OFFICIAL PBA THREAD

KINGS HAVE 1 FOOT IN SEMIS
Salvacion scorches Realtors as Ginebra racks up 6th straight Ws, the Kings also ended the Realtors own bid for an automatic Final Four seat.

Only the top two teams after the eliminations will earn outright semifinal tickets, relegating the third to fifth placers to the quarterfinals. The sixth to ninth finishers will play in the wildcard, while the 10th team is shown the exit.

Were playing a tough team, and its good to get a win against a tough team, said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, who was brought to the Kings camp during the off-season after spending his first seven years as head coach with San Miguel.

Of course Im happy, its one of those games that we shot well from the beginning and it dictated the tempo. If a team shoots well and then sustains it, that team will be really hard to stop, added Uichico.

Ginebra jumped the gun on the Realtors as the former took a 10-0 lead, before finishing the quarter up by a commanding 35-9 bubble.

The Kings, who were led by Sunday Salvacions career-high 30 points, took a big 37-point lead at 94-57 after Mark Caguioa nailed a buzzer-beating triple to end the third quarter.

Ginebras six-game winning streak is the longest for the franchise in the last 10 years.

Caguioa contributed 17 points, while Rudy Hatfield finished with double-double at 10 points and 10 rebounds. Ronald Tubid and Rafi Reavis also chipped in 10 markers apiece.

The Scores:

Ginebra 109 Salvacion 30, Caguioa 17, Tubid 10, Reavis 10, Hatfield 10, Helterbrand 9, Mamaril 6, Menk 5, Macapagal 4, Holper 4, Seigle 2, Abarrientos 2.

Sta. Lucia 89 Espino 22, Omolon 17, Bughao 14, Williams 12, Cabagnot 6, Calimag 6, Mendoza 4, Catli 3, Isip 2, Duremdes 2, Aquino 1, Gonzales 0.

Quarterscores: 35-9; 59-32; 94-57; 109-89.
 
ALASKA ELIMINATES WELCOAT
Miller, dela Cruz spearhead Aces 7th win in 17 games
Wednesday, 20 December 2006


For the most part of the conference, Alaskas defense would often meltdown in the fourth quarter. But Wednesday night, to coach Tim Cones relief, the Aces made key stops down the stretch to subdue and eliminate the depleted but determined Welcoat Dragons, 96-90, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Trailing 83-84 with 3:15 remaining, the Aces avoided an embarrassing loss by outscoring the Dragons, 10-2, in the next 1:30 minutes to steal the win and improve to a 7-10 (win-loss) record.

We didnt play poorly and we didnt play well. We played just enough. But we made a couple of big stops and one big steal down the stretch and that made the difference for us, said Cone, seemingly happy with the way his troops finished the game.

In our past games we would play good defense for three quarters then play lousy defense in the fourth quarter. But tonight we defended well in the stretch.

The final score was heartbreaking for the Dragons who came into the game desperate for a win to keep whatever hopes they have of advancing to the wildcard phase.

Welcoats determination enabled it to keep pace with the experienced Aces early in the game but a couple of poor shots and bad passes in the closing minutes cost them a chance to win the erstwhile close game that featured 11 deadlocks and 15 lead changes.

And so the leagues expansion team ended their stint in the Talk N Text-PBA Philippine Cup with a nine-game losing streak and 3-15 record overall, the first team to be eliminated in the month of December since the league revised its calendar from October to July beginning in 2004-05.

Leo (Austria) did a good job coaching that team. In a short period of time Welcoat showed a lot of progress, Cone said.

Willie Miller scored 24 points, had five assists and two shotblocks to show the way for the Aces, who need to win their last game on Friday against the Purefoods Chunkee Giants to have a good chance of advancing to the quarters.

The sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth-ranked teams after the classification round will carryover their records to the wildcard phase. The top team after a single round-robin will play advance to the quarterfinals.

Tony dela Cruz scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double effort of the conference but it was his two steals down the stretch which hurt the Dragons the most.

Rookie Jay-R Reyes scored 26 points and had 18 rebounds both career-highs -- and Froilan Baguion also recorded a career-high 11 assists for Welcoat which continued to play without injured double-digit scorers Jojo Tangkay and Rob Wainwright, and Gilbert Lao.

Alaska 96 Miller 24, dela Cruz 20, Cariaso 16, Ferriols 8, Thoss 6, Laure 6, Juinio 6, Belasco 5, Singson 3, Bajar 2.

Welcoat 90 Reyes 26, Cabatu 19, Mente 11, Lopez 10, Sta. Maria 8, Sagad 5, Baguion 5, Feihl 4, Ibanes 2.

Quarterscores: 23-23, 47-45, 72-68, 96-90.
 
GINEBRA BEATS RED BULL, ADVANCES TO SEMIS OUTRIGHT
Hatfield-led win by Kings also tows SMB into semis with them 8)
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are left to dispute the two remaining outright seats in the quarterfinals with one team being relegated to the dangerous wildcard phase.

The Kings played with enormous energy and immense intensity, and outclassed the Barakos to nail a seventh straight win, the franchises longest in 15 years.

Rudy Hatfield showed grit and spunk of a determined warrior, coming away with a huge double-double game with 25 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Kings to the emphatic victory. It was Hatfields 11th double-double in the conference, most among all players.

We have accomplished only a little thing and we still have lot of things to do. We still have a long way to go, said Hatfield.

The Kings overwhelmed the Barakos with Eric Menk, Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Sunday Salvacion also logging big numbers for the team.

I have to give credit to the boys. They showed super energy and super intensity. They played the best they could, said Uichico.

Menk piled up 21 points and eight rebounds with Caguioa adding 19 points and eight rebounds, Helterband 11 points and six assists, and Salvacion 10 points and two rebounds.

Falling behind by as many as 20 points, the Barakos launched a comeback bid in the third period but could come no closer than eight.

Hatfield collected double-double numbers right in the first half and the Kings carried a 53-36 spread over into the final two quarters of play.

The Fil-Am forward had a fiery opening half, getting away with 12 points and 11 rebounds with Salvacion and Menk adding 10 points apiece.

The Barakos couldnt keep pace with Hatfield and company as they shot only 35.7 percent from the field and were beaten by the Kings practically on all fronts of the
game.

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 94 Hatfield 25, Menk 21, Caguioa 19, Helterbrand 11, Salvacion 10, Mamaril 4, Reavis 4, Tubid 0, Abarrientos 0.

Red Bull 84 Najorda 16, Pennisi 15, Sharma 10, Villanueva 8, Fonacier 7, Valenzuela 7, Baguio 6, Alvarez 5, Membrere 3, Bugia 3, Robinson 2, Cruz 2.

Quarterscores: 27-20, 53-36, 78-64, 94-84.
 
thanks for the upto date news.....MY FEARLESS PREDICTION.....GINEBRA CHAMPIONS...HATFIELD MVP...YAHOOOOO!
 
I don't like this PBA ruling that the 2 teams that get's into the semis outright berth will have a month of vacation? What about thieir momentum? Their game-play shape and conditioning? Having practice everyday in the gym in a month won't help. They need to play the intensity of the real game. Am I right?
 
i agree but it gives them a good amount of rest, from all the rigors of the season, also helps them heal from injuries if there are any, im sure they would schedule some full contact scrimmages between themselves or something to keep them in their groove, but like i said before...ginebra is takin the cake this year
 
TIGERS REALTORS SPOILERS
Coca-Cola win derails SLR outright entry to qfinals
Friday, 22 December 2006


The Coca-Cola Tigers simply wanted to enjoy playing as a team in their final game of the year.

Play as a team they did, and the Tigers got a bonus, closing their Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup classification-round stint on a winning note.

Coca-Cola came out with great resolve in a game it could afford to lose, foiling Sta. Lucia Realtys bid for outright entry into the quarterfinals with a 90-85 victory at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

"Though the game had no more bearing in our standing, we wanted to come out strong and enjoy playing together as a team," said Coca-Cola head coach Binky Favis.

"Somehow, were rewarded winning our last game in the year. Hopefully, this serves as a momentum as we plunge into the classification round in January," Favis added.

The Tigers face a tremendous task of having to win four straight games to make it to the quarterfinals. They first need to sweep three games in the wildcard phase to get a playoff crack.

"Its going to be tough for us to get into the quarters. But for as long as we have a game to play, well go out and play together as a team," said Favis.

They did against Sta. Lucia, dealing the Realtors a big blow in their bid for automatic entry into the quarters.

With the Realtors closing their classification-round stint with 10 wins against eight losses, the Talk N Text Phone Pals could pull even as they take on the Barangay Ginebra Kings on Christmas Day.

A playoff ensues in the event the Pals beat the Kings.

The Tigers checked a two-game slide and finished the prelims in ninth place with a 5-13 record. They got only their second win in their last 11 outings.

John Arigo went 12-of-12 from the foul line and finished with 23 points to lead the Tigers past the badly stunned Realtors.

The Fil-Am guard-forward made 10 points in a decisive 14-5 run the Tigers unleashed to surge ahead to stay at 85-80.

Rookie Kelly Williams had a huge double-double game with 26 points and 15 rebounds but committed crucial errors that hastened their defeat.

Sta. Lucia suffered a crucial blow early with Nelbert Omolon limping out of the court with a severe ankle sprain.

The scores:

Coca-Cola 90 Arigo 23, Peek 19, Miranda 17, Antonio 14, Caceres 9, Misolas 7, Gavino 1, Pacana 0, Yeo 0, Salangsang 0, Ferreria 0.

Sta. Lucia 85 Williams 26, Bughao 16, Mendoza 12, Espino 6, Gonzales 6, Duremdes 5, Isip 4, Aquino 4, Catli 3, Cabagnot 2, Calimag 1, Omolon 0.

Quarterscores: 19-15, 43-35, 58-57, 90-85.
 
ALASKA ALSO STALLS PUREFOODS ENTRY TO QF
Miller shines with near triple-doubleing in
January.

The Giants had more at stake in the game but the Aces just wont yield it to them, thus stalling Purerfoods quarterfinals aspirations.

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio and his boys, like the Sta. Lucia Realtors, will now be silently cheering for the Barangay Ginebra Kings as they take on the Talk N Text Phone Pals on Christmas Day also at the Big Dome.

The Giants and the Realtors salvage outright entry into the quarters should the Kings beat the Pals.

The Pals will force a three-way tie with the Giants and the Realtors at fourth to sixth places if they beat the Kings. In that case, the Pals having the superior
quotient gain the second quarters seat, leaving the Giants and the Realtors to dispute the last quarters slot in a playoff.

"They had more at stake in the game but the reality in the PBA is that all the teams have so much pride," said Alaska coach Tim Cone. "Teams just wont give anything and you really have to earn it. Thats what makes this league exciting."

Cone said they intend to kick their butts during the holidays to prepare themselves for the wildcard round.

"Basically, Alaska, Air21 and Coca-Cola all need to sweep the round to make it to the quarters. Well spend much time preparing to have a good shot at it. If we still get knocked out, then we have no regrets," said Cone.

The Aces put more chips on their deck as they worked hard to get back at the Giants.

Miller tallied 25 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in a near triple-double performance and Jeffrey Cariaso, Nic Belasco and John Ferriols provided solid backup jobs.

The Aces squandered a chance to win it in regulation but pulled it off just the same on a decisive run by Tony de la Cruz, Cariaso and Belasco in the extra period.

The game went into overtime as the Giants fumbled their last two possessions while Belasco and Miller missed two potential game-winning attempts for the Aces in the last 16 seconds of regulation.

An errant throw-in by Richard Yee gave the Aces one last crack at winning the game in regulation. However, Miller opted for a long jumper that missed the target in the dying seconds.

Miller, though, was responsible for tying the count at 82-all on an acrobatic shot off Kerby Raymundo and Richard Yee with 40.2 ticks to go.

Before that, the Giants surged ahead at 82-80 on a short stab by Marc Pingris, who still summoned enough strength for the game although having been just discharged from hospital confinement for amoebiasis.

The scores:

Alaska 96 Miller 25, Cariaso 15, Belasco 15, De la Cruz 14, Ferriols 11, Laure 8, Singson 5, Juinio 3, Aban 0, Thoss 0.

Purefoods 92 Yap J. 27, Raymundo 14, Yee 10, Castillo 10, Evangelista 9, Simon 8, Limpot 8, Pingris 6, Artadi 0, Yap R. 0.

Quarterscores: 20-24, 39-35, 55-57, 82-82 (reg.), 96-92 (OT)
 
Lull before storming Jan. 5. Air21, Alaska (8-10) and Coca-Cola (5-13) are assured of wildcard slots. The fourth ticket will go to either Talk N Text or Sta. Lucia Realty, whichever falls out of the quarterfinal race.

Despite its lowly record, Coca-Cola has an outside chance of surviving the wildcard series and barging into the quarters. Thats because of the incentive rule where a team that sweeps its wildcard assignments gains an automatic playoff for a quarters ticket assuming it doesnt wind up No. 1 in the elimination series.

As for San Miguel, coach Chot Reyes is looking to extend the Beermens win skein to seven in a row. Hell play it cool for sure because win or lose, San Miguel is safely in the semis. But Reyes is unforgiving when it comes to trying to nail a win, no matter whats at stake. Besides, theres the juicy possibility of San Miguel tying Ginebra at the top of the heap (if Ginebra loses to Talk N Text).

A bonus treat is watching Danny Seigle and Lordy Tugade engage slam dunk king Nio Canaleta, prized rookie Arwind Santos and versatile Ranidel de Ocampo in a shootout.

The second game features Ginebra San Miguel (13-4) against the Phone Pals (9- 8)
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. The Kings are the leagues No. 1 team with a semis berth in their pocket. Like San Miguel, Ginebra is out to stretch its winning streak to eight straight. No team relishes the thought of entering the semis on a losing note so expect San Miguel and Ginebra to go all out to treat their fans with a victory.

As for Talk N Text, a win will mean outright entry into the quarters and avoiding the danger of playing in the wildcard survivor series.

If the Phone Pals beat Ginebra, they finish the eliminations with a 10-8 record, tying Sta. Lucia and Purefoods. The possible three-way tie will be broken by a knockout game between the two lower-quotient teams. The team with the highest quotient gains safe passage to the quarterfinals by virtue of a bye.

In a three-way tie, Talk N Text will automatically enter the quarterfinals with a superior plus-4 quotient. Purefoods (plus-3) and Sta. Lucia (minus-7) will play for the third outright quarterfinals slot in a knockout game on Jan. 3, if necessary.

That means the Phone Pals reward for beating Ginebra tomorrow is an outright ticket to the quarters and the penalty for losing is dropping to the wildcard series. Obviously, Talk N Text will come out with guns blazing tomorrow.

To gift-wrap the holiday treat, the PBA is opening the upper box B and general admission sections free to the public. Fans wont even need to shell out P5 for a ticket theyll be allowed to enter the Big Dome at no charge with a proof of purchase of any product of the leagues 10 teams (bottle caps of Ginebra San Miguel, San Miguel Beer, Coca-Cola and Red Bull will be accepted).

Its fitting that the double-round eliminations will end with a bang tomorrow. Ginebra and San Miguel have qualified for the semifinals outright while Welcoat (3-15) will take a vacation to prepare for the next conference as the only team scratched out of contention. Red Bull (11-7) has locked up an automatic quarters slot and will be joined in the best-of-5 phase by three others, one of which will be the survivor of the wildcard series.

Both the finals and the semifinals will be best-of-7 affairs.

Theres no better way for the PBA to wish one and all a Merry Christmas than its big holiday doubleheader at the Big Dome tomorrow. Lets all enjoy the triple treat!
 
BOARD FINALLY OKAYS RESTRICTED TRADING LIST
Initially to cover 1 player per team, to increase to 2 in 2007-08
Saturday, 23 December 2006

One-sided trades, or those than seem hard to fathom, may now be a thing of the past in the PBA.


The PBA Board of Governors recently approved the passing of the Restricted Trading List or the so-called RTL in which teams can only trade their best players for each other.

Under the rule proposed by Commissioner Noli Eala, two marquee players from the 10 competing teams, based on their skills (statistical points), salaries, longevity (years of experience) and marketability, shall be listed under the RTL, which shall not include first-year players.

The RTL takes effect beginning January of 2007, but in the transition period that covers the remainder of the 2006-07 PBA Season, only one player per team will be named to the RTL. This will be increased to two per team when the Commissioners Office comes out with the list for the 2007-08 Season a week after the 2007 PBA Annual Awards.



Only the commissioner has the sole discretion to select and appoint the top two players from each team who will be covered by RTL.



Players included in the RTL can only be traded to each other or a combination of either a player or rights, provided there is always a player included in the RTL as part of the consideration.


Players listed in the RTL can also be traded for only the top two picks in the next three Rookie Drafts.



"After months of deliberation, the Board of Governors has agreed to pass the Commissioner's proposal to create a restricted trading list with the objective of ensuring fair and balanced trading among teams," Eala stressed.


The RTL has been recommended to the Board by the commissioner during the last annual PBA Board meeting in Macau but was only approved in the December 11 Board meeting.


Eala said he came up with the RTL since "it is very difficult to gauge the trade based merely on quality and quantity because each team has its own philosophy."


The proposal gained solid ground shortly after the controversial three-team, seven-player trade involving Ginebra, Air21 and Coca-Cola during the off-season. The deal saw the Kings landing marquee players Rafi Reavies, Billy Mamaril and the rights on Rudy Hatfield.


Although it was not a perfect trade, Eala emphasized it was legal.


The RTL also has its precedent, Eala noted, recalling how the league earlier restricted the trading of big men Ramon Fernandez, Abet Guidaben and Manny Victorino among the three of them to ensure competitive balance in the PBA.


Aside from eliminating the perception of imbalanced trades or outright cash buys-outs of players, the RTL also ensures that no team can load up on marquee
players while likewise guaranteeing the marketability of all ballclubs.


The RTL guidelines, however, also give teams some flexibility.



"A team may trade outside of the RTL only once per season but in the computation of the salary cap, the income of the higher paid player will be used as basis in determining the team's salary," Eala explained.


A player can also be removed from the RTL upon the request of the team based on justifiable grounds such as insubordination, drug related offense, criminal case involving moral torpitude and any other circumstances that shall be determined in merit by the Commissioner.


The decision of the Commissioner, as per the rule, with respect to the implementation of the RTL in its entirety is non-appealable.
 
BEERMEN SURVIVE LATE RALLY BY EXPRESS TO WIN BY 4
No Christmas Day delivery for Air21 even with Davids career-high 34
Monday, 25 December 2006



Lordy Tugade scored 19 points off the bench to lead San Miguel Beers balanced scoring which propelled the Beermen to a 108-104 decision over the Air 21 Express on Christmas night before a record crowd of 17,779 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen have already secured their place in the semifinals of the Talk N Text-PBA Philippine Cup but their performance against the Express appeared as if they were fighting for survival.

The Beermen dominated the game throughout but had to dig deep to overcome scary moments down the stretch when Air21 made a desperate run.

The Express appeared down and out when they fell behind by 27 points late in the second quarter. But they hung tough and nearly turned the game around with their determination.

We stop playing after the first half. We thought it was over. Ive been telling the boys the game of basketball is a continuous game. Its not like a switch that you can turn it off and on, said SMBs Chot Reyes who won seven straight games for the first time in his career as PBA head coach, after failing in his six previous tries the first four with Purefoods between 1993 and 1996 and the last two with Coca-Cola in 2003.

We almost paid the price but we made some big shots down the line, he added.

San Miguel Beer held an 81-69 lead after three quarter but Air 21 rallied behind hot hands of Gary David before Ranidel de Ocampo made two free throws that pulled the Express within 96-101 with 3:01 left.

The Beermen responded with six straight points that made the count 107-96 and seemed to have put the game away with 1:58 remaining.

But the Express refused to give up.

David, who scored 14 of his career-high 34 points in the fourth quarter, scored on a reverse shot then completed a three-point play and Ranidel de Ocampo drained a 3-pointer that pulled the Air 21 threateningly close at 104-107 with 24 seconds left.

Air21 had a chance to make it a one-point game or even tie the count when Romel Adducul failed on an inbound, getting caught with a five-second violation for a turnover.

But Ranidel de Ocampo, who took charge of Air 21s crucial play missed on a semi-hook shot with Adducul defending him. The SMB center-forward then went on to redeem himself by grabbing the defensive rebound which all but secured the win.

The loss was Air21s 11th against seven wins which the Express will carryover into the single round wildcard phase.

Adducul got things in the early goings for the Beermen, who notched their seventh consecutive victory and closed out the classification round with a 13-5 (win-loss) record. Adducul went 5-for-5 from the field in the first half for 10 points and Dorian Pena and Danny Ildefonso combined for 7-of-11 shooting from the perimeter as SMBs big men took the scoring brunt from the Danny Seigle, the teams top scorer, who struggled in the opening half.

The Beermen posted its first double digit lead at 15-4 on a basket by Adducul with still 6:54 left in the first quarter.

SMB virtually put the game away late in the second quarter with a 10-to-nothing run over a three-minute span which gave the Beermen an insurmountable 57-30 advantage with 3:20 remaining in the period. Gabby Espinas had six points in that run that ended on Adduculs last basket of the half.

After a two-point first half, Seigle warmed up in the second half and finished with 16 points, the same output tallied by Adducul.

The scores:

San Miguel Beer 108 Tugade 19, Adducul 16, Seigle 16, Espinas 12, Ildefonso 11, Pena 11, Racela 9, Tenorio 6, Hontiveros 4, Wilson 2, Calaguio 2, Gonzales 0.

Air21 104 David 34, Canaleta 18, de Ocampo Y. 14, de Ocampo R. 11, Santos 7, Telan 7, Arboleda 7, Sotto 2, Billones 2, Avenido 2, Dimaunahan 0, Bernardo 0.

Quarterscores: 34-20, 63-40, 81-69, 108-104.
 
TALK N TEXT DRUBS GINEBRA, GAINS ENTRY TO QUARTERS
Purefoods, Sta. Lucia left to slug it out for last QF spot on January 3
Tuesday, 26 December 2006


In a big twist of fate, Talk N Text shot up from the doorstep of the wildcard all the way to outright passage into the quarterfinals.

The Pals played big in a crucial Christmas Day showdown with the Barangay Ginebra Kings, carving out a 115-104 victory to finish fourth in the 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup eliminations before a mammoth crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

Harvey Carey, Asi Taulava and Renren Ritualo produced significant numbers and the Pals duplicated their 113-98 spanking of the Kings in their previous tiff, avoiding the need to go through the wildcard plays.

Talagang merry Christmas ito, said Talk N Text coach Derrick Pumaren on their outright entry into the quarters, joining early qualifier Red Bull.

Actually, were already prepared to play in the wildcard. Binigyan lang kami ng Christmas gift ng Alaska and Coca-Cola, Pumaren also said.

Purefoods and Sta. Lucias quarters bid were derailed by Alaska and Coca-Cola Friday. The two have been relegated into a playoff for the last seat in the quarters on Talk N Texts win over Ginebra. The Giants and the Realtors slug it out for the crucial spot at the resumption of PBA play on January 3.

The Pals, the Giants and the Realtors actually finished with identical 10-8 win-loss cards. Talk N Text clinched the No. 4 spot in the leaderboard behind Ginebra (13-4), San Miguel (13-4) and Red Bull (11-7) on a superior quotient.

Finally, playing a game we needed to win, were able to pull through, said Pumaren with a big sigh of relief.

Carey scored a team-high 21 points, Ritualo erupted for 19 in the second half and Taulava had a double-double with 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Pals, who broke away from a tight first-half battle.

After struggling for just a point in the first half, Ritualo caught fire in the last two quarters, starring in key runs that had Talk N Text stopping Ginebras remarkable seven-game streak.

Before a Christmas Day crowd of over 17,779 screaming fans, the Pals played with great resolve with Mark Cardona and Vic Pablo also finishing in double figures for the team.

The Pals jumped the gun on the Kings but tapered off in the second quarter, settling for a 50-49 edge at halftime.

The Pals enjoyed a 10-point lead once in the second quarter with Carey buckling down to work early, scattering 17 points in the first 24 minutes of play.

The Kings, however, made it a one-point game at halftime with Jayjay Helterbrand firing a trey in the closing seconds.

Talk N Text dominated the boards in the first half but Ginebra shot better from the field. The Pals hauled down 32 points with 11 courtesy of Taulava.

The scores:


Talk N Text 115 Carey 21, Cardona 20, Ritualo 20, Taulava 19, Pablo 10, Washington 9, Alapag 6, Noble 5, Belano 3, Allado 0.

Ginebra 104 Helterbrand 29, Reavis 17, Salvacion 16, Caguioa 16, Hatfield 12, Menk 6, Abarrientos 6, Macapagal 2, Holper 0, Tubid 0, Mamaril 0, Seigle 0.

Quarterscores: 29-27, 50-49, 85-78, 115-104.
 
PBA STADIUM TO RISE IN QC OR TAGUIG
After site selection comes source of funding
Wednesday, 27 December 2006


Dead serious in realizing a long-cherished dream of having its own coliseum sooner than later, the Philippine Basketball Association has been vigorously pursuing the plan and has in fact limited to two the preferred sites for the dream project.

The choices are down to the sprawling vacant lot near the Manila Seedling Bank in Quezon City and another big area within the Global City in Taguig.

Taguig became a prospect site after Mayor Freddie Tinga offered theplace during a recent meeting with PBA commissioner Noli Eala, adding that the site will be near where the projected North and South Rail projects are supposed to meet.

"At present, Quezon City has the edge in proximity and accessibility. We'll have no problem there with regards to transportation especially because of the MRT. But Mayor Tinga said they have a program which deals with transportation. In three years, Mayor Tinga said everything will be in place," Eala bared.

With giant corporations PLDT and San Miguel Corp. leading the bandwagon, PBA ballclubs have reached a consensus to pursue the ambitious project.

"This has been the PBA's dream for a long time. It's about time that we go for it," said PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas.

Smart and PLDT top bossman Manny V. Pangilinan has already acquired designs for the arena and is now in consultation with architects.

The concept is to put up a state-of-the-art complex, housing the PBA dome, a practice facility, a fitness center and stalls where PBA clubs and other business entities can market their products.

At present, the PBA spends more than P200,000 on the average per playdate for the use of the Araneta Coliseum where the games are regularly held. Aside from that, teams spend around P5,000 each almost everyday in gym rental for their practices.

After identifying the site of the venue, Eala said the next step will be to lay down the financial scheme for the project.

"What could well happen is that each ballclub would put in its share. The rest we would loan from banks," said Eala.

The league commissioner is hopeful the groundbreaking could take place sometime in July of the coming year.
 
MY CLASSIFICATION PHASE REPORT CARDing unit in the league with Jay-Jay and Mark C in the backcourt, Rudy, Eric and Reavis manning the middle. And thousands of ka-barangays all over the stadium. Their main problem seems to be an inconsistent bench up to this point. An important key for this team will be how to get a sixth contributor. Plus, they have to make sure that both Jay-Jay and Mark C stay healthy. There is no one player in the league more hyper than Rudy Hatfield on and off the courthas he ever heard of Decaf?

SAN MIGUEL BEER (13-5) The best TEAM there is in the league right now for me. There are no holes in this team. The first unit and the second unit are of equal strength. Check this out; LA for Olsen, Lordy for Dondon, Danny I for Danny S, Wesley for Wilson and Pena for Adducul. They also still have Espinas and Calaguio on the bench. In my opinion, Danny Seigle has been the Best Player of the Conference so far. Believe me, no one is looking forward to playing these guys in a semifinal series.

RED BULL (11-7) The team only had a second round draft pick and lost their number one scorer and mythical team member in a trade. Think this would stop the running of the Bulls? No way. They just fell a couple of games short of making the outright semis. Look out for this team since theyre always tough to beat in a (physical) playoff series.

TALK N TEXT (10-6) Merry Christmas. Look at what Santa just dropped in their socks. Shock defeats by Sta. Lucia and Purefoods last Dec. 22 plus a big win by them on Christmas Day. Thus they squeeze through to the quarters. If the recent trade is approved, getting Yancy and Avenido will be a real boost to an already awesome team. An opportunity to rest, as well as time to gelthis could be the break the team needs. It seems management is hell-bent on bringing this proud franchise back to the Promised Land.

STA. LUCIA (10-6) The whole Sta. Lucia Realtors team must still be saying to themselves, What Happened?! Losers of five out of their last six games, theyll need some soul-searching to prepare for their knockout game on January 3 against Purefoods. Worst part about it is they end up playing a team they havent figured out all conference. Theyre hoping the New Year can usher in a different trend.

PUREFOODS (10-6) After a slow start and two crucial losses to end the eliminations, they end up in a knockout game versus Sta. Lucia. Kerby has been steady and Simon has been a pleasant surprise. Right now, theyre still looking for James to get his MVP form back on a consistent basis. Maybe Kris needs to watch the games live again?

ALASKA (8-10) The one team that can really threaten the loser of the Purefoods-SLR knockout game. The Aces are just two games off the eventual leader of the wildcard. My pick to actually make the wildcard truly wild.

AIR 21 (7-11) This team just went under the radar screen the entire conference. A win against San Miguel could have really given them a fighting chance in the wildcard. But after failing to deliver in that game, their only chance for the quarters is to win four straight. The loss of Yancy and Avenido to TNT, if the trade is okayed, will really definitely hurt their rotation as Mark Andaya and Abby Santos have yet to prove their worth in the PBA. A team marred by inconsistency the entire year. Can they actually find the consistency to get the four wins?

COCA COLA (5-13) After an impressive victory over the SLR ballclub at the close of the classification phase, the Tigers pushed their wins to five in 18 games. Now, the only thing they have to do is win four games in a row. A tough proposition for a team that didnt even have a win streak (meaning at least three straight) the entire conference. One more week of basketball and it might just be vacation time.

WELCOAT (3-15) Coach Leo Austria will just have to wonder what if I had my complete lineup intact the entire conference. Injuries to Wainwright and Tangkay really put on hold the progress of the team. They just missed the wildcard and will have a lot of time to ponder on their first PBA conference. Good news is that it means more time to work on an already impressive Jay-R Reyes.
 
2006 A YEAR TO REMEMBER FOR THE PBA
The PBA pride is back Eala obviously bore fruition.

"The fundamentals were laid down by my predecessors and my job, with the help of my fellow governors, was merely to follow up on them and back them up by passing certain policies and procedures," said the mild-mannered former player turned corporate executive.

"Remember, I was just 1/9th of the entire Board. With the cooperation of the entire Board (of Governors), we were able to see the light, kung saan kami papunta."

Up was where the PBA was headed.

As Capacio took command of the ship, it was Eala who tilted the vessel. The commissioner institutionalized a season format of two conferences from its usual three, resolved the different controversies through what the law dictates, made a clear stance on where the PBA stands as far as the national team is concerned, and kept an eye out for expansion without sacrificing the playing field.

Along the way, a fruitful deal with ABC-5 was locked into place and official games were held overseas.

The Draft, Pre-Season Tournament and All-Star Weekend have also turned into highly visible and marketable events.

On court, Purefoods and Red Bull provided the thrill, rising beyond the more established and star-laden ball clubs to become the face of the PBA season.

The Barakos drew first blood by beating the Giants in six games of the import-laced Fiesta Conference finals, claiming their third championship in five years. The title run included a clutch Game 7 win over favorite Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals.

A conference later, Purefoods evened things up, bagging the Philippine Cup at the expense of Red Bull as it clinched the title in six games of the series. Making the victory sweet for the Giants was their amazing comeback from a 1-3 deficit against the Alaska Aces in the semifinals to advance.

From team success came individual feats.

James Yap was the biggest winner, bagging Most Valuable Player honors over teammate Kerby Raymundo and Enrico Villanueva, both of whom figured in a
tightly-fought race for the Best Player of the Conference award (Fiesta Conference).

Danny Seigle also had his share, scoring 20-plus points in 19 straight games to win Best Player honors in the Philippine Cup, Larry Fonacier became the lowest-drafted player in 15 years to win Rookie of the Year, Ryan Gregorio was chosen Coach of the Year by the PBA Press Corps and Jun Limpot finally won a league title after 13 seasons.

Behind the best moments were several disappointments.

Long-time PBA member Formula Shell bowed out of the league, Purefoods reserve center Eugene Tejada met a tragic fall on Mother's Day, dislocating his cervical vertebrae that needed a long, extensive rehabilitation program and Red Bull was fined a total of P500,000, including P100,000 against coach Yeng Guiao, for briefly walking out in Game 5 of its semifinal series against San Miguel in the Philippine Cup.

But in all, the year was a smashing success for the PBA, making Eala and current chairman Ricky Vargas of Talk N Text upbeat over the league's 32nd season when Welcoat becomes its newest member team.

Under his chairmanship, Vargas laid out his plan for the league to build its own coliseum and at the same time take a shot at breaking a decade-long PBA record (1996) behind the so-called 20/20 vision or increasing by 20 percent the live gate attendance that would boost net income hopefully, by 20 percent.

So far, the league appears on track of achieving both.

Probable sites for the PBA Dome had already been identified in Quezon City and Taguig while early returns in both gate receipts and attendance both of which increased by 18 and 20 percent, respectively, during the same period of the last Philippine Cup - had the league enjoying one of its finest starts in years.

And to think the 2006-07 season has yet to reach its halfway mark.
 
PUREFOODS CATCHES LAST BUS TO QF ON BIG COMEBACK
Raymundo powers Giants 31-point turnaround
Wednesday, 03 January 2007

THREE days into the new year and yet Sta. Lucia didnt appear recharged enough to play 48 minutes of hard-nosed basketball.

The defending champion Purefoods Chunkee Giants added to the misery of the free-falling Realtors, rallying back from an early 17-point deficit to hack out an emphatic 92-78 win Wednesday night and book the last quarterfinal berth of the 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup.

Kerby Raymundo had an all-around showing for the Giants with 25 points, 15 rebounds and five assists while Mark Pingris finished with 20 markers and typified the teams spirited comeback with his gutsy plays in the third period when Purefoods finally turned on the heat at the Astrodome.

It was a dogfight. We just played our game. Good things happen for those who work hard, said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, whose team gets to enjoy a breather after practicing for most of the holidays in preparation for the one-game playoff.

The Giants, trying to become the first team to repeat as All-Filipino champions in the last 21 years, now move on to the quarterfinal phase where they will meet the Talk N Text Phone Pals in a best-of-five affair.

Meanwhile, the setback was a big blow to the Realtors cause.

Their sixth loss in their last seven outings meant the Realtors are now relegated to the wildcard phase, where they will carry with them their 10-8 record and take on the streaking Alaska Aces (8-10), Air21 Express (7-10) and Coca-Cola Tigers (5-13) in a single round robin.

For a while, it appeared Sta. Lucia was ready to end its streak of misfortunes as it dominated Purefoods in the entire first half behind its bench scoring and fluid offensive forays, allowing the team to post a 17-point spread twice, the last on a scoop shot by Marlou Aquino six minutes into the second period, 39-22.

But Raymundo, Pingris and James Yap caught fire in the third when the Giants were able to find their rhythm. The former Letran stalwart scored on a post-up to tie the game at 58 after a long chase, then Pingris followed it up with a turnaround jumper just as the shotclock was winding down, giving the Giants their first taste of the lead since the first quarter, 60-58.

A few seconds later, Yap delivered a killer blow.

Playing under the weather, Yap converted a big three-pointer from about 30 feet just before the end of the period to make it a three-point Purefoods contest.

Sta. Lucia was never the same after that.

As the Giants stretched their lead to 69-63 with 8:02 to go, Realtors coach Alfrancis Chua fielded in former league MVP Kenneth Duremdes for the first time, hoping to get instant offense off the bench.

To no avail.

Veteran Rey Evangelista joined the fray and scored a couple of baskets for the Giants before Raymundo put on the exclamation point to the win by driving through a phalanx of Sta. Lucia defenders to put Purefoods safely in front, 75-63.

Tinanggal ko lang yung pressure sa team. I told the players to enjoy the game and forget what happened in the past, added Gregorio, in obvious reference to the Giants last two losses that denied them an outright spot in the quarterfinals.

Hounded by a poor 33 percent shooting in the first half, the Giants found themselves trailing by double digits early on.

The Realtors outscored the Giants, 21-4, bridging the first and second quarters to post their first sizeable lead at 36-19.

It was still a 17-point Sta. Lucia lead (39-22) when the reigning champions suddenly began to show signs of life.

Noy Castillo penetrated and scored on traffic to highlight Purefoods best offensive run in the first half, a 6-0 blast, that cut the deficit to 11.

But the Realtors were unfazed and found a way to hold the Giants at bay, eventually settling for a 45-33 bulge at the half.

The scores:

Purefoods 92 Raymundo 25, Pingris 20, J Yap 11, R. Yap 10, Simon 9, Artadi 5, Salvador 4, Evangelista 4, Limpot 2, Castillo 2, Yee 0.

Sta. Lucia 78 Williams 17, Cabagnot 13, Mendoza 11, Aquino 10, Isip 9, Espino 7, Omolon 6, Bughao 2, Gonzales 2, Catli 1, Calimag 0, Duremdes 0.

Quarterscores:16-23; 33-45; 63-60; 92-78.
 
MIRANDAS BUZZER-BEATING TREY LIFTS COKE PAST ALASKA
Tigers come-from-behind OT win put Aces on the brink of the wildcard wars at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was a remarkable comeback by the Tigers who turned the game around by closing the extra session of their wildcard match against the Aces with three consecutive three-pointers the other two courtesy of reserve forward Allan Salangsang.

When you enjoy the game and keep working hard, sometimes you get lucky, said a beaming Coca-Cola head coach Binky Favis afterwards.

The Tigers did work hard. They never gave up even when the Aces threatened to rip the game apart in the first half, hanging tough when the outcome seemed to be a forgone conclusion in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime.

And Lady Luck rewarded them for their grim determination.

After Willie Miller hit a short jumper to give the Alaska a 96-90 lead, Salangsang nailed back-to-back threes that sandwich a basket by Nick Belasco to make it a two-point game, 96-98, with 28 seconds left.

With the ball in their possession, the Aces had a chance to seal the win but Tony dela Cruz, who went 5-for-13 from the perimeter, missed a crucial attempt from fifteen feet.

The Tigers secured the rebound and went to John Arigo who attacked the lane but opted to pass off to Salansang, who drew Miller on defense before feeding the wide open Miranda from the left corner for the killer shot.

Ironically, Miranda, who finished with 18 points, was 8-for-34 in the conference from the behind the arc before nailing that shot and 1-for-3 for the game. He had also made just one out of 14 three-point attempts dating back to last October.

I kept telling my boys, while were still standing, lets enjoy every bit of it, Favis said.

Although the Tigers improved to 6-13, their hope of earning a spot in the quarterfinals hinges on their ability to win their last two wildcard assignment against Sta. Lucia and Air21 to force a playoff for the last quarterfinals berth.

Well just work hard and see what happens. Who knows we might get lucky again, Favis said.

The setback was jolting blow for Alaska coach Tim Cone and his Aces whose only hope of advancing to the next round is winning its last two games against the Realtors and the Express and hoping Sta. Lucia loses to the Tigers and to Air21, a game which was still being played as of presstime.

Alaska seemed to have the game all wrapped up when the Aces built a 35-20 lead on a basket by Dale Singson with 8:28 left in the second quarter.

But the Aces couldnt put away the determined Tigers and eventually melted down in closing minutes of overtime. They fell to 10-11.

Willie Miller led Alaska with 16 but managed just four points in the fourth quarter. Jeffrey Cariaso added 15 but missed crucial free throws in the closing minutes of OT.

The scores:

Coca-Cola 99 Arigo 24, Miranda 18, Antonio 17, Peek 15, Salangsang 10, Pacana 6, Misolas 5, Caceres 4, Gavino 0, Yeo 0, Ramos 0, Ferreria 0.

Alaska 98 Miller 16, Cariaso 15, dela Cruz 12, Juinio 12, Ferriols 10, Thoss 8, Belasco 8, Laure 7, Hugnatan 5, Singson 5.

Quarterscores: 20-27, 35-46, 60-64, 87-87, 99-98.
 
AIR21 STAYS ALIVE WITH ROUT OF SLR
8 Express in double figures
Friday, 05 January 2007


Needing four straight wins, no less, to survive the wildcard round, the Air21 Express made their task a game easier with a big massacre of the Sta. Lucia Realtors Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Express came out strong on their first game in 2007, pounding the absence of the injured Dennis Espino in the Sta. Lucia bench in an emphatic 121-99 victory that kept the team in contention for the last slot in the 2006-07 Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal round.


"We lived to fight another game. Its a clich but well continue to take it one game at a time," said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

Eight Air21 players scored in double figures as the Express dished out an impeccable game curiously in their maiden outing following Yancy de Ocampos second departure from the team.

Mark Telan, Arwind Santos, Wynne Arboleda, Gary David, Ranidel de Ocampo, Nino Canaleta, Aris Dimaunahan and Ervin Sotto each scored at least 10 points for the Express who worked on a fluid motion game, running down the Realtors who reeled to their fourth successive defeat.

"My other big men picked up the slack left by Yancys departure. A big bonus for us was Espinos absence," said Perasol.

Minus Espino whos nursing a knee injury, the Realtors just couldnt get their game going and fumbled their first crack at another playoff shot for the last quarterfinals seat.

With a decisive headway with a 10-8 carryover record in this wildcard round, Sta. Lucia, however, remains the solid pick to get the right to challenge Red Bull in the quarters.

Sta. Lucia wins the battle should the Realtors and the Alaska Aces beat the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Express, respectively, Sunday.

Perasol, however, vowed they will work hard to sweep the wildcard for a playoff incentive.

"We have no other choice but just try to sweep this round. Hopefully, ma-sustain namin ang momentum ng panalo namin ngayon," said Perasol.

Work hard the Express did from the opening tip against the slumping Realtors as they avoided outright elimination.

The Express jumped the gun on the Realtors and posted huge 20-point margins right in the second quarter. They poured on the heat in the second half and enjoyed a lead as big as 31, 78-47, at one point of the lopsided match.

Back-to-back treys by Santos and Arboleda gave the Express their 20-point bulges towards the end of the first half.

Sta. Lucia got a break before the first half eventually closed with Kenneth Duremdes scoring on a drive off two defenders.

Arboleda went two-of-two from beyond the arc in the first half and banged away another trey that handed the Express their biggest spread at 78-47.

Four Air21 players finished with double-double jobs with Telan coming through with 22 points and 15 rebounds, Santos 20 points and 13 rebounds, Arboleda 19 points and 10 assists and De Ocampo 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite Yancys exit, the Express did a good job off the boards, pulling down 73 rebounds as against the Realtors 42.

The scores:
Air21 121 Telan 22, Santos 20, Arboleda 19, David 16, De Ocampo 12, Canaleta 11, Dimaunahan 11, Sotto 10, Mark Andaya 0, Bernardo 0, Billones 0.

Sta. Lucia 99 Gonzales 21, Bughao 14, Omolon 13, Isip 11, Aquino 11, Williams 10, Cabagnot 8, Duremdes 7, Catli 2, Mendoza 2, Calimag 0.

Quarterscores: 29-20, 57-39, 90-69, 121-99
 
REALTORS CATCH LAST BUS TO QFINALS
Career games from Williams, Cabagnot lead SLR to OT elimination of Air21
Friday, 12 January 2007


WITH most of its veteran players nursing injuries, Kelly Williams stepped up with big time plays as Sta. Lucia Realty took the last quarterfinal berth by beating Air21 in overtime, 121-118, in their playoff encounter in the Talk N Text-PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Williams, the Fil-American forward who was drafted by the Realtors as the No. 1 overall pick in last years Rookie Draft, scored a career-high 35 points on 10 of 15 shooting from the field and 10 of 14 from the free throw line.

He also grabbed 10 rebounds for his 11th double-double this conference, tying Barangay Ginebras Rudy Hatfield for most in the tourney.

With the win and as the wildcard survivor, Sta. Lucia will face Red Bull in the best-of-five series with Game 1 set Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Defending champion Purefoods Chunkee meets Talk N Text in the other quarterfinal pairing.

Sobrang hirap ng dinaanan naming, we tried everything that would work for us despite the injuries and pressure for us to win. I owe it to my players, they really worked hard, said Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua.

The Realtors split their head-to-head classification encounter with the Bulls.

It was the Realtors first quarterfinal stint in three years. The last time they entered the quarters was in 2003 Reinforced Conference.

Big man Marlou Aquino had a big game, scattering 26 points before fouling out with 35.4 seconds to go in regulation play. He went out with an ankle injury after fouling a three-point attempt by Air21 rookie Arwind Santos, last years second overall pick behind Williams, with the SLR big man twisting his right foot which landed on Santos right foot.

It was Aquinos best showing since dropping 27 points in a 110-107 loss against the same team in May 31, 2006. This conference, hes averaging 7.3 points and his game-high was 17 markers.

With injuries to our key players, siguro puso na lang ang magdadala sa amin against Red Bull, added Chua.

Kenneth Duremdes, who chipped in 11 points, also injured his left hand. Rookie guard Alex Cabagnot also had a career-high with 21 points, while Norman Gonzales contributed 12.

The Express were actually ahead 118-115 with 1:32 left in the extra period, but after Williams split his free throws, he stole the ball from Arwind Santos and Wynne Arboleda committed a flagrant foul on him with 22 seconds to go.

He made two free throws, giving the Realtors 119-118 lead.

With ball possession, reserve forward Ricky Calimag made it a three-point lead by nailing two free throws, 121-118. Santos missed three at the buzzer after rookie guard Ronnie Bughao muffed two foul shots.

The Realtors led by as many as 16 points (76-60) midway in the third quarter, and were ahead by 13 (100-87) with 7:31 left in the final frame.

But Air21 used a 21-8 run, which Gary David capped with two free throws off a foul by Paolo Mendoza to tie the game at 108-108 with 4.5 seconds left in regulation.

Cabagnot had a chance to win it in regulation but missed a jumper at the buzzer.

With 1:16 left in the first half after Mark Telan fouled Paolo Mendoza, the Aquino and the Express Homer Se were involved in an altercation after a heated battle down low.

Aquino head-butted Se, who retaliated also with a head-butt and engaged in a verbal fight. Cooler heads, however, prevailed in the end. The two were given technical fouls.

They face possible fines and suspensions.

Gary David led the Express with 25 points.

The scores:

Sta. Lucia 121 Williams 35, Aquino 26, Cabagnot 21, Gonzales 12, Duremdes 11, Mendoza 9, Espino 5, Calimag 2, Bughao 0, Isip 0, Omolon 0.

Air21 118 David 25, Santos 24, Canaleta 17, Telan 17, Arboleda 16, de Ocampo 9, Billiones 4, Dimaunahan 2, Bernardo 2, Se 2, Andaya 0. Sotto 0.

Quarterscores: 35-27; 58-54; 89-79; 108-108; 121-118.
 
pba playoffs is getting interesting...thanks for updates again
TEAM NJ NETS​
Kidd. Carter. Jefferson. Need we say more?​
 
STRONG START HELPS REALTORS TO GAME 1 WIN OVER RED BULL
Were tired -- tired of losing. Alfrancis Chua and led by as many as 28 points in the opening half.

Before the game I was asked if we were tired. I replied by saying that we're tired tired of losing. So I guess the result of this game is a testament that were taking on a new role, said Chua afterwards.

Mendoza led the Realtors' offensive with 19 points including a 5-of-16 shooting from three-point range where Sta. Lucia thrived all night. The conferences best three-point shooting team hit 10-of-34 shots from behind the arc compared to Red Bull's 5-of-17.

My young players really stepped up tonight. Our veterans arent healthy enough but Paolo, Alex, Kelly (Williams) and even the likes of Ricky (Calimag) and Bitoy (Omolon) provided us the spark we need, Chua said.

Showing no sign of fatigue after surviving Fridays energy-sapping, sudden-death playoff with Air21, the Realtors took control early by shooting 57 percent from the field and forcing the Barakos to nine turnovers in the first half.

Marlou Aquino, who played a spectacular game Friday, had another another stellar performance, scoring all his 10 points in the first half while shutting down Red Bull center Rico Villanueva over that stretch.

Honestly, were tired physically. But mentally were all focused on the challenge at hand, Chua said.

Mendoza, Aquino and Cabagnot got their offensive flow early, combining for 33 points in the first 24 minutes as the Realtors posted a 65-37 advantage at the end of the opening half.

Im sure Yeng (Guiao) will try to find a way to get back at us. So we have to really prepare hard for Game 2, Chua said.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series is set Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Not having played competitively took its toll on the Barakos, who struggled throughout the opening half because they looked out of game shape.

But they managed to provide a scare in the second half as Cyrus Baguio, who had 15 points, and Junthy Valenzuela, who tallied 19, picked up their rhythm.

Red Bull threatened to turn the game around with 5:14 left when Valenzuela drained a three-pointer which pulled the Barakos within 80-89.

But Mendoza quickly answered with his own trey and followed it with a tough fallaway shot to sandwich another trey by Mick Pennisi and seal the win for the Realtors.

The scores:

Sta. Lucia 96 Mendoza 19, Williams 17, Cabagnot 16, Espino 14, Aquino 10, Calimag 8, Gonzales 8, Omolon 3, Bughao 1.

Red Bull 89 Valenzuela 19, Baguio 15, Sharma 13, Pennisi 11, Fonacier 7, Villanueva 5, Najorda 4, Bugia 4, Alvarez 4, Robinson 4, Cruz 3, Membrere 0.

Quarterscores: 37-22, 65-37, 81-66, 96-89.
 
INSPIRED PINGRIS POWERS PUREFOODS OVER TNT
Giants get 19 pts, 17 rebs, 5 blks from Ping after call from long-lost Dad in the short series.

"I think nobody expected us to win tonight except ourselves. Its a nice series for us with all the odds stacked against us," said Gregorio, projecting his team as the underdogs in the series.

"But theres nothing big really in this win. It takes three games to win a best-of-five series. Definitely, they will come back strong. I expect coach Derrick (Pumaren) to start Asi Taulava and Yancy de Ocampo at the same time in Game Two and we have to be ready," Gregorio added.

The Giants came out well prepared for the series opener with their starters making much of the damage for the Pals.

But Pingris, who also terrorized the lanes with five blocks, stood out and delivered the clincher with a crucial offensive rebound and two free throws, making it 87-80 with time down to 1:01.

Kerby Raymundo also had a double-double game with 13 points and 12 rebounds while James Yap added 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block.

Taulava led Talk N Text with 16 points and 14 rebounds coming off the bench.

Purefoods got a big lift from it starters, who outscored their TNT counterparts, 58-38.

With Purefoods starting five towering over their Talk N Text rivals, the Giants took a 45-37 lead at the half and sat on a 72-60 cushion at the end of the third period.

The Pals actually set the pace early on, enjoying a 24-20 advantage at the close of the opening period.

The Giants seized control in the second period while shooting 45.5 percent from the field as against the Pals woeful 19-percent clip in the quarter.

Purefoods starters Yap, Pingris, Roger Yap, Jondan Salvador and Raymundo outscored Talk N Text first stringers Anthony Washington, Yancy de Ocampo, Mark Cardona, Harvey Carey and Jimmy Alapag, 30-16, in the first 24 minutes of play.

The scores:

Purefoods 87 Pingris 19, Yap J. 18, Raymundo 13, Yap R. 8, Evangelista 6, Yee 6, Artadi 5, Castillo 5, Limpot 5, Simon 3, Salvador 0.

Talk N Text 84 Taulava 16, Noble 13, Ritualo 10, Cardona 8, Carey 8, De Ocampo 8, Washington 8, Alapag 7, Pablo 7, Belano 0.

Quarterscores: 20-24, 45-37, 72-60, 87-84.
 
PUREFOODS, STA. LUCIA GUN FOR 2-0 HEADSTART
But TNT, Red Bull ready to pull off surprise and equalize
Tuesday, 16 January 2007

Purefoods Chunkee Giants coach Ryan Gregorio loves their role as an underdog.

"This is a nice series for us because all the odds are stacked against us," he proclaimed after the Giants pulled off an 87-84 victory over the Talk N Text Phone Pals in Game 1 of their quarterfinal series.

But Gregorio readily admitted that taking the opener is no big deal, more so against a team like the Phone Pals whom he described as a "superpower."

Strangely though, Gregorio doesn't seem worried given the challenge confronting them in the best-of-five series of the 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

Apparently, the defending champion Giants dont need any motivation for this series, in the process keeping the pressure off Gregorio and his deputies.

"It makes my job easy knowing that my players no longer have to be motivated for this series. Just about everybody is playing inspired basketball and is self- motivated," said Gregorio, who remains confident about their chances in Game 2.

The Purefoods Chunkee coach readily mentioned Mark Pingris as their source of energy. He said the 6-3 power forward has been playing extremely well since getting in touch with his father whom he had been searching for 25 years.

"(TNT) has the capability to come back. And I have no doubt that they will come back strong," said Gregorio, who expects the Phone Pals to field Asi (Taulava) and Yancy (de Ocampo) at the same time in their scheduled at 4:35 p.m. Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

"Obviously, it's nothing big. It's just 1-and-0 and it takes three wins to win a series. But we have the upperhand because all we have to do is just win two while they need to win three," Gregorio said.

The Sta. Lucia Realtors also try to take a two game lead when they play the Red Bull Barakos in their own series set at 7:20 p.m.

"This is gonna be a long series. Pero at least we have the advantage," SLR coach Al Chua said.

Despite going through an energy sapping wildcard phase, the Realtors showed no sign of fatigue Sunday in beating the off-form Barakos,96-89, in their series opener.

Kenneth Duremdes, who missed Sunday's game with a fractured finger he sustained in Friday's playoff victory against Air 21, expects to be back for Game 2 although Chua is not counting on it.

"He really hoped he could play. But I doubt it given the extent of his injury," the Sta. Lucia coach said.

Dennis Espino, the team's skipper, is also hurting and Chua called it a blessing that he was able to play in Game 1.

Jaded observers contend the three-week break has turned the Barakos rusty but they should be back in form in Game 2.

"I'm sure my kumpadre (Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao) will think of something to beat me. But we'll be ready," Chua said.
 
KELLY KILLING OPPONENTS WITH ALL-AROUND GAME
Player of the Week January 8 to 14
 in its best-of-five duel with Red Bull.

Williams scored a career-high 35 points, on 10-of-15 shooting from the field and 10-for-14 from the free throw line, in a 121-118 overtime win over Air21 in their playoff for the last quarterfinals slot last Friday.

He also grabbed 10 rebounds for his 11th double-double this conference, tying Barangay Ginebras Rudy Hatfield for most in the tourney, and added two steals in 48 minutes of action.

That game also solidified his status as the Realtors future after taking charge in the extension, following the disqualification on fouls by Marlou Aquino and the injuries to Dennis Espino and Kenneth Duremdes.

Against Air21, wala halos kaming Dennis and nawala pa sila Marlou and Kenneth. And yet there was Kelly stepping up big-time along with Alex (Cabagnot), noted Chua.

It was the Realtors first quarterfinal stint since last advancing past the eliminations in the 2003 Reinforced Conference and the wiry Fil-Am made sure they will continue savoring the moment.

Questions about Williams stamina following that hard game against the Express were quickly answered when he notched 17 points, nine rebounds and two steals in 41 minutes as they scored a 96-89 win over the Barakos last Sunday. The former Oakland University standout had a couple of triples in the fourth quarter which doused cold water on a furious Red Bull rally.

He gave us the inside presence we needed, assessed Chua. He was there defending the paint, intimidating and changing opponents shots while grabbing those rebounds.

Chua added there are still facets of Williams game that still need working on, like his ball-handling skills and post-up moves.

Once he polishes all of those up, hell truly be one well-rounded player and an absolute force, the SLR coach said.
 
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