Tigers hold off Boosters' late rally, pick up 2nd win in PBA

Just as expected, Gary David took charge in Powerade’ offense, but the rest of the Tigers put premium on defense en route to their 87-77 victory over the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tigers concentrated on making stops, particularly in the first 24 minutes of play where they held their rivals to only 26 points in the first half.



A Will Antonio basket inside the 10-minute mark of the third period gave the Tigers their largest lead at 24, 50-26.

But just when everybody thought the Tigers were headed to an easy triumph, the Energy Boosters slowly crept their way back into the game behind undrafted rookie Hans Thiele.

The do-it-all forward from University of the East was everywhere, grabbing rebounds, providing hustle and doing the little things that mattered most for the Energy Bosters.

Thiele finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds, seven of those caroms came at the offensive end. He was one of the key figures in the Energy Boosters’ comeback in the second half as his bucket in the 8:02 mark of the third period touched off a 10-0 run by Barako Bull, which trimmed the lead to 14, 36-50.

Barako continued its resiliency in the fourth and came to within eight, 64-72, on a Mark Isip short stab in the final quarter.

Reed Juntilla, who led Barako’s production with 19 points, came through with a jumper as the Energy Boosters threatened for the last time, 72-80, with 2:30 left.

The Energy Boosters ran out of time, enabling Powerade to pick up its second win in three matches.

“I was a bit worried when we came out of the locker room during the break. I was worried of my players’ tendency to become overconfident every time we establish a big lead," said Powerade coach Bo Perasol. “True enough, we became complacent and allowed Barako to come back. But overall, I think we played good, particularly on the defensive end."

The Tigers missed the services of rookie Sean Anthony, who sat out the game after undergoing operation to repair a broken nose bridge. He will miss his team’s game for five weeks.

“He suffered a broken nose bridge during our tuneup game against San Miguel Beer in the off season. Without Sean knowing it, our doctor performed an operation on his nose as he was asleep when the operation was done. He was mad when he learned he will miss the team's games for five weeks because of the operation. We will miss his rebounding presence, but this will also allow others to step up."

The Scores:

Powerade - David 23, Espino 17, Antonio 14, Ritual 8, J. Reyes 6, R. Reyes 5, Calimag 4, Lañete 4, Rizada 2, Macapagal 2, Laure 2, Gonzales 0, Mendoza 0.

Barako - Juntilla 19, Thiele 13, Isip 12, Salvacion 11, Yee 8, Wainwright 7, Misolas 4, Cruz 2, Alonzo 1, Duncil 0, Andaya 0, Hubalde 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarters: 21-15, 46-26, 69-55, 87-77

Source: Rey Joble | GMANews.TV

Agustin triumphant in SMB coaching debut

In his debut game as head mentor of the winningest team in the Philippine Basketball Association, collegiate champion Ato Agustin wasted no time and proved his worth in the big league.

Just a few days after assuming his new post as the official head coach of San Miguel Beer, the former league Most Valuable Player brought a new identity inside the Beermen’s camp – one that refuses to lose.



That new identity was very much evident Sunday night in the Beermen’s come-from-behind 69-68 win over the Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We want to establish a running team. We want to use our quickness, especially on the defensive end," said Agustin, who became the first former San Miguel Beer MVP to coach the team and the sixth former MVP since Robert Jaworski, Bogs Adornado, Ramon Fernandez, Allan Caidic and Kenneth Duremdes to become head mentor in the PBA.

“We were outhustled in the first half. We picked up the tempo in the third period when we made the adjustments on the defensive end," added the 1992 PBA MVP and one of the league’s 25 Greatest Players.

Although the new official San Miguel head coach didn’t give attribution to his team’s never-say-die attitude Sunday night, the new-look Beermen fought back from 21 points down by patiently making one stops after another and slowly but surely creating big plays to turn a one-sided game into an exciting match in this lowest-scoring game since Purefoods defeated Barako Bull, 70-66, in December 9 of last season.

The Beermen outscored the Gin Kings in the third period, 28-9, and turned a 31-46 deficit to a 59-55 lead by the end of the third period.

The Beermen’s defense went from aggressive to efficient in the fourth period as they held the Gin Kings to just a lone field goal in a seven-minute stretch.

That lonely stretch resulted to the Gin Kings downfall as the Beermen posted their biggest lead, 66-59, on a triple by Joseph Yeo, 7:06 remaining.

After Ronald Tubid’s failed three-point play off Yeo broke Ginebra’s silence from the field, the Beermen again held their counterparts without a field goal in the next three minutes.

Despite struggling from the field, the Gin Kings gallantly stayed in the game as a Willie Miller get away move shoved Ginebra within striking distance, 68-69, 41 seconds remaining.

The Gin Kings had a chance to snatch the win after making a good stop in the Beermen’s next offensive thrust.

Ginebra wasted a lot of time as the players didn’t hear Jong Uichico hollering for a timeout. When they finally heard their coach, it left the game clock with only six seconds for the Gin Kings to come up with a winning play.

Uichico decided to go to Miller, but the player considered as one of the best closers in the league dribbled the ball off his foot against the defense of Arwind Santos, enabling Agustin and his refilled Beermen to escape with their second win in three matches.

Scores:

San Miguel 69 – Santos 20, Washington 13, Cabagnot 11, Pena 7, Pennisi 5, Racela 4, Hontiveros 4, Yeo 3, Artadi 2, Tugade 0.

Ginebra 68 – Miller 19, Tubid 10, Caguioa 8, De Ocampo 6, Hatfield 5, Aquino 4, Wilson 4, Villanueva 4, Cortez 4, Intal 2, Helterbrand 2, Mamaril 0.

Quarter scores: 12-26, 31-46, 59-55, 69-68


Source:  GMANews.TV

Alaska, TNT seek 3rd wins

Fiesta Cup champion Alaska Milk and powerhouse Talk ’N Text try to keep their unbeaten slates intact when they gun for win No. 3 against separate opponents in the 36th PBA Season Philippine Cup this Friday at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Aces meet the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 5 p.m., while the Tropang Texters tackle the newcomer Meralco Bolts at 7:30 p.m.

Alaska improved its record to 2-0 after beating defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace, 92-87, with forward Joe Devance leading the way with 24 points late Wednesday. The Aces’ first win this season was against the Barako Bull Energy Boosters (88-64).

However, Alaska will face Rain or Shine, a team that is coming off a nail-biting 89-86 win against Air21 also Wednesday night.

Jeff Chan, one of the team’s eight holdovers, buried a huge three-pointer at the buzzer, giving the Painters their first taste of victory after losing to the Powerade Tigers (103-111) last week.

“Rain or Shine is coming off an emotional high after their win, so we expect them to start well,” Alaska coach Tim Cone said. “They have a much better balanced lineup this year and more pieces to fit around Norwood and Mercado. It will be a challenge to limit them defensively.”

Talk ’N Text also won its first two games, beating B-Meg (87-76) and San Miguel Beer (97-83).

Against newcomer Meralco, TNT will face a team that has two of its former franchise players in bigman Asi Taulava and Mark Cardona.

The 6-foot-9 Taulava played for the franchise for nearly 10 seasons before he was dealt to Coca-Cola (now Powerade) in 2007, while the 6-foot-2 Cardona donned the Talk ’N Text uniform since 2005 before he was shipped in the off-season to the Bolts.

Talk ’N Text mentor Chot Reyes expects the Bolts to play solid defensively, the trademark of Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

“We’re anticipating a defensive struggle,” Reyes said.

“Meralco will try to keep the score low and use their height advantage over us so we need to be patient and not get frustrated,” he added.

The Bolts won their PBA debut with a 73-72 win over Barangay Ginebra on Mark Cardona’s game-winner, but their bid to make it two-in-a-row was foiled when Barako Bull shocked them, 68-74, last Sunday.

Gregorio said they have to forget about the painful loss and focus against the highly-talented TNT, which despite the absence of Ranidel de Ocampo (foot injury), has remained dangerous.

Former MVP Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, Ryan Reyes, Jason Castro and Jared Dillinger are expected to lead the team anew.

“We are moving forward after losing to Barako,” Gregorio said. “It is important for us to address our weaknesses in order to compete against the superpowers in the league. Talk ’N Text is playing well, they are in sync with their offensive rhythm.”

Games Friday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
5 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Alaska
7:30 p.m. — Meralco vs Talk ’N Text

Game Saturday (Naga City)
5 p.m. — B-Meg vs Air21

Source: Snowbadua.com

Mighty Mouse Alapag sizzles as TNT spills SMB

What was expected to be an explosive match-up with San Miguel Beer turned out to be a breeze for Talk `N Text.

Jimmy Alapag waxed hot in a big third-quarter run, which the Tropang Texters used as a cushion to pull away for good against the Beermen in a 97-83 win in Sunday's main game of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome.

Alapag drained 18 of his game-high 27 points from the rainbow territory as he presided over the Tropang Texters’ offensive onslaught from which the Beermen never recovered.

Their second straight win in as many games gave the Tropang Texters the early solo lead in the season-opening meet.

“I just wanted to come out tonight and help the team after letting them down the last time against Derby Ace," said the pint-sized guard who was held to just three points in Talk `N Text’s 87-76 demolition of the Llamados last week.

Alapag, who tumbled hard on the floor following a tough, solid pick provided by San Miguel big man Dorian Pena, went 6-of-10 from the three-point range as he towed the Tropang Texters to a commanding 68-52 lead late in the third period, sending their supporters led by team owner Manny V. Pangilinan into a frenzy.

“It was a physical game. There was a lot of bumping and shoving out there," said Alapag about the incident with Pena.

Harvey Carey came through with a double-double for Talk `N Text with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Kelly Williams and Jared Dillinger added 16 and 12 each, including the game’s highlight-reel play that saw Dillinger throw a lob pass for a perfect two-handed slam by the high-flying Williams.

"We were able to capitalize against San Miguel, which was coming off just a day of rest and plunging back to action Sunday. We were hoping to catch them on a day that they might not be able to play well," said Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes.

Jay Washington led San Miguel’s losing cause with 27 points, including four three-pointers in the second half. He also had 10 rebounds and five blocks against his former team.

With Washington hitting nine points from beyond the arc, the Beermen managed to trim the gap to within 76-70 early in the payoff period.

But Williams hit a free throw and Alapag and Dillinger drained back-to-back three-pointers to push back Talk `N Text’s lead to 85-70 midway in the quarter.

Hontiveros had 13 and Danny Seigle 10 for San Miguel, which evened its card to 1-1. - RCJ, KY, GMANews.TV

Barako Bull squeaks past Meralco Bolts, 74-68

The Barako Bull Energy Boosters eked out a 74-68 win over the Meralco Bolts in today’s first game of the 2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Barako Bull’s Reed Juntilla made a key jumper and then made four consecutive free throws to break a 68-all tie in the last two minutes of the game.

Gabby Espinas was assessed a flagrant two foul in the last 11.5 seconds of the game when he got entangled with Energy Booster rookie Hans Thiele.

He was eventually thrown out and faces an automatic one-game suspension.

The Energy Boosters were led by Sunday Salvacion who made 21 points on 5 of 6 shooting from the 3-point area to lead the way for Barako Bull.

Salvacion was later on adjudged the best player of the game.

The win also ended the Bull’s 13-game losing streak at the Cuneta Astrodome dating back to 2008.

The scores:

Barako Bull 74 - Salvacion 21, Wainwright 13, Juntilla 11, Isip 10, Thiele 8, Dimaunahan 4, Hubalde 3, Andaya 2, Misolas 2, Alonzo 0, Duncil 0, Cruz 0, Yee 0.

Meralco 68 - Cardona 19, Belga 13, Espinas 11, Taulava 9, Ross 6, Aquino 4, Weinstein 2, Escobal 2, Omolon 2, Aljamal 0, Daa 0.

Quarterscores: 18-18, 28-37, 53-59, 74-68

- mb.com

Beermen, Texters clash for early Philippine Cup lead

Watching how San Miguel demolished Air21 Friday night in the PBA Fiesta Cup, Talk 'N Text coach Chot Reyes made one clear conclusion.

"It will take a team’s best to have a chance of beating them," he said.

And that's exactly what the Tropang Texters need to do when they take on the Beermen in Sunday’s explosive main game at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

Indeed, San Miguel played like a well-oiled machine in its debut in the season-opening meet, routing the rookie-laden Air21 Express, 100-86, behind Dondon Hontiveros’ hot shooting hand.

Hontiveros finished with a game-high 24 points in 7-of-12 shooting from the floor.

The Fiesta Cup runner-up may just be warming up, as interim coach Gee Abanilla said he expects the team to get even better as the All-Filipino tournament goes on.

"I think the team is in good shape," said Abanilla, who is temporarily calling the shots for the Beermen until head coach Ato Agustin is through with his work as mentor of the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA.

"We focused on strength and conditioning during the off-season. We are a work in progress. I really believe we can still improve."

The Tropang Texters were just as good when they opened the season with an 87-76 demolition of defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace.

Five players scored in double figures for Talk 'N Text, led by Jared Dillinger’s 18 and Ryan Reyes’ 12 points with 10 rebounds.

Rookie franchise Meralco, meanwhile, seeks to follow up on its opening-day win over Barangay Ginebra when it takes on Barako Bull in the 4 p.m. curtain raiser.

The Bolts stunned the Kings in the lone opening day game last week, 75-74, with MacMac Cardona’s basket in the final 32 seconds.

In contrast, the Boosters are coming off an 88-64 defeat against the Alaska Aces in a game where they were in control for most of the first half.

Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio, however, said one win does not make a tournament.

"We may have won against Ginebra in our opening game, but it does not make us an overnight heavyweight in the power ranking," Gregorio said. “As long as our defense holds up, we have a chance to keep the score close and win it in the end." – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV

Peñalosa vows to make RP proud in final bout

Given a second chance to fight in Zamboanga City, former two-time world division champion Gerry Peñalosa promised not to let Zamboangeños and the entire country down when he faces Thailand's Yodsaenkeng Kietmangmee on Sunday.

Both Peñalosa and Kietmangmee cleared the 118-lb weight limit during Saturday’s weigh-in at the Grand Astoria Hotel.

The10-round non-title bout, which also features Michael Fareñas and Jimrex Jaca against separate Korean opponents in the undercard, will be held at the Zamboanga City Coliseum in Zamboanga City.

Fareñas faces Jung-Hoon Kim while Jaca battles Jong-Yoon Choi in the two other 10-round non-title matches of the “Golpe Golpe na Zamboanga: The Last Hurrah" fight event.

Five years ago, Peñalosa (54-8-2 with 36 knockouts) was scheduled to fight in Zamboanga City, but the match was cancelled following a bombing incident.

Now, Peñalosa hopes to end his colorful 21-year boxing career on a high note, and he is dedicating the fight to former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight contender Z "The Dream" Gorres, whose boxing career ended with a brain injury following his 10-round unanimous decision victory against Colombian Luis Melendez last year.

Peñalosa said part of his prize money will be given to Gorres to help the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental bantamweight champion with his medical expenses.

While Kietmangmee (12-2-0 with 8 KOs) appeared in great shape during the weigh -in, Peñalosa looked weak and dehydrated as he stepped on the weighing scale.

Peñalosa, however, assured his family and Filipino fans that he’ll give his best in his farewell fight. – Jon Perez, GMANews.TV

Gin Kings defeatedTigers in Batangas

Barangay Ginebra leaned on a 7-0 wind-up to turn back Powerade, 82-75, at the Batangas Coliseum in Batangas City on Saturday to enter the win column of the PBA Philippine Cup .

Ronald Tubid, Eric Menk and Rudy Hatfield led the Kings’ offensive onslaught in the final four minutes of the nip-and-tuck affair – the first out-of-town game to be played in the league’s 36th season.

Gary David tied the contest for the last time at 75-75 with 3:37 left, before the Kings tamed the Tigers for good.

Menk triggered the closing run with two free throws, and capped it with a split with 24 seconds left for the final score.

Willie Miller finished with 15 points and Yancy De Ocampo had 10 for the Kings, who bounced back after a 73-72 loss to rookie franchise Meralco Bolts in last week’s season-opening game.

Ginebra now holds a 1-1 card to tie the Tigers, a 111-103 winner over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their first outing.

Also scoring 10 points each were Hatfield and Tubid. With 2:08 to play, they combined on a crucial fastbreak play initiated by Hatfield with a steal off Chico Lanete, and Tubid completing the drive to the basket for a 79-75 Ginebra lead

David had another sterling performance for Powerade with 27 points, 11 of them coming in a scorching third-quarter run as the Tigers outscored the Kings, 25-12.

That scoring blitz put Powerade within two, 62-60, with a full quarter to go, after it had trailed by as many as 15 at the half (50-35).

Mark Macapagal was the only other Powerade player to finish in double figures with 13 markers. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV

Scores:
Ginebra 82 – Miller 15, De Ocampo 11, Tubid 10, Hatfield 10, Menk 9, Wilson 8, Helterbrand 8, Caguioa 5, Cortez 3, Intal 2, Villanueva 1, Cruz 0, Aquino 0, Mamaril 0.

Powerade 75 – David 27, Macapagal 13, Anthony 6, Espino 6, Laure 5, Ritualo 5, Jai Reyes 5, R. Reyes 2, Calimag 2, Lanete 2, Antonio 2, Gonzales 0, Mendoza 0, Rizada 0.

Quarter scores: 22-14; 50-35; 62-60; 82-75.

Beermen cruise past Al-Hussaini-led Express

San Miguel's veteran line-up proved no match against Air21's rookie-laden roster.

With Dondon Hontiveros and Arwind Santos combining for 43 points, the Beermen cruised past Rabeh Al-Hussaini and the Express, 100-86, for a rousing debut in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Hontiveros exploded for 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor, while Santos added 19 in a fiery display of firepower for a San Miguel team that dominated the game from start to finish.

"We just used our experience against them,"said Hontiveros, 32.

"Alam namin may mga rookie players sila, so we just took advantage of our strength against them which is experience."

Al-Hussaini, the former RP-Smart Gilas team member selected No. 2 overall in the Rookie Draft, accounted for 16 points in his debut game in Asia's first ever play-for-pay league, but not good enough to give Air21 the win.

Fellow rookie Rey Guevarra, the third overall pick behind Al-Hussaini, finished with only a point, while the top rookie pick, Nonoy Baclao, didn't play as he showed up in street clothes after hyper-extending his knee in a tune-up game against Alaska

But interim coach Gee Abanilla – temporarily taking the place of head mentor Ato Agustin – believes the Express will only become better as the All-Filipino tournament progresses.

"Medyo gumanda ang line-up nila ngayon, tapos hindi pa nakalaro si (Noy) Baclao,"noted Abanilla, once the main assistant of Air21 coach Yeng Guiao while the two were still with Red Bull.

"Marami silang pahihirapan. Luckily, nakalaban naming sila ngayon pa lang."

Wesley Gonzales took the cudgels for Air21 offensively, topscoring for 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field.

Jay Washington had 14 points for San Miguel, which led by as many as 19 points several times, the last at 100-81 in the final minute of the blowout game.

"We are in good shape right now, because during the off-season, we focused on our strength and conditioning," said Abanilla.

"We were quick and stronger than last year. We defended well, though unfortunately, we couldn't make our free throws." - JVP, GMANews.TV

Scores:

San Miguel 100 - Hontiveros 24, Santos 19, Washington 14, Cabagnot 9, Seigle 8, Yeo 6, Pennisi 8, Ildefonso 4, Pena 4, Miranda 2, Racela 2, Artadi 1, Tugade 1.

Air 21 86 - Gonzales 19, Al-Hussaini 16, arboleda 13, Quinahan 10, Matias 6, Sharma 6, Rodriguez 5, Najorda 4, Urbiztondo 3, Arellano 3, Buenafe 1, Guevarra 1

Quarter scores: 22-18, 49-42, 65-56, 100-86.

Slow-starting Aces Defeated the Energy Boosters, 88-64

The Aces didn't show their championship poise for close to two quarters, making Barako Bull appeared to be the better team against an them in their initial outing in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Aces outscored the Boosters, 13-2, in the final three minutes of the second period, highlighted by L.A. Tenorio’s booming three-pointer three seconds before halftime that put Alaska in front for good, 35-34.

Two more quarters after, the reigning Fiesta Cup champions had the game safely wrapped up, 88-64, for a share of the early lead with three other teams in the season-opening conference .

That first half, I hope we don’t ever see that again for the rest of the conference," said coach Tim Cone.

"It was a little frustrating in the beginning. I think we missed our first eight shots and shot no more than 20 percent. We kind of expected it, a bad start, but not that bad," he added.

They went on a big 16-2 tear in the third period to finally take control and notch their first win in the team’s bid for a second straight championship.

Joe DeVance, wearing an Afro hairstyle, led Alaska with 24 points and had 12 rebounds, Tenorio added 18, while Sonny Thoss and Cyrus Baguio had 11 each.

New acquisition Sunday Salvacion fired 22 points to pace Barako Bull. Mark Isip came through with 14 markers, including 12 in the first half, while rookie Hans Thiele had 12.

The Aces were trailing by as many as 12, 15-27, and were still behind by a  single point, 22-23, when their shots finally began to fall.

Reynel Hugnatan, Mike Burtscher and Topex Robinson failed to play their game for the Aces, while rookie Elmer Espiritu played his first game as a pro with a slight cut just above his lip after being whacked by Isip during a rebound play. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV

Scores:

Alaska- De Vance 24, Tenorio 18, Thos 11, Baguio 11, Custodio 9, Dela Cruz 8, Sotto 6, Eman 1, Espiritu 0, Borboran 0.

Barako 64- Salvacion 22, Isip 14, Thiele 12, Wainwright 5, Juntilla 4, Alonzo 2, Andaya 2, Hubalde 2, Cruz 1, Duncil 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarter scores: 14-18, 35-34, 64-50, 88-64.

Stags win, forge finals vs Lions

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian made its way back to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball finals by beating Jose Rizal University (JRU), 61-52, in the stepladder semifinal series at The Arena in San Juan City on Friday.

The Golden Stags leaned on Pamboy Raymundo’s steady scoring in the fourth quarter which saw the Heavy Bomber’s offense crumble in the face of San Sebastian’s stonewall defense.

Defending champion San Sebastian’s semifinal victory forges a finals rematch against league leader San Beda Red Lions, who enjoy a thrice-to-beat advantage in the championship round.

After trailing the defending champions for three quarters, the Heavy Bombers finally tied the Stags, 46-all, midway the fourth frame.

However, JRU was beset by foul troubles and were already in the penalty by the middle of the final quarter. It was at this junction when Raymundo sparked a searing 9-1 run against the Bombers.

The Bombers tried to snatch the Stags’ scoring momentum when Alex Almario scored a steal and ran for a fast break. However, MVP derby leader Calvin Abueva swatted Almario's attempt with 1.52 minutes remaining.

Eric Gathalian iced the game at the free throw line to peg the final scores at 61-52.

The Bombers sparked a 9-2 run on Almario’s triple and John Lopez’s undergoal stab to get ahead of the Stags in the early part of the first quarter.

JRU, however, was beset by early foul trouble, and San Sebastian took advantage of this as Ian Sangalang and Jonathan Semira pushed the Stags ahead by the end of the first frame, 14-12.

Anthony del Rio’s triple opened San Sebastian’s scoring spree in the second quarter. Then Abueva teamed up with Sangalang to make it 19-16 for the Stags.

Cameroonian Joe Etame and Dave Matute helped keep JRU afloat in the second frame. Matute’s triple late in that quarter brought the Bombers within 8 points, 28-20, at the end of the first half.

After a 2-3 exchange between JRU and San Sebastian, Ronald Pascual connected with a three-pointer to make it a 10-point game for the Stags, 33-23.

Matute retaliated with a triple of his own but Abueva and Almario scored back-to-back baskets to keep San Sebastian ahead, 36-30.

JRU refused to back down as JR Bulangis’ drive to the basket and Marvin Hayes’ 3-point play cut San Sebastian’s lead to just 3 points, 38-35.

Abueva’s free throw shot on Bulangis’ foul settled the third quarter scores for the Stags, 39-35.

Scores:

San Sebastian 61 -Raymundo 14, Sangalang 13, Abueva 10, Pascual 8, Semira 7, del Rio 5, Gatchalian 4, Bulawan 0, Najorda 0.

JRU 52 -Hayes 10, Matute 9, Almario 8, Etame 8, Lopez J. 6, Njei 5, Bulangis 4, Montemayor 2, Badua 0, Apinan 0, Kabigting 0.

Quarterscores:;14-12, 28-20, 39-35, 61-52.
-ABSCBNNEWS.COM

Talk 'N Text Spoiled Gallent's Debut Game Defeated B-meg, 87-76

It was a slow start for the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, but surprisingly,  they ended the game with a big bang, defeating the injury-riddled defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace, 87-76, in Wednesday night’s main game of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters were trailing by 10, 15-5 early in the opening half of the first period, but Jared Dillinger’s second-quarter heroics paved thier way to take control of the highly-physical ballgame.

The Tropang Texters were up 44-36 at the half with Dillinger scoring 12 of his team-high 18 points.

“We kind of started slow. But we settled down beginning the second quarter and took control of the game," said Dillinger.

Harvey Carey added 17 points and 17 rebounds for Talk 'N Text, which also got 13 from Jayson Castro, 12 from Ryan Reyes and 11 from Larry Fonacier.

Fonacier’s five-point cluster, which he highlighted with a booming trey, put the Tropang Texters safely in front, 80-66, with 5:44 to go.

Jonas Villanueva was the lone bright spot for the Llamados during that stretch, accounting for nine of his game-high 20 markers. Reigning two-time MVP James Yap, still recovering from an operation, contributed 13 points and hit three straight three-pointers during one stretch in the third period, just before a heated rebound battle between his teammate Rico Maierhofer and Ali Peek happened that resulted in a technical foul called on the stocky big man of the Tropang Texters. - RCJ, GMANews.TV

Scores:

Talk N' Text 87 - Dillinger 18, Carey 17, Castro 13, Reyes 12, Fonacier 11, Aban 6, Peek 4, Williams 3, Alapag 3.

B-Meg Derby Ace 76 - Villanueva 20, Simon 18, Yap J. 13, Salvador 9, Maierhofer 6, Yap R. 4, Allado 4, Canaleta 2, Timberlake 0.

Quarter scores:

 17-23, 44-36, 70-59, 87-76

Tigers Devour Elasto Painters, 111-103

Starting their campaign without Asi Taulava, Powerade (formerly Coca-Cola) shifted to a sleek running game on its way to a 111-103 victory over Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

The Tigers did a lot of running and gunning on Wednesday night, burying the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters behind an avalanche of points in a 111-103 win at the Araneta Coliseum.

Gary David fired a game-high 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field, while Mark Macapagal added 19 for a Powerade team that also had three other players finishing in double figures.

The Tigers are now tied with rookie franchise Meralco Bolts and the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters for the early lead in the All-Filipino conference.

Although Powerade committed 33 turnovers, the team made up for it by sinking 11 three-point shots and a high 51-percent shooting from the field.

“I was kind of worried that we committed so many turnovers," admitted coach Bo Perasol in his post-game interview. “But at the back of my mind, this is the kind of payoff, that every chance we have, we’re going to run."

“We're small this season, but we're quicker. And that’s the emphasis of coach Bo, to take advantage of our quickness," David added.

Larry Rodriguez scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in his first game for Elasto Painters, while another newcomer on the Elasto Painters’ roster, Doug Kramer, also had a career-best of 19 markers – 15 of them coming in the first half.

Already missing the services of starting center Jay-R Reyes, the matter was made even worse as leading scorer Sol Mercado was held to just three points in the first half when the Tigers built the lead and momentum they needed.

Mercado found a way to make his presence felt on offense in the second half, but his efforts proved too late in the day as the Tigers already had the game way under control.

The Tigers earlier also lost grip of a 13-point lead after the Elasto Painters cut the deficit to within 69-73 in the third period.

But William Antonio sank a triple, David added a basket, and the two added two points each after that as the Tigers pulled away anew, 82-71.

Rookie Sean Anthony accounted himself well for the Tigers, scoring six points, dishing four assists and grabbing 12 rebounds in his PBA debut. - RCJ, GMANews.TV

Scores:
Powerade 111 – David 25, Macapagal 19, Reyes 10, Lanete 10, Antonio 10, Ritualo 8, Espino 7, Anthony 6, Mendoza 6, Calimag 4, Gonzales 3, Laure 2, Reyes 1, Rizada 0.

Rain or Shine 103– Rodriguez 23, Kramer 19, Norwood 17, Mercado 14, Arana 10, Vanlandingham 6, Buguia 4, Jazul 3, Chan 3, Tang 2, Ferriols 2, Cruz 0, Ibanes 0.

Quarter scores:30-28, 60-53, 87-79, 111-103

PBA’s 36th Season Opening; Bolts escaped from Kings

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Asia’s oldest basketball league, tipped off last Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Ten teams paraded with their respective muses: Barangay Gnebra Kings with Anne Curtis, B-meg Derby Ace Llamados with Carla Abellana, Talk n Text Tropang Texters with Jennelyn Mercado, Air21 Express with Diana Meneses, Alaska Aces with Nancy Castiglione, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with Coleen Garcia, and the San Miguel Beermen with Isabel Daza, Sam Pinto and Georgina Wilson. Ms. Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano entertained the crowd with their own performances.

After the spectacular opening shows, the returning Meralco Bolts under the mentorship of former B-meg Derby Ace Llamados’ main tactician and three-time Coach of the Year awardee Coach Ryan Gregorio escaped from the hands of the crowd favourite Brgy. Ginebra Kings with former San Miguel Beermen’s head coach Siot Tanquincen joining his long-time partner sometimes competitor Jong Uichico in the bench.

Macmac Cardona proved he’s up to the task as the Bolts’ franchise player as he scored 12 points including the go-ahead basket in the Bolts’ 73-72 stunner over the Kings. He also grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists.

It was not for luck that Cardona hits the game-winner shot for he has to elude two Brgy. Ginebra Kings defenders in Eric Menk and Ronald Tubid before releasing a floater that hits the glass first before going to give the Bolts a one-point cushion with 32.4seconds left.

“Coach Ryan kept on egging me during the timeout to keep on shooting no matter what happens”, Cardona said as he recalled his mentor’s advice during a team huddle in the stretch.

Willie Miller missed an open jumper with 18 seconds left. Then, the Bolts throw away two big opportunities to win the game after failing to make four straight free-throws, 2 by Cardona with 14 seconds left and another 2 by Asi Taulava with 5 seconds to go. But the Kings failed to capitalize.

Nelbert Omolon scored a team-high 14 points and 14 rebounds in the Bolts’ first victory of the season.

Ronald Tubid and JC Intal both have 11 points in the Kings’ first loss in the season.
The Scores:

MERALCO 73- Omolon 14, Cardona 12, Escobal 7, Aljamal 7, Taulava 7, Weinstein 6, Espinas 6, Aquino 6, Ross 4, Belga4, Daa 0.

GINEBRA 72- Intal 11, Tubid 11, Miller 10, Caguioa 10, Hatfield 10, Cortez 8, Helterbrand 4, Mamaril 4, Menk 2, DeOcampo 2, Villanueva 0.

Quarterscores:
22-18, 35-34, 56-56, 73-72.
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Ateneo goes back to back to back

After an astounding performance in Game 1, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles rips the Far Eastern University Tamaraws 65-62 to achieve their third straight UAAP title.

While Coach Norman Black mapped out Ateneo's plays in the huddle, it was Ryan Buenafe who made most of the damages on court. Buenafe delivered the knockout punches in the payoff period as he hits a fade away jumper and drained a backbreaking trey against the defense of FEU's Bryan Cruz with 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

The Blue Eagles' championship experience and their tight defense against the Tamaraws' main players brought them to another title. Ateneo limits the season MVP RR Garcia to only 6 points, the Rookie of the Year Terrence Romeo to only 2 points and Aldrech Ramos with 9 points and only grabbed 3 rebounds, a member of the Mythical Team twice in a row.

The Tamaraws played the second half without their mentor Coach Glenn Capacio as the latter was advised by the doctor to go to the hospital due to high blood pressure. Many believed that if Coach Glenn was their on the sideline, a different outcome should have attained.

It was the seventh three-peat in UAAP history. Those who did it before the Eagles were UST (1947-149, 1951-53, and 1993-96), UE (1965-71), FEU (1979-81, and 2003-2005), and DLSU (1998-2001).

ATENEO(65) - Buenafe 23, Monfort 10, Salva 9, Long 7, Chua 7, Salamat 3, Golla 3, Escueta 2, Austria 1, Erram 0, Gonzaga 0, de Chavez 0.

FEU(62) - Cervantes 15, Sanga 13, Ramos 9, Cawaling 8, Noundou 6, Garcia 6, Romeo 2, Exciminiano 2, Bringas 1, Cruz 0, Guerrero 0. -