Games on Thursday
(Ynares Sports Arena)
Pasig City
2p.m. – Cebuana Lhuillier vs PC Gilmore
4p.m. – NLEX vs Max! Bond Super Glue
NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez braces for a “very tough” battle when his
Road Warriors and the Max! Bond Super Glue Sumos clash on Thursday for
a Finals berth in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
The two teams arranged a semi-final showdown following contrasting
victories of their respective quarterfinal match on Tuesday. Max! Bond
Super Glue eliminated Blackwater, 74-71, courtesy of a clutch basket
from Reil Cervantes while NLEX pounced on an overmatched FCA team,
100-71.
According to Fernandez, Max! Bond Super Glue is a tough challenge
mainly because of its experienced core that features Junjun Cabatu,
Reil Cervantes, Lei Mar Navarro, Rudy Lingganay and Roel Hugnatan.
“We can match up well with their bigs. But I don’t think we have
answer for their experience,” Fernandez admits.
Youth, he said, is his team’s valuable asset so he hopes the Road
Warriors would take advantage of their aggressiveness and quickness.
“Our guys are young. Hopefully we could match their intensity and take
advantage of our quickness,” said Fernandez, assuring his troops would
show up for the 4 p.m. duel “super electrified.”
“Management has given us all the support we need and more. I think
that’s more than enough motivation for us to try and do the best we
can to win.”
Pido Jarencio, the Max! Bond Super Glue coach, insists they are coming
into this all-important knockout match as an underdog.
Powered by four Fil-Ams, referring to Clifford Hodge, Christian Reyes,
Karl Duhesa and Christopher Ellis, Jarencio said NLEX presents a
mismatch nightmare.
“Basta kami padikit-dikit lang. Ngayon kung may opportunity na
dumating ibang usapan na yan,” he said.
Whichever team wins will advance to the best-of-three championship
series against the winner of the other semi-final between Cebuana
Lhuillier and PC Gilmore.
Game time is set at 2 o’clock and Cebuana Lhuillier coach Luigi Trillo
said the Gems cannot “overachieve at this point.”
Trillo said PC Gilmore is a good scoring team that loves to
transition. And it has guards who like to score and create.
“Can we defend that? That’s my challenge to our guys,” he said.
In contrast, PC Gilmore coach Richard del Rosario claims he and his
team are coming into the game without any pressure considering they
are up against the pre-tournament favourite.
“There really is no pressure on us. However, since it’s a knockout
game there’s always a chance for an upset and were going all out to
make it to the finals,” he said.PR
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
LIGA FRONTRUNNERS CLASH AT MANDAUE LEG
POINTS STANDINGS (Win-Loss)
M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos (6-2) 22 points
Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue (4-0) 15
Laguna Golden Lions (3-5) 13
Misamis Oriental Meteors (4-4) 11
Ilocos Sur CS Tigers (4-8) 11
MP Warriors of GenSan (3-5) 7
LIGA FRONTRUNNERS CLASH AT MANDAUE LEG
MANDAUE CITY – Four teams at the top of the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V overall points standings try to pull away further from the rest of the field as hosts Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue stake their undefeated record against fellow frontrunners M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos, Misamis Oriental Meteors and Laguna Golden Lions at the start of Mandaue City Leg today (June 8) at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
Mandaue hopes to prove that their four-game sweep of the Cebu City Leg last May 21 was no fluke. The team of Joe Soberano and Coach Jun Tan are still on a high after annexing the franchise’s first ever Liga trophy.
Waiting for their turn at redemption are the Ninos of Michel J. Lhuillier and Coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba who absorbed back-to-back setbacks at home at the Cebu Coliseum to Mandaue, a team loaded with former Ninos led by Cebu City Leg Most Valuable Player Mark Magsumbol and Ariel Capus.
The Ninos are pacing the six-team field with a total of 22 points from two legs. Ilocos Sur Leg MVP Jayford Rodriguez (13.1 PPG) and Ian Saladaga (10.0 PPG) are the defending National Champions’ 1-2 scoring punch.
While Mandaue and Cebu duke it out, the Meteors and Golden Lions also have some issues to settle on the court after the Golden Lions of Gov. ER Ejercito and newly-appointed coach Philip Cezarsuccessfully defended their home turf at the San Luis Sports Complex in taking the Laguna Leg over the Meteors, 94-92, last May 28.
Cebu-born Glenn Bolocon was named as the MVP of the Laguna Leg and is their leading scorer with 16.6 points per game. Center Bryan Faundo, who suddenly has become a threat on offense, follows with 12.6 PPG.
Meanwhile, the Meteors of Gov. Oscar S. Moreno and Coach Jun Noel will bank on flashy guard Egay Billones who marked his Liga debut by immediately assuming the league’s scoring leadership at 16.8 PPG. Billones is expected to draw a lot of help of Lyndon Gudez and Dino Daa.
All four teams will play a single round robin with the two teams with the best records slugging it out for the weekly championship in a one-game playoff this coming Saturday. After Mandaue City, the conference’s last two legs will be held in the cities of General Santos and Cagayan de Oro and will be immediately followed by the playoffs.
The games of Liga Pilipinas are made possible by San Miguel, Molten, Summit Natural Drinking Water and Accel. Drawing a bye this week are the Ilocos Sur CS Tigers and the MP Warriors of GenSan.PR
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Blackwater looks to put on one good against Max!
Blackwater looks to put on one good against Max! Bond Super Glue in
their quarterfinal match-up on Tuesday to advance in the Final Four of
the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
The Elite and the Sumos battle at 2 p.m. at The Arena in an
interesting duel that could go other way.
Blackwater coach Leo Isaac said the Sumos are a tough match-up but
hopes their energy and patience would be enough to offset their
deficiencies.
The Elite got past Junior Powerade, 70-66 in the first round to
advance to the quarterfinals.
“We will give it our best and hope we can match up with them very
well,” Isaac said.
“All you need is one good game and you advance to the semis.”
Max! Bond Super Glue coach Pico Jarencro insists Blackwater is a
dangerous team but is confident his troops will overcome the
challenge.
“This is playoff time. Our team is prepared and ready to play
consistently for four quarters. We don’t want to miss this
opportunity,” he said.
The winner of the Blackwater-Max! Bond Super Glue encounter will
advance to the semi-final against the winner of the other quarterfinal
showdown between NLEX and FCA at 4 o’clock.
NLEX coach Boyet Fernadez said he expects tough game against the
Cultivators, who are loaded with experienced players.
“We have to bring our defensive game if we want to make it to the
semi-finals,” Fernandez said. “It will be a very tough game but we
will be ready.”
The Cultivators make it to the round of eight by dispatching RnW
Pacific Pipes in the first round.
“NLEX is a very deep team. Any of their players are capable to start
with any team. I hope we get lucky when we play them. That’s our only
chance,” said FCA coach Arsenio Dysangco. (pr)
their quarterfinal match-up on Tuesday to advance in the Final Four of
the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
The Elite and the Sumos battle at 2 p.m. at The Arena in an
interesting duel that could go other way.
Blackwater coach Leo Isaac said the Sumos are a tough match-up but
hopes their energy and patience would be enough to offset their
deficiencies.
The Elite got past Junior Powerade, 70-66 in the first round to
advance to the quarterfinals.
“We will give it our best and hope we can match up with them very
well,” Isaac said.
“All you need is one good game and you advance to the semis.”
Max! Bond Super Glue coach Pico Jarencro insists Blackwater is a
dangerous team but is confident his troops will overcome the
challenge.
“This is playoff time. Our team is prepared and ready to play
consistently for four quarters. We don’t want to miss this
opportunity,” he said.
The winner of the Blackwater-Max! Bond Super Glue encounter will
advance to the semi-final against the winner of the other quarterfinal
showdown between NLEX and FCA at 4 o’clock.
NLEX coach Boyet Fernadez said he expects tough game against the
Cultivators, who are loaded with experienced players.
“We have to bring our defensive game if we want to make it to the
semi-finals,” Fernandez said. “It will be a very tough game but we
will be ready.”
The Cultivators make it to the round of eight by dispatching RnW
Pacific Pipes in the first round.
“NLEX is a very deep team. Any of their players are capable to start
with any team. I hope we get lucky when we play them. That’s our only
chance,” said FCA coach Arsenio Dysangco. (pr)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
INAUGURAL NBA 3-ON-3 PHILIPPINES PRESENTED BY SPRITE SET TO THRILL BASKETBALL FANS
 |
Left to right
Carlo Singson - Senior Manager, Business Development and Marketing Partnerships, NBA Asia
Erl Orenza - Asst. Vice President - Events, Mall of Asia ARENA
Vincent Rodriguez - Head of Programming, Studio 23
Riena Marie Tan - General Manager, Tridharma Mktg Corp, distributors of Energen
JB Baylon Public Affairs and Communications Director, Sprite
Ed Winkle - Senior Director for Global Marketing Partnerships
Peter Chanliong - CEO, SOLARtv Network
Ronny Saputra - Marketing Manager, Energen
Joven Babaan - Product Manager, Spalding
Erl Orenza - Asst. Vice President - Events, Mall of Asia ARENA
Vincent Rodriguez - Head of Programming, Studio 23
Riena Marie Tan - General Manager, Tridharma Mktg Corp, distributors of Energen
JB Baylon Public Affairs and Communications Director, Sprite
Ed Winkle - Senior Director for Global Marketing Partnerships
Peter Chanliong - CEO, SOLARtv Network
Ronny Saputra - Marketing Manager, Energen
Joven Babaan - Product Manager, Spalding
- Four Time NBA Champion Horace Grant and Knicks City Dancers Give Fans an
Authentic Taste of the NBA -
MANILA, June 3, 2011 – The first-ever NBA 3-on-3 Philippines presented by Sprite will take
place in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 1 – 3, the National Basketball
Association (NBA) and Sprite announced today. The event combines exciting on-court competition
with authentic NBA entertainment and experiences for fans.
The NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite will provide youth with an opportunity to
hone their skills and compete amongst their peers. The competition is open to boys and girls ages
11 – 19, with an open division for men. Registration begins today on a first come first serve basis
and runs till June 28. Information on the event is available at www.nba3on3.com/Philippines.
To enhance fan experience, NBA Legend Horace Grant, a four-time NBA Champion (1990-91,
1991-92, 1992-93 with Chicago; 2000-01 with L.A. Lakers) and an NBA All-Star in 1994, will
make appearances and interact with fans through clinics and community events. Current All-Stars
and legends from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will also attend the event and take
part in the activities.
“We’re very excited to partner with the NBA and to take part in this inaugural NBA 3-on-3 event,”
said Criselle Pascual, Sprite Brand Manager, The Coca-Cola Export Corporation. “It is important to
encourage the youth to engage in sports like basketball to keep them active and hone their passion
for the game at an early age. Sprite is the perfect partner of the NBA because its refreshingly clear
attitude embodies the youth spirit of fun and love for the game.”
“We greatly appreciate the support of our long time partner Sprite and they are an ideal presenting
partner for our first ever NBA 3-on-3 tournament in the region,” said Scott Levy, Senior Vice
President and Managing Director, NBA Asia. “The Philippines is the perfect place to launch this
event given the country’s rich culture and passion for basketball. Thanks to the support of all of
our partners, we expect this to become an annual competition that gives everyone an opportunity to
experience the sport and get further involved in the game of basketball.”
Other NBA-style events over the three days include a Sprite Slam Dunk contest and Energen Skills
Challenge where participants can compete and showcase their abilities in front of a home crowd.
There will also be an authentic NBA half-time show featuring performances by the Knicks City
Dancers, NBA merchandise giveaways and live music to keep fans entertained. Entry to watch the
tournament and soak in the festivities is free of charge.
Along with Sprite, SOLARtv Network Incorporated (Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV) has
joined the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite as official media partner together with
Studio 23. Supporting partners also include Energen and Spalding. Venue partner is SM Mall of
Asia.
SOLARtv Network Incorporated is giving its full support to the NBA’s efforts in promoting
basketball in the country. Peter Chanliong, CEO said “NBA fever is at its peak right now and we
are excited to be a part of the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite. The Philippines
is one of the biggest markets for the NBA in Asia and through this effort, we hope to extend and
broaden the NBA fan base, and take the sport to greater heights.”
NBA Cares, the league’s global social responsibility program, will also conduct a variety of
community events in conjunction with the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite.
All participants of the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite will receive a jersey
and NBA sling bag, with early registrants (those who sign up before June 10) receiving a signed
photograph of NBA legend Horace Grant. There will also be prizes for the winner of each division.
For more information about the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite and chances to
win daily quiz prizes, please log onto www.nba3on3.com/Philippines. Fans can also get updates
on the event by following the NBA on twitter at www.twitter.com/NBA_Philippines and through
Facebook at www.facebook.com/nba
###
About Sprite
Through the years, Sprite has refreshed drinkers through its familiar green dimpled bottle and its refreshing clear, crisp lemon-lime taste. Sprite has a heritage of being the voice of clarity among the youth. Today, Sprite is the #1 lemon-lime Sparkling beverage in the Philippines. It continues to be at the heart of where the action is by refreshing millions of Filipino teens with its hit of sudden refreshment that truly quenches their thirst so they can be refreshingly clear with themselves.
Be refreshingly clear with Sprite.
About SOLARtv Network Inc.
Solar Television Network, Inc. was incorporated on November 29, 2009, an affiliate of Solar Entertainment
Corporation. It has been the Philippine Rights holder of the NBA since 2001. With 10 free and cable channels under its management, sports and basketball have been a major part of Solar’s programming.
Together with the NBA, it is committed to develop the sport amongst the Filipino audience by making NBA available in every Filipino home.
About the NBA
The NBA, founded in 1946, is a professional sports league and global business that features 30 teams in the United States and Canada. During the 2010-11 season, NBA games will reach 215 countries and territories in more than 40 languages. Official NBA rosters currently feature 83 players from 40 countries and territories. NBA merchandise is sold in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. NBA.com averages more than 26 million page views per day, with more than 50 percent of the site’s visitors coming from outside of North America. The NBA is the No. 1 U.S. sports league on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, with the most fans, followers, and videos viewed on each, respectively.(PR)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
`It will be a tough battle', says Cebuana Lhuillier coach
Cebuana Lhuillier coach Luigi Trillo is convinced it will be a tough battle.
The Gems are up against Freego Jeans in a knockout quarterfinal
match-up that features two teams who love to play physical.
Cebuana Lhuillier swept its classification round assignment to emerge
the top seed in Group B. But Trillo claimed he ranked Freego Jeans
“right up their in the bracket.”
“They just got off to a bad start. But they won three of their last
four games,” Trillo noted.
The game is set at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The winner will advance to the semi-finals against the winner of the
quarterfinal match-up between Max! Bond Super Glue and Blackwater.
Trillo said defense will be for the Gems because the Falcons are very
disciplined.
He said the Gems must find a way to control [Jerick] Canada and
[Lester] Alvarez, Freego Jeans’ backcourt tandem who could be
dangerous once their 3-point shots find its mark. “[Alex] Nuyles and
[Roider] Cabrera can light it up also,” Trillo said.
“Freego has such composure. But if we can perform against Freego’s
change up defense and defend well against their motion offense, I
think we’ll have a chance,” Trillo said.
The other quarterfinals encounter between PC Gilmore and Pharex is
also expected to go down the wire.
The 2 o’clock match duel is a rematch between the two teams. The
Wizards beat the Bidang Generix, 99-97, in the closing seconds of
their first showdown in the classification round.
“It’s going to be tough playing them coming off a win. I hope we come
out aggressive and show no rustiness because of our long layoff
between games,” said PC Gilmore coach Richard del Rosario.
The Wizards have not had a game in nearly a month since closing their
classification round assignment against Blackwater.
In contrast, Pharex advanced to the round of eight by dispatching
pre-tournament favourite Cobra Energy Drink in the first round of the
playoffs on Tuesday.
So the Wizards enjoy the momentum and their confidence are obviously high.
“Having just one day to prepare, I think that’s the challenge,” said
Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan when asked about his concerns against PC
Gilmore.
Tan promised to provide a tough challenge in their rematch.
“When we played the first time, we were not intense. We’re kind of
lackadaisical. That won’t be the case on Thursday,” Tan said. PR
The Gems are up against Freego Jeans in a knockout quarterfinal
match-up that features two teams who love to play physical.
Cebuana Lhuillier swept its classification round assignment to emerge
the top seed in Group B. But Trillo claimed he ranked Freego Jeans
“right up their in the bracket.”
“They just got off to a bad start. But they won three of their last
four games,” Trillo noted.
The game is set at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The winner will advance to the semi-finals against the winner of the
quarterfinal match-up between Max! Bond Super Glue and Blackwater.
Trillo said defense will be for the Gems because the Falcons are very
disciplined.
He said the Gems must find a way to control [Jerick] Canada and
[Lester] Alvarez, Freego Jeans’ backcourt tandem who could be
dangerous once their 3-point shots find its mark. “[Alex] Nuyles and
[Roider] Cabrera can light it up also,” Trillo said.
“Freego has such composure. But if we can perform against Freego’s
change up defense and defend well against their motion offense, I
think we’ll have a chance,” Trillo said.
The other quarterfinals encounter between PC Gilmore and Pharex is
also expected to go down the wire.
The 2 o’clock match duel is a rematch between the two teams. The
Wizards beat the Bidang Generix, 99-97, in the closing seconds of
their first showdown in the classification round.
“It’s going to be tough playing them coming off a win. I hope we come
out aggressive and show no rustiness because of our long layoff
between games,” said PC Gilmore coach Richard del Rosario.
The Wizards have not had a game in nearly a month since closing their
classification round assignment against Blackwater.
In contrast, Pharex advanced to the round of eight by dispatching
pre-tournament favourite Cobra Energy Drink in the first round of the
playoffs on Tuesday.
So the Wizards enjoy the momentum and their confidence are obviously high.
“Having just one day to prepare, I think that’s the challenge,” said
Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan when asked about his concerns against PC
Gilmore.
Tan promised to provide a tough challenge in their rematch.
“When we played the first time, we were not intense. We’re kind of
lackadaisical. That won’t be the case on Thursday,” Tan said. PR
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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
(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
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
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
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