Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Cobra Energy faces Pharex on Tuesday

The most challenging match-up for Cobra Energy in the PBA D-League
Foundation Cup will also be a test to its character.

The Ironmen faces the Pharex Bidang Generix in the first round of the
knockout playoffs on Tuesday that marks the first meeting between the
two teams.

The winner of the 4 p.m. encounter at the Arena in San Juan will
advance to the quarterfinals against the PC Gilmore Wizards.

“It will be our toughest match in the tournament. It’s either we win
or we go home,” said Cobra Energy Drink coach Lawrence Chongson.

The Ironmen lost their final game in the classification round – a
70-73 decision – against Group B top-seed Cebuana Lhuillier two weeks
ago in the process, blowing their chance for an outright entry in the
quarterfinals.

Whether they could rebound from that setback to get going rests on how
the Ironmen would handle the Bidang Generix.

“Obviously, the character of our team will be put to test,” Chongson said.

The Bidang Generix are facing an even more challenging situation,
having lost their last four games. Motivating them could be very tough
for Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan.

“I’m just hoping the work we’ve done over the last few weeks will show
against a team that is ultra dangerous with one of the game’s best
amateur player in Paul Lee,” Tan said.

While he has suggested that Lee, the Cobra Energy Drink superstar
guard, would be a marked man, Tan emphasize they can’t put their
entire focus on him.

“Cobra has plenty of capable scorers. Our defense has to be alert and
be extra determined with coming up with stops,” Tan said.

The other playoff game at 2 o’clock features RnW Pacific Pipes and FCA.

“It’s a make or break for both of us.  So we are expecting a pressure
packed game,” said RnW Pacific Pipes coach Topex Robinson.

Robinson said closing their classification round assignment on a
winning note gave his troops the confidence boost they need in the
playoffs.

In contrast, the Cultivators have lost their last game in the
classification round against Max! Bond Super Glue. PR

Monday, May 30, 2011

LAGUNA IS THE CHAMPION, GEN.SANTOS BAGS 3RD SPOT

     SANTA CRUZ, Laguna – The host Laguna Golden Lions were crowned
the champions of the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V Laguna Leg
Saturday via a 94-92 decision over the Misamis Oriental Meteors at the
San Luis Sports Complex.

     In control of the game since the first period, the Golden Lions
of Gov. ER Ejercito and Coach Philip Cezar leaned on a Boyet Bautista
triple that gave them the lead for good, 6-4.  Bautista then joined
Glenn Bolocon and Bryan Faundo in maintaining their advantage.

     The Meteors of Gov. Oscar S. Moreno and Coach Jun Noel did not
easily give up as they began the third canto with a 9-2 run that put
them within a point, 44-45.  Bautista answered by scoring 10 points
and Faundo and Bolocon continued their scoring spree as the Lions
stayed on top entering the fourth period, 70-60.

     Egay Billones and Allan Salangsang presided over the Meteors’
final assault that cut their deficit to three, 79-82, and 4:24 left in
the game.  Again, it was Faundo and Bolocon that bailed out the Lions
with timely shots.  Bautista and Earn Saguindel sealed the victory
from the free throw line with ten ticks to go, 94-86.  Two late
triples by Dino Daa settled the final tally.

     Bolocon powered the Golden Lions with 21 points and seven
rebounds while Bautista added 19 points and eight assists.  Billones
paced the Meteors with 20 markers followed by Ken Bono and Allan
Salangsang who both finished with 14 each.

     For leading the Golden Lions with a 19.3 scoring average, Bolocon
was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.  It was redemption
for the hosts as they made up for their debacle in the Ilocos Sur Leg
a month ago wherein they lost all their four games.

     The Golden Lions earned 10 points for the championship to vault
them to Third Place in the overall Tour standings with 13.  The
Meteors picked up five points for a total of 11 and Fourth Place.

     In the playoff of Third Place, the MP Warriors of GenSan ended
their tournament on a positive note by prevailing over the Ilocos Sur
CS Tigers, 83-71.  The Warriors of Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Coach Arvin
Bonleon lost all three preliminary round games.

     Christian Nicdao had a monster game with 19 points, nine rebounds
and five blocks.  Louie Medalla banged in five triples for 18 points.
Ismael Junio paced the Tigers of Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and Coach
Johnedel Cardel with 22 points highlighted by five triples.  Chris
Santos followed with 10 markers.

     Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue takes its turn to host the next
Liga Pilipinas Leg from June 8 to 11 at the Mandaue City Cultural and
Sports Center.  Visiting them will be the defending National Champion
M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala, Cebu Ninos, Meteors and Golden Lions.

How They Scored:

For Third Place

     GENERAL SANTOS (83) – Nicdao 19, Medalla 18, Callo 11, Grijaldo
9, Concepcion 9, Timon 7, Angeles 5, Parreno 3, Sagad 2, Legada 0,
Bucao 0, Alih 0, Mendoza 0.

     ILOCOS SUR (71) – Junio 22, Jaime 10, Palaganas 9, Santos 7, E.
Sta. Maria 7, de Castro 4, Williams 4, Ybanez 3, Canizares 3, Cacha 2,
Gonzalez 0, Gali 0, Vizcarra 0.

     Period Scores: 26-20, 52-38, 67-62, 83-71.

Championship

     LAGUNA (94) – Bolocon 21, Bautista 19, Faundo 18, Legaspi 9, Sanz
7, Fampulme 6, Flores 6, Saguindel 4, Mercado 4, Ejercito 0, Feihl 0.

     MISAMIS ORIENTAL (92) – Billones 20, Daa 15, Bono 14, Salangsang
14, Misa 8, Lamocha 6, Raneses 5, Capati 4, Lucernas 4, Gudez 2,
Andaya 0.

     Period Scores: 22-12, 43-35, 70-63, 94-92.PR

Laguna trounces Tigers, 75-64

EAM STANDINGS
Misamis Oriental Meteors 2-1
Laguna Golden Lions 2-1
Ilocos Sur CS Tigers 2-1
MP Warriors of GenSan 0-3

LAGUNA QUALIFIES TO FINALS OF LIGA PILIPINAS LAGUNA LEG

     SANTA CRUZ, Laguna – The host Laguna Golden Lions sneaked into Saturday’s championship game of the Laguna Leg of the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V by trouncing the erstwhile undefeated Ilocos Sur CS Tigers, 75-64,Friday evening at the San Luis Sports Complex.

     On top by nine but needing nothing less than a win by 11 points or more to force a three-way tie at the top with the Tigers and the Misamis Oriental Meteors at 2-1 and hold the superior FIBA quotient, Boyet Bautista received theinbound pass from Glenn Bolocon and scored on baseline drive with a second left that meant the marginal points and a seat in the finale.  The Meteors topped the preliminaries with a 1.068 quotient while the Golden Lions barely beat out the CS Tigers for the second spot, 0.968 to 0.962.

     The Tigers of Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and Coach Johnedel Cardel had a championship berth well in hand until Jorel Canizares threw the ball away, prompting Laguna coach Philip Cezar to map one final play.  Canizares actually turned from hero to goat – he earlier made back-to-back baskets that reduced the Golden Lions’ lead to only eight and a minute to play.  Bryan Faundo made a free throw with 17 ticks left, 73-64, which was followed by Canizares’ error.

     Bolocon made 10 of his 20 points in the fourth period to push the Golden Lions further ahead.  He also added six rebounds.  Faundo had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.  Ismael Junio paced the Tigers with 16 followed by Chris Santos with 11.

     Earlier, the Meteors of Gov. Oscar S. Moreno and Coach Jun Noel strengthened their grip on a finals seat by keeping fellow Mindanao team MP Warriors of GenSan of Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Coach Arvin Bonleon winless, 91-82

     The Warriors were only in the contest for the first four minutes, leading 11-10.  The Meteors then drilled in eight straight points and a total team efforted gave them the first period, 28-19.

     Christian Nicdao scored to put the Warriors within three markers at the three-minute mark of the final canto, 74-77.  Egay Billones then pumped in eight points in the Meteors’ 14-8 closing run, including a jumper with 21 seconds remaining that sealed their second win in three starts.

     Lyndon Gudez paced the Meteors with 14 points on three triples followed by Dino Daa with 12 points and five rebounds.  Louie Medalla fired five triples to tally 27 points while Alfie Grijaldo chipped in 16 for the Warriors.

     The Golden Lions and Meteors will play a one-game finale while the CS Tigers and MP Warriors will play for Third Place in the third of six weekly tournaments made possible by San Miguel, Molten, Summit Natural Drinking Water and Accel.  The Meteors slammed the Lions in their preliminary round encounter last Thursday, 91-75.

How They Scored:

First Game

     MISAMIS ORIENTAL (91) – Gudez 14, Daa 12, Billones 11, Capati 9, Misa 8, Salangsang 8, Raneses 7, Lamocha 7, Andaya 6, Lucernas 5, Bono 4.

     GENERAL SANTOS (82) – Medalla 27, Grijaldo 16, Nicdao 9, Cordero 9, Angeles 7, Sagad 4, Bucao 4, Parreno 2, Alih 2, Mendoza 2, Callo 0, Concepcion 0.

     Period Scores: 28-19, 51-43, 70-63, 91-82.

Second Game

     LAGUNA (75) – Bolocon 20, Faundo 12, Fampulme 8, Sanz 7, Legaspi 7, Saguindel 5, Bautista 4, Ejercito 4, Flores 4, Aldave 2, Ricafuente 2, Feihl 0.

     ILOCOS SUR (64) – Junio 16, Santos 11, Gonzalez 10, Vizcarra 6, Canizares 6, Palaganas 4, Ybanez 3, Williams 3, Jaime 2, de Castro 2, Agacer 1, Cacha 0.

     Period Scores: 27-16, 42-33, 59-51, 75-64.PR

Friday, May 27, 2011

Laguna outlasts Manny Pacquiao Warriors, 87-78

TEAM STANDINGS
Laguna Golden Lions 1-0
Ilocos Sur CS Tigers 1-0
Misamis Oriental Meteors 0-1
MP Warriors of GenSan 0-1
Games Today (May 27) – San Luis Sports Complex
4:00 PM Misamis Oriental Meteors vs. MP Warriors of GenSan
6:00 PM Ilocos Sur CS Tigers vs. Laguna Golden Lions
    
 
SANTA CRUZ, Laguna – The Laguna Golden Lions finally tallied their first win of the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V by outlasting the MP Warriors of GenSan, 87-78, on opening day of the Laguna Leg Wednesday at the San Luis Sports Complex.
With basketball legend Philip Cezar debuting as head coach and team owner Gov. ER Ejercito watching at the sidelines, the Golden Lions bucked a shaky start to slowly run away from the Warriors of Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Coach Arvin Bonleon. From a 9-9 deadlock, Glenn Bolocon came off the bench to combine with starting center Bryan Faundo as they scored all but three of the Golden Lions’ next 19 points to grab the lead for good after one period, 28-18.
Bolocon then added timely baskets in the second half in tandem with Gherome Ejercito to frustrate the Warriors’ repeated attempts to rally.Bolocon then capped his performance with a three-point play that virtually dashed the Warriors’ hopes, 87-74, and 2:07 to play.
Bolocon finished with 23 points and five rebounds while Faundo followed with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Louie Medalla paced the Warriors with 17 points while Alfie Grijaldo chipped in 15.
In the opener, the Ilocos Sur CS Tigers hung tough down the stretch to end their six-game losing skid by whipping the Misamis Oriental Meteors, 86-81.
Chito Jaime sank a triple with 37 seconds remaining that pushed the CS Tigers of Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and Coach Johnedel Cardel ahead, 82-81. Lyndon Gudez then fired a hurried triple that went nowhere, forcing the Meteors to foul former FEU Tamaraw John Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, who went scoreless in the Tigers’ first eight games, responded by sinking his two free throws for an 84-81 count and 17 ticks to go. Gudez and Dino Daa then continued to miss from three-point range forcing them to foul Gonzalez again who responded by shooting two more free throws for the final tally with four seconds on the clock.
The Meteors of Gov. Oscar S. Moreno and Coach Jun Noel looked to have the game in the bag, erecting a 77-71 advantage entering the final two minutes. Warren Ybanez made six straight baskets to fuel the Tigers’ rally, setting the stage for Jaime and Gonzalez’ endgame heroics.
Jaime led all scorers with a total of 26 points and seven rebounds. Ramsey Williams had another all-around performance with 14 points and eight assists. Gonzales submitted 12 points on top of seven rebounds. Gudez led the Meteors with five triples en route to 19 points. New addition Ernesto Billones debuted as a Meteor with 18 points and eight assists.
How They Scored:
First Game
ILOCOS SUR (86) – Jaime 26, Williams 14, Gonzalez 12, de Castro 10, Canizares 8, Ybanez 6, Palaganas 4, Santos 4, Junio 2, Cacha 0, Gali 0, Vizcarra 0.
MISAMIS ORIENTAL (81) – Gudez 19, Billones 18, Capati 13, Misa 7, Bono 5, Raneses 4, Daa 4, Lamocha 4, Lucernas 4, Salangsang 2, Andaya 1, Villariza 0.
Period Scores: 21-24, 41-43, 66-63, 86-81.
Second Game
LAGUNA (87) – Bolocon 23, Faundo 15, Ejercito 9, Flores 7, Legaspi 7, Bautista 6, Aldave 6, Fampulme 4, Mercado 2, Sanz 2, Ricafuente 2, Feihl 2, Saguindel 1, Lingal 1.
GENERAL SANTOS (78) – Medalla 17, Grijaldo 15, Parreno 12, Cordero 8, Sagad 7, Concepcion 6, Mendoza 6, Bucao 5, Timon 4, Nicdao 2, Callo 0, Alih 0, Angeles 0.
Period Scores: 28-15, 55-36, 73-63, 87-78.PR

Freego Jeans advances to quarterfinals

Freego Jeans drew spectacular performances from Eric Camson and Lester
Alvarez and the Falcons advanced to the quarterfinals of the PBA
D-league Foundation Cup by eliminating Maynilad, 88-81 on Thursday in
the first round of the knockout playoffs at The Arena in San Juan.

The 6-foot-4 Camson turned in a double-double effort with 25 points
and 12 rebounds while Alvarez, a 5-foot-8 smooth shooting guard, went
6 of 11 from the 3-point range to also finish with 25 markers for
Freego Jeans, which seized control in the third quarter before holding
off a late charge by Maynilad.

“From the moment we lost our first three games in the classification
round it became our goal prepare for the playoffs. I thought we are
peaking at the right time,” said Freego Jeans coach Leo Austria.

Blackwater also advanced to the next round but had to survive repeated
comebacks by the gutsy Junior Powerade Tigers for a 70-66 victory in
the other match.

Gio Ciriacruz scored 21 points and Ian Mazo added 18 to show the way
for the Elite, who lost their poise and their shooting down the
stretch.

The Tigers trailed 59-68 with under three minutes to play but scored
six straight points to pull within two on a basket by Mike Gamboa who
completed a steal off Andrian Celada.

Powerade had a chance to win the game but Alvin Padilla’s 3-point
attempt fell short and Blackwater cornered the rebound to seal the
win.

“We almost blew it. But the good thing is we still managed to win it,”
said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.

Maynilad shot 51 percent in the first half but led by just 46-45 at halftime.

The Water Dragons have just returned home from a two-week basketball
training camp in the United States and Austria surmised jet lag has
something to do with their sluggish play.

“They looked tired. I thought they are still feeling the effect of the
long travel and we capitalized on it,” Austria said.

After Garvo Lanete made a free throw to make the count 51-49 in favour
of Maynilad, the Falcons responded with a 17-2 run and posted the game
biggest lead at 66-53. Alvarez scored nine, including two threes, in
that telling spurt.

Alex Nuyles turned in 18 points. He and Julius Colina grabbed nine
boards apiece as Freego Jeans outrebounded Maynilad, 45-44.

Jose Carmelo Lim scored 15 points and Lanete added 14 for the Watre
Dragons, who turned the ball over 16 times.

The game featured eight deadlocks and 13 lead changes but the second
half was an all Freego Jeans show.

The Water Dragons tried to keep the game close but they never really
established a momentum the entire game.

Freego Jeans will be facing Group B top-sded Cebuana Lhuillier on
Tuesday also at The Arena. 



The scores:
First Game
Freego Jeans 88 – Camson 25, Alvarez 25, Nuyles 18, Colina 7, Olalia
5, Galinato 3, Lozada 3, Canada 2, Namocatcat 0, Cabreara 0, Morillo
0.

Maynilad 81 – Lim 15, Lanete 14, J. Pascual 11, Hermida 9, Marcelo 9,
K. Pascual 8, A. Semerad 5, Caram 4, Dela Rosa 4, Semerad 2.

Quarters: 23-22; 45-46; 71-62; 88-81

Second Game

Blackwater 70 – Ciriacruz 21, Mazo 17, Celada 12, Acidre 8, Lapuz 5,
Saret 4, del Rosario 2, Belorio 1.

Junior Powerade 66 – Martinez 20, Ilad 9, Sison 9, Gomez 6, Gamboa 5,
Smith 5, Padilla 5, Jeffries 4, Gingerich 3,  Maniego 0, Juruena 0,
Wong 0.

Quarters: 20-13; 35-30; 52-51; 70-66.PR

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Maynilad battles Freego Jeans, Blackwater takes on Powerade in KO matches

Maynilad battles Freego Jeans and Blackwater takes on Powerade in a
pair of knockout matches as the PBA D-League first round playoffs gets
going Thursday at the Arena in San Juan.

Frankie Lim, the Maynilad coach, is expecting a tough grind when the
Water Dragons and the Falcons mix it up at 2 o’clock.

He said the Water Dragons will be without Sudan Daniel, who is
sidelined by an injury.

The Water Dragons have just returned from a basketball training camp
in the United States and should be in top shape going into the crucial
match.

“We’re looking forward to the next round. But Freego is a dangerous
team and well coached,” Lim said.

“It will not be easy for us to beat them since we are playing without Sudan.”

The 4 p.m. encounter between the Tigers and the Elite also promises to
be interesting.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for us going up against Blackwater.
We’ll surely have our hands full trying to contain them,” said Junior
Powerade coach Ricky Dandan.

The Junior Tigers clinched the last playoff berth in Group B by
eliminating Café France with a 77-65 win in their knockout match
Tuesday.

TELECAST OF THESE GAMES WILL FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY 
AT 6PM OVER 1BC-13...

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Cebuana Lhuillier earns top seeding

Games Thursday (The Arena)
2 p.m. – Maynilad vs Freego
4 p.m. – Blackwater vs Powerade

Allein Maliksi scored 21 points and Cebuana Lhuillier earned the top
seeding in Group B with a 73-70 victory against Cobra Energy Drink on
Tuesday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the San Juan Gym.

The Gems finished with a 5-1 (win-loss) record at the close of the
classification round and earned an outright passage in the
quarterfinals along with idle Max! Bond Super Glue.

Cobra Energy Drink finished tied with Max! Bond Super Glue on 4-2
records and was were relegated as no. 3 seed because of the winner
over the other rule.

The Gems turned the game around in the third quarter after a sloppy
first half, outscoring the Ironmen, 27-18.

“Kahit no-bearing ang laro hindi pwede mag-relax. Dahil playoffs na,
you can’t be out of shape. You need to play hard and stay energized,”
said deputy coach Bong Hawkins.

Hawkins called the shots for the Gems in the absence of coach Luigi
Trillo, who served his one game suspension.

In the other game, Powerade eliminated Café France with a 77-65
victory in their knockout match to clinch the last playoff berth in
Group B.

The Junior Tigers blew a 13-point lead late in the third quarter but
held off a spirited comeback by the Scorpions in the fourth with a
13-1 run.

Alvin Padilla scored all his 14 points in the fourth including eight
in that telling run that practically put the Scorpions away.

Cobra Energy Drink led 37-32 at halftime but the Gems picked up their
offensive rhythm in the third. They made 52 percent of their shots (12
of 23) while their defense held the Ironemen to 6 of 14 shooting.

Cebuana Lhuillier trailed 47-54 with four minutes to play in the third
before closing the period with a 12-1 run for a 59-55 lead entering
the fourth.

Paul Sanga scattered 27 points and Paul Lee added 11 for the Ironmen,
committed 19 turnovers that netted the Gems 19 points.

The Scores:
First Game

Cebuana Lhuillier 73 – Maliksi 21, Sena 11, Hayes 9, Fernandez
8,Mandani 7, Llagas 6, Semira 3, Elinon 3, Lee 2, Nabong 2, Alas 1,
Canta 0, Bagatsing 0.

Cobra Energy Drink 70 – Sanga 27, lee 18, Acibar 10, Baloran 5,
Bandaying 5, Eguillos 3, Rosopa 2, Foronda 0, Reyes 0, Hermosisima 0,
Abaya 0.

Quarters: 13-17; 32-37; 59-55; 73-70

Second Game

Powerade 77 – Padilla 14, Jeffries 12, Smith 11, Ilad 9, Gamboa 8,
Gomnez 7, Martinez 7, Sison 4, Juruena 3, Maniego 2, Gingrich 0, Wong
0.

Café France 65 – mabayo 19, Bulangis 12, Gallardo 9, Poferada 8, Babad
5, Parale 3, Garcia 3, Magbitang 2, Lobaton 2, Rublico 2, Banas 0,
Almario 0, Mejos 0.

Quarters: 25-25; 35-26; 53-49; 77-64. PR