PBA D-League Playoff Chase Resumes January 3

The chase for playoff berths in the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants' Cup resumes in earnest on January 3 with nine of the eleven competing teams still in contention for post-elims berths.

Three of the teams - pace-setting Cebuana Lhuillier (8-1), Freego Jeans (6-2) and Big Chill (6-3) are sure to make it while NLEX (5-1) is also practically there.

The Gems and Road Warriors, finalists in the inuagural D-League tournament earlier this year, collide on January 12 with possibly one outright semifinals berth on the line with the loser probably battling the Jeans Makers for the other outright spot if current form holds up.

The Superchargers hope to lock on to the second twice-to-beat quarterfinals edge but if Blackwater (3-3), RnW Pacific Pipes (4-3) or Boracay Rum (4-4) catch fire in January, Big Chill may have to go through a playoff to get that lofty placing.

PC Gilmore (2-5) and CafeFrance (2-5) both have an outside shot of making the Top Six but may need to win their remaining games. DUB Unlimited (1-7) and Cobra Energy Drink (1-8) are out of contention but could play the spoilers' role in the final six playdates.

Cebuana Lhuillier has been sizzling behind the heady performances of forward Vic Manuel and guards Terrence Romeo and ex-pro Jai Reyes and hope to get Kevin Alas back for the stretch run after the Letran guard spent several weeks in the US on a training trip.

NLEX has the core of the SEA Games gold medal winning team in its fold, with six members of the Sinag Pilipinas team in its fold as well as San Sebastian's frontline but the loss of sniper Roland Pascual (ACL) means Garvo Lanete and Chris Ellis have to step up their games alongside RR Garcia, Calvin Abueva and Clifford Hodge.

Freego Jeans also lost a vital cog when back-up guard Jer4ick Canada opted to turn pro overseas, leaving a huge gap behind star playmaker Lester Alvarez in the team's rotation though they finally have standout wingman Alex Nuyles healthy again to join Eric Camson, Janus Lozada and Bacon Austria.

Dark horse Big Chill needs consistent performances from Fil-Ams Alex Mallari, Keith Jensen and Elliot Tan as well as local workhorses Raffy Peyes, Jopher Custodio and Jessie Collado to go further in the tournament.(pr)

Cultivators knock out RnW, 65-61

Games Thursday
(Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. PC Gilmore vs Pharex
4 p.m. Freego vs Cebuana Lhuillier



Raffi Reyes hit clutch 3-point shot to spark a late charge by FCA and
the Cultivators knocked out RnW Pacific Pipes, 65-61, in the first
round of the playoffs on Tuesday and advance to the quarterfinals of
the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

But jolting blow was delivered by the Pharex Bidang Generix, who
eliminated Cobra Energy Drink superstar guard Paul Lee and the Ironmen
via a 96-66 blowout to secure the last spot in the round of eight.

Pharex dictated the pace early on and encountered only a token of a
challenge against the pre-tournament favourite Ironmen, who
conspicuously played sluggish and sloppy all game.

“I don’t think anyone can expect something like that. But I thought we
executed perfectly today. Our ball movement was excellent and we
managed to reduce [Paul Lee] his efficiency,” said Pharex coach Gian
Carlo Tan.

James Mangahs scored 17 points. Edwin Asoro and Raymon Aguilar each
scored 14 points for Pharex which will play PC Gilmore in the quarters
on Thursday.

The Bidang Generix lead 25-18 after one quarter, extended the lead to
16 points at halftime and put the game out of reach after building a
71-47 Advantage entering the fourth.

Lee scored 19 points and Kenneth Acibar added 12. But neither of them
nor the rest of the team picked up their rhythm.

In a tightly fought fourth quarter that featured poor shooting and
lots of turnovers from both teams, Reyes made the big play at the two
minute mark, knocking a three over Raymund Ilagan that gave FCA a
62-60 lead.

RnW Pacific Pipes shooter Jim Viray clanged two 3-point attempt before
Alex Mallari scored a hard drive to the basket as FCA completed its
comeback from a 16-point deficit in the third quarter and sealed the
win with 13.8 second remaining.

“We expected a tough match and we know they are well prepared. But we
didn’t give up kahit masama ang nilalaro naming. We continue to play
through and I thought our efforts paid off in the crucial stretch of
the fourth,” said FCA coach Arsenio Dysangco.

Despite struggling with his shooting all game, Mallari still led FCA
with with 12 points. Reyes added 11 and Richard Cole 9.

Arsenio said the Cultivators played a little bit tight, reason why
they fell behind by 13.

“This is the playoffs. It’s our first time. So medyo mechanical ang
kilos. So I told them to just enjoy the game and go with the flow. I
thought they adjusted pretty well,” Arsenio said.

FCA will face Group A top notcher in the quarterfinals and Arsenio
readily admitted they are the underdog.

“Man for man dehado kami. But we’ll see,” he said.

Vic Manuel led all scoirers with 20 points but didn’t get enough
support. Viray had 12 but missed badly on a couple of 3-point attempt
that could have changed the complexion of the match.

RnW Pipes opened the third qith a 15-6 run and built a 49-36 advantage
on a basket by Manual with 4:10 left in the period.

But the FCA slowly clawed back behind Mallari, Reyes and Cole,
outscoring RnW Pacific Pipes, 21-7, bridging the third and fourth
quarter to pull with 57-58 on four straight points by Cole.
The scores:

First Game
FCA 65 – Mallari 12, Reyes 11, Cole 9, Collado 8, Gerilla 7, Canlas 7,
Co 3, Custodio 3, Bulawin 2, Maconicido 2, Pascual 1, Sevilla 1.

RnW Pacific 61 – Manuel 20, Viray 12, Leynes 8, Delgado 7, Ilagan 4,
Importante 4, Cornejo 3, Del Rio 2, Musni 1, Tirona 0.

Quarters: 18-13; 30-34; 49-52; 65-61

Second Game
Pharex 96 – Mangahas 17, Aguilar 14, Asoro 14, Viernes 9, Taylor 9,
Adolfo 8, Banal 7, Morial 6, Cabonce 6, Losentes 3, Siruma 3, Tecson
0, Montilla 0, Graebel 0.

Cobra 66 – Lee 19, Acibar 12, Bandaying 10, Hermosisima 8, Boloran 7,
Foronda 4, Sanga 4, Rosopa 2, Mendoza 0, Raypon 0, Reyes 0, Eguilos 0.

Quarters: 25-18; 36-30; 71-47; 96-66.PR

RnW snaps four-game losing streak

PBA D-League Foundation Cup
Team Standings

               Group A

                                           W     L
NLEX                                   4     1
Black Water                          3      2
PC Gilmore                           3     2
Pharex                                   2      3
RnW Pacific Pipes                2      4
Freego Jeans                          1      3
              Group B
                                            W     L
Cobra Energy Drink              3      1
Cebuana Lhuillier                 3     1
Max! Bond Super Glue         2     1
FCA                                      2       1
Maynilad                               3      3
Junior Powerade                    1      3
Café France                           0      4

Games Thursday
 (San Andres gym, Manila)
2 p.m. – Café France vs FCA
4 p.m. – Blackwater vs PC Gilmore


Rnw Pacific Pipes snapped a four-game losing streak on Tuesday with a
75-59 victory against Pharex to close out their campaign in the
classification round of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup on a winning
note at the Marikina Sports Center.

Led by Vic Manuel, who led all scorers with 16 points and 10 rebound,
Pacific Pipes dominated the game with hassling defense and strong
rebounding.

“Mahirap masanay sa talo. So this win really comes as a relief for all
of us,” said Pacific Pipes coach Topex Robinson.

He said they will use their two week break to prepare for the knockout
playoff. Pacific Pipes could wind up either fourth or fifth place
depending on the result of Pharex’s last assignment against Freego
Jeans next Tuesday.

It was another frustrating loss for the Bidang Generix, who picked up
their third straight defeat because they couldn’t match Pacific Pipes’
energy and aggressiveness.

Pacific Pipes seized control with a 10-0 run that turned a 6-4 deficit
into an eight point lead with 2:57 left in the opening quarter.

Pacific Pipes never trailed again the rest of the way although they
had to overcome a late rally by the Bidang Generix.

Raymund Ilagan scored 14 points and Anthony del Rio added for Pacific
Pipes, which committed 21 tunrovers but offset it by holding Pharex to
30 percent field goal shooting (17 of 57) while dominating the boards,
53-36.

James Managahas scored 15 points and Jason Deutchman added 14 for the
Bidang Generix (2-3), pulled within 51-59 on a basket by Mangahas with
6:50 remaining but couldn’t sustain the effort.

The scores:

RnW Pacific Pipes 75 – Manuel 16, Ilagan 14, Del Rio 10, Viray 8,
Musni 7, Leynes 6, Cornejo 4, Importante 4, Delgado 2, Sabelina 2,
Tirona 2, Antonio 0.

Pharex 59 – Mangahas 15, Deutchman 14, Montilla 7, Asoro 6, Losentes
5,  Dolfo 4, Taylor 4, Aguilar 4, Tecson 0, Viernes 0, Morial 0, Banal
0.

Quarters: 20-12; 38-27; 59-43; 75-59.PR

PC Gilmore plasters RnW Pacific Pipes, 75-59

PBA D-League Foundation Cup
Team Standings

               Group A

                                           W     L
NLEX                                   3     1
Black Water                          3      1
PC Gilmore                           3     2
Pharex                                   2      2
Freego Jeans                          1      3
RnW Pacific Pipes                1      4

              Group B
                                            W     L
Cebuana Lhuillier                 3     1
Max! Bond Super Glue         2     1
Cobra Energy Drink              2      1
FCA                                      2       1
Maynilad                               3      3
Junior Powerade                    1      3
Café France                           0      3

Games Thursday
 (Arellano U gym, Legarda)
2 p.m. – Cobra Energy Drink vs Café France
4 p.m. – NLEX  vs Blackwater Perfume


After a woeful shooting in the first half, PC Gilmore exploded for
10 3-point shots in the second half and plastered RnW Pacific Pipes,
75-59, Tuesday in the classification round of the PBA D-League
Foundation Cup at the Letran gym.

The Wizards made just 32 percent of their shots (12 of 38) in the
first half but seized control late in the third quarter as Pacific
Pipes continue to struggle with its offense.

Eric Agas showed the way for PC Gilmore with 15 points. Jett Vidal had
13. Allan Mangahas added 11, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Jam Cortes cornered 13 rebounds as PC Gilmore outrebounded Pacific Pipes, 52-45.

“Our shooting in the first half didn’t click. We’re missing easy
lay-ups and free throws. We we’re tight. Siguro dahil sa haba ng
break. But I told the guys if we can’s score we must at least get
stops. Good thing we made our shots we when we needed,” said PC
Gilmore coach Richard del Rosario.

In Group B play, Cebuana Lhuillier weathered a fiery charge by
Maynilad down the stretch and got away with a 91-89 victory.

Obviously, the Gems learned from their stunning 73-77 loss against
Junior Powerade. They played with a high level of urgency and energy
against Maynilad and didn’t back down when the Water Dragons became
physical.

Emotions ran high in the second half with Maynilad coach Frankie Lim
getting tossed from the game with 7:14 remaining for continuous
complaining.

“We played with a great team effort,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach
Luigi Trillo, who reserved his praise for guard Kevin Alas.

“He is a Letran Knight but he played with a heart of a Lion,” Trillo said.

Allein Maliksi led all scorers with 28 points. Alas had 27, including
his teams last six points in the final 45 seconds to secure the win.

Cebuana Lhuillier improved to 3-1 while Maynilad closed out its
classification round assignment with a 3-3 mark.

The Gems shot 54 percent in the first half to built a 52-36 advantage
that held on till the end.

Garbo Lanete’s basket with 53 seconds left pushed Maynilad to within
82-85 to make the game exciting but the Water Dragons ran out of time.

The Wizards made 19 of 40 attempts in the second half and 10 of 20
3-point tries. In contrast, Pacific Pipes shot just 13 of 29 and was 1
of 4 from 3-point range.

The Wizards, who bounced back from an 87-88 loss against NLEX two
weeks ago, improved to 3-2 (win-loss) record in Group A to remain in
the hunt for an outright spot in the second round of the playoffs.
Pacific Pipes picked up its fourth loss in a row and fell to 1-4.

“Our game against Blackwater is crucial,” Del Rosario said. The
Wizards and the Elite wind up their classification round campaign on
May 5.

Anthony del Rio’s two free throws put Pacific Pipes ahead for the last
time at 44-43, before PC Gilmore closed out the third quarter with 7-1
run. Luis Sinco ended the spurt with a 3-pointer to give the Wizards a
50-45 lead entering the fourth quarter.
The Wizards extended the lead to 13 by scoring the first eight points
of the fourth.

The Wizards highlighted their second half shooting spree by knocking
their last five baskets from the behind the arc.

Vic Manuel led Pacific Pipes with 20 points but didn’t get enough
support from his teammates. Jim Viray was the only other players in
double figure with 13.

The Scores:
First Game

PC Gilmore 75- Agas 15, Vidal 13, Acosta 12, Mangahas 11, Sinco 5,
Lastimosa 4, Magbanua 4, Cortes 4, Almazan 2, Sorongan 2, Parala 2,
Sarangay 1, Dysam 0, McCoy 0.

RnW Pacific Pipes 59 – Manuel 20, Viray 13, Del Rio 8, Ilagan 5,
Cornejo 4, Musni 3, Leynes 2, Delgado 2, Sabelina 2, Importante 0,
Tirona 0, Lansang 0.

Quarters: 11-10; 26-25; 50-45; 75-59

Second Game

Cebuana Lhuillier 93 – Maliksi 28, Alas 27, Mandani 16, Cena 6, Llagas
6, Nabong 5, Hayes 2, Elimon 2, Bagatsing 1, Semira 0.

Maynilad 85 – Lanete 25, Marcelo 12, Pascual J. 12, Hermida 10, Dela
Rosa 9, Semerad A. 6, Lim 3, Semerad 2, Pascual K. 2, Caram 2,
Diputado 2.

Quarters: 28-16; 52-36; 72-61; 93-85.PR