them, kasi that’s my job as point guard. So far, medyo madali sa trabaho ko,” Tenorio said after Ginebra’s 97-84 whipping of erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine on Sunday night.

That has allowed Tenorio to focus on his role as facilitator - and it showed with his numbers.

Against Rain or Shine, the 5-7 guard came close to a triple double with his 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 36 minutes of play. He has in fact averaged nine assists in Ginebra's first two games - both victories - to go with 13.5 points and six rebounds.

While his playing minutes remain the same from last season even with the arrival of sophomore playmaker Emman Monfort, Tenorio said the load is definitely lighter.

“Actually, that’s my (facilitator) job and responsibilty sa team na ito, It just so happened naging scorer ako kasi Mark (Caguioa) got injured and Japeth also got injured last season kaya  desperation move na lang ng coach na maging scorer ako,” he said.

“Pero now, I’m more okay with my role though I’m still ready when they need me to deliver.”

Still, Tenorio hopes the Gin Kings will just stay grounded despite trouncing two playoff contenders in San Mig Super Coffee and Rain or Shine in their first two games, warning that complacency is their biggest enemy this early in the season.

“Two games pa lang eh. I keep on telling them (Gin Kings), 'Yes people will say sobrang lakas natin, magcha-champion na tayo.' But for me, it’s just two games. It’s still a long way to go,” he added.

Ginebra shoots for its third straight win in the PDLT myDSL-Philippine Cup when it clashes with Globalport and its up and coming star Terrence Romeo on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

From SPIN.ph