PBA Scores, News and Updates

[Zurca]

Experience over Youth; Barako Bull defeats GlobalPort, 108-95 (12/29/13)

During the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft, Barako Bull Energy came under fire from some quarters for sending their draft picks to teams in exchange for veteran players. Though the moves didn’t really appeal to others, it was the management’s discretion that they bank on solid role players in comparison to untested rookies.

One of the trade partners Barako Bull had that day was GlobalPort. The Batang Pier acquired the fifth and sixth picks, used for Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia, in exchange for Denok Miranda, Mark Isip, and Magi Sison.

Almost two months after, the two teams squared off, and to the surprise of many, it seems like Barako Bull was the one who benefitted more in the deal.

The Energy used a strong fourth-quarter to send GlobalPort to its third straight defeat courtesy of a 108-95 victory Sunday in the 2014 PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Curiously, it was Miranda who top-scored for Barako Bull, leading six players who cracked the double-digits with his 19 points, consistently logging at least four points in every quarter, to go with his six boards, and five assists.

Dorian Pena was also stellar in the win, tallying a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Mick Pennisi had 14 markers, none more important than his 800th career three-pointer at the 7:21 mark of the third period.

Rookie Carlo Lastimosa sizzled with 12, while Keith Jensen and Mark Isip combined for 21 points.

“We came from a hard loss against Rain or Shine na panalo na kami, natalo pa. Sabi ko lang, it’s all part of the game. Let’s approach the new year with a bang and win this game,” said Barako Bull head coach Bong Ramos.

It was a nip-and-tuck battle until the fourth quarter when JC Intal and Lastimosa opened the period with an 8-0 run to give the Energy some breathing room, 88-79. Romeo, Jay Washington, and Sol Mercado all tried to revive the Batang Pier, getting themselves to as close as four, 91-87, but Willie Miller shut the door on GlobalPort as he scored the next four points, extending the lead for Barako Bull.

“The players responded very well. In all our games, we’re always considered as the underdog, and today’s game for me is still an upset. At least we finished 2013 with a win,” Ramos said.

Barako Bull improved to 4-7 while GlobalPort dropped to 4-6.

Washington joined the 4,000-point club with a game-high and career-high-tying 30 points alongside his nine rebounds for the Batang Pier but he was held scoreless in the final 9:04 of the game.

Romeo had 16 for the night, while Mercado added 12 markers for the Batang Pier who were outscored from the free-throw line 30-15. (RL)

The scores:

BARAKO BULL 108 – Miranda 19, Pena 15, Pennisi 14, Lastimosa 12, Jensen 11, Isip 10, Intal 9, Miller 7, Macapagal 6, Maierhofer 3, Wilson 2, Buenafe 0.

GLOBALPORT 95 – Washingon 30, Romeo 16, Mercado 12, Garcia 8, Nabong 7, Hayes 6, Yee 4, Chua 4, Salva 4, Lingganay 2, Menk 2, Revilla 0, Salvador 0.

Quarterscores: 21-29, 50-49, 82-79, 108-95.

From Inquirer.net

[Zurca]

Fajardo and Aguilar neck and neck in race for Best Player of Conference award

WO of the biggest players in the pro league are as expected standing out this season.

Barangay Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar and Petron sophomore sensation June Mar Fajardo have this early found themselves neck and neck in the statistical race for the Best Player of the Conference award in the PBA Philippine Cup, hinting of a brewing rivalry that may be the most interesting subplot of the season.

The 6-foot-10 Fajardo currently leads the race with a 43.5 statistical point average through eight games in the season while the 6-9 Aguilar is a close second with 41.2 SPs over 10 games - which is no surprise considering the two big men are in the Top 10 in the league in scoring, rebounding, and shot blocks.

However, Aguilar has the chance to close the gap as his fellow Gilas mainstay has sat out two games and is projected to miss the rest of the eliminations due to an MCL sprain on his right knee suffered in practice before the Christmas Day game against Ginebra.

Fajardo also needs to meet a minimum amount of games to qualify for the award.

Fajardo's teammate, league MVP Arwind Santos, ranks third with 37.3 SPs, reigning Philippine Cup Best Player awardee Jason Castro of Talk 'N Text is fourth with 37.0 SPs, while Ginebra big man Greg Slaughter is in fifth and is No. 1 among rookies with his 36.5 SPs.

There are actually three Ginebra players and four from Petron in the Top 10 - which is no surprise since the two teams currently lord it over the standings with 9-1 (win-loss) and 8-2 records, respectively.

Players get 10 SPs as bonuses for won games.

In fact, GlobalPort's Jay Washington had the best numbers in the statistical tally first released by Philstar.com with his averages of 20.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 block, but could only place sixth overall owing to the Batang Pier's 4-6 mark.

Rounding out the Top 10 are Ginebra starting guard LA Tenorio (31.3 SPs) at No. 7, Globalport’s Sol Mercado (30.3) in eighth place, and Petron guards Marcio Lassiter (29.9) and Chris Lutz (28.8.

On the other hand, Slaughter, the top pick overall in the last draft, leads GlobalPort's Terrence Romeo (23.8 by a wide margin in the rookie race. Others in the upper rungs are San Mig's Ian Sangalang (20.1), Rain or Shine’s Raymond Almazan (17.8, Globalport’s RR Garcia (17.5) and Justin Chua (14.6), and Painters Jeric Teng (12.4) and Alex Nuyles (12.3).

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Chot Reyes pleads for more time for Gilas' buildup for Fiba World Cup, Asiad

ONE look at the South Korean blueprint in its buildup for the Fiba World Cup and Gilas coach Chot Reyes was immediately envious. The Korean basketball team's timeline for 2014 read: April to May, training camp; May to June, abroad training; June, July, August, exhibition matches; September, Fiba World Cup and Asian Games.

"Tayo, August pa," rued Reyes on Twitter on Wednesday.

Korea and the Philippines are both bound for the world championships and their paths will most likely cross again in the Asiad in Incheon. But unlike the Koreans' well-laid plans, Reyes can't seem to do anything but to plead for more time in Gilas' own buildup for the two tournaments.

As it is, the PBA board has already laid down its season schedule that leaves a brief window beginning on August 1 for Gilas' team of professional players to prepare for its return to the Fiba World Cup set from August 30 to September 14, as well as the Asiad from September 19 to October 4.

Worse, the August 1 start of Gilas' training camp will not include national players who will be seeing action in the finals of the PBA's season-ending Governors Cup, which is set to end on August 15 if it goes the full seven games.

Time is obviously too short, but all Reyes could do is beg.

"I know the PBA has already made a lot of sacrifices for the hosting of the Fiba-Asia (championships) last year and it is paying for it this season," said the multi-titled coach. "But I hope they could find a way to give Gilas more time to prepare for the World Cup."

Sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), had earlier bared to Spin.ph a plan to ask the PBA to excuse Gilas players from the Governors Cup to give the national team a longer preparation for the World Cup and the Asiad.

However, league sources said the plan, which was already broached to Commissioner Chito Salud, is "very unlikely" to get the nod of the league board.

With the short lead time, Reyes said "my hands are tied" as far as the other aspects of Gilas' buildup is concerned, from the plan to hire other naturalized players for Gilas to invitations from several countries to participate in pre-World Cup pocket tournaments.

Reyes said there have been invitations to compete in tournaments in Lithuania, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. But with the PBA board unlikely to lengthen Gilas' window, Reyes said he is unable to commit.

It was the same with the plan to sign another naturalized player to add to Marcus Douthit, the Gilas coach said.

"How can you sign a naturalized player when there's not even a regular practice where we can use him," Reyes said. "Anong sasabihin natin sa kanya, 'Sa August ka na lang mag-practice?'

"So my hands are tied, really."

The only concession given by the board to Gilas are once-a-week practices beginning in January. But even that had to be pushed back by a month until after the Fiba World Cup draw on February 1.

"We've decided to hold the weekly practices until after the draw," Reyes said, "para at least alam na natin kung sino ang makakalaban at kung sino ang paghahandaan natin."

From SPIN.ph

[Lord Nok Von Hauten]

Go for the gold... kayang kaya yan ng pinas.

Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk

[Zurca]

Chot eyeing 'Three Kings' Aguilar, Slaughter, LA for Gilas, but will PBA board give in?

GILAS coach Chot Reyes is very much aware of the clamor in cyberspace to have Barangay Ginebra 'Twin Towers' Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter in the team bound for the Fiba World Cup in Spain.

“Yes, I can see the messages of the fans. I can read it," the Gilas coach, a popular figure on Twitter with over 81,000 followers, told Spin.ph. "They message me on different social networking sites."

There's just one hitch, though.

As much as Reyes is looking forward to having the Twin Towers in the World Cup team, his choices of players will still depend on the commitment the PBA ballclubs, through the board, will give to the national squad.

Under the parameters set by the board before the Fiba-Asia championships in Manila, member teams were mandated to lend one player each to Gilas but given the green light to lend more if they chose to.

If that ruling still applies to the Gilas team bound for the World Cup, there's no way Reyes can have both Aguilar and Slaughter as well as longtime Gilas mainstay LA Tenorio in his lineup.

"As much as I want to give in to (the fans' clamor), siyempre ayoko namang alam mo na," he said. "One player policy lang ang ibang teams eh. Ang tanong, papayag ba ang team nila na magpahiram ng higit sa isa?”

As it is, there is no way Reyes will part with Tenorio, the MVP when Gilas won the Jones Cup in 2012. Aguilar was drafted by Gilas with the permission of GlobalPort before he was traded to Ginebra.

On the other hand, Slaughter was part of the Gilas pool when he was still an amateur player and was among the last cuts before the Fiba-Asia tournament where the Philippines finished second to Iran.

Now, any decision Reyes will make on the three will be dictated by the ruling of the PBA board.

“I admire the support of the fans. Pero siyempre, may limitasyon tayo,” said Reyes, the only five-time Coach of the Year awardee by the PBA Press Corps.

The clamor to have both Slaughter and Aguilar in the World Cup team is understandable considering how well they have been teaming up so far in leading Ginebra to the best record in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar is the second best performer in the current all-Filipino statistical race, while Slaughter paces the race for the Rookie of the Year contest.

So dominant is the Ginebra duo that the two have combined for 35.2 points, 19.9 rebounds, and 5.90 blocks per game in the Kings' 9-1 (win-loss) start to the season.

Even Jong Uichico, who steered the Philippine men’s team to the gold medal in the Myanmar Southeast Asian Games, believes the Aguilar-Slaughter tandem will be a big boost to the national team bound for Spain.

The possibility of having the two big men joining Marcus Douthit and June Mar Fajardo in Gilas' frontline is truly mouth-watering, added the former Ginebra coach.

“Kung may possibility maganda ngang option yan. It’s a good one to think about. Marcus (Douthit) sa post, tapos may Japeth and Greg ka pa. Lalo na ngayon we need some size,” said Uichico.

“Imagine you have three big men who can sub each other. OK yun,” added the eight-time champion coach.

From SPIN.ph

[bigstick]

thank you zu®©a for the Gilas News.

well, it is very very sad.
i feel bad for coach reyes,
i feel bad for the whole Gilas Team,
i feel bad for the whole Filipino and i feel bad for my country.

pagbigyan naman sana ng PBA yun coach. magiimprove naman ang skills ng mga players nila basta ipahiram lang nila for our country's sake.

 

[Zurca]

Timely De Ocampo three-point bombs help Talk 'N Text hold off Alaska in OT (01/04/14)

RANIDEL de Ocampo buried a wide-open three-point shot while Jimmy Alapag hit two crucial free throws to preserve Talk ‘N Text’s gut-wrenching 121-117 overtime victory over a hard-fighting Alaska side in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tropang Texters had six players breaking into double-figure scoring led by Kelly Williams’ personal conference-high 18 points and 10 rebounds in a game of game of wildly changing fortunes that was too close to call up until the final seconds of overtime during the Petron Saturday special.

However, the biggest shot of the night was clearly De Ocampo’s dagger triple, which bounced on the front end of the rim before mercifully dropping into the hole to push Talk ‘N Text ahead for good, 119-115 with 35.6 ticks to go.

Alaska veteran slotman Sonny Thoss, who scored a career-high 30 points, managed to score underneath after battling for the rebound on the other end, cutting the lead to two points.

But with Alapag nailing a pair of foul shots at the other end off JV Casio’s foul, followed by a desperation three-point miss by Alaska rookie guard Chris Exciminiano, Talk ‘N Text went on to escape with its seventh win in 10 games this conference.

“Tough win, good win and a much-needed win because it helps us to gain momentum in our next game against Air21,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black after the game that tied his team with idle Rain or Shine for a share of third spot.

Black felt the win was a huge bounce back from the team’s 91-105 loss to Petron Blaze to close out 2013.

“It (win) also helps us bounce back from our demoralizing loss to Petron,” he said.

Black made special mention of Williams, whose energy and hustle in 38 minutes of play provided the much-needed lift for the Tropang Texters.

“We had a lot of heroes tonight. But I’d like to mention Kelly Williams. He played with a lot of energy for 38 minutes. He gave us a big lift to give us a chance to win the basketball game,” added the multi-titled coach.

Williams returned to action only at the start of the PBA’s 39th season since taking a seven-month medical leave of absence.

Alaska dropped to 4-7 in a tie with idle Barako Bull for seventh place, endangering the Aces' playoff hopes with three games left in their schedule.

The scores:
Talk 'N Text 121 – Williams 18, Reyes 17, De Ocampo 16, Castro 16, Fonacier 14, Anthony 13, Seigle 9, Carey 8, Alapag 5, Reyes J. 3, Baclao 2.

Alaska 117 – Thoss 30, Jazul 18, Espinas 18, Baguio 17, Casio 11, Abueva 9, Ramos 7, Eximiniano 3, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 2, Hontiveros 0.

Quarterscores: 26-26; 48-40; 83-80; 108-108; 121-117

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

'El Granada' David gets better of Canaleta in shootout as Meralco takes thriller (01/04/14)

GARY David carried Meralco on his broad shoulders with three huge baskets in overtime to lead the Bolts to a thrilling 92-88 win over a tough-fighting Air21 squad in the main game of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 35-year-old David willed the Bolts back in the extra session, capping a season-high 34-point scoring night by nailing back-to-back jump shots before driving past an Air21 defender to give Meralco an 87-84 lead heading into the final minute.

Reynel Hugnatan’s short jump shot and Danny Ildefonso’s free throw sandwiched Asi Taulava’s two baskets late in the game that all but clinched the Bolts’ fourth win in 11 matches, ending the team's four-game losing slide.

“What an incredible test again. But this time, we made sure we’ll come out on top,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, who was so relieved to see his team escape with a win after a near-collapse in regulation.

Gregorio said images of the team’s heartbreaking one-point loss to Barangay Ginebra was playing on his mind when Air21 forward KG Canaleta buried three triples in a matter of 74 seconds to wipe out what once stood as a nine-point Meralco lead.

Canaleta’s corner three-point shot at the buzzer off Ildefonso’s outstretched arm sent the game into overtime. Regulation score ended at 79-all.

“It was a scary game. I can’t deny that fact. A really scary game,” admitted Gregorio.

David finished with a personal conference-high on 13-of-26 shooting from the field, getting the better of Canaleta in a shootout after the Air21 sweet-shooting forwarded ended with 32 on 11-of-23 shooting.

Taulava added 15 and while equalling his career-high 26 rebounds for the Express.

“Images of the Ginebra game was there in our minds so I told my players, we’ll come out fighting and make right decisions in the end, and that’s what we did in OT,” Gregorio said.

Gregorio credited new acquisition Ildefonso for his steady veteran leadership, which greatly help the Bolts after just four days of practice with the team.

“I’ve been praying so hard for an opportunity like this. It was just an incredible feeling that the guy who was already left out (by another team) helped us tonight. And that’s Danny I.,” said the former Coach of the Year awardee.

Ildefonso, signed up on Friday to a one-conference deal, marked his Meralco debut by scoring 14 points on a near-flawless 6-of-7 shooting from the field to go along with six rebounds and five assists.

The 6’5” forward out of National University scored 10 points in the second half and hit the game-clinching free throw in the dying seconds of overtime.

The scores:

Meralco 98 – David 34, Ildefonso 14, Wilson 13, Hugnatan 9, Dillinger 8, Salvacion 5, Guevarra 5, Hodge 4, Timberlake 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Artadi 0.

Air21 88 – Canaleta 32, Taulava 15, Yeo 10, Manuel 8, Vardona 7, Sharma 6, Camson 4, Matias 2, Arboleda 2, Ritualo 2, Jaime 0, Menor 0, Custodio 0.

Quarterscores:  21-15; 38-31; 56-56; 79-79; 92-88.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Comprehensive Rain or Shine victory leaves GlobalPort Sol-searching (01/05/14)

RAIN or Shine whipped up a strong third-quarter storm before holding off GlobalPort’s late-game rally to score a 98-87 payback win against the slumping Batang Pier in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The E-Painters took advantage of the absence of Globalport’s veteran playmaker Sol Mercado, who is out due to an right Achilles injury, as they avenged an 88-90 loss to the Batang Pier in their first meeting of the season on December 8.

Without the stabilizing presence of Mercado, the Batang Pier were simply no match for the E-Painters who stepped up their running game behind rookie Alex Nuyles, who scored a career-high 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors.

“It’s really a win we wanted badly because we lost to this team the first time we played them,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

Guiao said he was surprised to learn before the start of the game that the 6’1” Mercado won’t be able to play due to an injury.

“It could have been a more satisfying win if Sol Mercado was playing. We prepared our game plan defending against Sol Mercado because he really created problems for us the first time we played them,” he added.

Rain or Shine moved up to 8-3 (win-loss) for the solo third spot after racking up its fourth straight victory, enhancing its bid for one of two twice-to-beat spots in the playoffs.

On the other hand, the Batang Pier dropped their fourth straight loss to fall into a four-way tie at 4-7 with Alaska, Barako Bull and Meralco in the lower half of the standings.

Jay Washington led the Batang Pier with 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks, while rookies Nico Salva and Terrence Romeo chipped in 11 and 10, respectively.

Justin Chua, another rookie out of Ateneo, gave a good account of himself while battling Rain or Shine’s bruising frontline. He finished with five points, nine rebounds and four blocks, which all came in the second half.

The scores:
 
RAIN OR SHINE 98 - Nuyles 16, Cruz 12, Tang 12, Chan 11, Tiu 10, Lee 9, Arana 8, Belga 5, Rodriguez 5, Norwood 5, Almazan 3, Quinahan 2, Ibanes 0.
 
GLOBALPORT 87 - Washington 26, Salva 11, Romeo 10, Garcia 9, Hayes 7, Chua 5, Yee 4, Menk 4, Nabong 4, Salvador 3, Lingganay 2, Revilla 2, Ponferrada 0.
 
Quarterscores: 22-20, 46-38, 80-67, 98-87

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Rejuvenated San Mig cuts Ginebra, Twin Towers down to size with upset victory (01/05/14)

SAN Mig Super Coffee put its struggles behind it and started the year right, cutting league leader Barangay Ginebra down to size, 83-79, in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup behind a tough stand in the end.

Mark Barroca stood tall with 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals for the Mixers, who blew an early 18-point lead but proved steadier in the endgame when the game was very much on the line.

“Well, I wish we could play this well throughout the whole conference. I guess it’s better late than never,” San Mig coach Tim Cone said after his team snapped a two-game losing streak.

A new league record of 20,596 fans who filled the Mall of Asia Arena waited until the end expecting Ginebra to pull off another miracle comeback, just as it did against Meralco the last time out.
It did not come.

Instead, its multitude of fans saw Ginebra collapse in a heap of turnovers and bungled wide-open shots as the Kings slumped to their first loss in seven games - and just their second in 11 games this season.

San Mig's morale-boosting win forged a five-way logjam at 4-7 with Globalport, Alaska, Barako Bull and Meralco at the bottom half of the standings, enhancing the Mixers' shot at a playoff spot.

“It’s been a tough road for us. And really, it’s been more 80 percent mental for us and 20 percent physical. It’s just getting like-minded, getting forward looking and stay in there,” said the multi-titled PBA coach.

The Mixers, one of the few teams in the league with the size to match up against Ginebra's frontline, dominated the Kings with their sizeable 62-39 advantage off the boards.

Japeth Aguilar led the Gin Kings with a personal conference-high 26 points, seven rebounds and six blocks, while his frontcourt partner Greg Slaughter added 14.

The 6-11 rookie big man out of Ateneo, though, finished with just six boards and he was effectively kept out of the paint by San Mig’s bruising frontline of Rafi Reavis, Yancy de Ocampo and Marc Pingris.

The scores:

SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 83 - Barroca 16, Simon 15, Pingris 12, Yap 12, De Ocampo 9, Reavis 8, Devance 7, Sangalang 4, Mallari 0, Melton 0.
 
GINEBRA 79 - Aguilar 26, Slaughter 14, Tenorio 13, Baracael 12, Ellis 9, Monfort 3, Reyes 2, Ababou 0, Helterbrand 0, Urbiztondo 0, Caguioa 0.
 
Quarterscores: 25-15, 48-35, 65-66, 83-79

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Joseph Yeo revives Air21 playoff hopes with clutch plays in upset of Talk 'N Text (01/08/14)

AIR21 started afresh in the new year, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night with a 102-100 squeaker over Talk ‘N Text at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Express leaned on the clutch plays of Joseph Yeo and KG Canaleta while getting solid numbers from rejuvenated Asi Taulava en route to only their third victory in 12 games.

Although still at the bottom of the standings at 3-9 (win-loss), the Express pulled within reach of five teams bunched at 4-7 and gave themselves a shot at a playoff berth with a sweep of their final two games.

“At least we’re still alive and kicking,” Express coach Franz Pumaren said.  “But (the joy from) this victory is gonna be shortlived. We can’t rely on the results of other teams.”

The Express dealt the Tropang Texters, one of only four teams with records above .500, their fourth loss in 11 outings.

The game was as tight as the traffic outside the Big Dome as it saw 12 lead changes and seven deadlocks, before Yeo scored four straight points to give the Express the lead for good at 99-97 with 35 seconds remaining.

Taulava, the league’s oldest player at 40, continued to display a youthful zest as he registered his sixth double-double of the conference with 23 points and 18 boards on top of two assists, and one block.

Canaleta tallied 16 points, five boards, and four assists, while Yeo, starting to get comfortable as the de facto point guard in the absence of the injured Mike Cortez, finished with 13 points and 12 assists for the Express, who had six players scoring in double figures.

 The Texters’ loss put to naught the remarkable outside shooting of Jimmy Alapag, who bombarded the Express with six triples on the way to a 20-point night as he able supported backcourt partner Jayson Castro, who had a team-high 21markers.

The scores:

Air21 (102) – Taulava 23, Canaleta 16, Custodio 15, Matias 13, Yeo 13, Camson 10, Manuel 8, Cardona 4, Espiritu 0, Arboleda 0, Sharma 0

TNT (100) – Castro 21, Alapag 20, De Ocampo 14, Reyes R. 11, Baclao 11, Seigle 8, Fonacier 6, Anthony 4, Reyes J. 3, Carey 2, Williams 0

Quarterscores: 23-21, 45-46, 75-77, 102-100

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Petron discards Miranda, Pena lead Barako Bull past Fajardo-less Boosters (01/08/14)

PETRON castoffs Denok Miranda and Dorian Pena proved thorns in the side of their former team on Wednesday night, leading Barako Bull to a shock 92-88 win over the Boosters in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy Cola overcame a late deficit behind Miranda and JC Intal down the stretch to blow past the Boosters as they improved to a 5-7 win-loss card and moved out of a five-team logjam in the drop zone.

Without June Mar Fajardo, who’s out with a right-knee injury, the Boosters suffered a second defeat in three games and just their third in 11 games overall, allowing Rain or Shine to climb to a share of second place just behind leader Barangay Ginebra.

“We will continue to surprise teams. And we’re lucky June Mar didn’t play,” Energy Cola coach Bong Ramos said. “But still they were coming off a convincing win over Talk ‘N Text.”

Miranda, a former Booster, emerged the villain this time as he fired seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, where the Energy Cola outscored the Boosters, 29-17, after trailing in the middle quarters.

After Alex Cabagnot, one of the league’s best closers, buried two free throws to put the Boosters within one, 88-89, Intal punctuated the victory with a slam off a broken play in the next possession.

Peña, another ex-Petron player, also shone against his former team as he poured in a game-high 18 points, 10 boards, three assists, and one steal.

The scores:

BARAKO (92) – Peña 18, Intal 17, Miranda 11, Lastimosa 10, Penisi 9, Maierhofer 7, Miller 7, Isip 6, Buenafe 5, Wilson 2, Macapagal 0, Jensen 0

PETRON (88) – Lutz 17, Cabagnot 15, Santos 15, Lanete 8, Kramer 8, Lassiter 7, Tubid 6, Taha 4, Deutchman 4, Ross 4

Quarterscores: 24-21, 36-47, 63-71, 92-88

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

'El Granada' David deepens woes of Alaska with big second-half explosion (1/10/14)

GARY David led Meralco’s blazing second-half offensive while Jared Dillinger typified the team’s relentless defense as the Bolts clobbered the Alaska Aces, 74-65  to keep their playoff hopes alive in the PLDT myDSL-Philippine Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Not even Calvin Abueva’s game-long hounding could keep 'El Granada' from exploding for the second straight game against the Aces, who David torched with 17 second-half points as he led the Bolts to leads of 15 points from the last deadlock at 40-all.

David finished with 24 points.

Supplying the hustle on the defensive end was the 6-4 Dillinger, who had two crucial blocks against the high-leaping Alaska guard Cyrus Baguio in the stretch run.

“I told them to be ready for war. It’s not gonna be easy against Alaska because they are fighting for survival just like us,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

The Bolts got the big playoff boost they needed after winning their second straight game to improve to 5-7, in a tie with idle Barako Bull for a share of fifth and sixth spot.

The game became testy early in the final period when Calvin Abueva and Jared Dillinger got entangled in the cushioned railing beneath the basket.

The 'Beast' hit Dillinger with a wayward elbow while his momentum carried him over the railing, before the Meralco Fil-Am guard stood up and pushed down Abueva.

Game officials eventually slapped Dillinger and Abueva with a double technical for taunting and second motion.

“We don’t like flopping in the league,” said Gregorio, referring to the Dillinger-Abueva altercation.

Gregorio acused Abueva of flopping during that play, triggering the altercation.

“It’s hard enough for the referees to call the legitimate calls and legitimate non-calls. Now if you fake it, wow, it’s gonna be harder for them (referees to make the right call),” he added.

Dillinger, who started at point guard in place of injured playmakers Mike Cortez and Anjo Caram, finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks to earn Player of the Game honors.

JV Casio led Alaska with 15 points as Alaska fell to 4-8 after shooting just 33.3 percent in the game.

The scores:

Meralco 74 - David 24, Dillinger 10, Hodge 10, Hugnatan 9, Salvacion 8, Wilson 7, Artadi 4, Ildefonso 2, Al-Hussaini 0, Guevarra 0.

Alaska 65 - Casio 15, Thoss 14, Espinas 13, Baguio 7, Abueva 6, Ramos 5, Dela Cruz 2, Jazul 2, Hontiveros 1, Exciminiano 0, Eman 0.

Quarterscores: 24-17, 40-32, 65-51, 74-65

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Fit-again Fajardo, Santos lead Petron's fiery fightback against GlobalPort (01/10/14)

PETRON Blaze stepped on the gas in the final six minutes and put the clamps on Globalport’s gunners to score a 98-87 come-fro-behind victory and rev up their twice-to-beat hopes in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Boosters took advantage of a turnover-plagued second half play by the Batang Pier, scoring on easy transition baskets and relying on the inside plays of Arwind Santos and fit-again June Mar Fajardo, who returned from a three-game absence due to an MCL injury on his right knee.

Santos and Fajardo led Petron’s blazing 15-2 blitz to turn an 80-79 Globalport lead into a 94-82  lead entering the final two minutes.

“Tough win for us because we had to grind it especially in the second half,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla, whose team regained solo second spot with its 9-3 record.

Abanilla said renowned orthopedic doctor Raul Canlas gave Fajardo the go-signal to play late on Thursday afternoon, which gave the Boosters the extra inside threat they sorely lacked the past three games.

“I think June Mar gave us a different look. It’s really different when he’s playing defensively and offensively that’s why we played better when he’s on a floor,” he added.

Hastening Globalport’s downfall was the loss of Fil-Am forward Jay Washington, who only played five minutes in the first period after hurting his plantar fasiitis.

The 6-foot-7 Washington, averaging more than 20 points per contest, left the team’s bench at the end of the first period and didn’t return.

Santos meantime, wreaked havoc against Globalport’s defense, pouring 19 of his game-high 25 points in the second half, to go along with 10 rebounds in another strong double-double effort.

Marcio Lassiter added 16, while Chris Lutz added 13 for the Boosters.

The 6-foot-10 Fajardo finished with 12 points and six boards in 29 minutes of action in his comeback game.

The Batang Pier dropped their fifth straight loss to fall into a tie with the Alaska Aces for eighth and ninth spot with similar 4-8 records.

Jaypee Belencion led the Batang Pier with 21 points.

The scores:

PETRON (98) -- Santos 25, Lassiter 16, Lutz 13, Fajardo 12, Kramer 11, Cabagnot 10, Tubid 7, Deutchman 2, Ross 2, Lanete 0.

GLOBALPORT (87) -- Belencion 21, Mercado 16, Nabong 15, Chua 9, Salvador 8, Garcia 8, Romeo 4, Menk 2, Salva 2, Najorda 1, Hayes 1, Washington 0.

Quarterscores: 20-22; 39-51; 68-68; 98-87.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

De Ocampo clamps down on Asi as San Mig ousts Air21 from PBA playoff picture (01/11/14)

YANCY de Ocampo played outstanding defense while finishing with a double-double to spark San Mig Super Coffee to a 67-60 victory that ousted Air21 from the playoff picture in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 6-9 de Ocampo, an almost forgotten big man after bouncing from one team to another during his 12-year pro career, finished with 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while holding Air21’s double-double machine center Asi Taulava to just five points on 1-of-6 shooting.

Diminutive playmaker Mark Barroca, who was scoreless for the first three quarters, came through with all 11 of his points in the final period where the Mixers outscored the Express, 23-17.

“Any win at this point is a pretty win. Even if it’s ugly, it’s still a pretty win,” said San Mig coach Tim Cone, who just arrived from Reno, Nevada early Saturday after a whirlwind trip to the NBA D-League Showcase.

The `ugly’ win was San Mig’s fifth against seven losses and spiked with 21 turnovers with PJ Simon accounting for five and Marc Pingris and rookie Ian Sangalang combining for 10.

Simon though led all Mixers in scoring with 21 points.

The loss knocked the Express out of the playoff picture after absorbing their 10th loss in 13 matches, with one game left on their schedule.

Air21 faces Rain or Shine next Saturday.

Nino Canaleta led the Express with 22 points, 17 in the second half, but failed to get the much-needed scoring support from the rest of the team.

MacMac Cardona had a quiet 11 points, while Joseph Yeo only had nine on 2-of-10 shooting, before fouling out late in the game.

The scores

SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE (67) -- Simon 20, De Ocampo 12, Barroca 11, Pingris 7, Devance 6, Sangalang 6, Mallari 3, Reavis 2, Melton 0.

AIR 21 (60) -- Canaleta 22, Cardona 11, Yeo 9, Taulava 5, Manuel 4, Arboleda 3, Sharma 2, Custodio 2, Camson 2, Matias 0, Espiritu 0, Menor 0.

Quarterscores: 17-12; 29-25; 44-43; 67-60.

From SPIN.ph