PBA Scores, News and Updates

[Zurca]

Many-time All-Star Danny Seigle joining Talk 'N Text on one-year deal

DANNY Seigle is set to sign a one-year contract with Talk 'N Text.

The longtime San Miguel star informed Spin.ph himself about the development, saying he's excited to play again after starting the season without a team.

"Nothing I can say. I am just excited to play. That's it," the 37-year-old Fil-American said in a text message.

The Talk 'N Text deal finally ends speculation on where the five-time Finals MVP will play after his negotiations for a new contract with Barako Bull broke down days prior to the season.

Although Seigle is technically a restricted free agent, Barako Bull team manager Raffy Casyao has already said that they will not stand in the way of Seigle as he looks for a new team to play for.

However, it is still not clear at posting time how Talk 'N Text plans to insert Seigle in their lineup under the league rule that limits Fil-foreigners in a team to five active players.

Talk 'N Text currently has five active Fil-foreign players in the team - Kelly Williams, Sean Anthony, Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, and Ali Peek - and one on the injured list in newly acquired Rob Reyes.

Guard Ryan Reyes is considered by the league a local player.

Seigle's transfer to Talk 'N Text also puts him in a team considered the main rival of San Miguel, where the former Wagner College star played the best years of his career.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Fajardo's monster double-double proves too much for San Mig as Petron stays perfect

BIG June Mar Fajardo came through with a monster double-double effort, leading Petron Blaze to a 91-78 win over San Mig Super Coffee for the solo lead in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fajardo was an unmovable presence inside the paint as he put together his first 20-20 output of the season - 21 points and 25 rebounds to go with four blocks - in a performance reminiscent of his dominance inside the paint in the last Governors Cup Finals duel between the two teams.

Petron coach Gee Abanilla was quick to pay tribute to Fajardo, who turned 24th on November 17.

“June Mar was a post presence tonight,” he said.

Abanilla also praised Chico Lanete, who was rushed out of the injured list to share the playmaking chores after injuries to starter Alex Cabagnot and newly acquired Chris Ross.

“We’re just very happy for this win. I think (guard) Chico Lanete gave us a big lift, though he’s not yet 100 percent. He gave us a good substitute,” Abanilla said after Petron's third win in as many games this season.

Fajardo's 25 rebounds were just one shy of his career-best 26, which he registered during Game Four of the Governors Cup Finals last season. He was also four rebounds short of tying the all-time individual rebounding record for locals of 29 set by the late Marcelo Simbulan of 7-Up in 1975.
Three other Petron players scored in double figures led by reigning PBA MVP Arwind Santos with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks, while Marcio Lassiter added 15.

Chris Lutz finished with his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 13 assists as Petron dealt sister team San Mig its third straight loss.

The scores:

Petron 91 - Fajardo 21, Santos 17, Lassiter 15, Lutz 14, Hubalde 9, Lanete 7, Duncil 4, Kramer 4, Deutchman 0

San Mig Coffee 78 - Barroca 20, Pingris 16, Cawaling 15, Sangalang 12, Yap 5, Mallari 4, Reavis 4, Holstein 2, De Ocampo 0, Acuna 0.

Quarters: 17-22, 44-34, 67-59, 91-78

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Red-hot Wilson a thorn in side of former team Air21 as Meralco ends win drought

JOHN Wilson led Meralco’s second-quarter attack as the Bolts tore apart a listless Air21 Express, 112-79, to chalk up their first win in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-1 Wilson fired 13 points, including a perfect 4-of-4 from the three-point arc during the Bolts’ decisive 38-point second-quarter explosion against his former team en route to a 54-36 halftime lead.

While Meralco was humming offensively, it was the team’s excellent defense that shackled Air21’s gunners, preventing Nino Canaleta, Joseph Yeo and Asi Taulava from doing any damage.

The 6-6 Canaleta, last season’s Most Improved Player, was held to just three points on 1-of-12 shooting from the field.

Yeo, who averaged 23 points coming into the game, was limited to just 10 on a 3-of-13 clip, while the 40-year-old Taulava could only score six in 33 minutes of play.

“We badly needed this win to keep our confidence level high. we wanted to make sure we will be a lot better defensively. And that’s what we did exactly,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, whose team enjoyed the game’s biggest lead at 37 points late in the game.

Wilson, the former NCAA Most Valuable Player (2009) out of Jose Rizal University, exploded for a career-high 26 points including a perfect 6-fo-6 from beyond the arc, while adding five rebounds, two assists, and a block shot in 26 minutes of play.

Meralco, which opened the season with back-to-back losses to Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine, hit a total of 13 three pointers and finished with a high 51.9 shooting percentage from the field.

The 33-point win by the Bolts also eclipsed the franchise’s previous 29-point rout of Shopinas.com (Air21’s former name) on June 20, 2012 during the elimination round of the Governors Cup.

The Express missed the service of newly-acquired forward Mark Cardona for the third straight game due to an MCL (medial collateral ligament) tear on his knee.

Ren-Ren Ritualo scored 12 points to lead Air21, which dropped to 0-3 (win-loss).

The scores:

Meralco (112) - Wilson 26, Salvacion 15, Hugnatan 15, Dillinger 13, Al-Hussaini 11, Cortez 8, David 7, Caram 6, Guevarra 6, Omolon 4, Allado 1, Sena 0.

Air 21 (79) - Ritualo 12, Yeo 10, Menor 8, Sharma 8, Atkins 8, Manuel 8, Custodio 7, Taulava 6, Canaleta 3, Jaime 2, Burtscher 2, Arboleda 2, Camson 2, Espiritu 1.

Quarterscores: 16-15; 54-36; 86-55; 112-79

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Three in a row for Ginebra as Caguioa beats rookie Romeo in virtual shootout

MARK Caguioa had the last laugh in his first PBA duel with Globalport rookie Terrence Romeo, firing 14 of Barangay Ginebra’s last 18 points to help the Gin Kings escape with a 109-103 win in their PLDT myDSL-Philippine Cup match on Thursday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Caguioa lived up to his nickname 'Spark' as he triggered Ginebra’s blazing endgame finish, shooting two big three-pointers including the go-ahead trey in the face of Romeo that preserved the Gin Kings’ third win in as many starts this season.

The win shoved Ginebra into a share of the lead with sister team Petron at the top of the standings and bolstered the Gin Kings' growing stature as the top favorite in the season-opening tournament.

“They (Batang Pier) adjusted, sa second half when they pressured us.  Iyun, medyo na-rattle mga players, kaya di sila tumatawag ng plays,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin after the game.

“Pero di naman nawalan ng poise ang mga players kahit lumamang sila.”

Caguioa recalled his best form just when Romeo, playing in just his third game as a pro, started to take over. He finished with 29 points to Romeo's 27 in a game that turned into a personal shootout between a reigning MVP and the most impressive rookie so far this season.

After scoring a quiet five points during the first half, Romeo exploded in the second half to lead GlobalPort back from the depths of a 21-point deficit.

The reigning UAAP MVP, who scored a career-high 34 points in Globalport’s 114-100 win over Air21 last weekend, engineered Globalport’s huge 27-point outburst during the first eight minutes of the final period which enabled the Batang Pier to grab the lead at 93-91.

Romeo’s driving layup off Caguioa’s defense appeared to awaken the Ginebra star who after a Ginebra timeout, the Gin King guard just basically took over the game.

"Malaki pa rin ang role ni Mark. Siya na nag-take over. Siyempre, pag mainit naman talaga, on the go ang player, sige lang and he (Caguioa) responded lang talaga,” said Agustin, whose team led by 21 points late in the third period.

Caguioa finished with 29 points on an eight-of-13 shooting, outdueling Romeo who finished with 27 on an efficient 11-of-16 field goal shooting.

Jay Washington added 23, while RR Garcia, another first round pick of Globalport, scored a personal career-best 20 points.

The scores:

Ginebra 109 - Caguioa 29, Aguilar 18, Slaughter 17, Tenorio 15, Helterbrand 11, Ellis 6, Monfort 6, Ababou 3, Reyes 2, Urbiztondo 2, Baracael 0, Mamaril 0, Forrester 0.

GlobalPort 104 - Romeo 27, Washington 23, Garcia 20, Hayes 10, Mercado 10, Chua 8, Lingganay 3, Belencion 2, Salvador 1, Menk 0, Ponferrada 0, Najorda 0.

Quarters: 28-17, 56-38, 83-66, 109-104

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

'The Blur' Castro makes all the right moves as Talk 'N Text beats Alaska in OT thriller

JASON Castro and Jimmy Alapag came up with key baskets while Kelly Williams and Harvey Carey took care of the boards as Talk ‘N Text outlasted a fighting Alaska side, 114-111 in overtime in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup match on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Castro fired 20 of his career-high 33 points in the second half while Alapag added 20, including the go-ahead, top-of-the-key three-point shot late in the game to preserve Talk ‘N Text’s second win in three starts.

Dondon Hontiveros, who earlier drained a triple to push the Aces to within 111-112, missed a pair of pressure-packed free throws with 15.8 seconds to go in overtime, hurting Alaska's chances.

After Williams split his free throws, Alaska guard JV Casio tried to go for the quick two, but found the lane crowded as he missed what could have been a potential game-tying shot.

Carey pulled down the key rebound from there, was fouled by Gabby Espinas, before splitting his free throws in the dying seconds, sealing Alaska’s third defeat in four outings.

“I feel great. We really struggled the last game against Petron.  And this game is tough also against Alaska,” said a relieved Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black after the game. “It’s just one of those games we had to gut it out and be a good team when it comes down to it.”

Black said they are set to activate newly-acquired forward Danny Seigle next Tuesday when the Texters face the Globalport Batang Pier.

But he and the rest of the Talk ‘N Text coaching staff will have to make a difficult decision on who to drop among his current five Fil-foreign players into the reserve list before Tuesday.

The league cap for active Fil-foreign players is five per conference. The Texters already have Alapag, Williams, Sean Anthony, Ali Peek and Carey in the active roster.

Aldreche Ramos scored a career-high 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds to lead Alaska (1-3).

The scores:

Talk N' Text 114 - Castro 33, Alapag 20, Fonacier 18, Carey 15, Williams 7, Reyes 7, Poligrates 5, Peek 4, Anthony 3, Baclao 2, Celiz 0, Reyes 0.

Alaska 111 - Ramos 20, Thoss 16, Hontiveros 15, Abueva 14, Casio 13, Espinas 12, Baguio 10, Jazul 7, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 2, Avenido 0, Buenafe 0.

Quarters: 28-24, 50-48, 75-74, 103-103, 114-111

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Ildefonso weighs options as new PBA rule set to make him unrestricted free agent

DANNY Ildefonso is weighing his options as he waits to become an unrestricted free agent - and free to go to any team of his choice - under the PBA's new rules on free agency.

The 36-year-old big man out of National University was mysteriously dropped from Petron's lineup just days before the season, but he said his priority is still to mend fences with the only team he has played for in a career that started in 1998 - and hopefully remain with the ballclub.

“Gusto ko lang naman malaman kung may chance pa ako ma-lineup sa Petron," said the two-time league MVP. "Kung wala naman na talaga, eh magpapasalamat na lang kami sa kanila, kasi gusto naman namin ng maayos na pagpapaalam.”

Ildefonso has not directly addressed questions about the exact reason for the fallout, but Spin.ph has reported that the 36-year-old has incurred the ire of management for his frank comments on personnel movements made by the San Miguel-owned team over the years.

But in the event Petron doesn't offer him a new contract with terms similar to those on the final year of his old deal with the Boosters, Ildefonso will automatically become an unrestricted free agent under new rules implemented by the league on players whose contracts expired at the end of last season.

Under those new rules, Ildefonso expects to be a free agent by noon on Saturday.

At the moment, the 15-year veteran said he is just waiting for a chance to meet with Petron management led by San Miguel Corp. big boss Ramon S. Ang so he can clear things up.

“Maglalaro naman ako kung saan nila (SMC management) ako ilalagay,” he said, mentioning Petron sister teams Barangay Ginebra and San Mig Coffee as possible destinations.

Ildefonso, who turns 37 on December 10, said he still longs to play and made it clear he intends to explore his options if ever he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

“Ako gusto ko pa talaga maglaro,” he said.

The 6-5 Urdaneta, Pangasinan native admits getting calls from Talk 'N Text, which Spin.ph reported has mulled signing Ildefonso to reunite with Danny Seigle, a longtime teammate at San Miguel Beer who the Texters signed to a one-year deal on Tuesday.

But if he has his way, Ildefonso, who owns career averages of 11.48 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.7 minutes of play, said he would prefer reuniting with his former coach at San Miguel, Jong Uichico, at Meralco.

Ildefonso won six championships at San Miguel under Uichico, who has moved to the PLDT group as an assistant of Ryan Gregorio at Meralco and as head coach of the Philippine team bound for the coming Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

“Kung walang offer, at kung ako naman papipiliin, gusto ko sana maglaro kay coach Jong (Uichico),” he said. “Siyempre naka-anim na championship din ako sa kanya.”

But in the meantime, the clock ticks to unrestricted free agency for Ildefonso.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Cardona makes Air21 debut as Express, Mixers clash

AIR21 hopes the entry of high scoring guard MacMac Cardona could inject a much-needed life in its skidding campaign in the PLDT MyDSL-PBA Philippine Cup.

Cardona will be suiting up in his first game with the Express Sunday when they tackle an equally struggling San Mig Super Coffee side in a battle between winless teams at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The former De La Salle star missed the team’s first three games of the conference after suffering a sprained MCL (media collateral ligament) on his left knee when he slipped on a wet spot during practice just days before the league’s new season kicked off.

The entry of Cardona will somehow give additional firepower for Air21 in its 3 p.m. clash against the injury-plagued Mixers.

The Express are coming off an embarrassing 79-112 defeat at the hands of Meralco last Wednesday.

“Maglalaro na ako bukas,” Cardona confirmed to Spin.ph. “Okay na naman ako sa practice. Nakakasabay na naman ako, kahit may sakit ng konti ang tuhod.”

“Akala ko nga nun na-strain ko lang ang groin ko, `yun pala sa tuhod. Pero ngayon, stay positive pa rin kami. Matagal pa naman yung liga,” he added.

The man known as “Captain Hook” averaged 12.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 rebounds during his 43-game stint with Meraclco last season before landing at Air21 in a trade during the offseason.

Just like the Express, the Mixers are also in a bind as they face various issues entering the new season.

San Mig Super Coffee is actually one month removed from a winning the Governors Cup championship, although it opened the All-Filipino conference with injuries to forward Joe Devance (patellar tendinitis) and guard Peter June Simon (tendinitis on Achilles).

Worse, athletic rookie guard Justin Melton broke his left ring finger during the team’s 69-86 season-opening loss to Barangay Ginebra.

San Mig forward Marc Pingris, the Finals MVP of the Governors Cup, however said there’s no excuse to the team’s woeful start in the tournament.

“Kailangan naming pag-handaan ang laro sa practice at mag-hard work. Kailangan pag-handaan ang sinasabi ni coach (Tim Cone). Minsan kasi di namin nasusunud eh,” said Pingris, who is averaging 11.3 points, 8.0 rebound and 3.3 assists in the Mixers’ first three games.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Uichico confirms Meralco making a bid to sign free agent Ildefonso

IF a much-anticipated reunion for the two Dannys doesn't take place at Talk 'N Text, sister team Meralco may most likely be at fault.

Meralco team consultant Jong Uichico bared to Spin.ph on Sunday that the Bolts management is now carefully evaluating the possibility of acquiring Danny Ildefonso, the longtime Petron star who became an unrestricted free agent when he was left unsigned on Saturday.

Spin.ph had earlier reported that Talk 'N Text is weighing the possibility of acquiring the two-time MVP just days after signing Danny Seigle, with whom Ildefonso won six championships during their time with the old San Miguel side.

But Uichico made it clear the Bolts are also in the race to acquire Ildefonso.

“The Danny I situation is on the table sa Meralco. But we have not made any decision yet,” said Uichico.

Uichico, who was the coach at San Miguel of the two Dannys, said he has already given his recommendation to Meralco management as well as his knowledge of what Ildefonso can give the Bolts.

Obviously, he wants Ildefonso in the team.

“Danny I is no longer the 30-minuter cager he was known for. Pero he can surely give us quality minutes and experience,” said the soft-spoken coach of the Philippine team tasked to defend the Southeast Asian Games gold medal in Myanmar later in the week.

Uichico made it clear he is leaving everything up to the management in as far as a decision on Ildefonso is concerned, but admitted the Bolts will be in a race - along with Talk n Text and other teams - to sign the former National University Bulldogs star.

“Since I am leaving for Myanmar on Wednesday, hopefully when I get back… something has already developed. Sana ...” said the eight-time champion coach.

“We will leave it up to the management to decide on that,” he added.

Asked about Meralco standing way of a much awaited reunion between the two Dannys at Talk 'N Text, Uichico said: “Hindi naman. Syempre, pwede naman sila magsama sa Talk 'N Text eh. I don’t know kasi yung pinag-uusapan sa Talk 'N Text. Pero kami pinag-uusapan namin si Danny I sa Meralco.”

Uichico said he is fond of both Ildefonso and Seigle, saying a big part of what he has achieved as a coach he owes to the two of them.

“The two Dannys are very close to my heart. They have some playing years left in them. Sila ang gumawa sa pangalan ko,” he added.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Efficient, balanced Rain or Shine attack sends Barako Bull crashing back to earth

AN efficient and balanced Rain or Shine scoring attack sent Barako Bull crashing back to earth in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 91-83 victory on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Elasto Painters found solid offensive contribution from TY Tang and JR Quinahan and drew delightful numbers from rookies Jeric Teng and Raymond Almazan as they dealt the Energy Cola their first loss in three games.

The Painters, who hiked their win-loss record to 3-1, also withstood the torrid shooting of Barako Bull, which, like in its 97-93 victory over Alaska last time, threatened late thanks to the hot hands of JC Intal and Mick Penisi.

“They gave us a hard time,” Painters coach Yeng Guiao said. “Their three-point shooting was a problem. I thought we prepared enough, but they still made a good number of them.”

The Energy Cola shot 10-of-31 (32.3) from the beyond the arc, better than the 26.1-percent three-point shooting of the Painters, who still made more shots overall at 44.2 percent compared to the 37.7 percent of Barako.

Aside from its outside shooting, the Energy Cola also rode on the vintage play of veteran Willie Miller, who wound up with a game-high 23 points, five assists, and four boards that went for naught.

The Painters banked on a hot start as Tang, the unlikely starting point guard, fired a team-high 14 points, including nine in the first period where he pounced on early Barako Bull turnovers.

Quinahan spearheaded the Painters’ attack in the payoff period where he had seven of his 13 points.

JC Intal and Mick Pennisi each buried a triple inside the last three minutes, with the latter converting a trey that cut the deficit to just 81-86, before the Painters held on courtesy of the playmaking of Paul Lee.

The scores:

Rain or Shine (91) – Tang 14, Quinahan 13, Chan 11, Teng 10, Lee 10, Belga 8, Almazan 8, Cruz 6, Rodriguez 5, Arana 4, Norwood 2, Tiu 0, Nuyles 0, Ibanes 0

Barako (83) – Miller 23, Buenafe 14, Macapagal 10, Wilson 10, Villanueva 8, Isip 6, Intal 5, Pennisi 5, Pena 2, Jensen 0, Labagala 0

Quarters: 28-17, 47-44, 73-63, 91-83

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Timely Pingris heroics help San Mig break duck with double OT win over Air21

A DESPERATE San Mig Super Coffee could not bear the view from the bottom anymore, hacking out a 92-83 double-overtime victory over Air21 to finally barge into the win column of the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In a battle of winless teams, the undermanned Mixers simply showed more desire to win in a grueling matchup as they bucked the absence of key players James Yap and Joe Devance to leave the Express alone in the cellar.

“We just needed to win. That’s just the bottom line,” said Mixers coach Tim Cone, whose team won for the first time in four starts, or since the squad captured the Governors’ Cup crown. “We didn’t care whether it was an ugly win or a beautiful win.”

Marc Pingris and Mark Barroca delivered as usual, but it was prized rookie Ian Sangalang who provided the late spark for the Mixers in the first double-overtime game in the league in two years.

The Mixers also spoiled the Air21 debut of Macmac Cardona, who came through in stretches as the Express led most of the way but failed to make the necessary stops down stretch.

Pingris finished with a double-double of 15 points, 12 boards, four assists, one block, and one steal, while Barroca had 19 points, eight assists, three steals, and one block.

Sangalang, the second overall pick in this year’s Draft, scored eight of his 14 points in the second overtime as he took advantage of the absence of Asi Taulava, who fouled out just 15 seconds into the same period.

“Fortunately Asi fouled out and left the middle open for us and Ian just got going at that point,” said Cone, who also got a lift from Alex Mallari and returning PJ Simon.

Two of Mallari’s 12 points were from the right-side mid-range jumper that forced the first extra session, while Simon, in his first game back from an Achilles injury, was the sixth Mixer in double figures with 11.

Taulava, the PBA’s oldest player at 41, played 44 minutes and came up with 11 boards, five assists, and four points in a supporting role for Joseph Yeo and KG Canaleta.

Yeo fired all but three of his 21 points in the first three quarters where the Express were still on top, while Canaleta added 20 markers, including three pressure-packed free throws that forced the second overtime.

The scores:

San Mig Super Coffee 92 – Barroca 19, Pingris 15, Reavis 15, Sangalang 14, Mallari 12, Simon 11, Acuna 3, Cawaling 3, De Ocampo 0, Gaco 0, Holstein 0

Air21 83 – Yeo 21, Canaleta 20, Manuel 14, Cardona 13, Camson 6, Jaime 5, Taulava 4, Espiritu 0, Arboleda 0, Sharma 0, Custodio 0, Atkins 0

Quarters: 11-20, 30-35, 47-50, 69-69, 79-79, 92-83

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Foul-prone Abueva has hit 'sophomore wall,' says Alaska coach Trillo

ALASKA'S flamboyant star Calvin Abueva has hit the “sophomore wall,” according to Aces coach Luigi Trillo.

In four games for Alaska this season, last season’s Rookie of the Year has seen all his averages from scoring to playing time go down amid a struggling 1-3 (win-loss) start by the Aces in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Abueva's playing time alone has dipped from an average of 26.4 minutes last season to 20.7 minutes, largely because 'The Beast' gets into foul trouble so often he failed to finish some games.

The former NCAA MVP fouled out during Alaska’s season-opening 74-87 loss to Rain or Shine in Davao and again failed to finish Alaska’s 111-114 overtime loss to Talk ‘N Text due to fouls.

Abueva is in fact averaging 5.2 fouls a game this season and Trillo believes his sophomore’s struggles early in the season has a lot to do with his eagerness to get things done right away.

“I think Calvin’s just too eager to help the team. But at this point, I also think Calvin has hit the sophomore wall,” Trillo told Spin.ph before the team’s practice on Tuesday at the Gatorade Hoops Center.

A quick check revealed Abueva averages 9.2 points and 9.0 rebounds this season as opposed to the double-double averages of 14.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest he posted during the Philippine Cup last season.

Abueva’s propensity to foul out early this season provides a problem for the Aces going into the final period because they don’t have a guy who can provide the energy and hustle when needed.

“Obviously, everybody is excited to play him (Abueva),” noted Trillo. “But we’ve got to step back and find ways to get him to play again.”

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Experienced Talk 'N Text side takes GlobalPort, misfiring Romeo to school

THREE-time all-Filipino conference champion Talk ‘N Text jumped the gun on the rookie-laden Globalport side from the get go en route to an easy 106-93 victory in a rare Tuesday game in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippines Cup  at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Displaying excellent ball movement and suffocating defense, the Texters were never seriously threatened by the Batang Pier side, which failed to get the best from high-scoring rookie guard Terrence Romeo.

“It’s a good feeling to have more offensive weapons tonight with Danny Seigle around and Ranidel de Ocampo coming back. We have a well-rounded offensive game,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black, whose team climbed into a share of second place with idle Rain or Shine at 3-1.

Talk ‘N Text veterans Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag and the newly-acquired Seigle led the team’s first-half offensive, enabling the Texters to erect their biggest lead at 91-68 entering the final period.

Despite posting the team’s first back-to-back victories for the season, Black is far from satisfied.

“We’re way, way off in terms of where we want to be because we’re still in the teaching mode,” explained the multi-titled PBA coach.

“Then, we’re playing a couple of rookies, while Sean Anthony has not been with us for long, so it’s just the ability to improve your game throughout the conference that’s important for us.”

Fonacier led the Texters with 18 points while Alapag added 17 and six assists.

Playing in his 500th game as a pro, the 5-7 Alapag also reached a milestone after becoming just the ninth PBA player to reach 3,000 assists. He was also the 65th player to reach the milestone.

Seigle, acquired just last week as a free agent from Barako Bull, had 13 points and seven rebounds in his debut with Talk ‘N Text.

Globalport, which dropped to 1-3, in a tie with Alaska, drew 21 points from Jay Washington.

Romeo, who went to the game averaging a league-best 24.6 points per contest, finished with 16 on a woeful three-of-13 shooting.

The scores:

Talk N' Text 106 - Fonacier 18, Alapag 17, Seigle 13, Castro 12, Carey 11, Baclao 10, Williams 8, Poligrates 7, Anthony 5, De Ocampo 3, Celiz 2, Ferriols 0, Reyes 0.

GlobalPort 93 - Washington 21, Romeo 16, Mercado 14, Chua 11, Garcia 7, Nabong 6, Salva 6, Belencion 4, Hayes 4, Lingganay 2, Menk 2, Ponferrada 0, Salvador 0.

Quarterscores: 34-20, 64-51, 91-68, 106-93

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Hot-shooting Meralco Bolts leave Ginebra in shock with comprehensive victory

AN undersized and undermanned Meralco squad cut Barangay Ginebra down to size by pulling off a gigantic 100-87 upset win in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday at the Mall of of Asia Arena.

The Bolts, who went to the game with injured forwards Kerby Raymundo (knee) and Cliff Hodge (ankle), also lost veteran forward Reynel Hugnatan two minutes into the first quarter when he sprained his left ankle after stepping on the foot of Barangay Ginebra rookie center Greg Slaughter.

But the Bolts were unfazed by the huge challenge.

Jared Dillinger churned out 25 points and 10 rebounds, including numerous shots from the perimeter that forced Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar to get out of the paint to defend.

“We’re fortunate that we got them (Gin Kings) on an off night. They were not scoring the way they scored the past three games and I thought it was due to the highly emotional game they played against Globalport. Probably, that sapped a lot of energy from them,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, whose team improved to 2-2.

The Bolts victory easily smashed the cloak of invincibility of the Gin Kings following their three straight wins to open the PBA’s 39th season.

Meralco’s defense held the usually efficient Ginebra offense to just 38.7 percent shooting for the game.

Japeth Aguilar was the lone bright spot for a lethargic Ginebra squad with 23 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, while his frontcourt partner, rookie center Greg Slaughter, was held to just seven points and six boards - way below his conference averages of 15.0 points and 12.3 rebounds.

Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio chipped in 14 apiece, but both couldn't get the Gin Kings goingin the second half run after trailing by as many as 25 points late in the third period.

Mike Cortez added 21 points, while newly acquired center Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the only legitimate big man left for Meralco, finished with 14 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks.

John Wilson and Gary David each scored 14 points for the Bolts.

The scores:

Meralco 100 - Dillinger 25, Cortez 21, David 14, Al-Hussaini 14, Wilson 14, Sena 7, Guevarra 3, Salvacion 2, Caram 0, Hugnatan 0.

Ginebra 87 - Aguilar 23, Tenorio 14, Caguioa 14, Reyes 8, Slaughter 7, Baracael 5, Ellis 5, Ababou 3, Urbiztondo 3, Forrester 3, Monfort 2, Helterbrand 0, Mamaril 0.

Quarters: 27-25, 46-35, 78-58, 100-87

From SPIN.ph

[Itachi101]

talo ang gin kings kanina tambak pa

[kingjames24szupladoh]

December 04 Game Schedules :

F¡RST GAME :

5:45pm Barako Bull Energy Cola VS Petron Blaze Boosters

Live on Aksyon TV




Second Game

Air21 Express VS Alaska Aces

Live on TV 5/Aksyon TV