Beermen trounce Bulls, enter semis

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer made it safely to the semifinals with two weeks to go in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup double-round elimination phase.

The Beermen imposed their will on the Barako Bull Energy Boosters early and completed a 94-85 victory at the Cuneta Astrodome last night to formalize their entry into the Final Four.

Arwind Santos and Mike Cortez produced big numbers while Dondon Hontiveros delivered the crucial baskets at the stretch as the Beermen rolled past the Boosters and into the semis.

San Miguel, with a 13-3 win-loss card, is now assured of at least No. 2 spot even if it drops its last two games against Coca-Cola and Talk n Text.

SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen, however, stressed they intend to sustain their charge in preparation for the playoffs.


“We can’t be satisfied with the semis. That’s the first goal and now we have to look at a higher objective. We have to figure out how to stay sharp as I’m sure the wildcard and the quarters will drag on,” said Tanquingcen.

Santos, a strong contender for the Best Player of the Conference award, had another remarkable performance against the Boosters, churning out 29 points and 12 rebounds. In their first meeting, the 6-foot-4 former FEU sentinel exploded with a career-best 33 points.

Joseph Yeo put in a personal season-best 31 points while Kelly Williams had a double-double job with 17 rebounds and 15 points as Sta. Lucia Realty turned back Burger King, 83-79, to tighten up the race for the three outright semifinal berths.

Yeo poured in the bulk of his output in the second half as the Realtors outlasted the Whoppers in their gripping battle, tying the Purefoods Giants at fifth place on 9-6 records.

Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales had decent showings in their first game in a BK jersey but their efforts went to naught as the Whoppers reeled to an 11th loss in 16 games.

Cabagnot and Gonzales combined for 30 points in the game marred by the ejection by BK coach Yeng Guiao in the closing seconds on technical infractions.

“I’m not inspired to play in particular against Barako Bull. I just want to play well in each game in the hope of finally winning a PBA championship. I’m the only player on my team without a championship,” said Santos.

Cortez and Hontiveros also made an impact as the Beermen kept the Boosters in the cellar in handing them their 11th straight defeat.

With a 2-13 slate, Barako Bull is now a full game behind ninth placer Coca-Cola (3-12).

The Boosters’ last three games are against the Talk n Text Texters tomorrow, the SLR Realtors the following Sunday and the Coca-Cola Tigers on Jan. 20.

The Beermen came out smoking in their first game in over two weeks, erecting a 22-point spread right in the opening quarter.

The Boosters launched repeated comeback attempts but the Beermen hung tough with Hontiveros coming through with clutch baskets that thwarted the last of Barako’s uprisings.

Hontiveros, who finished with 10 points, nailed back-to-back jumpers, making it 93-83 with a minute left to play.

Ogie Menor, Jojo Duncil and Aris Dimaunahan struck for the Boosters as they pounced on crucial miscues by SMB to rally to within four, 41-45, towards the end of the first half.

The Beermen took the half at 47-41 before working on another searing assault to break the game open again at 63-46.

The scores: First Game

San Miguel 94 - Santos 29, Cortez 18, Washington 15, Hontiveros 10, Villanueva 7, Miranda 7, Custodio 4, Pena 3, Tugade 1, Eman 0, Racela 0, Pennisi 0.

Barako Bull 85 - Menor 16, Duncil 16, Dimaunahan 16, Crisano 11, Reyes 8, Aljamal 7, Hubalde 4, Belano 3, Alonzo 2, Najorda 2, Faundo 0, Lao 0.

Quarterscores: 32-10, 47-41, 74-62, 94-85

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Yeo leads Sta. Lucia past Burger King

One automatic semis slot has been taken away and another could be gone in the next few days. The battle for the next three positions, however, is only about to get tougher.

Sta. Lucia Realty made it two-zero in three days and tightened up the race for the three outright quarterfinals slots in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup after a gripping 83-79 win over Burger King at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday.

Kelly Williams grabbed the rebounds and Joseph Yeo put in the points as the Realtors overcame the fierce-fighting Whoppers, thus, catching up with the Purefoods Giants at fifth place on their identical 9-6 win-loss cards.

SLR and Purefoods are in strong contention for an outright quarters seat with Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text just a game ahead at 10-6.

Alaska Milk, with an 11-2 card, may clinch the second outright semis berth.

"We know we're still in the fight for the Top Five and we want to grab the opportunity. We'll be there fighting," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

Yeo put in a personal season-best 31 points while Williams had a double-double job with 17 rebounds and 15 points as the Realtors got a follow-up on their 95-91 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Wednesday.

Josh Urbiztondo and Gabby Espinas provided help as the Realtors survived a tough battle with ace guard Ryan Reyes sitting out the final half with a sore back.

Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales had decent showings in their first game in a BK jersey but their efforts went to naught as the Whoppers reeled to an 11th loss in 16 games.

Cabagnot made 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal while Gonzales added 13 points and six rebounds.

Yeo poured in the bulk of his output in the second half leading the Realtors to the crucial win in the game marred by the ejection of BK coach Yeng Guiao on technical fouls.

It was a tight game that saw neither team lead by more than six points.

The Realtors had fallen by five at 63-68 when Yeo returned to the floor and resumed his torrid shooting, pushing SLR back on top at 78-72.

Yeo went seven-of-seven from the stripe and 11-of-19 from the field in his second most productive game as a pro.

Williams was 1-of-10 from the lane but made up for it with his domination of the boards. (SB)

The scores:

Sta. Lucia 83 - Yeo 31, Williams 15, Urbiztondo 12, Espinas 7, Daa 6, Reyes 5, Aquino 3, Jaime 2, Pacana 2, Omolon 0, Misolas 0.

Burger King 79 - Cabagnot 17, Gonzales 13, Sharma 10, Buenafe 9, Yee R. 8, Williams 6, Matias 6, Yee M. 5, Quinahan 4, Aban 1, Belga 0.

Quarterscores: 16-20, 34-34, 61-56, 83-79

Source: Author Unknown  | PBA.ph

Beermen clinch 1st semis berth in Philippine Cup

San Miguel Beer lost no time in clinching the first outright semifinals berth in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup, whipping Barako Bull, 94-85, Friday night at the Astrodome.

Best Player of the Conference contender Arwind Santos had a double-double of 29 points and 12 rebounds in the Beermen’s 13th win in 16 games and a slot in the best-of-seven semifinals series.

Mike Cortez contributed 18 points and Jay Washington added 15 markers and nine rebounds as they helped the team gain a second straight outright semis berth after finishing no. 1 at the end of the Fiesta Cup eliminations last year.

This marks the fourth straight time that the Beermen have made it to the semis and the seventh time in the past eight conferences.

“It’s nice to be in the semis. But we cannot be satisfied with just being in the semis. We have to make sure that we stay sharp, and we still have to work on a lot of things if ever we want to reach our next goal, which is to get into the Finals," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

The Beermen have two games left before they wrap up their stint in the 18-game eliminations.

San Miguel won despite turning the ball over 26 times, a factor Barako Bull readily took advantage of as it nearly wiped out a 34-10 deficit early in the second period.

The Energy Boosters charged back and came to within 41-45.

They threatened once more to within 74-68 in the fourth quarter, but then again fizzled out as Cortez hit 11 points in a counter 13-6 run in shoving San Miguel to safer grounds, 87-74, with 6:03 left in the game.

The Boosters suffered their 11th straight defeat and now have a 2-13 (win-loss) record. They are expected to fight it out for the final berth in the wild card stage with Coca-Cola, which has a 3-12 slate.

Ogie Menor, Jojo Dundil and Aris Dimaunahan led Barako Bull in scoring with 16 apiece, while Rob Reyes had 13 rebounds and eight points.

The scores

San Miguel Beer (94) -- Santos 29, Cortez 18, Washington 15, Hontiveros 10, Villanueva 7, Miranda 7, Custodio 4, Pena 3, Tugade 1, Eman 0, Racela 0, Pennisi 0.

Barako Bull (85) -- Menor 16, Duncil 16, Dimaunahan 16, Crisano 11, Reyes 8, Aljamal 7, Hubalde 4, Belano 3, Alonzo 2, Najorda 2, Faundo 0, Lao 0.

Quarterscores: 32-10, 47-41, 74-62, 94-85.

Source: Author Unknown  | gmanews.tv

PBA Past Decade’s Best

The PBA in the decade of the 2000’s continued to make its mark in the memory of the basketball fan. While there will be lasting images of what our favorite game and moments of that decade were, here are my top performers of the first decade of the 21st century:

FRANCHISE OF THE DECADE: Most of the championships of San Miguel occurred in the early part of the decade picking up three crowns during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. The Beermen toasted to a total of five championships this past decade. But while San Miguel’s five championship trophies during the decade were just one more than that of Barangay Ginebra, the 12 total trophies they racked up in the decade separated them from the rest of the franchises. The 12 trophies comprised five titles, four second places and three third place finishes. That’s four more trophies compared to the next franchise.

COACH OF THE DECADE: Jong Uichico racked up six championships in the decade turning the trick with two different teams. What’s interesting, in the success of the Ron Jacobs protégé, is his continued ability to adjust to the many changes in the PBA. In the early part of the decade, he led the Beermen in slowing down the game and posting up his big men and in the process helping Danny Ildefonso gain two MVPs. When he joined Barangay Ginebra, he piloted the Kings to two championships turning his offense around and maximizing the potential of his guards.

MVP OF THE DECADE: Unlike the 90’s when Alvin Patrimonio chalked up four Most Valuable Player plums, the MVP of the decade was not so clear cut, with no one player showing the dominance of one of the greatest players of all time.

To be the MVP of the decade, a player must have at least won the MVP. Since 2000, there were a total of nine MVPs since we there was no MVP in 2004 when the PBA changed its schedule. The one-time MVPs were Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, James Yap, Kelly Williams and Jayjay Helterbrand. While the only players to accomplish the feat twice were Ildefonso and Willie Miller.

Of the nine, Miller had the most number of Mythical Selections with five followed by the four selections of Asi. Most impressive are the three selections of Williams, who has been in the Mythical Team each year he has been in the PBA. The Daniel Powters of the group are Menk and Yap who only got selected in the Mythical Team in their MVP years.

Looking at it in a different perspective, I listed the different positions the MVPs of this decade played when they won their awards:
PG – HELTERBRAND, MILLER
SG – YAP, MILLER
SF – WILLIAMS
PF – WILLIAMS, ILDEFONSO, MENK
C – TAULAVA, ILDEFONSO, MENK

What we can see is that the hands-down choice for small forward in the 2000s is Williams while all other positions is still up for debate.

I’ll then remove both Yap and Menk from the discussion because, aside from their lone MVP year, all their other years in the PBA have landed them outside the Mythical Team.

Helterbrand is next to be scratched, because although he has been dominant of late, he only cracked the top ten players of the league these last two campaigns in his 10-year career.
With that in mind the MVP-of-the-decade discussion will only boil down to Miller, Williams, Ildefonso and Taulava.

While Williams has been most impressive in the three years since he entered the league, I feel that that the MVP of the decade should at least have played half of the decade or at least have the most number of MVPs in the group.

That leaves Miller, Ildefonso and Taulava. While Miller and Ildefonso have the most number of MVPs, Taulava owns the highest scoring average during that span. Ildefonso also owns the most number of championships in the group but also has the distinction of missing the most time due to injury.

To answer who the best of the decade is to answer the question, “If you had a chance to draft one of these three players to build your team around, who would it be?”

My answer would thus be Taulava. Although Asi has failed in his potential to bag numerous championships, one cannot discount the fact that he has been the most dominant big man in that span. In the end, his total numbers in both scoring and rebounding dwarfs that of others in discussion.

Source: Author Unknown  | PBA.ph

Helterbrand raring to go, but Kings still wary

Jayjay Helterbrand may be all set to plunge into action, but Barangay Ginebra is not taking any chances.

Kings head coach Jong Uichico said the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) will most likely suit up in the team’s final elimination-round game in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

“Mahirap biglain ’yung injury ni Jayjay. Unlike kay Mark [Caguioa] na puwede ilaro for a few minutes, kailangan pa ring ipahinga ’yung injury [hamstring] ni Jayjay,” Uichico said minutes after beating Talk ’N Text, 105-82, on Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We might field him in the last game of the elimination. We just want to make sure that he’s 100-percent ready when he plays again,” Uichico added.

Caguioa, after missing Ginebra’s last 13 games due to tendonitis, scored eight points in nine minutes in his return to the Kings’ lineup.

The victory allowed Ginebra to catch up with the Tropang Texters in third spot with a 10-6 win-loss mark, boosting its chances for a top-five finish.

With two games left, the Kings actually have a mathematical chance to force a playoff for the No. 2 spot for the automatic semifinals slot but fate is not on their hands anymore.

“Getting into the quarterfinals was our original target, especially with the injuries we have at the start of the tournament,” said Uichico, whose wards play Alaska on Saturday in Batangas City and Burger King on January 17.

“I don’t know if we can still get an outright semis berth but we’ll be happy if we land in the quarterfinal round,” he added.

Helterbrand has not played in the last seven games of the team although there were times he was in uniform but was not fielded in by the coaching staff.

Caguioa gives Uichico a boost in offense, but the 2001 Rookie of the Year was still a step slower in his comeback game against the Tropang Texters, the reason he was used sparingly.

“If ever Mark will play again in our next game, ganoon lang ang minutes na puwedeng ibigay ko sa kanya dahil hindi pa namin siya puwede biglain,” said Uichico.

“We’ll see kung ano ang magiging reaction ng knees niya after this game. Hopefully, kung makapasok kami sa semis, makumpleto na kami,” he added.

Another key Ginebra player on the sideline is Junthy Valenzuela, who is yet to see action in the All-Filipino tournament. Valenzuela underwent knee surgery but has yet to take part in a full practice session with the team.

Source: Joel Orellana  | BusinessMirror.com.ph

San Miguel sets sights on outright semis slot

Up against the team occupying the bottom of the standings in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup, powerhouse San Miguel appears to be a cinch to clinch win no. 13 and the first outright semifinals berth when it plays lowly Barako Bull Friday at the Astrodome.

But coach Siot Tanquingcen would rather not take any chances.

“Like I always say, anybody is capable of beating anybody on any given night," said Tanquingcen. “We can’t take anything for granted. Nothing is given. The only thing we have control over is our effort."

The Beermen collide with the Energy Boosters in the first game of a doubleheader that also features Sta. Lucia going up against Burger King in the main match.

In as much as Tanquingcen wants to downplay the Beermen’s role as heavy favorites against the Energy Boosters in their 5 p.m. encounter, all factors definitely go up for San Miguel.

In their first round meeting, the Beermen practically blew the game over in the first quarter, outscoring the Energy Boosters, 31-14, en route to a 104-89 triumph.

At 12-3, San Miguel is just a game behind league-leader Alaska and had been on a three-week rest since a 91-86 win over sister-team Barangay Ginebra last Dec. 20.

A victory by San Miguel marks the fourth straight time the team makes it to the semifinals.

Playing its second game in three nights, Sta. Lucia Realty battles Burger King in the first game, eyeing its second win in a row and trying to hurdle another hump in its mission to sweep its remaining four games.

"Our goal is to sweep our remaining games," said SLR coach Boyet Fernandez after the Realtors’ 95-91 win over Rain or Shine Wednesday. “But we’ll take it one game at a time. We don’t want to be in the wild card (phase). As long as we don’t fall to seven losses, we have a chance at making the quarter-finals outright."

“It’s going to be tough playing against coach Yeng (Guiao)," said Fernandez of the Whoppers.

Sta. Lucia defeated Burger King in the first round, 101-93, after rookie Josh Urbiztondo torched the Whopper with 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting.

Burger King will go into the game sporting a new face of sort. It traded Gary David and Chico Lanete to Coca-Cola on Monday, and got guard Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales in return.

Games Friday (Astrodome)
5:00 p.m. — San Miguel vs Barako Bull
7:30 p.m. — Burger king vs Sta. Lucia

Source: Author Unknown  | gmanews.tv

Asian imports out due to sked, language barrier

MANILA, Philippines - The inability to communicate in English and conflict in schedules were the main reasons why the PBA rejected the proposal to use Asian imports for the Fiesta Conference starting on March 21 or 28.

The idea to hire Asian imports was reportedly broached to lure new fans from the large Chinese, Korean and Japanese communities in the country and to lessen the costs for PBA teams which spend a tidy sum in signing up American players through agents.

PBA special assistant to the commissioner and media bureau chief Willie Marcial said yesterday it was next to impossible to tap Asian imports because of commitments to play elsewhere.

“I spoke with (Talk ‘N’ Text) coach Chot (Reyes) and he told me he tried to check on the availability of six Asian players and not one of them could commit to playing in the PBA because of conflict in schedules,” said Marcial.

“The ABL (Asean Basketball League) found that out, too, which is why they’re using only Filipinos as Asian imports and they’re not even from the major leagues. On top of that, there is the language barrier. It will be difficult to communicate with players from China, Korea and Japan.”


The ABL has signed up a slew of Filipino imports, including Al Vergara of Singapore, Kiko Adriano, Leo Avenido and Don Camaso of Brunei, Rensy Bajar of Indonesia, Ricky Ricafuente, Glenn Bolocon and Axel Doruelo of Thailand and Roel Hugnatan, Rudy Lingganay and Toto Bandaying of Kuala Lumpur.

Marcial said hiring Asian imports might even be more expensive than bringing in Americans. “Coach Chot inquired about salaries when he asked around for possible Asian imports,” continued Marcial. “It turns out we’ll have to pay more for Asian players to get out of their long-term contracts and play in the PBA. In the end, it just didn’t make sense to pursue the proposal.”

Among the top Asian players who would’ve been the PBA’s chief targets were Iran’s 6-7 Mohammad Samad Nikkah of Sabah Mehr, Lebanon’s 6-6 Fadi El Khatib of Champville, Japan’s 6-9 twins Joji and Kosuke Takeuchi, China’s 6-10 Du Feng of Guandong and 6-8 Wang Lei of Bayi Fubang, Jordan’s 6-8 Zaid Abbas and 6-7 Osama Daghles, Korea’s 7-3 Ha Seung Jin of KCC Egis and Qatar’s 6-9 Yaseem Ismail Musa of Al Rayyan.

Smart-Gilas coach Rajko Toroman doubted if the Asian stars would agree to break out of their existing contracts for the chance to play in the PBA.

“They’re now playing in their respective leagues then the top players from Iran, China and Lebanon will start training for the World Championships,” said Toroman. “It’s not like they’re going to drop everything for the opportunity to play in the PBA. They’ve got many commitments, particularly with the national team. They have higher priorities.”

Marcial said the PBA found the proposal interesting because of the prospect of attracting new fans.

“I think it would’ve made an impact on the Chinese, Korean and Japanese communities,” said Marcial. “But realistically, I doubt if there are enough Asian players who can make a difference in our game like Americans.”

Marcial said the coming Fiesta Conference will bring back imports standing 6-6 max. It was the same limitation as last season where San Miguel Beer won the championship with Gabe Freeman.

Marcial said there will be no need to remeasure imports with existing PBA records since commissioner Sonny Barrios took over in August 2007.

“We had a good crop of 6-6 imports in the last conference and we hope the quality will even be better this year,” said Marcial. “One of our former imports, Jahmar Thorpe of Purefoods, was just offered a contract to play overseas and FIBA asked for our clearance to allow his transfer – which we gave.”

Some of the imports in the previous Fiesta Conference were Alaska’s Rosell Ellis, Barako Bull’s Jamaal Williams, Barangay Ginebra’s David Noel, Burger King’s Shawn Daniels, Coca-Cola’s J. J. Sullinger, Rain Or Shine’s Jai Lewis, Sta. Lucia Realty’s Anthony Johnson and Talk ‘N’ Text’s Rashad Bell.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Realtors, Kelly take luster off Painters

MANILA, Philippines - Kelly Williams hardly showed rustiness from a two-week holiday break, coming through with a huge double-double performance as Sta. Lucia Realty upended Rain or Shine, 95-91, at resumption of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Williams, the front-runner in the statistical point race, had another highly productive game with 25 points and 19 rebounds, leading the Realtors past the Elasto Painters in a scrambling finish for their eighth win against six losses.

Sta. Lucia thus repeated its 95-90, overtime victory over Rain or Shine last Oct. 21 with the Realtors handing the Elasto Painters their 11th loss against four wins.

“Kelly did a good job and he stepped up at crunch time. It just showed that he’s the leader of this team,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez of his main man.

Williams, the 2008 MVP awardee, did strike hardest in the most crucial stage of the contest, scoring 10 of Sta. Lucia’s final 14 points.

The 6-foot-4 Fil-Am forward scored back-to-back baskets to shatter the 89-all count and personally clinched their win with a crucial rebound after a missed shot by Gabe Norwood.

Joseph Yeo and Jason Misolas were two other SLR players who finished in double-figures while Ryan Reyes added eight points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals in a solid all-around performance.

“I also have to commend Ryan Reyes. He’s just returned from the US last Sunday. He made good his promise that he’ll stay in shape even on vacation in the US,” said Fernandez.

Like in their first meeting, the Elasto Painters put up a good fight, battling the Realtors to 11 deadlocks and 20 lead changes only to falter at the finish.

They held the lead for the last time at 89-87 on a three-pointer by Jeff Chan off two defenders before going scoreless for over two minutes in a sorry fold-up, enabling the Realtors to complete a sweep of their two elimination-round tiffs.

“It’s a crucial win as it kept us in strong contention for an outright quarterfinals slot. We have four remaining games and we have to win all those games if we want easy passage to the quarters. I do believe we have a good chance,” said Fernandez.

Sta. Lucia got off to a strong start but slowed down in the second period, trailing by four, 47-51, at halftime.

Gabe Norwood and Chan starred for the Elasto Painters as they made a big run in the second period, erasing a 20-28 deficit.

Norwood, Chan, Sol Mercado, Eddie Laure and Jervy Cruz all scored at least 10 points for Rain or Shine.

Laure finished with 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from the three-point area and 2-of-4 clip from the two-point zone. He was 0-of-4 from the three-point zone in the tourney prior to this game.

Earlier, Purefoods simply stamped its class on the Jamal Sampson-less Smart Gilas team, romping off with a lopsided 99-81 win.

The RP developmental pool, preparing for the Guangzhou Asian Games late this year, ended up with a 3-7 win-loss record in their guest stint in the all-Filipino tourney. The team’s victories came against San Miguel, Coca-Cola and Rain or Shine.

Sampson, Smart Gilas’ naturalization prospect, sat out the game due to a bum stomach.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Coca-Cola taps Compton as Bo’s assistant

Tagalog-speaking American Alex Compton will sit on the Coca-Cola bench as one of head coach Bo Perasol’s assistants.

Coke team manager JB Baylon and Perasol said Compton would work well as a “bridge” between the Filipino-Americans and locals on the team.

“His ability to talk to assistant coach Will Antonio and [rookie] Chris Ross in English would be of great value to the team,” Baylon told the BusinessMirror on Wednesday.

Perasol said the former Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) star would be of great help in explaining to the Filipino-Americans the Xs and Os of their system.

“Ang maganda kasi kay Alex, he speaks in English and Tagalog and with his ability, mas mapapadali ang communication sa team,” said Perasol.

The Tigers are running ninth overall with a 3-12 win-loss record, just half-a-game ahead of Barako Bull (2-12). The last-placed team after the double-round elimination in the Philippine Cup of the 35th Philippine Basketball Association season will be eliminated.

But more than Compton’s ability to communicate to all members of the team, Baylon said his basketball knowledge is another main reason management took him in.

Compton was given a two-year contract by Coke management. He was an assistant to Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia but decided to take a leave of absence to focus on the National Basketball Training Center of Eric Altamirano.

Perasol said Compton’s track record as a coach, player and person would give the team the extra mile.

“Alex is a teacher of the sport by heart, which I am also,” said Perasol, who is coaching the team on interim basis following the promotion of Kenneth Duremdes as alternate governor to the league board.

“He’s also a positive man in a sense that he likes to share his knowledge to other people and with Coke, we expect him to squeeze out the best from each of our players,” he added.

Compton will debut with the Tigers on January 13 when they collide with powerhouse San Miguel Beer.

Source: Joel Orellana  | BusinessMirror.com.ph

Williams carries Realtors to win over Rain or Shine

Kelly Williams carried the Sta. Lucia Realtors on his broad shoulders at crunch time, draining six of the team’s final eight points in a big 95-91 win over Rain or Shine Wednesday night at the resumption of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-6 Fil-Am showed the way for Sta. Lucia with 25 points, none of them more important than the pair of free throws and successive fade-away jumpers he made that clinched the Realtors’ ninth win in 15 games and a possible outright quarterfinals berth.

“It only says that he’s the leader of this team," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez of his prized player, the 2007 league Most Valuable Player (MVP).

“I give him the thumbs up. He really stepped up down the stretch. Those were really crucial shots."

Williams scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, went 9-for-19 from the field and 7-for-9 from the foul line while grabbing a career best-tying 19 rebounds.

He came through with his heroics the moment the Realtors found themselves trailing after Jeff Chan knocked in a shot-clock beating three-pointer that gave Rain or Shine the lead for the last time at 89-87.

Williams tied the count with two free throws, then connected on a looping fall-away with 1:21 left to give the Realtors the lead back at 91-89.

After Sol Mercado’s pass to Jay-R Reyes resulted in a turnover, Williams once more came through with a big basket, launching an attempt that looked short, only for the ball to bounce once as it hit the rim, then trickled in as the Realtors went up, 93-89, with 56 seconds to go.

Gabe Norwood then had a miss, and Ryan Reyes was deliberately fouled. Reyes hit both free throws, practically sealing the outcome with a 95-89 advantage, time down to 30.9 seconds.

Norwood paced the Elasto Painters with 18 points, but not enough to prevent the team from suffering its 11th defeat with only four wins to show, still in danger of missing the playoffs.

Sta. Lucia now has four games left before it concludes its 18-game elimination round campaign, needing, according to Fernandez, a sweep for a safe passage to the quarterfinals.

“Ang sabi ko sa mga bata we need to sweep our last five games including this one," said Fernandez. “So Rain or Shine is out of the way. But we’ll take it one game at a time. We don’t want to be relegated to the wild card, masyadong delikado."

The scores

Sta. Lucia Realty 95 – Williams 25, Yeo 12, Misolas 10, Urbiztondo 9, Omolon 9, Reyes 8, Aquino 8, Espinas 5, Mendoza 5, Pacana 4, Daa 0.

Rain or Shine 91 – Norwood 18, Chan 17, Mercado 14, Laure 13, Cruz 10, Tang 7, Arana 4, Reyes 3, Hrabak 3, Ibanes 2, Telan 0.

Quarterscores: 28-20; 47-51; 71-69; 95-91

Source: Author Unknown  | gmanews.tv

Purefoods Giants spoil Gilas’ farewell match

Smart Gilas wanted to end its campaign on a bright note, but Purefoods was a tough nut to crack.

The Philippine developmental pool dropped its final tune-up game in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, bowing to the Giants, 81-99, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Roger Yap led the Giants with 16 points, while James Yap added 14 for the Giants.

The young squad, coached by Serbian Rajko Toroman, ended its guest stint in the All-Filipino tournament with three wins and seven losses.

The three wins were scored at the expense of Coca-Cola (98-93), Rain or Shine (96-89) and San Miguel Beer (109-96).

“It was a good experience for the team and this will help us in the long run,” said Toroman, whose team departs on Thursday for a Middle East tour to be capped by its participation in the prestigious 21st Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament slated from January 14 to 23.

Toroman’s team will play the best clubs in the Gulf and will face its former player CJ Giles, who is in the lineup of a Lebanese commercial team. Giles was scrapped in the Smart Gilas roster because of attitude problem.

Before the Dubai joust, Smart Gilas will also play friendlies with the national teams of Qatar and Kuwait on January 8 and 12, respectively.

Nino Canaleta and Romel Adducul each had 11 markers for Purefoods, which took advantage of the absence of American reinforcement Jamal Sampson, who sat out the game because of a back injury.

Behind Kerby Raymundo’s six points in the first period, the Giants jumped the gun on the national team and took a 32-18 advantage after the first 12 minutes.

Adducul unloaded nine of his total output in the second canto, as Purefoods extended its advantage to 54-38.

Roger Yap then took charge in the third as he poured half of his output in that stage to erect a 74-57 cushion. The Giants never threatened since then.

Skipper Chris Tiu led Smart Gilas with 18 points, while Japeth Aguilar added 12. Mark Barroca chipped in 11 points, while Dylan Ababou and Mac Baracael each had 10 points for the national team.

Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
1st game — Purefoods def. Smart-Gilas, 99-81
2nd game — Sta. Lucia def. Rain or Shine, 95-91
3rd game — Ginebra def. Talk N' Text, 105-82

Source: Joel Orellana  | BusinessMirror.com.ph

Ginebra puts ‘Spark’ back in active duty

There will be a fearsome figure joining Barangay Ginebra Wednesday night—at least during the round robin.

Gunslinger Mark Caguioa has been reactivated by the Gin Kings in time for their crucial clash with Talk ‘N Text, but coach Jong Uichico said he does not see his superstar swingman actually playing even as the jockeying for outright spots in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup playoffs intensifies at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We would want to find opportunities for him to get some minutes,” Uichico told the Inquirer over the phone after the Kings informed league offices that it has placed Doug Kramer on the injured list to activate Caguioa.

“If those opportunities arise, then he will play,” Uichico added. “If they don’t, no problem.”

Caguioa’s mere presence, though, could fire up the Gin Kings and the Barangay Ginebral faithful.

The “Spark” saw action in the first two games of the Kings before hurting his left knee. He was out of commission for close to three months but started practicing before the holidays.

Ginebra is at 9-6 (win-loss) and trails the Texters by half a game for third spot. The Kings have three games left in their schedule and need to win at least two to assure themselves of advancing to the quarterfinals outright.

For the Texters, a win Wednesday night will enable them to keep their slim outright semifinal hopes alive as they trail second-running San Miguel by a full two games with also three assignments left in their schedule.

Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia starts its uphill climb to the quarterfinals when the Realtors battle Rain or Shine in the 5 p.m. contest.

The Realtors are at 7-6, and a sweep could even make them a contender for an automatic place in the Final Four if everything goes awry for the league-leading Alaska Aces and San Miguel.

Ronald Tubid will continue to be the focal point of the Ginebra offense as the team continues to await the full recovery of Caguioa and the return of reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela—two more Kings on the injured list.

Mac Cardona, the league’s leading scorer, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo will be the main men for the Texters.

Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra

Source: Musong R. Castillo  | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Hoping to avoid an early exit

At this stage in the tournament, the cutoff rules are simple—avoid the bottom of the ladder and avert elimination. And there are still four games left for coach Leo Isaac and Barako Bull to climb out of the hole.

The last-placed team after the elimination stage will be booted out while the sixth- to ninth-placers will figure in the knockout wild-card stage of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

“We still have four games left. The boys all know we still have a chance and they remain optimistic. It’s just a matter of how we can translate that attitude into our games,” said Isaac.

The Energy Boosters have a league-worst 2-12 win-loss mark with four games left on their schedule, one more than Coca-Cola, which is at ninth with a 3-12 card. Rain or Shine has a 4-10 record, while Burger King holds a 5-10 card.

However, the Energy Boosters have a tougher task ahead—they are scheduled to play three teams in the upper half of the standings.

They face San Miguel Beer (12-3) on Friday, the defending champion Talk ’N Text (10-5) on Sunday and Sta. Lucia Realty (7-6) on January 17. They end their elimination campaign against the Tigers on January 20.

“We just want to put all our struggles behind us and start strong this year,” said Isaac, whose team dropped its last 10 games in the tournament after starting the conference with a decent 2-2 slate.

“Ang team kasing ito, kumpara sa iba, hindi primera klase. Pero laban lang ng laban at walang pinipiling kalaban, kahit sino,” said Isaac, who last won against Rain or Shine, 89-81, last October 28.

“Iyun ang isa pang maganda, nasa kamay pa rin namin ang kapalaran namin. Kailangan talagang manalo ng ilan pang mga laro para makatabla man lang sa Coke. At ganun kami, laging positive. Malay natin, isang araw ngumiti ang tadhana,” he added.

Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra

Source: Joel Orellana  | BusinessMirror.com.ph

Four teams collide for crucial PBA wins

MANILA, Philippines - Action in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup resumes tonight at the Araneta Coliseum with four teams going all out for crucial wins and the needed momentum heading to the homestretch of the double-round elimination phase.

Sta. Lucia Realty battles Rain or Shine in the 5 p.m. opener while Talk n Text takes on crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra at 7:30 p.m. in matches tipped to go down-to-the-wire as they jockey for position for the playoffs.

Smart Gilas plays Purefoods Tender Juicy at 2:30 p.m., marking the RP developmental team’s farewell game in its guest stint in the all-Filipino tourney.

The Tropang Texters, the Kings and the Realtors shoot for victories to boost their respective drives for a spot in the Magic Five while the Elasto Painters try to enhance their bid for the wildcard phase.

Only 10 playdates and a total of 18 games are left in the preliminary phase which determines the two automatic semifinalists, three outright quarterfinals qualifiers and four teams which will slug it out in the wildcard round.


San Miguel Beer, with a 12-3 win-loss card, and Alaska Milk, at 11-2, have the inside track for the two outright semis seats.

Mathematically, Talk n Text, Ginebra, Purefoods and Sta. Lucia are still in the race on the premise they sweep their remaining games.

Bracing for the crucial matches, all teams worked hard in practice during the holidays and all are raring to plunge back into action.

“We just couldn’t afford to relax. There’s a job to be done,” said coach Boyet Fernandez who’s Sta. Lucia team is beaten by Talk n Text in their last game before Christmas last Dec. 23.

The Tropang Texters and the Kings are both determined to pick up where they left off last December.

The Texters won their last two games against the Purefoods Giants and the Realtors while the Kings topped the Coca-Cola Tigers, 106-97, in their last game.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said they have a job cut out for them against the Texters, who whipped them by 15 points in their previous encounter.

“They’re a scoring machine and we have to be able to match it,” said Uichico.

Focus will be on the Jimmy Alapag-Johnny Abarrientos matchup at the backcourt while Macmac Cardona and Ronald Tubid are expected to figure in a shootout in a duel of the leading contenders for the Best Player of the Conference award.

Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand have re-joined the Kings in practice but they remain doubtful starters. Caguioa has been reactivated in place of Doug Kramer.

Tubid has taken the cudgels for Ginebra in the absence of Caguioa, Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela. Also providing a big help are Cyrus Baguio and JC Intal.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Pros may beef up Smart Gilas for Asiad mission

Although it maintains a 15-player pool committed to play together in the lead-up to the Olympic-qualifying Fiba-Asia Championship in 2011, the RP Smart Gilas basketball team is open to accepting reinforcements, even from the pro ranks.

According to coach Rajko Toroman, if need be, the squad composed of collegiate and amateur stars will welcome players from the Philippine Basketball Association particularly for this year’s Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

“We’re open for the PBA. It’s not just my national team or the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) national team. It’s the national team of the Philippines," Toroman told GMANews.TV.

“Our doors are open for one or two PBA players who can fit in for the Asian Games," added Toroman, regarded as the man responsible for steering Iran to its first Asian crown in 2007 and a stint at the Beijing Olympics in 2008,

Asked to name the PBA players in his wish list of possible reinforcements, the Serbian mentor rattled off four former Powerade Pilipinas stalwarts in Gabe Norwood, Arwind Santos, Jared Dillinger and Kelly Williams.

The PBA used to have the responsibility of representing the country in Asian-level competitions such as the Asian Games and the Fiba-Asia tourney but the role has since gone to Smart Gilas, the pool tasked to bring the country back to the Olympics in 2012.

Led by team captain Chris Tiu, JV Casio, Andy Barroca, and UAAP MVPs Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Dylan Ababou, Smart Gilas is set to leave for the Middle East to play tune-ups in Doha and Kuwait and compete in a tough tournament in Dubai beginning this week as part of its buildup for the Asiad.

They will be reinforced by Jamal Sampson, nephew of former Houston Rockets superstar Ralph Sampson in the National Basketball Association, in the Middle East foray that Toroman described as a “challenge" for his young team.

By March, the Gilas squad will be joined in by Fil-Am Chris Lutz, a 6-4 shooting guard with US NCAA Division I school Marshall.

Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30PM — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5:00PM — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30PM — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra

Source: O. Leyba  | gmanews.tv

PBA teams hope long break is beneficial

Despite the long lay-off, PBA coaches are not worried of the so-called “holiday rust,” believing their boys can dish out their usual performances much more now that the Philippine Cup is now entering its crucial stage.

“I don’t think the break is going to have that much effect because we actually had practice until the 31st (of December). But of course, actual game and practices are different,” coach Siot Tanquincen of San Miguel Beer said Monday.

“Likewise, every team had this break so no team actually has an advantage over the other.” Tanquincen added.

Alaska leads the field with an 11-2 record, followed by San Miguel’s 12-3, defending champion Talk ’N Text’s 10-5, while Purefoods TJ Hotdogs and Barangay Ginebra share fourth to fifth places with similar 9-6 records.

Sta. Lucia Realty sports a 7-6 slate, followed by Burger King (5-10), Rain or Shine (4-10), Coca-Cola (3-12) and Barako Bull (2-12).

The top two teams after the classification phase will earn outright Final Four berths, while the third to fifth teams will advance to the quarterfinals automatically. The sixth to ninth teams will figure in a knockout wildcard round for the last quarterfinal slot.

The 10th and last finisher will be eliminated automatically from the playoffs.

The last time the league held games was on December 25 with Purefoods winning over Burger King (85-74) and Ginebra beating Coca-Cola (106-97).

“The players looked re-energized and rejuvenated. We needed the long break to rest the aching bodies and give time for the injured players to recuperate,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, adding that the players who benefited from the rest are injured stars James Yap (back), Kerby Raymundo (knee) and PJ Simon (MCL).

“I don’t think the long lay-off will be an issue since we all worked hard to remain sharp to maintain our goal of landing in the top four after the eliminations,” he added.

The Giants will resume play tomorrow when they face the Smart-Gilas national team in an exhibition game at 2:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Likewise, regular games will also return as Sta. Lucia meets Rain or Shine at 5 p.m., while TNT battles Ginebra at 7:30 p.m. in what should be an exciting match as both teams are still in the fight for the two outright seats in the semis.

“We only had a total of three days break after our 25th game. Of course there will always be that ‘kalawang’ as they say but hopefully we can get rid of it right away,” Ginebra’s Jong Uichico said.

“Break shouldn’t be an issue,” coach Chot Reyes of TNT said.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Burger King, Coke trade players

Four players will be suiting up for different teams in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup following a trade between Burger King and Coca-Cola Sunday night.

The BK Whoppers traded high-leaping Gary David and point-guard Chico Lanete for veteran playmaker Alex Cabagnot and wingman Wesley Gonzales.

The 6-2 David will be reunited with former Air21 mentor Bo Perasol who took over as Tigers coach last month.

“We need to make some changes to make us better,” said Perasol.

Aside from rejoining Perasol, David, 31, will return to the same PBA ball club that picked him 10th overall during the 2004 Rookie Draft.

After one season, the Tigers traded David to the Air21 Express in the middle of the 2005 season.

The 5-10 Lanete, on the other hand, will be playing for his third team after stints with Purefoods TJ Hotdogs and Barangay Ginebra.

Cabagnot’s entry will boost Burger King’s backcourt vacated by Wynne Arboleda who is serving a one-season suspension for mauling a fan last October.

The 5-11 Fil-American started his career with Sta. Lucia before being dealt to Coke for Joseph Yeo.

Gonzales will return to the franchise that took him No. 9 overall in 2004 Draft.

The Whoppers and the Tigers are fighting for playoff spots, with Burger King holding a 5-10 win-loss record and Coke carrying a three-win, 12-loss card, just a game ahead of Barako Bull (2-12) for the last spot in the wildcard.

BK’s Lito Alvarez, the current PBA board chairman, said that parting ways with David was a tough decision to make but having a veteran playmaker in Cabagnot and a role player like Gonzales will make their team better.

“Siyempre mabigat na decision ‘yun, matagal na naming player si Gary e,” Alvarez said.

It was the third trade that BK got involved since the off-season when it sent franchise player Arwind Santos to San Miguel Beer and then to end a dispute, dealt top draft pick Japeth Aguilar to Talk ’N Text.

The 6-foot-10 Aguilar is now with the Smart-Gilas national team.

David, a former Lyceum Pirate who won the PBA Sportsmanship, Defensive Player, Most Improved and named to the Mythical First Team in 2006-07, averages almost 15 points a game, while Cabagnot norms 13 points and six assists this conference.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

SMB, Alaska hug inside track

Such is the cutthroat nature of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup format that one can’t help wonder which of the ballclubs face the more merciful fate – the 10th team that gets eliminated at the end of the regular elimination round or the four that go through the gallows stage known as the wildcard phase.

Even as the future looks bright and rosy for two teams in the upper strata of the standings – San Miguel (12-3) and Alaska (11-2) – the rest of the field, from current third running Talk ‘N Text (10-5) to cellar-dwelling Barako Bull (2-12), are bracing for dark clouds and stormy weather, especially with the cool breeze of the holiday season about to blow over.

With at least three games left in the classification schedule, the Beermen and the Aces hug the inside track in the race for two outright Final Four berths, and barring any homestretch disaster, like losing all their remaining games, coaches Siot Tanquingcen and Tim Cone will be sitting pretty two weeks from now.

But if catastrophe does strike and the leaders falter, then the Tropang Texters, Purefoods Giants (9-6), and Ginebra Kings (9-6) will get one final shot at dislodging either San Miguel or Alaska and positioning themselves for an automatic semifinal slot.

As things stand, however, the Beermen and Aces are on the verge of claiming the Final Four incentives, with Talk ‘N Text, Purefoods and Ginebra probably settling for the outright quarterfinal berths.

It is beneath them that chaos reigns, with the Sta. Lucia Realtors at 7-6 still nursing strong chances of making it to the quarters without going through the draining wildcard wringer.

From there, trailing downward, the race reaches a deadly pace.

Burger King at 5-10, Rain or Shine at 4-10, Coca-Cola at 3-12, and Barako Bull are all jostling to stay alive even as the sickle of death swings perilously close to the downtrodden Energy Boosters.

After the top two teams clinch outright semifinal spots and the next three ballclubs earn passage to the quarterfinals, the last five teams duke it out to determine which one bows out of the running and which four stays in the wildcard carousel where No. 6 team plays No. 9 and No. 7 meets No. 8 in a knockout duel.

The winners then face off to determine the fourth and last quarterfinal entry.

Though life is fast ebbing from them, the Energy Boosters, if they can summon the courage and strength for one ultimate surge, could reel inthe Elasto Painters and the Tigers for a place in the wildcard, a fact not lost on Rain or Shine’s Caloy Garcia and Coke’s Bo Perasol.

Garcia and the Painters are up for a critical match with Boyet Fernandez and the Realtors on Jan. 6 when the conference resumes. Both teams need a victory and neither has the luxury of taking the other lightly.

Sta. Lucia’s bid for a quarterfinal berth could get shattered with a loss here, while Rain or Shine, glossy and sparkling after its double-digit win over Barako Bull before the Christmas break, could both lose its bright sheen and recharge the Energy Boosters’ flickering hopes if it falls.

Burger King has Sta. Lucia, Ginebra and Alaska for its final elimination assignments, while Rain or Shine has Sta. Lucia, Purefoods, Coca-Cola, and Alaska.

Coke has San Miguel, Rain or Shine and Barako Bull left, while the Boosters face must-win battles with San Miguel, Talk ‘N Text, Sta. Lucia, and Coca-Cola.

It’s going down the wire, from top to bottom, for all 10 teams as the classification round heats up within the next three weeks.

Two teams have both feet inside the quarterfinal door, three have one foot jammed in, and a sixth is furiously knocking.

Below them, fiercely clawing at each other, four other ballclubs all out of contention for quarterfinal seats are fighting to stay out of the execution chamber, putting everything on the line to prolong their agony for one more game under the more excruciating atmosphere of the knockout wildcard stage.

Source: Author Unknown  | Manila Bulletin

Duel at the top, bottom up in KFC RP Cup

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Association is starting the year with a bang as it showcases a triple-bill at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, pitting reigning all-Filipino champion Talk n Text versus Barangay Ginebra in the main setto.

Smart Gilas takes on Purefoods at 2:30 p.m. in its final game as a guest team in the KFC Philippine Cup then Sta. Lucia Realty clashes with Rain or Shine at 5 p.m.

The PBA resumes play in its 2009-2010 season with the Texters, the Kings, Realtors and Elasto Painters all determined to come out strong to give their respective bids the needed boost.

Talk n Text, Ginebra and Sta. Lucia are hot in the heels of San Miguel Beer and Alaska Milk in the fight for the two outright semifinal slots while Rain or Shine is locked in a separate fight with Burger King, Coca-Cola and Barako Bull for wildcard berths.

“It’s going to be a battle as soon as play resumes because all the teams are jockeying for positions nearing the homestretch of the double-round eliminations,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.


The fight in the lower half of the chart is as intense as the battle at the top since the last placer after the prelims is out of the playoff picture.

Going into the two-week holiday season break, the Energy Boosters occupy the cellar with a 2-12 record, although the Tigers are not far ahead at 3-12.

Over at the top, San Miguel and Alaska are fighting it out neck-to-neck for the No. 1 seed in the semifinals. The Beermen have dislodged the Aces at first place with their league-best 12-3 card, even as Alaska is a close second at 11-2.

Similarly attracting as much attention is the battle for survival between the Tigers and Energy Boosters.

Spicing up the competition is the fact that one of Barako Bull’s victories came at the expense of Coca-Cola, 81-73, last Oct. 18 in a game where big man Asi Taulava came down with a foot injury just eight minutes into the match.

The 6-foot-9 former league Most Valuable Player had to be sidelined for about two months following the injury that forced him to miss the Tigers’ next nine games.

But the Tigers pushed forward following Taulava’s return, winning two of their last three games, including a 105-92 rout of Alaska five days before Christmas.

“Right now our goal is very modest. And I guess the players realized it is very achievable,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol of the team’s target of making it to the wildcard stage.

“I kept emphasizing to the team that when we come to a game, it’s not to win but to battle. So, regardless whether we play Barako Bull or Alaska, we should play with the same determination.”

Of the two, Barako Bull appears to be facing an enormous task ahead.

Winless the last two months – their last victory came Oct. 28 against Rain or Shine, 89-81 – the Energy Boosters have four games remaining, two of them against the top three teams in the league in San Miguel (Jan. 8) and Talk n Text (Jan. 10).

After a week’s break, they resume their campaign on Jan. 17 against the Sta. Lucia Realtors before capping the conference with a grudge match versus Coca-Cola on the 20th at the Astrodome.

The Tigers for their part, won’t play their first game of 2010 until Jan. 13 opposite the Beermen, followed by their showdown with the Elasto Painters on the 15th, and finally against the Energy Drinkers five days later.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Tigers, Boosters fight for Philippine Cup survival

Coca-Cola and Barako Bull are having their own "Survivor Series", Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) style.

Going into the two-week holiday season break, the Tigers and Energy Boosters are fighting it out neck-to-neck for the final berth in the wildcard stage of the season-opening Philippine Cup.

Both the Tigers and Energy Boosters two bring out the rear of the standings in the All-Filipino tournament, with one team, unfortunately, expected to be booted out at the close of the two-round elimination phase and the other, getting to live for another day and advance into the playoffs.

At the moment, the Energy Boosters occupy the cellar with a 2-12 record, although the Tigers are not far ahead at 3-12.

Spicing up the competition between the two is the fact that one of Barako Bull’s victories came at the expense of Coca-Cola, 81-73, last October 18 in a game where big man Asi Taulava came down with a foot injury just eight minutes into the match.

The 6-foot-9 former league most valuable player (MVP) had to be sidelined for about two months following the injury, causing him to miss the Tigers’ next nine games.

But following Taulava’s return in the active roster, the Tigers had been making a late push entering the homestretch of the eliminations, winning two of their last three games, including a 105-92 rout of Alaska five days before Christmas.

"Right now our goal is very modest. And I guess, the players realized it is very achievable," said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol of the team’s target of making it to the wildcard stage.

"I kept emphasizing to the team that when we come to a game, it’s not to win but to battle. So, regardless whether we play Barako Bull or Alaska, we should play with the same determination."

Of the two, Barako Bull appears to be facing an enormous task ahead.

Winless the last two months – their last victory came on Oct. 28 against Rain or Shine, 89-81 – the Energy Boosters have four games remaining, two of them against the top three teams in the league in San Miguel (Jan. 8) and Talk `N Text (Jan. 10).

After a week’s break, they resume their campaign on Jan. 17 against the Sta. Lucia Realtors before capping the conference with a grudge match versus Coca-Cola on the 20th at the Astrodome.

The Tigers for their part, won’t play their first game of 2010 until Jan. 13 opposite the Beermen, followed by their showdown with the Elasto Painters on the 15th, and finally against the Energy Drinkers five days later.

Games January 6 (Araneta Coliseum)
3 p.m. — Smart-Gilas vs Purefoods
5 p.m. — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30 p.m. — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra

Source: Unknown Author  gmanews.tv