Monday, November 14, 2011

Brgy.Agdao Davao downs Brgy.Dumlog Cebu, 96-78


CEBU City – Davao City’s Barangay Agdao played a well-rounded game as they caught the unprepared Barangay Dumlog of Talisay City of Cebu to move to the championship round of the 2011 Handy Fix Super League – National Barangay Championship National Finals held at the Capitol Parish Gym.

It was the quick ball movement, sheer determination, aggressiveness and outside shooting of the Davaoeños that pushed them to the Finals after handing Talisay City an emphatic 96-78 victory.

Talisay obviously had the size and height advantage over Davao but the Davaoueños came in ready for battle while the Cebuanos were lost in the game as they played no defense and with less intensity in offense.

As of press time yesterday, another Cebuano squad, Barangay Pajo of Lapu-Lapu City was also facing a tall order as they played against Manila’s finest team Barangay Bagumbayan of Taguig City in the other knockout game.

Agdao’s determination was apparent at the start of the game as they played solid defense and let their star player work early in the event presented by Magna Prime Distribution Corp. and organized by Evangelista Aquatics & Sports Management, Inc. (EASMII).

Deadly shooter Rhandelle Colina was as explosive as to the regional finals as he scored 21 points including five triples that helped the Davao squad to erect a 29-21 lead after the first quarter.

Talisay crept back into the action with former USPF Panthers Jordan Bardillas scored eight straight to move Dumlog within 28-32 but its lack in intensity in defense and its individual game failed to make matter as Agdao kept their heads afloat to keep the lead.

Despite seeing former USJ-R Jaguar Jemar de la Peña and UV Lancer Arvie Cabañero combining efforts in the third period, Dumlog could only trim the margin to three points 60-63 before Davao pushed hard in the final canto with the former SWU Cobras forward Janno Nuñez and Colina displaying an inside-outside theatrical acts that lead to Davao’s entry to the finals.

Agdao-Davao (96) – Colina 31, Nuñez 18, Cullados 8, Buaton 8, Pularca 8, Cañete 6, de la Peña 5, Moreno 4, Abillero 3, Patulot 3, Melgaso 2. Dumlog-Talisay (78) – Cabañero 15, de la Peña 14, Bardillas 14, Obeso 9, Tabay 7, Racaza 6, Bibiera 5, Labati 4, Hernando 2. Quarters:  29-21; 52-41; 71-64; 96-78.(pr)

Player of the Week: Big Game James

About a month a half ago, new B-Meg head coach Tim Cone was quoted to have said that James Yap will flourish in the triangle offense that he has long been preaching. It may have taken a while but that certainly is what is already happening right now at the Llamados’ camp.

The two-time MVP lived up to his “Big Game James” monicker, coming up with huge games for B-Meg this past week as the Llamados stretched their winning streak to three in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup.

As a result, the PBA Press Corps has named him its Accel Player of the Week for the period November 7 to 13.

James Yap first sizzled with 25 points, 11 right in the opening period, as B-Meg exacted revenge on Meralco and former head coach Ryan Gregorio last Friday 95-79 at the Cuneta Astrodome. James added four rebounds, two assists and one shotblock while going 2-of-4 from three-point range as the Llamados got back at the Bolts who won their first meeting 84-78 last Oct. 15.

After just a two-day rest, James Yap followed it up with a 24-point effort last Sunday as the Llamados beat Cone’s former team, Alaska, for the second time in the conference 92-89 in double overtime last Sunday.

James again provided the initial spark with 10 points in the opening period. Then just when everybody thought fatigue had caught up with him as he came with just a combined six points in the final three quarters and in the first overtime, James exploded four eight markers in the second extra period, going 4-for-4 from the field as B-Meg, which was playing minus an injured PJ Simon, finished off the Aces.

“James has that unique ability to put his whole team on his back and carry them to victory. He can score and make tough shots against great defense and that is demoralizing for the opposing team,” said Cone, adding he knows that by heart.

“I know because I use to be against him, and I’m just glad I’m on his side now,” a happy Cone explained.

For his part, James Yap is only too glad the Llamados, who have upped their record to 5-4 from a dismal 2-4 start, are finally clicking and thriving under the new system of Cone.

“Masaya siyempre dahil nagbubunga na yung mga paghihirap namin.  Sana magtuloy-tuloy na,” said James of the team’s current success.

On his winning Player of the Week honors, he said, “Kung ito yung pruweba na makakapag-adjust na nga hindi lang ako kundi ang buong team sa triangle offense ni coach Tim sana mas mag-improve pa kami lalo. Pasalamat talaga ako kay coach Tim sa tiyaga niya sa pagturo sa amin ng triangle.”

James Yap beat teammate Kerby Raymundo and Petron Blaze stalwarts Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot for Player of the Week honors.(pr)

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

UBL kicks off Nov.19

United Basketball League starts on Nov.19.

2nd Trip Ko Phoenix Basketball Cup opens on Nov. 12


The future stars of basketball will seek to make their mark as the second season of Trip Ko Phoenix Fuels Basketball Cup opens on Saturday, November 12 at the Davao City Recreation Center (formerly Almendras Gym).

The Phoenix Cup, presented and organized by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, is the first and only non-school based tournament for the youth in Davao City. Players 13-15 years old will see action in the Cup. 

From 500 who tried out, only 90 made it to the final list. The six teams are led by professional coaches for Cyclomax Titan, Cyclomax 4T, Zoelo Extreme, Zoelo Diesel, Accelerate Vega, and Accelerate Supreme.

Games will be held for five Saturdays starting on November 12. Semi-finals will be on December 10 and 11, while the Finals will be on Dec. 18. Games will start at 8 am to 1 pm every Saturday.

The 1st Trip Ko Phoenix Fuels Basketball Cup wrapped up last August during the Kadayawan festival.

‘The Ninja’ strikes


WHAT makes Petron Blaze extra dangerous is the ability of most of its players to step up when the occasion calls for it.
Joseph Yeo reiterated that fact by scattering 27 points in leading the Boosters to a much-needed win, thus earning for himself the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the period Oct. 31 to Nov. 6.
The output, spiked by eight rebounds and four assists, helped Petron notch an 86-80 win over Alaska at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City last Saturday.
Going into that game the Boosters have lost three straight and were without injured off-guard Chris Lutz, who has started in place of Dondon Hontiveros, in turn out for at least the conference because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The man known as “The Ninja” did not disappoint as he scored 13 points right in the first quarter and 11 in the payoff period, including the insurance lay-in basket that gave the Boosters an 84-80 lead, time down to just 34 seconds.
“Talagang napakalaking bagay ang ginawa ni Joseph dahil butas na butas kami sa 2-position,” said Petron coach Ato Agustin. “Ipinakita niya na hindi sayang iyung pagtitiwala namin sa kanya.”
It was the highest output by the former De La Salle standout since moving over to the team formerly known as San Miguel Beer during the 2009-10 season.
It was also sort of unexpected since Yeo, drafted third overall by Coca-Cola in the 2006 draft and who has strutted his wares with Sta. Lucia Realty, was averaging just 7.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per outing.
“Kaya naman tuwang-tuwa talaga kami dahil ang mga players naming tulad ni Joseph kapag kailangang kailangan nag-de-deliver,” noted Agustin.
The win improved Petron’s record to 4-3. More important, it seemed to have restored the bearing and confidence the team needs for that push going into the last half of its elimination round assignments.  
Based on his latest performance, Yeo is sure to be an integral part of that drive.(pr)

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Handy Fix Reg'l finals on Sunday


DAVAO CITY FINALS
(Playoffs)
 
Nov. 4, 2011 (Friday) @Brgy. 76-A Bucana Covered Court
 
6:30 P.M.     BRGY. BUHANGIN                        VS.      BRGY. LEON GARCIA AGDAO
8:00 P.M.     BRGY. 76-A BUCANA       VS.      BRGY. 8-A MADAPO
 
REGIONAL FINALS
(Mindanao Area)
 
Nov. 6, 2011 (Sunday) @Brgy. 76-A Bucana Covered Court
 
1:00 P.M.     OPENING RIGHTS
 
1:30 P.M.     1st Game:      PANABO CHAMPION      vs.       DAVAO CITY 1
 
3:00 P.M.     2nd Game:     DIGOS CHAMPION           vs.       DAVAO CITY 2
 
4:30 P.M.     3rd Game:     FIGHTING FOR THIRD PLACE     (Loser vs. Loser)
 
6:00 P.M.     4th Game:     CHAMPIONSHIP    (Winner vs. Winner)

Regional Champion will represent Mindanao in the National Finals on Nov. 12-13 in  Cebu City. Regional Champion will avail all-expense-paid trip to Cebu as pre-game prize for the team.

Cash Prizes: National Champion: P25,000
1st Runner-up: P15,000
2nd Runner-up: P10,000
3rd Runner-up: P5,000

This event is presented by Magna Prime Distribution Corporation and organized by Evangelista Aquatics and Sports Management, Inc. (EASMI)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

David shows sterner stuff


IF one’s character is gauged by how he bounces back from adversity, then Gary David is indeed setting a high enough standard.
The fiery shooting guard rebounded big-time from two sorry games to set a new career milestone, boost Powerade past a feared foe and earn for himself the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the period Oct. 24 to 30.
The 33-year-old scattered a career-high 42 points against the Petron Blaze Boosters last Sunday in leading the Tigers to a 108-94 win that cut short their two-game skid caused, as most think, by David unusually failing to rise to the occasion.
In an 80-97 loss to B-Meg last Wednesday, David was held to just seven points, the first time in the last five conferences or since he returned in the 2009-10 season to the franchise that picked him at 10th overall in the 2004 Draft that the prolific scorer was limited to a single-digit number.
Versus Barangay Ginebra, the league scoring champion the past two seasons hastened their sorry 72-73 downfall with two missed charities in the last 12 seconds.
The manner his star player put those pitiful outings behind him pleased Powerade coach Bo Perasol no end.
“For a player to rise up from two heartbreaking games and score 42 points against a formidable opponent like Petron, it really highlights what a gem of a player Gary David is,” said Perasol.
“It is just fitting that he should be recognized. Well deserved.”
David said his teammates never gave up on him and a welcome advice from some family members didn't hurt either.
“Pinayuhan ako ng mga pinsan ko na kalimutan ko iyung last two games na ‘yon,” he related. “Kinalimutan ko at mukhang nakatulong naman.”
It clearly showed as he went 4-of-6 from the three-point area, 11-of-13 from the two-point zone and 8-of-10 from the stripes. He also added seven rebounds and four assists and committed just two turnovers in 38 minutes.(pr)