Rookies Devance & Arana star in upset of Phil Cup champs
Monday, 17 September 2007
TARLAC -- Welcoat, looking to make some inroads the coming season with its acquisition of a prized Fil-Am rookie, chalked up its first win in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tourney with a 99-97 upset of reigning Philippine Cup champion Barangay Ginebra at the Tarlac State University gym here Sunday.
Welcoat rode high on the endgame exploits of amateur draftees Joe Devance and Ryan Arana as the Dragons pulled the rug from under the Kings and got back into contention for the one-game Finale of the preseason event.
Devance, the top draft pick, strung up eight straight points while Arana, No. 12 pick overall, banged in a three-pointer inside the last three minutes as the Dragons scored their first win following back-to-back defeats at the hands of the KT&G team of Korea and the Talk N Text Phone Pals.
Welcoat surged ahead to stay at 98-97 on a decisive trey by Arana with time down to 24 seconds.
Earlier, the Dragons came charging back from a seven-point deficit on an eight-point binge by Devance highlighted by back-to-back triples by the ex-University of Texas at El Paso stalwart.
After Arana made it 98-97, Ginebra had a chance to salvage the game but Macky Escalona missed what had looked like an easy layup.
Denver Lopez split his charities with time down to 0.6 seconds for the final count in the closely fought match between the two teams which finished champions and tailenders in the 2006 All-Filipino tourney.
Devance and Rob Wainwright tossed in 20 points apiece while Jay-R Reyes added 17 points to lead the Dragons past the Kings still playing minus key players Eric Menk, Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Johnny Abarrientos and Rafi Reavis.
Ginebra suffered a second loss in three defeats as the Kings virtually bombed out of contention for the preseason crown won by the Alaska Aces last year.
The two teams engaged in a fierce battle from start to finish with Ginebra barely taking the opening half at 49-46 on a three-point play by Devance with time down
to nine seconds.
The Dragons and the Kings figured in seven deadlocks in the first 24 minutes of play.
Ginebra stayed ahead, 75-73, at the close of the third period where Welcoat went 4-of-11 from the stripe. (NC)
The scores:
Welcoat 99 – Devance 20, Wainwright 20, Reyes 17, Lopez 13, Gelig 8, Sta. Maria 8, Baguion 8, Arana 5, Mente 0, Ballesteros 0.
Ginebra 97 – Macapagal 22, Salvacion 15, Mamaril 13, Santos 13, Hubalde 12, Holper 9, Tubid 4, Aquinbo 2, Lao 0.
Quarterscores: 19-15, 46-49, 73-75, 99-97.
Monday, September 17, 2007
BIG MEN POWER SAN MIGUEL OVER ALASKA
Ildefonso leads 4 other Beermen with 13 points or more
Sunday, 16 September 2007
San Miguel Beer punished Alaska in the paint and went on to score a 100-94 win in their 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tourney debut at the Lyceum gym Saturday.
Big men Danny Ildefonso, Enrico Villanueva, Samigue Eman and Gabby Espinas combined for 48 points against the 39 of John Ferriols, Ken Bono, Sonny Thoss, Junjun Cabatu and JR Quinahan.
Espinas finished with only six points but four coming at crunch time, helping the Beermen seal the win over the Aces, who are the Fiesta Conference champions and also title-holders in this preseason event.
The Beermen erected a 12-point lead, 94-82, midway through the fourth quarter but the Aces came charging back at 94-91 on a nine-to-nothing run capped by a triple by Cabatu.
But San Miguel wouldn’t be denied as the Beermen played with greater poise and composure at the finish.
Willy Wilson converted a shot from close range, then Espinas sank four charities, bailing the Beermen out of trouble.
The two teams played their initial game in the Pre-Season after being humbled by the KT&G squad of Korea in non-bearing settos. The Koreans completed a five-game sweep in their stint here also with victories over Welcoat, Sta. Lucia and Red Bull.
Two-time MVP winner Willie Miller paced the Aces with 16 with Eddie Laure and Ferriols adding 13 apiece and Tony de la Cruz 12 in the fiercely fought match.
It was a battle with San Miguel gaining decisive ground only in the fourth quarter through the efforts of Danny Seigle and LA Tenorio.
Alaska took a 27-25 edge in the first quarter before closing the opening half at 45-44 on a three-pointer by De la Cruz just before the buzzer sounded. (NC)
The scores:
San Miguel 100 – Ildefonso 15, Villanueva E. 14, Hontiveros 13, Eman 13, Seigle 13, Tugade 8, Wilson 6, Espinas 6, Tenorio 4, Gonzales 4, Villanueva J. 2, Racela 2.
Alaska 94 – Miller 16, Laure 13, Ferriols 13, Dela Cruz 12, Bono 10, Thoss 7, Cabatu 5, Quinahan 4, Bajar 4, Luanzon 4, Hugnatan 4.
Quarterscores: 26-27, 44-45, 76-73, 100-94.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
San Miguel Beer punished Alaska in the paint and went on to score a 100-94 win in their 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tourney debut at the Lyceum gym Saturday.
Big men Danny Ildefonso, Enrico Villanueva, Samigue Eman and Gabby Espinas combined for 48 points against the 39 of John Ferriols, Ken Bono, Sonny Thoss, Junjun Cabatu and JR Quinahan.
Espinas finished with only six points but four coming at crunch time, helping the Beermen seal the win over the Aces, who are the Fiesta Conference champions and also title-holders in this preseason event.
The Beermen erected a 12-point lead, 94-82, midway through the fourth quarter but the Aces came charging back at 94-91 on a nine-to-nothing run capped by a triple by Cabatu.
But San Miguel wouldn’t be denied as the Beermen played with greater poise and composure at the finish.
Willy Wilson converted a shot from close range, then Espinas sank four charities, bailing the Beermen out of trouble.
The two teams played their initial game in the Pre-Season after being humbled by the KT&G squad of Korea in non-bearing settos. The Koreans completed a five-game sweep in their stint here also with victories over Welcoat, Sta. Lucia and Red Bull.
Two-time MVP winner Willie Miller paced the Aces with 16 with Eddie Laure and Ferriols adding 13 apiece and Tony de la Cruz 12 in the fiercely fought match.
It was a battle with San Miguel gaining decisive ground only in the fourth quarter through the efforts of Danny Seigle and LA Tenorio.
Alaska took a 27-25 edge in the first quarter before closing the opening half at 45-44 on a three-pointer by De la Cruz just before the buzzer sounded. (NC)
The scores:
San Miguel 100 – Ildefonso 15, Villanueva E. 14, Hontiveros 13, Eman 13, Seigle 13, Tugade 8, Wilson 6, Espinas 6, Tenorio 4, Gonzales 4, Villanueva J. 2, Racela 2.
Alaska 94 – Miller 16, Laure 13, Ferriols 13, Dela Cruz 12, Bono 10, Thoss 7, Cabatu 5, Quinahan 4, Bajar 4, Luanzon 4, Hugnatan 4.
Quarterscores: 26-27, 44-45, 76-73, 100-94.
Friday, September 14, 2007
TALK ‘N TEXT WHIPS WELCOAT
5 Phone Pals score at least 18 each, negating monster game anew from Devance
Friday, 14 September 2007
Talk ‘N Text remained in the running for the finale of the 2007 PBA pre-season tourney as the Phone Pals negated freshman Joe Devance’s 38-point performance in scoring a 123-109 victory over the Welcoat Dragons at the Arellano Gym Friday.
The Phone Pals, which shot a sizzling 57% from the field, played a balance game to offset Devance’s another big explosion with Jay Washington, Macmac Cardona, Asi Taulava, Don Allado and Jimmy Alapag each scoring at least 18 markers.
Bouncing back from a close defeat to the Barangay Ginebra Kings Thursday, Talk ‘N Text stayed right behind the pacesetting Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in Group B.
The Phone Pals need to beat the Giants to get a crack at the one-game final in this brief tourney won by the Alaska Milk Aces over the San Miguel Beermen last year.
Alaska and San Miguel are both in Group A currently paced by Sta. Lucia Realty.
Devance, a former University of Texas at El Paso mainstay picked No. 1 overall in the recent Rookie Draft, scattered 22 points in the first half allowing the Dragons to hold sway early on. He also finished with a game-high 12 rebounds.
But TNT got its act together, coming from the halftime break and unraveled big runs to foil the Dragons’ upset bid.
The Phone Pals, who outscored Welcoat 43-19 from the 15-foot line, pulled even at 71-all on two free throws by Alapag and went on to seize a 92-85 lead at the close of the third period.
Coach Derick Pumaren and his boys won pulling away as they simply imposed their superiority on the young Welcoat team in the payoff period.
But Devance definitely earned the respect of the Phone Pals as he churned out a second straight 30-plus performance in the pre-season event. He had 35 points against Marquin Chandler and his KT&G teammates. (NC)
The scores:
Talk ‘N Text 123 – Washington 20, Cardona 20, Taulava 18, Allado 18, Alapag 18, Ritualo 12, Belano 8, Billones 4, Carey 3, Noble 2.
Welcoat 109 – Devance 38, Dulay 15, Reyes 12, Wainwright 9, Gelig 8, Arana 8, Lopez 7, Mente 6, Sta. Maria 5, Ibanes 1, Ballesteros 0, Tangkay 0.
Quarterscores: 33-33, 54-65, 92-85, 123-109
Friday, 14 September 2007
Talk ‘N Text remained in the running for the finale of the 2007 PBA pre-season tourney as the Phone Pals negated freshman Joe Devance’s 38-point performance in scoring a 123-109 victory over the Welcoat Dragons at the Arellano Gym Friday.
The Phone Pals, which shot a sizzling 57% from the field, played a balance game to offset Devance’s another big explosion with Jay Washington, Macmac Cardona, Asi Taulava, Don Allado and Jimmy Alapag each scoring at least 18 markers.
Bouncing back from a close defeat to the Barangay Ginebra Kings Thursday, Talk ‘N Text stayed right behind the pacesetting Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in Group B.
The Phone Pals need to beat the Giants to get a crack at the one-game final in this brief tourney won by the Alaska Milk Aces over the San Miguel Beermen last year.
Alaska and San Miguel are both in Group A currently paced by Sta. Lucia Realty.
Devance, a former University of Texas at El Paso mainstay picked No. 1 overall in the recent Rookie Draft, scattered 22 points in the first half allowing the Dragons to hold sway early on. He also finished with a game-high 12 rebounds.
But TNT got its act together, coming from the halftime break and unraveled big runs to foil the Dragons’ upset bid.
The Phone Pals, who outscored Welcoat 43-19 from the 15-foot line, pulled even at 71-all on two free throws by Alapag and went on to seize a 92-85 lead at the close of the third period.
Coach Derick Pumaren and his boys won pulling away as they simply imposed their superiority on the young Welcoat team in the payoff period.
But Devance definitely earned the respect of the Phone Pals as he churned out a second straight 30-plus performance in the pre-season event. He had 35 points against Marquin Chandler and his KT&G teammates. (NC)
The scores:
Talk ‘N Text 123 – Washington 20, Cardona 20, Taulava 18, Allado 18, Alapag 18, Ritualo 12, Belano 8, Billones 4, Carey 3, Noble 2.
Welcoat 109 – Devance 38, Dulay 15, Reyes 12, Wainwright 9, Gelig 8, Arana 8, Lopez 7, Mente 6, Sta. Maria 5, Ibanes 1, Ballesteros 0, Tangkay 0.
Quarterscores: 33-33, 54-65, 92-85, 123-109
PUREFOODS OUTGUNS AIR21 FOR 2-0 SLATE
Artadi to Ginebra in 3-way deal
Friday, 14 September 2007
Purefoods and Air21 closed a trade deal involving Paul Artadi then figured in exciting match with the Giants crushing the Express, 130-124, Thursday at the PUP gym in Sta. Mesa.
Artadi has been dealt to the Barangay Ginebra Kings when the Giants repulsed the Express to gain leadership with a 2-0 win-loss record in Group B in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tournament.
The Express practically bombed out of contention for the championship as they reeled to a second straight defeat.
Air21 Board representative and team manager Lito Alvarez, however, is upbeat on their chances for the coming season with a lineup spiced up further by new acquisitions Ervin Sotto, Jek Chia, Paolo Hubalde and Chris Baluyot.
The team reacquired Sotto from Coca-Cola, recruited Baluyot from the free agent pool and acquired Chia and Hubalde in a three-way trade deal with Purefoods and Ginebra. Purefoods gained a future draft pick from Air21 in exchange for Artadi.
The Giants hardly missed the services of Artadi, drawing tremendous boost from new backcourt recruits Chico Lanete and Ardy Larong.
Lanete and Larong combined for 32 points although old Purefoods mainstays James Yap, Kerby Raymundo and Roger Yap delivered the biggest numbers as they whipped Air21 for a second straight win following their conquest of Barangay Ginebra in the opener last Saturday in Cavite.
The Giants opened a double-digit lead right in the first period and held off repeated rallies by the Express who banked heavily on another 30-point performance from Arwind Santos.
The Express refused to give up the fight easily but the Giants hang tough to the finish with James Yap pouring in 29 points and Raymundo adding 21.
The Giants played serious basketball with coach Ryan Gregorio even called a technical foul in the fourth quarter for continuous complaining.
The Express threatened the last time at 114-118 before Yap and Raymundo fueled a decisive run that eventually bailed Purefoods out of trouble. (NC)
The scores:
Purefoods 130 – Yap J. 29, Raymundo 21, Lanete 20, Yap R. 20, Larong 12, Sanz 8, Pingris 7, Adducul 7, Salvador 4, Evangelista 2.
Air21 124 – Santos 36, Arboleda 23, Canaleta 15, Cruz 12, De Ocampo 12, Kramer 7, Intal 6, Masbang 5, Dimaunahan 4, Sotto 2.
Quarterscores: 34-24, 68-57, 101-95, 130-124.
Friday, 14 September 2007
Purefoods and Air21 closed a trade deal involving Paul Artadi then figured in exciting match with the Giants crushing the Express, 130-124, Thursday at the PUP gym in Sta. Mesa.
Artadi has been dealt to the Barangay Ginebra Kings when the Giants repulsed the Express to gain leadership with a 2-0 win-loss record in Group B in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tournament.
The Express practically bombed out of contention for the championship as they reeled to a second straight defeat.
Air21 Board representative and team manager Lito Alvarez, however, is upbeat on their chances for the coming season with a lineup spiced up further by new acquisitions Ervin Sotto, Jek Chia, Paolo Hubalde and Chris Baluyot.
The team reacquired Sotto from Coca-Cola, recruited Baluyot from the free agent pool and acquired Chia and Hubalde in a three-way trade deal with Purefoods and Ginebra. Purefoods gained a future draft pick from Air21 in exchange for Artadi.
The Giants hardly missed the services of Artadi, drawing tremendous boost from new backcourt recruits Chico Lanete and Ardy Larong.
Lanete and Larong combined for 32 points although old Purefoods mainstays James Yap, Kerby Raymundo and Roger Yap delivered the biggest numbers as they whipped Air21 for a second straight win following their conquest of Barangay Ginebra in the opener last Saturday in Cavite.
The Giants opened a double-digit lead right in the first period and held off repeated rallies by the Express who banked heavily on another 30-point performance from Arwind Santos.
The Express refused to give up the fight easily but the Giants hang tough to the finish with James Yap pouring in 29 points and Raymundo adding 21.
The Giants played serious basketball with coach Ryan Gregorio even called a technical foul in the fourth quarter for continuous complaining.
The Express threatened the last time at 114-118 before Yap and Raymundo fueled a decisive run that eventually bailed Purefoods out of trouble. (NC)
The scores:
Purefoods 130 – Yap J. 29, Raymundo 21, Lanete 20, Yap R. 20, Larong 12, Sanz 8, Pingris 7, Adducul 7, Salvador 4, Evangelista 2.
Air21 124 – Santos 36, Arboleda 23, Canaleta 15, Cruz 12, De Ocampo 12, Kramer 7, Intal 6, Masbang 5, Dimaunahan 4, Sotto 2.
Quarterscores: 34-24, 68-57, 101-95, 130-124.
UNDERMANNED GINEBRA TRIPS TALK N TEXT
Tubid, Salvacion, Macapagal step up for Kings
Friday, 14 September 2007
Barangay Ginebra, minus five key players, pulled the rug from under Talk N Text, 102-100, in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tournament at The Arena in San Juan Wednesday night.
Ginebra got off to a swashbuckling start and watched TNT self-destruct in its fiery chase at endgame as the Kings bounced back from an 87-97 defeat at the hands of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in the pre-season event opener four nights ago in Cavite City.
Ronald Tubid, Sunday Salvacion and Mark Macapagal carried much of the load for the Kings with Johnny Abarrientos, Eric Menk and Rafi Reavis sidelined by injuries and Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand still on vacation in the US.
Macapagal made 16 points, including clutch free throws that kept the team afloat down the stretch.
The Pals, who repulsed the Air21 Express, 137-126, Monday, actually had a chance to steal the game while only down by one at 100-101, but Harvey Carey missed a layup with three seconds to go.
After Macapagal made it 102-100 on a split from the foul line, the Pals went to Asi Taulava in their attempt to force overtime but the Fil-Tongan behemoth likewise missed his shot.
Thus, the Kings, the reigning All-Filipino champions, salvaged the game and stayed in the running for the one-game final in this pre-season event won by the Alaska Aces last year.
Ginebra pounced on Talk N Text’s lackluster start and sat on a 29-17 cushion going into the second period.
The Kings sustained their searing drive in the next quarter but the Pals enjoyed some breaks towards the end of the first half, including a shot made by Renren Ritualo from midcourt with three-tenths of a second left in the clock.
Buckling down to work after the halftime huddle, the Pals closed in at 69-76 in the third and put the pressure on in the final canto.
Talk N Text finally caught up at 89-all on a dunk by Taulava, then the team pulled ahead at 92-89 on a trey by Ritualo.
It was a battle to the finish.
Tubid and Salvacion had their clutch plays and led the Kings with 24 and 22 points, respectively. Jimmy Alapag paced the Pals with 19. (NC)
The scores:
Ginebra 102 – Tubid 24, Salvacion 22, Macapagal 16, Holper 12, Hubalde 9, Santos 9, Mamaril 8, Lao 1, Aquino 1, Escalona 0.
Talk N Text 100 – Alapag 19, Cardona 17, Taulava 16, Washington 15, Ritualo 10, Carey 9, Allado 7, Noble 4, Billones 2, Ferreria 1, Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 29-17, 57-44, 78-69, 102-100.
Friday, 14 September 2007
Barangay Ginebra, minus five key players, pulled the rug from under Talk N Text, 102-100, in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tournament at The Arena in San Juan Wednesday night.
Ginebra got off to a swashbuckling start and watched TNT self-destruct in its fiery chase at endgame as the Kings bounced back from an 87-97 defeat at the hands of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in the pre-season event opener four nights ago in Cavite City.
Ronald Tubid, Sunday Salvacion and Mark Macapagal carried much of the load for the Kings with Johnny Abarrientos, Eric Menk and Rafi Reavis sidelined by injuries and Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand still on vacation in the US.
Macapagal made 16 points, including clutch free throws that kept the team afloat down the stretch.
The Pals, who repulsed the Air21 Express, 137-126, Monday, actually had a chance to steal the game while only down by one at 100-101, but Harvey Carey missed a layup with three seconds to go.
After Macapagal made it 102-100 on a split from the foul line, the Pals went to Asi Taulava in their attempt to force overtime but the Fil-Tongan behemoth likewise missed his shot.
Thus, the Kings, the reigning All-Filipino champions, salvaged the game and stayed in the running for the one-game final in this pre-season event won by the Alaska Aces last year.
Ginebra pounced on Talk N Text’s lackluster start and sat on a 29-17 cushion going into the second period.
The Kings sustained their searing drive in the next quarter but the Pals enjoyed some breaks towards the end of the first half, including a shot made by Renren Ritualo from midcourt with three-tenths of a second left in the clock.
Buckling down to work after the halftime huddle, the Pals closed in at 69-76 in the third and put the pressure on in the final canto.
Talk N Text finally caught up at 89-all on a dunk by Taulava, then the team pulled ahead at 92-89 on a trey by Ritualo.
It was a battle to the finish.
Tubid and Salvacion had their clutch plays and led the Kings with 24 and 22 points, respectively. Jimmy Alapag paced the Pals with 19. (NC)
The scores:
Ginebra 102 – Tubid 24, Salvacion 22, Macapagal 16, Holper 12, Hubalde 9, Santos 9, Mamaril 8, Lao 1, Aquino 1, Escalona 0.
Talk N Text 100 – Alapag 19, Cardona 17, Taulava 16, Washington 15, Ritualo 10, Carey 9, Allado 7, Noble 4, Billones 2, Ferreria 1, Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 29-17, 57-44, 78-69, 102-100.
KOREANS WIN AGAIN, TOP SMB;
“We still have to work on many things in our game” -- Tanquingcen
Friday, 14 September 2007
Just like the other teams, the San Miguel Beermen are still in the early stages of their preparation for the coming 2007-08 PBA Season.
Still experimenting on plays and strengthening their bodies coming from the long break, the Beermen became the third PBA team to bow to the KT&G team of Korea in the PBA pre-season event.
The Koreans, drawing another solid performance from import Marquin Chandler, walloped the Beermen, 127-100, at The Arena Wednesday.
Chandler and Co. made big runs in the second half to pull off the big rout against the Beermen playing minus top gun Danny Seigle.
Coach Siot Tanquingcen utilized almost evenly all the 12 players at his disposal with Enrico Villanueva going on to topscore for the team with 19.
Samigue Eman, Larry Fonacier, Gabby Espinas and Danny Ildefonso added 12 points or more.
"We still have to work on many things in our game, but you have to give it the Koreans. They worked harder than us," said Tanquingcen.
Chandler also scored 19 points with 10 fuelling KT&G’s early romp that gave it a 31-23 lead in the opening period.
The Koreans stretched their lead to 13 early in the second period but settled for a 60-50 margin at halftime before the Beermen came even closer at 67-74.
But that proved to be the best San Miguel could offer as the Koreans pressed their bid in the payoff period. (NC)
The scores:
KT&G 127 – Chandler 19, Yang 19, Eun 13, Lee 13, Shin 12, Cummings 11, Hwang 9, Yoon 8, Joo 8, Kim ID 5, Park 5, Jeon 3, Kim TW 2.
San Miguel 100 – Villanueva E. 19, Eman 14, Fonacier 13, Espinas 13, Ildefonso 12, Hontiveros 9, Tenorio 7, Gonzales 5, Calaguio 4, Racela 2, Wilson 2, Villanueva J. 0.
Quarterscores: 31-23, 60-50, 96-72, 127-100.
Friday, 14 September 2007
Just like the other teams, the San Miguel Beermen are still in the early stages of their preparation for the coming 2007-08 PBA Season.
Still experimenting on plays and strengthening their bodies coming from the long break, the Beermen became the third PBA team to bow to the KT&G team of Korea in the PBA pre-season event.
The Koreans, drawing another solid performance from import Marquin Chandler, walloped the Beermen, 127-100, at The Arena Wednesday.
Chandler and Co. made big runs in the second half to pull off the big rout against the Beermen playing minus top gun Danny Seigle.
Coach Siot Tanquingcen utilized almost evenly all the 12 players at his disposal with Enrico Villanueva going on to topscore for the team with 19.
Samigue Eman, Larry Fonacier, Gabby Espinas and Danny Ildefonso added 12 points or more.
"We still have to work on many things in our game, but you have to give it the Koreans. They worked harder than us," said Tanquingcen.
Chandler also scored 19 points with 10 fuelling KT&G’s early romp that gave it a 31-23 lead in the opening period.
The Koreans stretched their lead to 13 early in the second period but settled for a 60-50 margin at halftime before the Beermen came even closer at 67-74.
But that proved to be the best San Miguel could offer as the Koreans pressed their bid in the payoff period. (NC)
The scores:
KT&G 127 – Chandler 19, Yang 19, Eun 13, Lee 13, Shin 12, Cummings 11, Hwang 9, Yoon 8, Joo 8, Kim ID 5, Park 5, Jeon 3, Kim TW 2.
San Miguel 100 – Villanueva E. 19, Eman 14, Fonacier 13, Espinas 13, Ildefonso 12, Hontiveros 9, Tenorio 7, Gonzales 5, Calaguio 4, Racela 2, Wilson 2, Villanueva J. 0.
Quarterscores: 31-23, 60-50, 96-72, 127-100.
KT&G DRUBS OFF-FORM ACES; Chandler sizzles for Koreans anew
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Game shape and competitive form were among things the Alaska Aces would naturally lose for their US bonanza after winning the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference.
They seemed to still have vacation in mind as they set out for their first game in the pre-season event Tuesday night at The Arena in San Juan. The result was an 84-102 blowout by the KT&G squad of Korea.
Having just returned to training, the Aces just couldn’t find ways to stop KT&G import Marquin Chandler who sizzled with 34 points.
With practically everybody looking overweight, the Aces played a decent game only in the opening quarter, being clobbered in the next three.
Reigning league MVP Willie Miller was good for only 13 points. Reynel Hugnatan paced the team with 16 with sixth overall pick Ken Bono adding 11.
Bono and another new acquisition Junjun Cabatu suited up although they’ve yet to get their contracts with the team.
No. 7 pick JR Quinahan signed a two-year contract hours before the game. Team manager Joaqui Trillo said he would next work on Bono’s pact.
KT&G, meanwhile, was all business, riding high on the exploits of Chandler and another American import Robert Cummings on the way to the team’s second win in as many games against home teams in the PBA pre-season event.
Down by one at 17-18, the Koreans unraveled a 19-6 run and went on to dominate the contest.
The Aces actually closed in at 41-44 but couldn’t sustain the rally, falling behind by 13, 46-59, at the half.
The Koreans kept the Aces at bay in the second half with Jin Won Hwang, Hee Jong Joo and Hyun Ho Lee giving their imports the needed help. (NC)
The scores:
KT&G 102 -- Chandler 34, Hwang 17, Cummings 13, Joo 10, Kim 9, Yang 7, Lee 7, Park 3, Jeon 2, Shin 0, Eun 0.
Alaska 84 -- Hugnatan 16, Miller 13, Bono 11, Bajar 8, Aban 7, Dela Cruz 7, Ferriols 6, Quinahan 6, Thoss 3, Gonzales 3, Singson 2, Laure 2, Cabatu 0, Luangzon 0.
Quarterscores: 36-24, 59-46, 81-72, 102-84.
Game shape and competitive form were among things the Alaska Aces would naturally lose for their US bonanza after winning the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference.
They seemed to still have vacation in mind as they set out for their first game in the pre-season event Tuesday night at The Arena in San Juan. The result was an 84-102 blowout by the KT&G squad of Korea.
Having just returned to training, the Aces just couldn’t find ways to stop KT&G import Marquin Chandler who sizzled with 34 points.
With practically everybody looking overweight, the Aces played a decent game only in the opening quarter, being clobbered in the next three.
Reigning league MVP Willie Miller was good for only 13 points. Reynel Hugnatan paced the team with 16 with sixth overall pick Ken Bono adding 11.
Bono and another new acquisition Junjun Cabatu suited up although they’ve yet to get their contracts with the team.
No. 7 pick JR Quinahan signed a two-year contract hours before the game. Team manager Joaqui Trillo said he would next work on Bono’s pact.
KT&G, meanwhile, was all business, riding high on the exploits of Chandler and another American import Robert Cummings on the way to the team’s second win in as many games against home teams in the PBA pre-season event.
Down by one at 17-18, the Koreans unraveled a 19-6 run and went on to dominate the contest.
The Aces actually closed in at 41-44 but couldn’t sustain the rally, falling behind by 13, 46-59, at the half.
The Koreans kept the Aces at bay in the second half with Jin Won Hwang, Hee Jong Joo and Hyun Ho Lee giving their imports the needed help. (NC)
The scores:
KT&G 102 -- Chandler 34, Hwang 17, Cummings 13, Joo 10, Kim 9, Yang 7, Lee 7, Park 3, Jeon 2, Shin 0, Eun 0.
Alaska 84 -- Hugnatan 16, Miller 13, Bono 11, Bajar 8, Aban 7, Dela Cruz 7, Ferriols 6, Quinahan 6, Thoss 3, Gonzales 3, Singson 2, Laure 2, Cabatu 0, Luangzon 0.
Quarterscores: 36-24, 59-46, 81-72, 102-84.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
PBA to introduce new rules
The Daily Tribune
09/07/2007
The six-man competition committee of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) yesterday approved five rules that will increase the excitement of the game and will suit to the international brand of play following the country’s ninth place finish in the recent International Basketball Federation (Fiba) Asia Olynpic Qualifying tournament.
Composed of PBA operations chief Rickie Santos, technical chief Perry Martinez, coaches’ representative Tim Cone, team managers’ representative Samboy Lim, referees’ supervisor Gregorio Llaguno and interim deputy commissioner lawyer Chito Salud, the body will tackle the proposed amendments in a scheduled board meeting in Macau on Sept. 26.
“These rules are still have to be evaluated,” Santos said. “If there are negative reactions, I’m sure the board will hear them and will ultimately decide what will work for the PBA and what will not.”
The primary proposal is drawing the three-point line closer to the basket. From the current professional distance of 22 feet, the rainbow territory will be moved two feet closer to suit Fiba’s standard of 20 feet and six inches.
Also carried in the proposal are: Deeming the ball free of interference after it has touched the cylinder of the basket, changing the shape of the three-second area to trapezoid from rectangle, allowing some form of hand checking by the defense, which is strictly prohibited in the professional ranks such as the PBA and the NBA.
Another proposal is that a team needs to commit two personal fouls in the last two minutes of every quarter before entering the penalty situation. Each team’s fouls situation will also be carried out in extension should there be an overtime. Arman Carandang
Welcoat ready
Philippine Star
Thursday, September 6, 2007
A package which he couldn’t get at Alaska Milk is coming Nic Belasco’s way at Welcoat.
Welcoat co-team owner Raymund Yu told The STAR they are to give Belasco the maximum pay of P8.4 million for two years.
“The team and Nic Belasco’s agent Bobby Rius have agreed on a maximum contract for two years. We’re only settling minor details to close the deal,” said Yu.
Belasco, 33, is still on vacation in the United States. The 6-foot-4 veteran forward will fly in as soon as the papers are ready for his signature, according to his agent.
Alaska dealt Belasco to Welcoat in exchange for sophomore forward Junjun Cabatu to open some room on the team’s salary cap.
But despite the trade, Belasco joined the Aces in their US trip as part of their bonus for winning the recent Fiesta Cup.
“Nic will be missed, no doubt, because he gives us more than an inside presence,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.
Belasco and amateur draftees Joe Devance and Ryan Arana are the new faces that could provide the Dragons spark in the coming season.
Free agents still trying it out with the team are Kalani Ferreria and Estong Ballesteros. – Nelson Beltran
PRE-SEASON TOURNEY FIRES OFF ON SEPT 8.; Ginebra vs. Purefoods initial salvo at SSC-Cavite
PBA.ph
Thursday, 30 August 2007
Reigning All-Filipino champion Barangay Ginebra and dethroned Fiesta Conference titlist Purefoods tangle on September 8 at the San Sebastian College-Cavite gym to fire off the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tournament.
Alaska is looking for a title-repeat in the pre-season event which now features a guest Korean team in five tune-up matches against different PBA ballclubs.
The KT&G quintet, a member of the Korean Basketball League, goes up against the Welcoat Dragons on Sept. 10, Alaska Aces on the 11th, San Miguel Beermen on the 12th, Red Bull on the 13th and the Coca-Cola Tigers on the 14th all at 4 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan.
The Koreans’ games, however, will be purely goodwill matches, with no bearing on the fight for the pre-season championship won by the Aces over the Beermen last year.
The short tourney provides PBA ballclubs a chance to size up one another before official action begins on October 14. It also serves as a good venue for teams to make a final assessment on their would-be players.
The 10 PBA teams are divided into two groups in the eliminations. They play one round robin in each group after which the top squads from each bracket advance to the one-game final.
Alaska, Coca-Cola, Sta. Lucia, Red Bull and San Miguel compose Group A while Talk N Text, Welcoat, Purefoods, Air21 and Barangay Ginebra make up Group B.
The Aces and the Phone Pals, the title protagonists in the recent Fiesta Conference, were seeded separately. The rest of the teams were divided evenly according to their order of finish last campaign.
After Ginebra and Purefoods clash on opening day at the SSC-Cavite gym, Talk nN Text and Air21 collide the following day at the San Beda-Alabang gym.
Back-to-back double-headers are set at The Arena on September 11 and 12 with the KT&G team featured on the 4 p.m. curtain-raisers. It’s Coca-Cola versus Sta. Lucia in the 6 p.m. main game on the 11th and Ginebra against Talk N Text in the mainer on the 12th.
The Express and the Giants test each other’s mettle at 6 p.m. on the 13th at the PUP gym.
On the 14th, another double-header is set at The Arena with Coca-Cola taking on KT&G at 4 p.m. then Talk N Text tackling Welcoat at 6 p.m.
The rest of the schedule is still being finalized. (NC)
Pals team to beat
Journal Online
By: Rey Joble
ALMOST every coach now considers Talk ‘N Text as the team to beat when the PBA Philippine Cup kicks off on Oct. 24.
“Well, Talk ‘N Text is a complete team. It has talent and experience, it is well-trained and well-coached,” said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.
With Asi Taulava back and expected to be leaner and faster, and the return of two other superstars – Jimmy Alapag and Ren-Ren Ritualo – the Phone Pals are definitely a force to be reckoned with as the team hopes to make a second straight Finals appearance and end a five-year title drought.
And of course, don’t forgert Mac-Mac Cardona, the Best Player of the Conference in the Fiesta Cup where the Phone Pals finished runner-up to Alaska.
Whether the 6-1 Cardona will be relegated back to his familiar role as backup to Ritualo or assume a new role as a member of the Phone Pals’ starting unit remains to be seen.
Coaches Yeng Guiao of Red Bull, Jong Uichico of Ginebra and Welcoat’s Leo Austria have also installed the Phone Pals as the undoubted favorites.
“Talk ‘N Text is a classy organization. The team has the full management-backing. It also has a championship-caliber squad,” said Guiao, whose team lost marquee players’ Lordy Tugade, Enrico Villanueva and Larry Fonacier on trades and will miss the services of Rich Alvarez who suffered an ACL injury almost two weeks ago.
“Right now, we’re nowhere picked for the top four positions, unlike in past conferences. Unlike the others like Talk ‘N Text, it has kept its nucleus intact and nadagdagan pa. But our team has proven in the past that it can compete against several biggies in the tournament,” said Guiao, who has yet to win a conference without imports.
Uichico, a member of the RP team coaching staff headed by Chot Reyes, on the other hand, has seen the progress of Taulava, Alapag and Ritualo.
Their return to the Phone Pals coupled by their stint in the U.S. will certainly make the team better in the coming season.
“Talk ‘N Text has made it to the Finals without its three superstars. What more if they have them this season?” said Uichico. “It’s not a guess, but it’s obvious that Talk ‘N Text is indeed the favorite.”
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