PBA Scores, News and Updates

[Zurca]

Witherspoon’s hot-shooting night helps Air21 force Game 5 (05/05/14)

Manila, Philippines – Import Wesley Witherspoon knocked down 8 three-pointers and Air21 as a whole converted 15 – a franchise-record – as the Express outlasted the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 94-91, on Monday, May 5, to force a do-or-die Game 5 on Wednesday with a trip to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Home TVolution Finals on the line.

Witherspoon, who totalled 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals in the contest, was helped out by locals Joseph Yeo, Asi Taulava, and Mark Cardona, who contributed 13, 12, and 11 markers, respectively.

The Mixers, on the other hand, got 26 points from PJ Simon and 22 from James Yap, while their import, James Mays, had 14 markers to go with 21 rebounds. Marc Pingris, meanwhile, had another troublesome night, putting up just 6 points and 6 boards.

“Probably they were looking forward to playing in the Finals,” Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren said about SMC after his team’s Game 4 victory. He also added that prior to tonight’s matchup, his team had no plans of taking an early vacation.

“They didn’t wanna end the conference today.”

After Simon converted on a lay-up off an Express turnover to make the count 66-61 in the third canto, Air21 generated 5 straight markers to enter the final quarter with a 10-point breathing room, capped off by Simon Atkins’ three-point bomb.

In the final period, Mark Cardona discharged 9 quick points in the first 6 minutes to help extend his club’s edge.

After Witherspoon’s eighth 3-ball and a three-point play by Atkins put the Express ahead, 90-73, with a little under 5 minutes to go, 6 quick points by the Mixers kept them within striking distance. However, consecutive field goals from Cardona and Yeo helped their team regain their 17-point advantage, which kept them in control the rest of the way.

“That’s why we’re in the semis,” mentioned Pumaren. “There’s a certain approach in every game. But during the last two games, it vanished.”

Though the final score had the Express winning by just three, the game was pretty much decided with two minutes remaining. Nevertheless, the Mixers were able to go on a last hurrah, and were able to get within just three after a Yap triple sinked in with 1.7 seconds to go in the game.

The Express were more physical to start Game 4 than they were in Game 3 by not allowing SMC’s bigs to grab easy offensive boards for put-back buckets.

Air21 surprised the Mixers’ offense by utilizing a full-court press on almost every SMC possession in the first half, which isn’t shocking for a Franz Pumaren-coached squad.

Thanks to a couple of treys from Witherspoon and Jonas Villanueva and a steal and acrobatic lay-up by Yeo, Air 21 raced off to an early threshold, going on top 16-7, while proving to be the more desperate team in the initial moments of the contest.

With his squad in need of a spark, Tim Cone turned to rookie Ian Sangalang, whom he requested to provide more firepower after Game 3.

However, the freshman struggled, going 1-of-3 from the field in the early goings, as the Express raced off to a 26-14 advantage after 12 minutes of play.

A three-point play from Sangalang and floater from Mark Barroca kick-started a potential run for San Mig Coffee in the opening moments of the second quarter.

But it didn’t take long for Witherspoon to respond with another couple of 3-balls, followed by some post-shot celebrations that drew irk from the SMC supporters at the Big Dome.

“Well, yesterday’s practice, we just did some soul-searching. Like what I was trying to tell the players, ‘We just have to enjoy this game, spread the floor, and if you’re open, don’t hesitate,’” added Pumaren when inquired on how his team was able to knock down so many threes.

The Mixers, which were struggling to get to their offensive sets thanks to Air21’s press and 2-3 zone, managed to attain some rhythm eventually thanks to a tandem of jumpers from James Yap, who got his squad within five, 38-33, with 2:30 to go in the second canto.

However, an easy lay-in for Taulava and another triple for Witherspoon, who had five in the first half, kept SMC at bay.

At halftime, the Express were on top, 48-39 – courtesy of a Yeo three moments before the end of the second period – and 24 minutes away from forcing Game 5.

Witherspoon continued his barrage of threes early in the third period, making two to bring his total up to seven at that point. However, the pesky Mixers would not go away, and were able to unfurl an 8-0 rally that was eventually halted by a Mark Borboran bunny at the rim.

Scores:

Air21 (94): Witherspoon 32, Yeo 13, Taulava 12, Cardona 11, Borboran 8, Ramos 7, Atkins 6, Villanueva 3, Burtscher 2

San Mig Coffee (91): Simon 26, Yap 22, Mays 14, Sangalang 9, Pingris 6, Barroca 6, Devance 4, Melton 4, Mallari 0, Reavis 0

Quarter Scoring: 26-14, 48-39, 71-61, 94-91

From Rappler.com

[Zurca]

San Mig Coffee books trip to finals with blowout of Air21 (05/07/14)

Manila, Philippines – Prior to Game 5 of San Mig Coffee and Air21’s PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series, players of the Express talked about how no one expected them to be in the situation they were in, one win away from a PBA Finals appearance.

It was like they had nothing to lose.

However, after SMC put on a clinic by dominating Air 21, 99-83, on Wednesday, May 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Franz Pumaren-coached club got a first hand view of what it takes to be a championship-caliber team.

James Mays had 24 points and 17 rebounds, while locals PJ Simon and James Yap contributed 18 and 15 respectively to lead their club to victory in Game 5, booking a date with the unbeaten Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the conference finals.

“That teams looks unbeatable,” said SMC head coach Tim Cone about Talk ‘N Text after the game. “We’re going to have to try to figure out a way. Right now, they’re the Crispa of the PBA right now.”

Game 1 of the Finals is on Friday, May 9, 8:00 pm at the Big Dome.

Air21 was spearheaded by Wesley Witherspoon, who had 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Asi Taulava had 20 and 12, while Mark Cardona submitted 13 off the bench.

Not long after the Express took an 11-9 advantage following a free throw by Simon Atkins, the Mixers proceeded to go on an 8-2 rally led by the combined efforts of Mays, Yap, and Mark Barroca, who each took turns in putting points on the scoreboard.

After Simon subbed into the game, it didn’t take long for him to make an impact, knocking down a 3-ball which was followed by a Marc Pingris free throw to give the Mixers a 21-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. Furthermore, Witherspoon, who hit eight threes in Game 4, was 0-for-3 from downtown after 12 minutes of play.

“Certainly, our guys came to play,” added Cone after the contest. “It was a total team effort. And it was just one of those nights when we were hot. We were hitting shots, we were defending on a high level, we got great play from Alex (Mallari) off the bench.”

Just like he has for many times this conference, Taulava played liked a 10-years-younger version of himself in the second period, grabbing a number of offensive rebounds for putbacks and easy bunnies at the rim to keep the Franz Pumaren-coached team within striking distance.

However, the Mixers had an answer for every Express bucket and led, 35-22, after Yap’s third triple. A few possessions later, SMC began to pull away, increasing its threshold to 16, 41-25, courtesy of two Pingris charities.

“The bottom line is, this is what happens when you play zone all the time – teams figure it out,” Cone said of the Express’ defense.

Thanks to Mays, Simon, and Yap’s combined 35 points, San Mig Coffee led Air21, 50-33, at halftime, while limiting Witherspoon to only seven markers after 24 minutes of gametime.

“A lot of people thought we wound run right over them. We knew we wouldn’t be able to do that,” Cone also mentioned about the Express, which played Games 2-5 without the injured Sean Anthony.

Taulava tried his best to give his club a puncher’s chance in the third canto, but the lack of support from the rest of his teammates caved Air21 in, as San Mig Coffee extended their advantage to 22, 73-51, with 3:30 left in the period thanks to five quick markers from Joe Devance.

Heading into the final quarter, the Mixers were comfortably on top, 81-58.

Witherspoon managed to find his stroke early in the fourth quarter by nailing two threes in the first few minutes. However, his efforts were too late, as the championship-tested, Tim Cone-coached club made sure to not relinquish their lead.

Scores:

San Mig Coffee (99): Mays 24, Simon 18, Yap 15, Barroca 11, Mallari 10, Devance 7, Pingris 7, Reavis 5, Melton 2, Gaco 0, Sangalang 0, Cawaling 0, Holstein 0

Air21(83): Witherspoon 21, Taulava 20, Cardona 13, Yeo 10, Borboran 7, Camson 6, Ramos 3, Villanueva 2, Atkins 1, Poligrates 0, Burtscher 0

Quarter Scoring: 21-13, 50-33, 81-58, 99-83

From Rappler.com
Post Merge: May 08, 2014, 04:10:02 PM2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals Schedule

San Mig Coffee Mixers vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Game 1: Friday, May 9 8:00 PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum

Game 2: Sunday, May 11 5:00 PM Cuneta Astrodome

Game 3: Tuesday, May 13 8:00 PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum

Game 4: Sunday, May 15 (If necessary) 8:00 PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum

Game 5: Tuesday, May 18 (If necessary) 5:00 PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Post Merge: May 10, 2014, 03:57:53 PMSan Mig Coffee busts Talk 'N Text's streak to win Game 1 (05/09/14)

MANILA, Philippines – The San Mig Coffee Mixers entered Game 1 of their PBA PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against Talk ‘N Text with a lot of confidence, despite knowing that their opponents were 13-0 entering tonight’s contest.

However, by the end of the game, it seems like the sixth seed in this duel is the team to beat in this series.

PJ Simon had 16 points, James Yap had 17, Mark Barroca had 12, and the Mixers forced the Tropang Texters to 12 turnovers in the second half to halt Talk ‘N Text’s winning streak at 13 and take Game 1 of their best-of-five championship series with a 95-80 victory on Friday night, May 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“They deserve this victory. They came out and played with defensive intensity. They forced us into a lot of turnovers, which was a little uncharacteristic for us, but it happened tonight,” stated Talk ‘N Text head coach Norman Black following his team’s walloping loss.

James Mays had 10 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals for SMC, while Richard Howell was limited to just 11 markers and 13 boards for the Tropang Texters, which were spearheaded by Jayson Castro (17 points), Ryan Reyes (13 points), and Kelly Williams (12 points).

“The two fouls on Howell took away his aggressiveness in the start,” mentioned Black, talking about why he felt his import wasn’t as effective as he usually is. “But he really committed the first foul. I always tell him he has to stay out of foul trouble.”

The Mixers totaled 45 rebounds, 21 assists, and 11 steals for the night, while doing a fantastic job of disrupting their opponents’ offensive sets, which had previously worked to perfection in the past few weeks.

“I think a couple of things happened tonight: one, we carried over momentum from the last game… and then, they obviously weren’t sharp tonight. They made uncharacteristic turnovers,” said Mixers head coach Tim Cone after the game.

He added to his statement, talking about how he felt like tonight’s version of the Tropang Texters won’t be the same one that shows up for Game 2.

“We know we didn’t see the real Talk ‘N Text tonight. We know we’re going to see them on Sunday.

“I don’t want to lessen our effort, our energy, and our energy, but truly, they weren’t the same tonight. It was less us beating them than them beating themselves tonight.”

A quick 6-1 run by San Mig Coffee gave them the early momentum in the third period, and a nine-point lead, 50-41. Moments later, a tandem of visits to the free throw line from Simon and Barroca and an Ian Sangalang floater extended their team’s lead to 15, 62-47.

SMC continued to pressure Talk ‘N Text’s pick-and-roll offense and managed to thieve a number of steals near halfcourt, leading to easy bunnies at the rim. By the end of the third canto, the Mixers had taken all the momentum of the game, 70-57, and were 12 minutes away from putting a stop to the Tropang Texers’ winning streak.

Both clubs got off to a quick and even start, as three different SMC players converted field goals while two triples from Ryan Reyes trickled in to tie the game at six-all.

Over the next few minutes, defense remained the theme of the first period, with both teams failing to put many points on the scoreboard.

The Tim Cone-coached squad did a good job of denying the Tropang Texters’ pick-and-roll plays from the get-go, forcing them to jack-up shots from three-point range instead while shattering TNT’s off-ball movement and route-running.

However, they also weren’t able to take advantage due to the Norman Black-coached squad’s ability to get to the free-throw line, as their opponents went 5-of-6 from the charity stripe in the first quarter.

After 12 minutes of action, both clubs were deadlocked at 17.

In the second quarter, the Mixers were able to build a three-point advantage thanks to a Melton step-back jumper in the early goings. Afterwards, a flagrant foul was assessed to Ranidel De Ocampo, which forced the Best Player of the Conference candidate to take a seat.

Tempers continued to flare as SMC head coach Tim Cone was given a technical foul for complaining to the referees for a blocking foul called on Barroca which he felt was wrongly-assessed.

Later on, with the contest knotted up at 38, Jimmy Alapag was called for a flagrant foul for a play he made on Barroca, much to the dismay of TNT fans at the Big Dome. As the game turned more physical and rugged, the Mixers were forced into committing more turnovers (11), but the Tropang Texters continued to struggle from the field (43.3%).

At halftime, SMC had a four-point lead, 44-40, thanks to a late put-back by Mays.

“Again, sometimes you get that second wind because, when you’re doing something, and it’s going well for you, even if you’re tired you get that second wind,” added Cone after the contest. “Now we have to find that third, and fourth, and fifth wind.”

With a little over six minutes to go in the game, a pair of jumpers from Joe Devance muffled the Tropang Texers’ defense to give his club a 17-point margin, 68-51. TNT answered back with four quick points, but another defensive stop by Barocca led to a rim-shattering dunk from Mays, which turned out to be the dagger of the contest.

“The team I’m coaching right now, they’re into winning,” uttered Tim Cone, before talking about how dedicated his club is to the task at hand.

“We got one game in the series, and we’re trying to win a championship.”

Black, on the other hand, is expecting more from his guys: “We need more fight, more intensity, and more energy for next game.”

Game 2 is on Sunday, 5:00PM, at the Big Dome.

Scores

San Mig Coffee (95): Yap 17, Simon 16, Barroca 12, Sangalang 12, Mays 10, Pingris 10, Devance 7, Mallari 5, Reavis 4, Melton 2, De Ocampo 0, Gaco 0

Talk ‘N Text (80): Castro 17, Reyes 13, Williams 12, Howell 11, Canaleta 9, De Ocampo 5, Fonacier 5, Alapag 3, Seigle 2, Reyes 1, Reyes 1, Carey 1, Aban 0, Baclao 0

Quarter Scores: 17-17, 44-40, 70-57, 95-80

From Rappler.com

[kingjames24szupladoh]

PBA Governors Cup list of imports:

1. Alaska Aces – Bill Walker (already in the country)

2. Air21 Express – Allen Durham (arriving next week)

3. Barako Bull Energy – Eric Wise (already in the country)

4. Brgy Ginebra Kings – Zaccheus Mason (arrived on Sunday)

5. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Leroy Hickerson (already in the country)

6. Meralco Bolts – Terrence Williams (already in the country)

7. Rain or Shine Elastopainters – Arizona Reid (already in country)

8. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Marqus Blakely (already in the country)

9. San Miguel Beermen – Reggie Williams (arrived on Sunday)

10. Talk n’ Text Tropang Texters – Othyus Jeffers (already in the country)

[Zurca]

Castro leads the way as Talk ‘N Text ties finals series (05/11/14)

MANILA, Philippines – Prior to the Finals of the 2014 PBA PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters played like champions, going unbeaten with a 13-0 clip.

And after suffering its first loss in a while in Game 1, Talk ‘N Text responded like champions in Game 2, using a massive offensive explosion in the third quarter to beat the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 86-76, and tie their finals series at 1-1.

Jayson Castro had 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals to lead the Tropang Texters, which outscored the Tim Cone-coach squad 28-16 in the third period.

“We had much better effort tonight,” said TNT head coach Norman Black after the game. “We had to really go back to the drawing board and really analyze what this San Mig team was doing to us.”

Richard Howell had 18 points and 20 rebounds, while Kelly Williams pitched in eight points and five rebounds to aid the winning side. The Mixers, on the other hand, got 15 markers, 12 boards, and four takeaways from James Mays and 15 points and three assists from Justin Melton.

“They certainly turned the table on us tonight. They were us and we were them in Game 1,” stated Coach Tim Cone after the contest. “It’s not something we didn’t expect. We expected this series to be really tough.”

The start of the third period was good for the Tropang Texters, as consecutive bunnies at the rim by Ryan Reyes and Ranidel De Ocampo pushed their team’s lead to eight, 41-33. After SMC missed to convert on the other end, KG Canaleta connected on a triple to give TNT its first double-digit lead of the game, 44-33.

San Mig Coffee was able to get the lead back down to single-digits, but it didn’t take long for Talk ‘N Text to start forcing its opponents to multiple turnovers again while displaying the dominant offense that helped them go unbeaten prior to the finals.

“We were able to take advantage of our big guys being guarded by their small guys,” explained the Tropang Texters head coach following his team’s win.

Thanks to a couple of baskets by Castro, Larry Fonacier, Howell, and Williams, the Norman Black-coached club entered the fourth quarter with a 65-49 lead.

SMC erected a mini-fightback in the opening minutes of the fourth period, thanks to a couple of nifty buckets from rookie Ian Sangalang, who finished with seven markers.

With a little over six minutes remaining in the contest, Justin Melton knocked in a 3-ball to get his team within 12, 75-63. Simultaneously, Coach Cone opted to keep James Yap, PJ Simon, Joe Devance, and Marc Pingris on the bench in favor of playing his reinforcements, who were able to get the lead down to six thanks to a Mays free throw with 3:02 left.

“James and PJ were playing tired tonight. And if we had made an earlier run in the game in the fourth quarter, I would’ve put them back in,” explained Cone.

“I’m thinking about keeping these guys fresh,” he added, before stating later on: “In a series, you have to have big-picture thinking.”

Yap finished with only six points in 18 minutes, while Simon put up four in 25. Pingris, meanwhile, scored 11 and grabbed six boards, while Mark Barroca had seven points on 1-of-9 shooting.

With a minute and 10 seconds remaining, SMC had the handle, down six, 82-76. However, a couple of missed lay-ups by Mays awarded the Tropang Texters the ball with 50 seconds remaining. De Ocampo, who finished with eight points on 2-of-10 shooting, was then able to convert on his free throws to put the game out for good.

“I don’t think any team has a talent advantage,” added Coach Black, who also said that it would be up to the coaches’ ability to exploit matchups that will play a huge role for the remainder of the series.

It was a back-and-forth affair to start the contest as both clubs exchanged early jabs with San Mig Coffee gaining an early threshold, 11-10, thanks a Yap floater from the baseline.

Castro responded on the next possession with a top-of-the-key triple, and then managed to get a breakaway lay-up off a steal to give the Tropang Texters a four-point lead. Talk ‘N Text carried its momentum, and was able to end the first quarter with a 19-15 advantage.

“I think we came out with a lot more focus today; a sense of urgency that resulted to the win,” express Coach Black about his team’s early performance.

Castro continued to light it up in the beginning of the second period by nailing a three and converting on a spin-and-layup to put Talk ‘N Text on top, 24-15.

However, the Mixers, despite turning the ball over often, were able to stay within striking distance thanks to the offensive and defensive heroics of Melton, who helped spearhead a 12-4 run.

With 3:20 to go in the first half, Devance countered a Harvey Carey lay-up with a 3-ball, knotting the game at 30-apiece. Both teams proceeded to exchange long-range bombs again, but it were the Tropang Texters which entered halftime with a lead, 37-33, courtesy of a couple of jumpers from Castro and Williams.

Scores

Talk ‘N Text (86): Castro 30, Howell 18, Fonacier 9, De Ocampo 8, Williams 8, Carey 4, Alapag 4, Canaleta 3, Reyes 2, Reyes 0

San Mig Coffee (76): Mays 15, Melton 15, Pingris 11, Barroca 7, Sangalang 7, Yap 6, Devance 5, Simon 4, De Ocampo 2, Mallari 2, Reavis 2

Quarter Scores: 19-15, 37-33, 65-49, 86-76

From Rappler.com

[Zurca]

Big Game James comes up huge again as San Mig Coffee wins Game 3 (05/13/14)

MANILA, Philippines – They don’t call him Big Game James because it sounds nice.

Thanks to a tremendous, off-balance shot by James Yap, the San Mig Coffee Mixers erased a late four-point deficit to win Game 3 against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 77-75, and take a 2-1 series lead in their PBA PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Tuesday evening, May 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game 4 is on Thursday, May 15, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Yap totaled 13 points and six rebounds, while James Mays contributed 20 and 14 to go with PJ Simon’s 17 points and three rebounds.

Talk ‘N Text, on the other hand, got 21 markers from Jayson Castro, who was given the Best Player of the Conference plum prior to the game. Ranidel De Ocampo pitched in with 18 points, and KG Canaleta provided 12. Howell, though he only had 10 markers, grabbed 22 rebounds and dished five assists.

“It was a game for the ages, in my opinion. It’s two real proud teams that don’t quit,” expressed San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone after the game. “We have absolute, total respect for Talk ‘N Text,” he added.

The start of the second half was an exchange of jabs by each squad, as neither of them managed to connect on a haymaker to pull away. Nonetheless, Talk 'N Text was able to get on top, 46-43, thanks to four straight points from Castro, who found ways to get into the teeth of SMC's defense.

After Simon hit a 3-ball to increase his scoring output to 13 and tie the ball game, both clubs exchanged baskets again, unwilling to give their opponent a significant threshold.

A crafty side-step and lay-up by Yap put his club back on top by one, but Kelly Williams, who had five total points, answered on the other end to give TNT a 53-52 edge with 2:45 to go in the third.

After De Ocampo connected a long-range bomb to put the Texters up 56-52, the Tim Cone-coached squad unleashed an 8-0 spurt, mostly on open lay-ups near the rim. Though Joe Devance missed two free throws to end the third quarter, the Mixers still had a four-point cushion, 60-56.

“That 8-0 run really gave us a belief that maybe we can really win this one. But, a four-point lead, an eight-point lead doesn’t mean much in this series,” added Coach Cone.

The deciding 12 minutes started with TNT going on a run of their own, knotting the joust at 62-all while getting the Mixers in early penalty situation.

With 7:07 remaining, a humongous three-pointer by the best player of the conference awarded his squad with a three-point margin. But right away, Mays countered on the next possession to deadlock the contest once again.

The game went down to the wire, as Simon hit a tough pull-up to put SMC up two, only to have De Ocampo answer on the other end with a three to help Talk ‘N Text regain the lead, 72-71. After Mays misfired on a mid-range jumper on the succeeding play, Castro added to his squad’s breathing room by banking in a three of his own with 1:15 to go.

The Tropang Texters hit 10 total threes in Game 3, making 32.3% of their attempts.

However, the Mixers refused to go down, with Mays finishing a three-point play to get SMC within one, 75-74. After Castro missed a triple from the top of the key, the Mixers got the ball back, a shot away from taking control of the match.

That’s when Big Game James happened.

Falling sideways near the baseline, Yap launched an off-balance fade-away over the stretched arms of Williams and made it, putting the Mixers up 76-75. TNT couldn’t counter and turned the ball over, giving the handle back to Big Game James and company.

After Devance, who finished with 10 markers and five boards, split his charities, the Texters had one more possession, with 4.8 seconds to go, to tie or win the game. However, Castro missed his on his last attempt, sending TNT to a 2-1 deficit.

“It was a tremendous game. One big shot after another big shot,” added Coach Cone. “At the end, our defense made a big stop.”

San Mig Coffee shot 48.5% from the floor, despite going just 3-of-10 from downtown. The Tropang Texters, which forced their opponents to 13 turnovers – they had just seven – had 16 turnover points and 16 second chance points.

A win on Thursday for the Mixers would give them their third straight conference title. If TNT prolongs the series, Game 5 will take place on Sunday, May 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Unlike previous games, one of the two finalists managed to race off to an early lead. In Game 3, it were the Mixers that did so, attaining an 11-2 advantage following a mid-range J by Simon to gain an upper hand.

The Tropang Texters were finally able to get some more points on the scoreboard thanks to a tandem of jumpers by De Ocampo. However, SMC did a great job early of forcing its adversaries to taking tough, contested jumpers, while keeping Castro scoreless in the first period.

The first quarter onslaught continued for San Mig Coffee, as Yap and Marc Pingris put seven quick markers on the scoreboard to make the count 23-9.

In the succeeding possessions, Howell, who was crowned Best Import of the Commissioner's Cup prior to the game, was responsible for six TNT points to help cut the Mixers' lead to 10, 25-15, after 12 minutes of action.

As the second quarter came alive, so did the Texters' offense. A couple of easy deuces from Harvey Carey and Ryan Reyes got their team within six, 25-19, prompting Coach Cone to call time-out. However, SMC committed two straight turnovers following the 60-second break, which were followed by two straight jumpers from Castro, 25-24.

A three-pointer by Canaleta with 5:30 to go in the first half tied the match at 29, but a pair of bunnies at the rim from Mays and Pingris soon followed, putting the defending champions back up four.

Both clubs went on to exchange buckets for the rest of the second quarter, with Canaleta upping his point total to nine following a three-point play. But heading into halftime, his Tropang Texters were still down a field goal, 37-35.

Scores

San Mig Coffee (77): Mays 20, Simon 17, Yap 13, Devance 10, Pingris 7, Sangalang 6, Barroca 2, Mallari 2, De Ocampo 0, Reavis 0, Melton 0

Talk ‘N Text (75): Castro 21, De Ocampo 18, Canaleta 12, Howell 10, Williams 5, Carey 5, Reyes Ryan 4, Reyes Rob 0, Aban 0, Fonacier 0, Alapag 0

Quarter Scores: 25-15, 37-35, 60-56, 77-75

From Rappler.com
Post Merge: May 16, 2014, 10:13:22 AMSan Mig Coffee bags third straight championship at expense of Talk 'N Text (05/15/14)

MANILA, Philippines - With two minutes left in Game 4 of the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals, Joe Devance made a silent prayer as he made his way back on the court following a timeout.

His team, the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, were finally leading with a more comfortable cushion, 93-89, after a James Yap triple.

Nobody heard Devance's prayer. His lips didn't even move. But it was clear he was praying for his team to hold on to their slim lead and finish off the series right then and there.

It took the Mixers over 35 minutes to even have a taste of the lead when Marc Pingris found himself open for a short stab, 69-68, to cap off a 13-0 run with 50.3 seconds remaining in the third.

But once they did, the Mixers tasted blood and wrested control of the game in the fourth and silenced the dominant Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, 100-91, to bag their third straight championship on Thursday, May 15 at the historic Philsports Arena.

Despite going 13-0 from the eliminations all the way to the semifinals, the Texters succumbed to the Mixers in just 4 games in the best-of-5 Finals series.

Before this title, the Mixers also copped the 2014 Philippine Cup and the 2013 Governors' Cup titles.

Coach Tim Cone and his team are now in prime position to achieve the coveted Grand Slam if they win next conference's championship.

"That's the last thing we're gonna talk about as a team," admitted the now 17-time champion coach. "We're not gonna talk about that because it's so much pressure to win a grand slam."

Cone already has one Grand Slam under his belt with Alaska in 1996.

He said the team will be leaning on the energy of comebacking import Marqus Blakely and Allein Maliksi as they make their run for the Grand Slam in the season-ending Governors' Cup, which starts this Sunday.

"We don't want to make this conference an excuse for next conference," he said. "We're gonna keep pushing and see what we can do."

The winningest coach in the PBA made history as well in his return trip to the Philsports Arena.

According to PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III, the last time Cone battled for and won a title in the arena was with Alaska in 2003 against Coke.


Dynasty overpowers dominance

After starting off the game cold and allowing the Texters to jump to a 17-1 lead, the Mixers delivered when it mattered most, fielding vital contributions from this conference's Finals MVP Yap and last conference's Finals MVP Mark Barroca.

Yap, who was scoreless for the first 3 quarters, came alive in the payoff period with all of his 10 points.

He sparked his teammates with an off balanced one-hander with 7:37 left in the final canto as the Mixers slowly chipped away at the once double-digit lead, 73-80.

He later nailed a triple to make it a one-possession game, 82-85, with under 6 minutes left.

But Yap wasn't the only savior for the Mixers.

Yap and shifty guard Barroca combined for 15 of San Mig's final 16-4 blast to end the game and overturn the Texters, who caved under the pressure and committed turnovers as well as failed to convert on baskets in the clutch.

Barroca had a game-high 22 points as import James Mays added 18 points and 15 rebounds. Devance added 12 as rookies Justin Melton and Ian Sangalang held their own with 12 and 11 markers, respectively.


Defense holds up

Unlike Game 3, when San Mig's defense was toughest, Talk 'N Text was able to get craftier in finding ways to zigzag through the lane and crack the San Mig Coffee interior defense in Game 4.

Kelly Williams, for one, was all over the place, going 4-of-4 from the field in the first half for 8 of his 12 markers.

Talk 'N Text was able to dictate the pace of the game at the onset, rattling the cold-shooting Mixers.

It was evident with the 8 fastbreak attempts of the Texters - and their 8 points off of that - in the first half that Coach Norman Black's wards were having their way to start Game 4.

Even as Larry Fonacier continued to fire blanks (he had no points in this game) veteran guard Jimmy Alapag snapped out of his funk and dropped three bombs throughout the game, dousing water on San Mig's every rally. He led the Texters with 17 points on 4 treys.

However, it wasn't enough to extend the series to a rubber match.

The Mixers' defense held up in the end despite the Texters' first half 52.3% field goal shooting clip. San Mig was able to limit their opponents eventually to just 48.5% by game's end and upped their own 36.4% first half shooting percentage to 47.6%.

Bobby Parks Best Import Richard Howell scattered 16 points and 12 rebounds. Ranidel de Ocampo and KG Canaleta also added 16 markers apiece.

Noticeably missing in the Texters offense, however, is Best Player of the Conference Jayson Castro. He only mustered 5 points for the entire game.

But the most telling statistic for Game 4 was the free throws.

Talk 'N Text finished the first half going to the line only twice (2-of-2) and they never took another free throw again as they continued trying to cash in on perimeter shots.

In contrast, the Mixers had 41 cracks at the basket and made 30 free throws.

Scores:

SAN MIG COFFEE 100 - Barroca 22, Mays 18, Devance 12, Sangalang 12, Melton 11, Yap 10, Pingris 6, Simon 6, Reavis 2, Mallari 1, de Ocampo 0, Gaco 0.

TALK 'N TEXT 91 - Alapag 17, Howell 16, de Ocampo 16, Canaleta 16, Williams 12, Castro 5, Reyes 5, Seigle 2, Carey 2, Fonacier 0.

Quarters: 15-25, 38-52, 69-74, 100-91.

From Rappler.com

[Zurca]

San Miguel's road to redemption begins as it battles Alaska in PBA Governors Cup opener

SAN Miguel Beer begins its quest for redemption as it kicks off its PBA Governors Cup campaign against Alaska in Sunday’s main game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen go into the 5:15 p.m. game still smarting from a playoff debacle in the last Commissioner’s Cup which saw them lose twice to seventh seed Air21 Express in the quarterfinals.

San Miguel entered the playoffs as the second seeded team and enjoyed a twice-to-bead edge.

But team active consultant Todd Purves said the team has since put behind that sad episode in its campaign and instead, focused on improving their execution on both offense and defense with NBA veteran Reggie Williams in tow as the Beermen’s import.

“Our preparation just continues. There’s nothing else we can do but continue to work hard. There’s no sense dwelling on the past mistakes, but we have to correct those and get better,” Purves said.

Williams, a left-handed gunner who played five seasons in the NBA, provides an added outside scoring threat, which Purves said could complement the team’s big frontline of June Mar Fajardo, Doug Kramer, Arwind Santos and newly-acquired rookie Justin Chua.

“Reggie gives us another element. He can spread the floor and we hope it could open things up for our inside players like June Mar, Arwind, and Doug,” explained Purves, the former coach of Indonesia Warriors who steered the team to the 2012 Asean Basketball League (ABL) championship.

The 27-year-old Williams played for the Golden State Warriors, the Charlotte Bobcats and, later, with the Oklahoma City Thunder in a five-year NBA stint.

On the other hand, Alaska coach Luigi Trilllo said San Miguel has always been a tough match for the team considering the size and numerous outside shooters the Beermen have.

“San Miguel is always a hard team to face. Just take a look at the last conference, they are no. 1 in assists and hustle points,” said Trillo.

The Aces will be reinforced by former NBA veteran Bill Walker, a stocky forward out of Kansas State, who is expected to add an inside-outside presence for the team in the season-ending conference.

“He’s (Walker) very skilled, but now, it’s how we fit him in whether at the three (small forward) or four (power forward),” Trillo said of Walker, who was slapped with a P20,000 fine for engaging Meralco forward Danny Ildefonso in a scuffle last Tuesday during a tune-up match.

While Walker is coming in with an impressive NBA credential that saw him average a career-high 11.9 points on 43.1 percent shooting from the three-point distance during the 2009-10 season with New York, Trillo said he expects the locals to provide the support for the Aces to get back into championship contention.

“Our offense allows everybody to get involved. As much as he’s (Walker) good at three-point shots, I like to see him take a bigger role defensively,” explained the Alaska mentor.

“Now, it’s also gonna be the responsibility of our local crews to help him out because the more they help him out, the better everybody grows,” he added.

From SPIN.ph
Post Merge: May 17, 2014, 09:09:51 PMKia Motors seeking privilege to sign Manny Pacquiao directly without going through PBA rookie draft

ALTHOUGH the PBA board has already decided against giving direct-hire concessions to the three expansion teams, Kia Motors is set to appeal for special draft case for boxing hero Manny Pacquiao who is being eyed as the new ballclub's playing coach.

Incoming Kia team manager Eric Pineda, who is also Team Pacquiao's business manager, told Spin.ph that team officials are now contemplating on writing a letter to the PBA requesting a meeting with the board do they can "know the consensus of the board of governors."

Pineda stressed that Pacquiao’s case is different from the other aspirants in the rookie draft pool since the eight-division would boxing champion is set to be named as the team’s coach.

“We want to know the consensus of the board about it (Pacquiao being tapped directly by Kia), how we would go about it. Kasi nga we were informed by the commissioner that there are no direct hire (concessions for the three new teams),” said Pineda.

”Siguro kung may concession kami na hihingin, siguro 'yun sana payagan na lang si Manny na maglaro for Kia as playing coach,” he added. “Nasa pakikiusap naman siguro yan.”

Pineda bared that they still have to draft the letter of appeal as they are still trying to evaluate other options including a possible trade where they will hope to get one of the top picks which they will exercise to tab Pacquiao.

Kia Motors' turn in the draft will come with the 11th to 13th picks, depending on a lottery also involving fellow expansion sides NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Sports.

“Pero malayo pa naman ang draft. Anything can still happen. But syempre, kami umaasa that the board of governors will grant us the special concession for Manny,” he said.

“Manny’s entry will be good for the PBA din naman.”

The longtime Team Pacquiao associate bared that they are still evaluating other options ahead of the coming dispersal draft for the expansion teams which is set on July 21.

“Pinag-aaralan pa naming ang lahat. May dispersal draft pa kasi kaya pati yung pagsali sa draft ni Manny, if ever, is also hanging in the balance,” Pineda said.

And with a long line of marquee amateurs coming in like Bobby Ray Parks, Kevin Louie Alas, Chris Banchero, Garvo Lanete, Matt Ganuelas, Jake Pascual, Ronald Pascual, and Brian Heruela, Pineda was asked: “Is there a chance that Pacquiao will be targeted by other teams in the first round?”

“I don’t see why not? Syempre, 'yun ang worry namin. It has come to our attention that other teams are also interested in him,” Pineda replied.

“The likes of Manny Pacquiao, hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na hindi nila (other teams) kukunin. For whatever it’s worth it’s (his name) always (valuable to a team),” said the outspoken Team Pacquiao business manager.

Pineda also assured that when Pacquiao plays in the big league, he’ll definitely show his "court value."

“They have always known Manny as a boxer, but what a lot of fans don’t know, boxing is a profession for him … but basketball is his passion, his love,” said Pineda while revealing how basketball has become an important key in Pacman’s training camp.

“Mas matagal siya maglaro ng basketball kaysa boxing. Almost everyday nagbabasketbol 'yan. Mga kalaro niya ex-PBA players or some active pa, may mga taga-D-League,” said Pineda of Pacquiao, who through the years has maintained and coached a semi-pro basketball team.

“So he knows how to run a team.”

Pineda also bared that it was him who introduced the idea of Pacquiao playing for Kia, as he is a good friend and golf buddy of Columbia Motors owner Pepito Alvarez.

“Sa akin, hindi ko naman siya isusubo lang kung wala naman akong kumpiyansa, kung mapapahiya lang siya,” he said.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Barako Bull escapes Meralco in Govs Cup opener (05/18/14)

MANILA, Philippines - As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) enters its season-ending 2014 PBA PLDT Home Telpad Governors' Cup, the Barako Bull Energy Cola are already off to a good start.

It would also appear, for now, that they made quite a 'wise' decision on bringing in 24-year old import Eric Wise.

The 6-foot-6 former USC Trojan and a second-generation PBA import (his father was Francois Wise, who played for 5 seasons in the PBA from 1981-1987) dropped 33 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and dished out 6 assists in 41 minutes of playing time for his first PBA game with the Energy.

But it was his 33rd point that allowed Barako to squeak past the Meralco Bolts, 95-94, to gain their first win of the conference on Sunday, May 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Playing only in his second overseas stint, Wise was quick to use his mind and outsmart his counterpart at Meralco, NBA veteran Terrence Williams, as he fished for the foul on his way up for a jumper in the dying seconds of the hard-fought contest.

With 1.3 seconds remaining, Wise took care of his first charity and wisely missed the second, leaving a Meralco squad all out of timeouts heaving from across the court for a Hail Mary shot that surprisingly hit the rim but didn't go in.

"The best way to describe what we're trying to do right now is basically just like the Chinese adage, 'A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step' so that's how I'm looking at this one," explained Barako coach Siot Tanquingcen, who took over for Bong Ramos as new head coach.

"We just gotta take that step and hopefully try to correct some things we need to improve on and just enjoy the journey, wherever it takes us."

It was a good first step for the Energy despite blowing a 21-point second quarter lead, 46-25, as they managed to keep their heads in the game and finish what they started.

"Somehow they (Meralco) got hot, and I mean they got really hot," Tanquingcen remarked, also adding how he kept his guys' mentalities on the task at hand. "We just kept reminding the guys, as long as the shots are challenged. Just do your best to defend. Don't get frustrated or don't get discouraged. And that's how we want to approach this conference."

This game was definitely a show of that mental approach, what with the Bolts all charged up and firing 14 triples all game long - and 6 in the third frame alone.

Jared Dillinger made it a 10-point game with another triple in the early goings of the fourth, 68-78. After which Barako had to settle for exchanging baskets with Meralco for alternating 11-point and 9-point leads.

A Williams jumper with 6:22 left put an 86-75 spread on the scoreboard before Barako went on a 10-0 spurt to cut the deficit down to size, 85-86.

The Bolts broke the 89-all deadlock with 1:06 on the clock with a huge trey by Williams, 89-92.

But rookie Jeric Fortuna hit an even bigger three-pointer right after.

Given the green light by Tanquingcen to take open shots, Fortuna found himself open at the top of the key 5 seconds after Williams shot. He let the ball fly and knotted the score at 92.

The 6-foot-6 Williams, a 2009 11th overall pick in the NBA Draft, then missed another three-point attempt (he went 4-of-20 from that distance throughout the match), before Wise got crafty at the post on the other end to make it a 94-92 Barako lead with 35.1 ticks left.

Though Gary David (19 points) tied the game at 94 on a pair of charities, Meralco was unable to make the necessary stop to send the game to overtime.

Cliff Hodge paced the Bolts with 20 points, including 3-of-5 triples and 3-of-5 field goals, as well as 11 boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

Williams finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

Fortuna, on the other hand, cashed in on 3 triples and two-of-4 field goals for his 13 markers as another rookie, Carlo Lastimosa, chipped in 10 points.

Scores

BARAKO 95 - Wise 33, Fortuna 13, Lastimosa 10, Wilson 10, Miranda 8, Jensen 7, Marcelo 6, Intal 3, Pennisi 3, Thiele 2, Deutchman 0.

MERALCO 94 - Hodge 20, Williams 19, David 19, Dillinger 8, Timberlake 6, Salvacion 6, Bringas 4, Hugnatan 4, Wilson 4, Ildefonso 2, Sena 2, Guevarra 0.

Quarter scores: 28-17, 52-39, 68-70, 95-94.

From Rappler.com


Walker’s near triple-double lead Aces past Beermen (05/18/14)

MANILA, Philippines – Despite having to deal with 42 points from San Miguel Beermen import Reggie Williams, the Alaska Aces managed to pull away late thanks to their overall team effort and win their first game in the PBA PLDT Home Telpad Governors’ Cup, 94-87, on Sunday evening, May 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces got 27 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists from their own import, Billy Walker, who was dealing with cramps late in the fourth quarter.

“Billy Walker had cramps, so we sat him out a bit,” mentioned Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo after the game. He also added that it was the passion exhibited by Sonny Thoss, who finished with 18 points and nine boards, that helped propel his squad.

“Again, also just happy and proud of Sonny Thoss. He was the main reason; he was playing with a lot of fire.”

Alaska also received 12 markers and seven boards from Calvin Abueva, who had a tough time defending with Williams, who also contributed nine rebounds and five dimes in the losing effort.

Only one other San Miguel player scored in double-figures – June Mar Fajardo, who submitted 13 points and 16 rebounds.

“It was nice to see them (his team) score 94, and holding San Miguel down to 87,” added Coach Trillo.

The fourth quarter commenced with Gabby Espinas, who totaled 10 markers and seven rebounds, helping Alaska retake the lead, 71-70, after a late surge by Williams in the third period gave San Miguel the lead.

Both teams proceeded to exchange baskets, as the Beermen went back up by one, 76-75, thanks to a Fajardo bunny at the rim.

But due to a series of SMB turnovers, Alaska was able to get out on the break and earn easy opportunities near the basket. One of which helped Abueva earn a three-point play, which put his squad up five, 82-77, with a little over seven minutes to go.

However, much like they did the entire game, San Miguel didn't cave in and tied the contest at 82 after Williams' third 3-ball of the second half upped his total to 37.

With 2:30 to go, both squads were dead even at 87. The tie was eventually broken by Thoss, whose lay-in awarded the Aces with an 89-87 edge.

After Williams missed a potential game tying three-pointer, Abueva came back on the other end and converted a mid-range J to extend Alaska's breathing room to five, 92-87.

Williams was fouled on the succeeding possession, but missed both attempts at the line, sealing SMB's loss.

“Both these teams were knocked out last conference, and both these teams, obviously, wanted to get a win,” mentioned the Alaska head coach.

Trillo also talked about the tough schedule of the Governors’ Cup, indicating that momentum will be key for the teams searching for a title.

“It’s an open race for anyone,” he said. “It’s really going to be about rhythm for most teams.”

Both clubs got off to a pretty good start, as the two imports carried the scoring burden early on. Five minutes into the contest, the Aces and Beermen were tied at 11, following a put-back lay-up by Fajardo.

It was Alaska that managed to erect an early advantage first, going up by six, 18-12, thanks to Walker’s second triple of the afternoon. However, San Miguel refused to bow early, and trimmed its adversaries’ lead to two, 20-18, by the end of the first quarter.

The second canto began with tempers flaring, as Abueva and Ronald Tubid – no strangers to confrontations – both got assessed with technical fouls. Eventually, the Beermen would regain the lead, going on top 27-25 courtesy of some Justin Chua charities.

The Aces also had no answer for Williams, who got into the paint at will and recorded 20 points by halftime. Nevertheless, Alaska reclaimed the momentum, building another six-point cushion, 38-32, following a tip-in by Thoss, who helped his team win the rebounding battle in the first half of the game.

San Miguel had troubles early on containing Walker, who stroked three long-range bombs and had 17 markers after 24 minutes of action. Still, the Beermen managed to not let the Aces extend the lead to double-figures, as Williams’ penetration and series of acrobatic lay-ups got the team within three, 43-40, at the half.

After a corner three from Marco Lassiter, who finished going 2-of-7 from the field, deadlocked the match to begin the second half, Alaska unfurled a 10-5 run – capped of by a Dondon Hontiveros 3-ball – to build another small threshold, 53-48.

The Beermen tried to regain the advantage, but the Aces had an answer for every shot San Miguel managed to hit. With Walker attacking the interior rather than settling for outside shots in the third quarter, Alaska was able to hold its opponents at bay and extended its lead to seven, 67-60, late in the period.

In need of a spark, Head Coach Biboy Ravenas turned to Rico Maierhofer, who converted four quick points to put a halt to the Aces’ run. Moments later, Williams tried his luck from the outside and connected on a triple to tie the contest at 67, and then followed that up by hitting another three to give San Miguel its first lead in the third quarter.

Entering the deciding period, the Beermen were on top by one, 70-69.

Scores

Alaska Aces (94): Walker 27, Thoss 18, Abueva 12, Espinas 10, Baguio 7, Casio 6, Jazul 6, Hontiveros 6, Manuel 2

San Miguel Beermen (87): Williams 42, Fajardo 13, Lassiter 8, Maierhofer 6, Tubid 6, Mercado 5, Santos 3, Lutz 2, Chua 2, Lanete 0, Kramer 0, Ross 0

Quarter Scoring: 20-18, 43-40, 69-70, 94-87

From Rappler.com


Ginebra eases into triangle and dispatches Globalport (05/20/14)

MANILA, Philippines - The neckties of the coaching staff weren't the only noticeable change in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Tuesday, May 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Under a new coach and a new system - the triangle offense for that matter - the Ginebra players, though sweating in their jerseys, have never looked so put together as far as their on-court offense and defense is concerned.

Their systematic, more calculated game earned them an 89-71 triumph over the Globalport Batang Pier in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup.

Though clearly still feeling their way around the new system, Ginebra managed to showcase flashes of brilliance and potential as they shifted to a defense-oriented squad that played a more or less consistent game against Globalport.

"You know what impressed me – it's only been 3 weeks – is just the guys' willingness to run the triangle," said new Ginebra head coach Jeff Cariaso, who replaced Ato Agustin after the 2014 Commissioner's Cup.

"It's not easy to run, it's not easy to be disciplined. It's not easy to stay with it when you feel like it's not working, when you feel like nothing's happening. In that regard, I'm happy so far with how the guys are performing."

At the beginning of the contest, Ginebra struggled to get their rhythm going but at the same time found ways to hinder Globalport from getting past them as well. They kept the Batang Pier to just 14 points in the opening period and, although loosened up somewhat in the second, suffocated coach Pido Jarencio's wards once again the third, 68-56.

Ginebra began pulling away midway in the third on a Mark Caguioa (15 points) basket that made it a 61-52 advantage.

Executing Cariaso's plays to a T, Ginebra found themselves up by 18, 83-65, with 3:08 remaining following back-to-back hook shots by their import Zaccheus Mason, who finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Gin Kings never looked back, especially with Greg Slaughter doing damage with his 19 markers and 17 rebounds.

The nature of the triangle entails good big men and Ginebra utilized its bigs extensively in this game, allowing them to control the boards by a huge margin, 60-32, with 22 on the offensive glass. That massive advantage on rebounding yielded last conference's 8th seed 22 second-chance points.

On defense they shackled the Batang Pier to just a 35.2% field goal shooting clip and also kept their ball movement in check with a 17-10 assist margin.

Even as import Leroy Hickerson dropped 16 of his 30 points in the second, Globalport couldn't go very far with only Alex Cabagnot supporting Hickerson.

Cabagnot scored 21 points on 3 triples, and had 4 assists as well as 3 steals.

No other Globalport player scored more than 6 points. Even Jay Washington had only 6. They're obviously feeling the absence of rookie Terrence Romeo, who was relegated to the injured list.

But even as Ginebra found some sense of identity with the new system in this game, there were still some bumps they had to endure.

Most glaring was their 22 turnovers that started out at 13 in the first half.

According to Cariaso, this is a result of tentativeness of his players as they grope around to master the triangle.

"It's a part of it because they're not used to making those passes," Cariaso explained. "Because the triangle is so intricate, you really have to be firm with your passes and when there's doubt, that's when the turnovers happen. There is a progression you have to follow and sometimes when you don't follow that progression, you can't find the one to pass to."

It's only one game and there is plenty to clean up, but as Ginebra finds its new identity, Cariaso hopes the triangle finds success in this team - one that's aching to get back its former glory.

"It's a good first step," Cariaso said, "but I know there's a lot of hard work we need to do."

Scores

GINEBRA 89 - Mason 21, Slaughter 19, Caguioa 15, Ellis 10, Aguilar 8, Baracael 7, Monfort 3, Reyes 2, Helterbrand 2, Mamaril 2, Knuttel 0, Tenorio 0, Urbiztondo 0.

GLOBALPORT 71 - Hickerson 30, Cabagnot 21, Washington 6, Macapagal 5, Salvador 4, Garcia 3, Menk 2, Matias 0, Taha 0, Ponferrada 0, Salva 0.

Quarter scores: 18-14, 41-39, 68-56, 89-71.

From Rappler.com


Air21 capitalizes on Guiao-less Rain or Shine for first win (05/20/14)

MANILA, Philippines - The Air21 Express took full advantage of a Yeng Guiao-less Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and trounced them, 103-96, on Tuesday, May 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to open their 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup campaign on a high note.

With Guiao currently abroad and unable to be along the sidelines during his team's first game this conference, the Express pounced right away, banking on their solid 3-point shooting (12-of-25) and their dominance on the boards (54-36) to register their first win of the conference.

Their import Dominique Sutton, 27, led the way with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, including an 11-point first quarter outburst that allowed the Express to promptly set the tone of the match.

He received sufficient support from the locals with Asi Taulava dropping another double-double performance of 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Joseph Yeo and Aldrech Ramos provided 18 and 11 markers, respectively as well.

Air21 kept the Painters at a safe distance with double-digit leads, which soon ballooned to 17 early in the second half.

However, Rain or Shine, who was temporarily led by assistant coach Caloy Garcia, forced turnover after turnover on Air21 for a total of 25 miscues and milked 25 points off of that. They managed to trim the double-digit deficit to 97-91 with 1:37 left in the game thanks to import Arizona Reid's fastbreak lay-up off a Gabe Norwood steal on the other end.

If this was the old Air21 that was perennially bullied by all other teams, they may have caved under the pressure. But this is a newer, much more motivated, and semifinal-experienced Air21 team.

They showed a calm and collected demeanor amid Rain or Shine's furious endgame rally. They defended well and sank free throws steadily as the clock wound down, ensuring that no comeback by the Painters would be successful.

"It's a good start for us," remarked Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren. "Like what I told the players coming out of the locker room, we should consider every game as a playoff game."

For the Painters, it was former PBA Best Import Reid who led all scorers with 20 points to go with 12 boards, 5 assists and two steals.

While Beau Belga and Jeff Chan chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.

This win over Rain or Shine isn't as simple as going 1-0. For the Express, the implications are far greater.

For one, this is Air21's first victory over Rain or Shine in franchise history. That alone is indication enough of the 180-degree turn the Express is experiencing.

But most important of all, this game is a crucial first step to building on what Air21 has achieved in the past Commissioner's Cup and taking on a new tag as a contender.

"We wanna pile up on the wins already. We don't wanna let our fans down and let our team down with what we achieved last conference," explained the veteran Taulava. "We wanna continue on our momentum and build on what we started."

Taulava and Pumaren agree that their incredible journey last conference and their semifinal finish has definitely changed the mentality, attitude, and atmosphere within the team.

"Once you taste success, it's so hard to let that go," Taulava said.

And that achievement is something Air21 will hold on to for dear life as they hope to complete their turnaround this conference and become an entirely different team.

"Our goal right now is to make sure that what we achieved last conference is not a fluke," said Pumaren. "We want to establish ourselves as contenders now."

Scores

Air 21 103 - Sutton 25, Taulava 19, Yeo 18, Ramos 11, Borboran 8, Villanueva 6, Camson 6, Jaime 4, Atkins 3, Cardona 3, Poligrates 0, Burtscher 0.

Rain or Shine 96 - Reid 20, Belga 14, Chan 12, Lee 11, Norwood 11, Nuyles 7, Ibanes 6, Arana 5, Almazan 4, Rodriguez 4, Uyloan 2, Tiu 0, Tang 0.

Quarter scores: 33-24, 62-50, 85-73, 103-96.

From Rappler.com

[Zurca]

Jayson Castro lifts Talk 'N Text past Meralco (05/21/14)

MANILA, Philippines - After scoring just 5 points barely a week ago in a Game 4 Finals loss against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, Jayson Castro had that look on his face.

He had that fiery, determined, and focused look in his eyes during the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters first game in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday, May 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The speedy and crafty point guard exploded in the final frame with 14 of is total 21 points to carry Talk 'N Text over the Meralco Bolts, 105-99, for their first win on a new road to bagging a championship.

Understandably still trying to gain back his confidence after a tough loss in the previous Commissioner's Cup, Castro felt his way throughout the first 3 quarters, scoring only 3 points in the first, 4 in the second, and none in the third.

But seeing the Bolts slash the Texters' once double-digit lead to just a precarious 75-72 heading into the payoff period, Castro's demeanor changed.

From the buzzer signaling the start of the fourth, Castro was on beast mode. His finger prints were all over everything Talk 'N Text did, keeping them afloat as Meralco continued to pound on the Texters and exchanged baskets with them for half of the last period.

It was at the 6:19 mark that Castro finally gave Talk 'N Text some breathing room with two free throws to make it an 88-85 lead.

But Meralco was too pesky, yearning to bounce back from their first loss against Barako Bull.

Gary David (15 points) hit a long range bomb to push the Bolts ahead, 90-88 with 6:06 to play.

The nip-and-tuck trend raged on until Cliff Hodge, Meralco's leading scorer for this game with 24 points and 11 rebounds, came up with a 7-0 spurt built on an emphatic jam, a putback and a huge triple to give Meralco some cushion, 97-92, heading into the final two minutes.

But then came Castro, completing a three-point play to cut the deficit to two, 95-97, and with the help of a masterful spin move by Ranidel de Ocampo (22 points, 6 rebounds), knotted the count at 97 with 1:07 remaining.

Asia's best point guard then knocked down a momentum-crushing trey with 44.3 seconds left to break free of Meralco's grip, 100-97.

After that it was also Castro who put the finishing touches on their victory with his steady hand at the stripe.

"It was a good way to start the third conference," said Talk 'N Text head coach Norman Black. "I told the players that the best way to get back into the groove was to come out and get a win today, to put the Finals behind us. And the players came out and responded, they played very, very well."

Black commended how his import Othyus Jeffers managed to quickly blend in for this game despite only practicing with the team thrice due to last conference's Finals.

Jeffers paced the Texters with 38 points, going two-of-3 from long range and 12-of-14 from the line, and grabbed 13 rebounds as well.

"We're hoping to get him in better shape and get him blended with the team, and hopefully over the next few days we'll be able to accomplish that," said Black.

This win served as a means for Talk 'N Text to get rid of the heavy monkey on its back - one that represented the bitterness of having gone 13-0 through the eliminations and semifinals of the Commissioner's Cup, only to fall in 4 games against a seemingly hungrier team.

And Black wasn't afraid to admit the effect that loss had on his team.

"We're coming off of a finals loss, so you expect there's going to be a little problem with confidence at the beginning. It's gonna take a while for them to get back in the groove again and get their confidence back," explained Black.

"Any time you lose a game, not just the Finals, sometimes in the next game it's hard to get your confidence back. Sometimes it takes the whole first quarter before you get back into playing the type of basketball you want to play. But in the end we got the win, that's all I'm concerned about at this point."

Talk 'N Text can only hope that this time around, it will be their turn to hoist a trophy again.

Scores

TALK N' TEXT 105 - Jeffers 38, De Ocampo 22, Castro 21, Carey 7, Fonacier 6, Williams 4, Alapag 3, Seigle 2, Canaleta 2, Reyes Ryan 0, Reyes Rob 0, Baclao 0.

MERALCO 99 - Hodge 24, Williams 20, David 15, Hugnatan 12, Dillinger 12, Salvacion 6, Ildefonso 4, Bringas 2, Sena 2, Wilson 2, Timberlake 0.

Quarter scores: 26-19, 50-43, 75-72,105-99.

From Rappler.com


San Mig Coffee starts bid for Grand Slam with rout of Barako Bull (05/21/14)

MANILA, Philippines - The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers are one trophy away from claiming the coveted Grand Slam recognition. And that last title will undoubtedly be the toughest.

But the Mixers moved one win closer on Wednesday, May 21 after putting away the Barako Bull Energy Cola, 76-66, in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

PJ Simon showed the way for the Mixers with 17 points as they cruised to their first victory of the conference just days after copping their third straight title by winning the 2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The veteran Simon claimed the victory early for his team by hitting a dagger three-pointer, 72-63, with 4:01 left in the game to cap off an 8-0 San Mig run.

With two minutes remaining, Simon got another basket to go and made it a 10-point 74-64 game, leaving Barako to absorb their first loss in two outings.

The Mixers showed no signs of letting up from the start of the contest, leading by the end of the first half, 39-35.

They clearly aren't tired of winning.

And with their comebacking import from their 2013 Governors' Cup championship run, Marqus Blakely, the Mixers are early favorites for making, at the very least, a deep playoffs run.

Blakely, who according to San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone has truly practiced with the team just once before tonight's game, had a 10-point, 24-rebound production.

There was no need for an offensive explosion from the 2013 Governors' Cup Best Import as the rest of the Mixers chipped in on offense and did the work on defense as well.

James Yap added 9 points and comebacking Allein Maliksi, who San Mig lost to a knee injurt in 2013, had 8 points in his return.

For Barako, import Eric Wise finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds. While JC Intal had 11 markers.

Despite the double-digit victory, Cone wasn't particularly satisfied with his team's performance.

"To be honest we certainly didn't look like a championship team out there," he said.

"Marqus was rusty. And Allein, to be honest with you, it's a little bit of a disruption right now bringing him into the rotation.

"Marqus is trying to get his rhythm back into the triangle. And Allein still is trying to find his way and he's kind of in the wrong places sometimes. But we stayed in the game with our defense. I think we'll sharpen our offense with a little bit more time."

With the championship high barely even settling for the Mixers, Cone admits they want to milk it for all that it is worth in as far as carrying that momentum to get an early lead in the standings.

"It's just been a whirlwind for us right now. We're just gonna grind out some early wins and hopefully be in the top 4. We'll just pick it up in the playoffs," he said.

But what about the pressure that surely follows the Mixers around due to their huge opportunity at claiming a Grand Slam?

Cone says that pressure will surely grow as the conference wears on. But he has faith in his team. He says he knows they can handle it well, even adding that he is certain his experienced team is sure to perform better.

"I think we can make some noise in this conference," remarked the 17-time champion coach.

And even if the Mixers fail to make history, Cone says 3 consecutive titles spanning two PBA seasons aren't so bad at all.

"In all honesty we really wanna try and win this thing and go down in history. But if we don't, it's gonna be a great run anyway.

"One of my favorite quotes of Phil Jackson is, 'You can't learn to be a true winner until you learn not to be afraid to lose.'

"I don't think this team is afraid to lose."

Scores

San Mig Super Coffee (76) - Simon 17, Blakely 10, Yap 9, Maliksi 8, Pingris 8, Devance 6, Sangalang 6, Melton 5, Barroca 3, Mallari 2, Reavis 2.

Barako Bull (66) - Wise 25, Intal 11, Fortuna 7, Lastimosa 6, Najorda 4, Miller 4, Deutchman 3, Jensen 2, Isip 2, Thiele 1, Miranda 1, Wilson 0, Marcelo 0.

Quarter scores: 25-21, 39-34, 58-54, 76-66.

From Rappler.com

[~..viej..~]

Barangay Ginebra Kings now on an early Solo Lead in the Standings with a 3-0 slate after defeating the Air21 Express, 84 - 76.

kahit mag 9-0 ang  barangay ngaun di mag cha-champion yan....nakatadhana nang mag grand slam ang san mig 

[tonistork]

ganyan naman Ginebra, nangunguna minsan pero pagdating ng playoffs, laglag, he he he. .

pero fave team ko pa rin ito, si bwakaw na #47 at si kangkarot Urbiztondo lang ang ayaw ko.

[Zurca]

Meralco finally nails first win as Cortez returns (06/01/14)

MANILA, Philippines - Finally, coach Ryan Gregorio and his Meralco Bolts can exhale a little.

After losing their first 4 games, the Bolts finally had a breakthrough in their 5th outing as they escaped from the Alaska Aces, 88-87, to break into the win column of the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday, June 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was a hard-earned win for the Bolts who barely even got away with it as the Aces clung on to them until the very end.

Alaska had a chance to win it in the final possession after import Henry Walker nailed a wide open three-pointer from the top of the key to make it just a one-point game, 88-87, with 10.7 ticks remaining.

And instead of closing out, the Bolts fumbled the ball on the inbound twice and eventually turned it over completely with the ball bouncing off of Gary David's chest with 8 seconds left.

A wide open window of opportunity for Alaska was slammed shut as they ran out of time in the potential game-winning possession with Dondon Hontiveros making one pass too many to Walker, who chucked the ball from beyond the arc as time expired.

"It's been a trying conference for us, when one player becomes healthy the other one goes down," Gregorio said, noting that Jared Dillinger is still having problems with his back.

Gregorio won this game with a 9-player rotation.

"But what we're really showing is our resilience, courage under pressure, courage in pain, courage in adversity. In one word we call it fortitude.

"The purpose really (for this game) is nothing else but to stay alive. I think with this win we were able to make ourselves relevant again in this conference."

Gregorio, who has previously lamented the injuries that have plagued his players, also breathed a sigh of relief as point guard Mike Cortez returned to action after a 5-month absence due to an MCL injury in his right knee.

It was an explosive comeback for the 33-year old former De La Salle Green Archer, pouring in 19 points on 4-of-8 three-point shooting from deep and with 5 assists to boot.

"It's just like rain in the middle of the desert to have somebody like Mike, who was able to bail us out in tonight's game," an elated Gregorio credits the Bolts' win to Cortez. "He is the biggest difference and I hope he becomes healthy and stays healthy and keeps on playing the game for us because we will always have an increased chance of winning every time he's inside."

"The past months I've been out, it was just so frustrating," Cortez described what it is has been like for him to watch from the sidelines for a whole conference.

"I have been dying and itching to get back. I was working so hard after my injury, doing rehab just to get back to play. And I just had fun tonight. I had so much fun playing."

Meralco was in the driver's seat for most of the contest as Alaska simply hung around, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pull the trigger.

The Bolts took a 44-38 halftime edge before a Cyrus Baguio (9 points) trey knotted the count at 58-all with 3:48 left in the third. But the very hungry Bolts maintained their composure and scored baskets on the other end to stay ahead.

The trend continued in the fourth until Walker, who tallied 25 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists for Meralco, tied the game again at 77 on a nifty post-up move against Mario West with 6:05 to go.

Calvin Abueva, who was aggressive all game and had 17 points, gave the Aces the lead, 79-77, nearing the 5-minute mark with his two charities.

Though Reynel Hugnatan (16 points) then mounted a solo 5-point swing with points collected mostly from the stripe to push Meralco ahead, 82-79, with 2:47 left.

"I want people to see how we handle adversity," Gregorio said. "We were rewarded with a victory simply because we know how to handle adversity."

Alaska, who went down to 2-3, was in foul trouble for much of this game with a team total of 33 fouls, sending the Bolts to the line. Though they didn't do a particularly good job of taking advantage of those freebies as they went 19-of-36.

West led the Bolts with 21 markers and 9 rebounds while Cliff Hodge added 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Hodge was also responsible for saving crucial possessions for the Bolts towards the end.

Scores

Meralco 88 - West 21, Hodge 20, Cortez 19, Hugnatan 16, Guevarra 9, David 3, Bringas 0, Caram 0, Sena 0.

Alaska 87 - Walker 25, Abueva 17, Casio 15, Espinas 13, Baguio 9, Jazul 3, Hontiveros 3, Manuel 2, Belasco 0, Dela Cruz 0, Thoss 0.

Quarter scores: 21-20, 44-38, 66-64, 88-87.

From Rappler.com


San Mig Coffee deals Ginebra first loss (06/01/14)

MANILA, Philippines – "For us this game was just trying to get to first place and staying amongst the leaders."

Getting to the top of the standings was the biggest prize for head coach Tim Cone and his San Mig Super Coffee Mixers after they trounced Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 102-90, to gain a 4-1 win-loss record and sit solo atop everybody in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday, June 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 3-time champions proved to be too much for the previously unbeaten Ginebra, who now dropped to 3-1, after a sizzling start to the conference under new coach Jeff Cariaso, a former assistant of Cone with San Mig.

The Mixers still came out on top even as Ginebra controlled the game for the first 3 quarters.

"For 3 quarters they looked like the dominant team but our experience took over in the fourth quarter," Cone noted. "We're experienced with what we do. We know it's gonna be difficult for them so we tried to exploit that."

The turning point came midway in the fourth when, after both teams exchanged baskets for most of the third and fourth cantos, the Mixers' fullcourt pressure defense began taking its toll on Ginebra.

Two freebies from James Yap put the Mixers ahead, 80-79, before Mark Barroca (11 points) padded onto that with a couple of charities for an 82-79 cushion.

It was the early beginnings of a massive 16-0 run for the Mixers as Ginebra never found their footing again.

Mixers import and last Governors' Cup's Best Import Marqus Blakely took over for his team in that crucial stretch, scoring 10 of those 16 points, including key steals, on his way to 34 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals.

At that point, Ginebra was simply deflated owing to the consecutive turnovers they committed and couldn't convert even on lay-ups on the other end.

"They really put a lot of pressure that caused all those turnovers and that just threw us off course," Cariaso pointed out the fourth period pressure defense that pushed Ginebra to 20 turnovers, from which San Mig milked 19 points.

That fullcourt press was simply too disruptive for a team still feeling their way around the triangle.

"We didn't seem to know what to do when they were pressuring us," Cariaso said. "That's one thing most teams do to disrupt the triangle. They don't even allow us to get to that point."

He added: "I think what happened there was we weren't mentally strong enough after a couple of turnovers. So instead of being mentally strong, we put our heads down a little bit."

Since employing that defensive scheme about 9 minutes into the fourth, Ginebra was only able to score 4 points with the Mixers eventually going on that huge run.

It was only until Ginebra was blown out of the water and the Mixers safely out of harm's way did they loosen up somewhat on defense. By then, it was too late for any Gin Kings comeback.

"Obviously this is an up and coming team, Ginebra," Cone said in jest, "and we hope they stay up and coming for a while. Let them get to the top in the next conference or so.

"This conference we're still battling for it. And as I often say to our team, it's still our time."

Cone also credited Joe Devance for being the main disruptor in this game and doing a splendid job on passing despite his quiet offensive night of 8 points. He did have 5 assists to his name.

"Joe was incredible tonight. I've never seen a bigman pass the ball like he did tonight. He was an incredible passer that just kind of got the whole triangle moving really smoothly," he said. "He was our lead guy on the pressure defense in that fourth quarter. He was the one that was disrupting everybody."

Ginebra import Zaccheus Mason finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Mark Caguioa equalled the import's performance with 18 markers as well.

Meanwhile, PJ Simon had 19 points on 8-of-11 field goals for the Mixers.

Scores:

SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 102 - Blakely 34, Simon 19, Barroca 11, Maliksi 9, Devance 8, Pingris 8, Yap 8, Sangalang 4, Reavis 1, Mallari 0.

GINEBRA 90 - Mason 18, Caguioa 18, Aguilar 12, Slaughter 11, Tenorio 11, Ellis 6, Helterbrand 5, Monfort 5, Reyes 2, Mamaril 2, Baracael 0, Ababou 0.

Quarter scores: 26-25, 47-50, 70-70, 102-90.

From Rappler.com

[jamesbond]

Ayos na sana ang balita eh... tsk... kaso laglag pala ang gin kings sa san mig.... haaays....

[dennis magtulis]

Ayos na sana ang balita eh... tsk... kaso laglag pala ang gin kings sa san mig.... haaays....

OK lang yan boss james! bawi na lang next time ganun talaga dami pa dapat iimprove ni Cariaso sa mga abata niya

next conf na kayo magchampion patikimin nio muna kami ng Grand slam,,hehe

[~..viej..~]

Ayos na sana ang balita eh... tsk... kaso laglag pala ang gin kings sa san mig.... haaays....

nakabawi na kagabi tol.....

LA Tenorio back to his best as Ginebra deals Barako Bull a PBA hammering.

LA Tenorio sparked Barangay Ginebra’s second half breakaway with his red-hot shooting and brilliant playmaking to power the Kings to a smashing 98-70 victory over Barako Bull in the main game of the PBA Governors Cup on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Tenorio fired a personal conference-high 22 points, had five assists and three rebounds to anchor the Kings’ murderous 22-0 bomb bridging the third and fourth quarter that turned a slim seven-point lead to an 80-51 bubble.

The huge run took the fight out of the Energy, who tumbled to a 1-5 record under new coach Siot Tanquingcen after opening the conference with a 95-94 victory over Meralco.

Prior to the game, Tenorio averaged career-lows of 5.7 points on a frigid 28.6 shooting from the field as he found a way to explode against Barako Bull’s rookie backcourt duo of Jeric Fortuna and Carlo Lastimosa.

It was a huge bounce-back victory for the Kings who suffered a 102-90 defeat at the hands of three-time champion San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.

The loss was Ginebra’s first loss under new coach Jeffrey Cariaso in his highly-anticipated face-off with former long-time mentor Tim Cone.

“I think the best thing about this (win) is we’re able to bounce back from our last game,” Cariaso said after the game.

“Tonight, we showed character. Even if the improvement was just a little bit, it’s still an improvement,” he added.

http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/la-tenorio-back-to-his-best-as-ginebra-deals-barako-bull-a-pba-hammering-v02

[kingjames24szupladoh]

Joseph Yeo headed for Ginebra, Sean Anthony bound for Meralco under Air21's pre-agreed deals




AIR21 has agreed to a pair of trades while waiting for the sale of its PBA franchise to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to be completed, multiple sources told Spin.ph on Friday.

Sources said Express management has reached agreements on Friday morning that will see rejuvenated Air21 forward Joseph Yeo going to Barangay Ginebra and Sean Anthony going to Meralco.

Trades involving Ginebra, Air21, and Meralco are already allowed since all three are already out of contention in the PBA Governors Cup, although the Commissioner's Office has yet to make an announcement on the deals.

There is still no clear information on which player the Express will get in return, although one source said Ginebra may likely give up seldom-used Josh Urbiztondo in the one-on-one swap.

It will be recalled that Urbiztondo was reported by Spin.ph to be bound for Air21 as far back in December until the deal was aborted after the report was leaked prematurely to the media.

Though he was retained by Ginebra after the trade was called off, Urbiztondo never got the playing minutes he deserved as he played only three games in the PBA Governors Cup at a 5.33-minute per game average.

On the other hand, Meralco is expected to give up John Wilson to get its hands on the fit-again Anthony, who is expected to form an exciting tandem with fellow gung-ho forward Cliff Hodge.

AIR21 has agreed to a pair of trades while waiting for the sale of its PBA franchise to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to be completed, multiple sources told Spin.ph on Friday.

Sources said Express management has reached agreements on Friday morning that will see rejuvenated Air21 forward Joseph Yeo going to Barangay Ginebra and Sean Anthony going to Meralco.

Trades involving Ginebra, Air21, and Meralco are already allowed since all three are already out of contention in the PBA Governors Cup, although the Commissioner's Office has yet to make an announcement on the deals.

There is still no clear information on which player the Express will get in return, although one source said Ginebra may likely give up seldom-used Josh Urbiztondo in the one-on-one swap.

It will be recalled that Urbiztondo was reported by Spin.ph to be bound for Air21 as far back in December until the deal was aborted after the report was leaked prematurely to the media.

Though he was retained by Ginebra after the trade was called off, Urbiztondo never got the playing minutes he deserved as he played only three games in the PBA Governors Cup at a 5.33-minute per game average.

On the other hand, Meralco is expected to give up John Wilson to get its hands on the fit-again Anthony, who is expected to form an exciting tandem with fellow gung-ho forward Cliff Hodge.

From Spin.ph