Kings, Aces clash

by Rey Joble
People's Journal
October 31, 2007

W L
Purefoods 3 0
Magnolia 3 1
Talk N Text 2 2
Red Bull 1 1
Air21 1 1
Welcoat 1 2
Sta. Lucia 1 2
Alaska 1 2
Ginebra 1 2
Coca-Cola 1 2

Games today
(Cuneta Astrodome)
4:35 p.m. -- Red Bull vs. Air21
7:20 p.m. -- Alaska vs. Ginebra



Jeffrey Cariaso, member of the fabled Alaska grandslam team in 1996 and the oldest member of the present batch of the Aces, is turning back the hands of time.

For two straight games, the 6-1 guard averaged 21 points in his team’s last two games, but it was in the Aces’ 98-94 triumph over Coca-Cola where Cariaso was at his finest.

He made crucial baskets down the stretch and bailed his team out of trouble, finally towing Alaska to the win column.

Today, The Jet will be a marked man when the Aces tackle slumping Barangay Ginebra Kings in the main game of the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Admittedly, Alaska has had difficulty winning with the fast-paced style of play, which is one of the new innovations of the league.

“Coaches no longer have control of the game,” Alaska coach Tim Cone said during a post-game interview. “It’s like high school game and it made us look stupid.”

Hearing those comments from Cone is understandable. His team plays a deliberate halfcourt set to run his Triangle Offense not to mention the fact that the Aces have become bigger -- and slower -- with the addition of two beefy frontliners in Ken Bono and JR Quiñahan.

But guys like Cariaso and reigning Most Valuable Player Willie Miller seem to be not bothered by this fast-paced style of play.

How well they can keep up this run-and-gun mode and match up with possibly one of the fastest teams in the league will be put to a test.

The Gin Kings, despite the absence of Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk, remain a threat to any squad.

Although the Gin Kings have struggled in their last two games, they are capable of using their speed advantage to the hilt against the Aces.

But the problem on how to start the break begins up front. Raffi Reavis and Billy Mamaril are the only two guys playing on consistent basis for coach Jong Uichico’s troops.

His guards like Ronald Tubid, Mark Macapagal, veterans Johnny Abarrientos and new recruits Paul Artadi and Macky Escalona have been providing the spark needed in the absence of Caguioa.

Still, their effort was not enough to notch the Ws.

Red Bull and Air21 clash in the other game at 4:35 p.m. with both teams seeking solo third place.

Life without the stars are difficult for guys like Cyrus Baguio, Carlo Sharma, Junthy Valenzuela and Mick Pennisi.

But not for coach Yeng Guiao. The only thing the fiery mentor will have to do is to keep his temper in check and avoid yet another suspension.

Guiao will be back to call the shots anew against the Express, whose problem is basically their team defense.

It’s true that the Express really do score a lot, but they are also No.1 in giving up points per game -- allowing their foes 111 points in their last two games.

Against the No.1 three-point shooting team in Red Bull, Air21 cannot afford to do that.

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Harbour on top

People's Journal
October 31, 2007

Games Saturday
(The Arena, San Juan)
2 p.m. – Harbour Centre vs Pharex
4 p.m. – RP Team vs Hapee Toothpaste

Harbour Centre, still a force to reckon with despite the absence of six key players, roared to its second straight win by drubbing Bacchus Energy Drink, 87-74, and gained a piece of the lead in the 2008 PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Batang Pier came through with several spurts, including a telling 13-0 run in the final four minutes to frustrate the Bacchus Raiders in a win that enabled them to tie Hapee Toothpaste and Toyota Balintawak for the lead at 2-0.

Mercado Solomon, a prized find from Biola University in Los Angeles, led the Batang Pier’s siege this time, scoring 18 points, including 10 in the second quarter where Harbour Centre erected several 15-point leads.

In the second game, the Philippine team notched its third straight by repulsing Toyota Balintawak, 103-92.

The Nationals went to Chad Alonzo, Allan Salangsang, Patrick Cabahug and Jeff Chan in the first half before Castro and Belga took over to notch their third straight victory since dropping their opening game assignment.

The 6-foot-4 Alonzo was perfect from 2-point zone, making all his four tries, while Salangsang also converted his two tries to finish the half with nine and eight points, respectively.

The Nationals, bankrolled by Harbour Centre owner and amateur basketball godfather Mikee Romero, were threatened at 84-81, but Castro completed his steal off JV Casio and Belga hit an undergoal stab in a 12-5 salvo to weather off Toyota Balintawak’s rally.

Aside from Solomon, coach Jorge Gallent had Rico Maierhofer, Edwin Asoro and Joferson Gonzales to thank for as they stepped up big in the fourth that repelled Bacchus’ uprising.

The scores
Harbour Centre (87) — Mercado 18, Maierhofer 15, Asoro 14, Vergara 8, Gaco 7, Malabanan 6, Canizares 4, Gonzales 4, Taylor 3, Tang 3, Gamboa 2, Jahnke 0.
Bacchus (74) -– Thiele 20, Martinez 16, Mondragon 9, Dela Cruz 9, Fampulme 4, Llagas 4, Viardo 4, Dizon 3, Cagoco 3, Guevarra 2, Labagala 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarterscores: 24-14, 53-36; 67-55; 87-74.

RP Team (103) -– Castro 19, Belga 14, Bautista 13, Crisano 11, Salangsang 10, Chan 10, Alonzo 9, Cabahug 6, Fernandez 4, Dela Cuesta 4, Cruz 2, Tan 1.
Toyota Balintawak (92) -– Villanueva 17, Casio 14, Alcaraz 13, Sta. Maria 11, Jaime 8, Dedicatoria 8, Aldave 5, Balgos4, Faundo 2, Hayes 0, Walsham 0, Cole 0, Jazul 0.
Quarterscores: 26-16; 51-32; 74-62; 103-92.

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PBL-Solar ties remain strong

By Dominic Menor
October 31, 2007

Chino Trinidad admitted he was initially anxious about the impending cancellation of the Solar Sports broadcast on SkyCable. But the commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) said the development only opens other opportunities.

“Sa una, mahirap tanggapin ’yung [cancellation]. It almost comes instinctively for a viewer to go to SkyCable when they watch cable TV. It’s like a tradition, but [now that SkyCable and Solar are parting ways] it’s not the end of the world,” Trinidad said.

The coverage of the 2008 Olympic Games, which Solar Entertainment secured early this year, will also continue but it will be carried by other cable providers including Global Destiny Cable.

The PBL signed a three-year contract with Solar Entertainment to broadcast its basketball games live weeks before the PBL season started this month. The PBL, which used to be broadcast on the Studio 23 channel of ABS-CBN, is currently being shown on BasketballTV.

Trinidad said that the PBL is throwing its full support behind Solar Entertainment.

“You can’t prepare for something like this. Everything has a risk. Malay ba namin na hindi mari-renew ang contract [ng Solar],” Trinidad said.

“They’ve given the assurance that our partnership will continue to be solid. And that has started already when they began a once-a-week broadcast on RPN 9. It’s a blessing in disguise,” he added.

Trinidad said he found out about Solar’s plan to search for a new cable provider in a victory dinner tendered by Solar to Manny Pacquiao.

“I believe that Solar Sports can find ways to [mend the situation],” he said. “Marami naman kasing channels sa free TV lalo na, that are available na pwedeng pasukin ng Solar. The possibilities in terms of where they can put their programs are endless,” Trinidad added.

Meanwhile, Solar Sports is broadcasting the Olympic Games next year on Global Destiny Cable.

Solar acquired the broadcast rights to the Games earlier this year, and they will continue to show on cable TV despite Solar’s departure from SkyCable.

“It’s a decision point for the TV viewers. The bigger picture here is, as I said, putting premium on content,” said Jude Turcuato, vice president of marketing for Solar Sports.

Approximately 40 percent of cable coverage in Metro Manila belongs to SkyCable and 60 percent from other cable providers including Global Destiny.

In Global Destiny’s web site, Solar Sports is on the regular list of channels. BasketballTV is listed as a premium channel, which requires a separate subscription.

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Norwood: Will he or will he not?

Business Mirror
October 31, 2007

ALL is not yet lost for Gabe Norwood to suit up for the national team in the coming 24th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Thailand this December.

PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad had a heart-to-heart talk with the six-foot-five Filipino-American last Monday and told BusinessMirror Norwood might wear the national colors after all.

“I sat down with him yesterday [Monday] and asked him if he feels like helping the national team. Sabi niya sa akin, pag-iisipan niya ulit at mukhang malaking possibility na maglaro siya for the national team,” Trinidad said.

“Ako naman, ayokong mag-dictate upon anyone at obligahin ang sino man na maglaro sa national team. Sabi ko lang sa kanya, search yourself, talk to your family and ask your handlers if he still feels playing for the team,” Trinidad added.

The Harbour Centre-backed RP 5 was in constant communication with 22-year old Norwood after the player’s stint with the national squad that played in the FIBA Asia tournament last August in Tokushima, Japan.

After the Beijing qualifier, he promised to play anew for the RP team in the SEA Games but since he returned from the United States, he opted to join the Hapee team that drafted him in the last PBL draft.

But Norwood, in a separate interview, said that no one from the national team is communicating with him regarding his stint for the RP 5.

RP 5 head coach Junel Baculi said before that the team welcomes all kind of help and the talent and skills of the former George Mason University standout are definitely a big boost to the squad.

Baculi also mentioned that with or without Norwood, the team is capable of defending its crown in the men’s basketball event of the biennial meet.

And Trinidad shared the same view.

“Feeling ko mananalo ‘yan,” said Trinidad when asked if the Filipino dribblers can go all the way in the tournament sans Norwood.

Though the possibility of losing is always there, the PBL chief mentioned that he’s ready to live and die with the wards of Baculi.

“Pinabayaan namin ang team to have a life of its own. When we were forming the team, where were they? These players made themselves available,” said Trinidad. “If the coaching staff feels that they need help, they have to do that.”

Aside from Norwood, San Beda College’s Ogie Menor and Pong Escobal were eyed by Baculi to be part of the squad but their school did not release them due to academic reasons.

Baculi already has 12 players in the team currently playing in the on-going PBL tournament but he can still change the lineup during the managers meeting on the eve of the basketball tournament of the SEA Games.

And Norwood’s inclusion in the roster got a big boost after Trinidad’s dialogue with Norwood, though the PBL chief reiterated that the final decision is on Baculi’s hands.

“We all have agreed before that the selection for the SEA Games will be entrusted to Junel Baculi. The coaches will be given the free hand to select the players they needed for the national team,” said Trinidad.

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Suns to eclipse Heat in forecast

By Joaquin Henson
Philippine Star
Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Oddsmakers failed to reach a consensus as to which teams are likely to advance to the Last Dance in the NBA this season and that’s a sure sign of unpredictability in the race to the top.

While the San Antonio Spurs are the sentimental favorites to repeat, the jury is still out on whether coach Gregg Popovich can work the old magic in the Finals with only a few tweaks in his lineup. That’s because the serious contenders made dramatic offseason roster adjustments and look ready to challenge the Spurs for the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.

History isn’t on the Spurs side as no San Antonio squad has ever won back-to-back titles. But Popovich is determined to break the jinx, gunning for his fifth crown since 1999. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are back for another run. Nothing much is expected from new hires Iam Mahinmi of France, Ime Udoka of Nigeria and Darius Washington of Memphis as the holdovers try to defend the fort.

The NBA opened its new season last night with the Spurs taking on Portland, the Los Angeles Lakers hosting Houston and Golden State facing Utah.

In the West, San Antonio will be hard pressed to stave off Phoenix. The Suns nearly barged into the Finals last year and are out for redemption. Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Leandro Barbosa, Boris Diaw and Shawn Marion welcome Grant Hill to the pack. If the Suns keep their composure, they’re capable of blowing any team—including the Spurs—off the court any day or night. Coach Mike D’Antoni’s problem is preserving his players for the late stretch because they like to go full throttle from the early going.

Dallas was upset by Golden State in the first round of the playoffs last season and the implosion cast doubts on MVP Dirk Nowitzki’s ability to deliver under pressure. Eddie Jones was brought in to add firepower and experience but if the Big Teuton continues to choke in the clutch, neither owner Mark Cuban nor coach Avery Johnson can do much to turn things around.

The Lakers will always be a threat with Kobe Bryant in the fold. Coach Phil Jackson has learned to live with Bryant who showed remarkable maturity in playing for the US squad at the recent FIBA-Americas Olympic qualifiers. If Bryant can appreciate his teammates a little more, it’ll be a lot easier for him to take the Lakers to the next level. Unfortunately, the return of Derek Fisher (from Utah) and Chris Mihm (from sick bay) isn’t such a convincing argument for Bryant to reform.

Denver has to be the Western darkhorse because Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin and J. R. Smith comprise a lethal unit. Coach George Karl has only to push the right buttons for the Nuggets to explode. If the Nuggets learn how to share the ball, they could be something special.

Houston’s new coach Rick Adelman has high hopes for the Rockets whose nucleus of Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis will get a boost from Bonzi Wells, Argentinian center Luis Scola and Mike James. This could be the year when Houston finally advances beyond the first round of the playoffs.

In the East, Miami could be the surprise. Heat coach Pat Riley liked the taste of the championship two years ago and is itching for a reprise. Injured star Dwyane Wade won’t be in the active list at the start but he’ll come along. As insurance, Riley plucked Ricky Davis from Minnesota. He also signed up veterans Penny Hardaway, Smush Parker and Mark Blount to back up Jason Williams, Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O’Neal. Displaced in the mix were Antoine Walker and Michael Doleac who hooked up with the Timberwolves.

Chicago has an energetic cast that counts on Ben Wallace, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas, newly-hired Joe Smith and 6-11 rookie Joakim Noah of NCAA champion Florida. Coach Scott Skiles is a tested motivator who has a knack for getting the different parts in a machine to work in unison. The Bulls are hungry to relive the glory of the Michael Jordan era. The lack of a Jordan-type, go-to guy is a damper.

Orlando posted a 6-1 record in the preseason and prized center Dwight Howard is looking more and more like Shaq’s improved version. New coach Stan Van Gundy moved in high-scoring Rashard Lewis from Seattle and now has a potent 1-2, inside-outside combination to wreak havoc all over the league. Jameer Nelson, Carlos Arroyo and J. J. Redick provide support from the backcourt. Hedo Turkoglu is a gem at the three spot.

Detroit coach Flip Saunders can’t get over his misfortunate in the playoffs last season. Losing to Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals was a huge blow. But it’s a dent the Pistons are confident of leaving behind as past history. Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Antonio McDyess and Lindsay Hunter are moving forward and they’ll make sure no accident happens again.

There’s talk that Juwan Howard is joining LeBron James in Cleveland. Coach Mike Brown is desperately looking for reinforcements, realizing Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Drew Gooden and Donyell Marshall won’t cut it for the Cavs. But even if Howard jumps in, he won’t make a big difference.

Like Jordan, James needs a Scottie Pippen to lean on – a cool, reliable partner to watch his back. Unfortunately, Brown has nobody in the lineup to play the role. James managed to bring the Cavs to the Finals once. Doing a repeat will require a miracle.

Boston is undisputedly the Eastern darkhorse, what with Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Eddie House and James Posey locking arms with Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo. Chemistry is a big question mark but coach Doc Rivers is optimistic he’s got the answer.

The Sporting News predicted Phoenix to beat Chicago in the Finals while Lindy’s chose San Antonio over Cleveland in a conservative opinion. From the looks of things, anything can happen. Injuries, mental toughness, coaching adjustments and cohesiveness will be major factors in determining how far each team goes.

When the smoke of battle clears, it’ll be Phoenix on top of the heap with Miami biting the dust.

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Junthy Valenzuela: Player of the Week

Red Bull’s Junthy Valenzuela, for his outstanding performance in stepping up and leading Red Bull to an 86-75 win over Welcoat last Wednesday, was adjudged the Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps’ Smart-Accel Player of the Week for the period October 22 to 28.

In that game, Valenzuela, more known for his hard-nosed defense, came off the bench to shoot a career-high 27 points, enabling the George Chua-owned franchise to bounce back from a 95-102 loss to Barangay Ginebra in their conference debut the Friday before.

Not only that, Valenzuela also had five rebounds, four assists and two steals in a sterling all-around performance that was appreciated by no less than Bulls head coach Yeng Guiao.

“Very rare magkaroon ng Player of the Week from Red Bull because our system doesn’t highlight individual effort,” noted Guiao, then serving out a one-game suspension, but witness to his player’s exploits nonetheless.

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Barrios airs two-cents worth on who’ll be commissioner

By Joel Orellana
Business Mirror
October 30, 2007

If he has his way, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) officer-in-charge Renauld “Sonny” Barrios will go for someone who has the familiarity in the ins and outs of the league.

But of course, this is just his two cents worth for the search committee which is tasked to look for a permanent commissioner of the league as Barrios’s term would end after the Philippine Cup—or end of February next year to be exact.

“Otherwise, hahaba ang learning curve kung bagito. But I’m not saying it can’t be done pero mas maganda sana kung ‘yung susunod na commissioner ay very familiar sa PBA,” Barrios told the BusinessMirror yesterday.

“But I don’t want to preempt the board about the specifics of what will transpire in that meeting,” Barrios added.

The OIC is citing the occurrences in the history of the league, which started when founding chairman Leopoldo Prieto asked Atty. Rudy Salud to take his job after he retired in 1983. Salud begged off, according to Barrios, as the former felt he still lacked experience and he had high respect for the position.

Mariano Yenko then took the commissionership and stepped down in 1988. This time, Salud was ready and became one until 1991. Salud asked the late Jun Bernardino, then the executive director, if he was interested in the job but also declined, citing also the lack of experience.

Rey Marquez took over from 1992 to 1993 before Bernardino came into the picture in 1994 up to 2002.

“Marami ang hindi nakakaalam na Jun B. asked Mr. Marquez kung pwede pa siyang mag-stay ng isa pang taon pero desidido na ‘yung mama [Marquez] kaya at age 46, Jun B was the youngest commissioner of the PBA then,” Barrios explained.

“Kaya for me, importante talaga ang familiarity ng susunod na commissioner sa PBA,” he added.

The search committee, headed by PBA board chairman Tony Chua, meets next week probably to lay down the criteria for their hunt for the next boss of Asia’s first play-for-pay loop.

Barrios, who was asked by former board chairman Ricky Vargas to run the league in OIC capacity after Noli Eala’s unexpected resignation, will also be there in the meeting to help the board in mapping out their plans.

“Ex-officio member lang ako ng search committee probably for reference. I’m not really looking beyond at this point. I really hope that the board can name the permanent commissioner before the end of the conference,” he said.

Barrios confirmed some reports that there are teams in the PBA that are asking him to stay and finish the whole season, but he already committed to his family that he will step down after his six-month tenure is over.

There are already names being eyed for the position and that includes former basketball greats Robert Jaworski and Freddie Webb, Lambert Ramos and Chito Salud, son for former PBA commissioner Rudy Salud and Barrios’ legal counsel.

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NBA bent on winning back fans after scandal

Malaya
October 30, 2007

NEW YORK — After a summer spent expanding its global brand with exhibition games from Shanghai to Rome, the NBA opens a new season on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) looking to win back home fans following a gambling scandal which rocked the sport to its core.

Referee Tim Donaghy’ admission he bet on games he officiated and passed on inside information to bookies has inflicted severe damage to the NBA’s credibility with the toll likely to mount as investigations continue.

NBA commissioner David Stern dismissed the incident as nothing more than a rogue employee but the league must now concentrate on regaining the confidence of American and Canadian fans instead of wooing interest abroad.

While restoring integrity will be the NBA’s newest priority, the goal for the league’s 30 teams remains the same – winning a title.

Over the last decade, none have been better at collecting championships than the San Antonio Spurs, who enter the new campaign seeking their fifth title in 10 years.

The aging Spurs will have a familiar look with 12 players back from last year’s squad, former league and playoff MVP Tim Duncan leading an all-star international cast that includes Frenchman Tony Parker and Argentinean Manu Ginobili.

San Antonio will be part of the opening-night action against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz take on the Golden State Warriors.

The night’s other matchup will see two of the league’s marketing dynamos clash when Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers host Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets.

After spending much of summer demanding a trade, Bryant is expected to be on the floor for the Lakers despite a wrist injury that kept him out of the team’s final exhibition contest.

Trade rumors have once again started to circulate, the Chicago Bulls reportedly making another bid for Bryant.

Since the Rockets made Yao the top selection in the 2002 NBA draft, the towering 7-foot-6 center has blossomed into one of the NBA’s most dominant players and one of world’s most recognizable athletes.

Yao, however, could be in for some stiff competition off the court following the arrival of compatriot Yi Jianlian, who has hogged the international spotlight since the Milwaukee Bucks took the seven-footer with the sixth overall selection in this year’s draft.

LeBron James is no stranger to the spotlight and is certain to be the focus of attention again after leading the Cavaliers to the NBA finals for the first time last year only to be swept in four games by the Spurs.

Stung by the failure, James dedicated himself to an off-season of intense training in his bid to guide the Cavaliers to the championship and secure his place among the game’s greats.

There appears, however, to be a new powerhouse taking shape in the Eastern Conference with 10-time All-Star Kevin Garnett’s arrival in Boston.

Garnett, who came to Boston in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, joins Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in Beantown, instantly transforming the crumbling Celtics into championship contenders.

The Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons also look ready to figure into the Eastern Conference battle.

In Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal the Miami Heat still pack the NBA’s best one-two punch and if the two All-Stars can stay healthy another championship could be headed to South Florida.

The Phoenix Suns and their high-octane offense led by two-time MVP Steve Nash, once again look the best in the West alongside the Spurs and Dallas Mavericks.

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RP Team tests Toyota resolve

Malaya
October 30, 2007

Toyota Balintawak goes for its third straight win when it battles the national team today in one of two matches that will mark the 2008 PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink’s return to its birthplace, the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The match is set at 4 p.m., with the Roadkings expected to encounter stiff opposition from the SEA Games-bound that has bounced back from an opening-day setback to Harbour Centre.

Clashing in the other game at 2 o’clock are the Batang Pier and Bacchus Energy Drink, with Harbour players TY Tang and Rico Maierhofer of La Salle renewing their rivalry with and University of the East’s James Martinez, Hans Thiele and Mark Fampulme.

The 5-foot-7 Tang made a grand debut for Harbour Centre, scoring a career-high 26 points, including back-to-back triples in the payoff period, to help the Batang Pier beat the Philippine team 83-74.

Bacchus has dropped its first two games and is in the cellar with Mail And More and Pharex.

Commissioner Chino Trinidad said the stadium was refurbished last week to make it more attractive and playable.

"The league has an agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission that we’ll help maintain the stadium not only for the league but also for some national sports association that wish to play there," said Trinidad. "This is the birthplace of the league so we have to help restore its image in our own little way."

For the Roadkings, their showdown with the Nationals will be their biggest test so far in the season-opening tournament. They beat Bacchus and Pharex in their first two games.

After being jolted by the Batang Pier, the Nationals are slowly playing like one big unit, with everybody getting involved in offense and defense.

"The boys have realized that in the RP team they are role players and not stars. For us to succeed, they have to do their respective roles," said coach Junel Baculi.

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STA. LUCIA HAS HAD ENOUGH OF ENDGAME COLLAPSES

Realtors dominate TNT from start to finish to barge into win column
Philippine Basketball Association website
Sunday, 28 October 2007
For Sta. Lucia Realty, twice losing a game on an endgame fold-up is just too much.

The Realtors finally found a way to finish a game Sunday night, scoring a wire-to-wire 97-87 win over the Talk N Text Phone Pals in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was Sta. Lucia’s first win in the season after sorry setbacks to the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants and the Magnolia Beverage Masters in games they dominated early on only to blow away at the finish.

"That’s the main thing we talked about prior to this game – how to finish a game. We talked about it, we checked our mistakes and we executed," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

"Hindi pa buo ang laro ng team. But I’m happy Marlou (Aquino) and Dennis (Espino) have been proving me right. I’m consistent in saying Marlou and Dennis are still the main men of Sta. Lucia. I think both are up to it," Fernandez also said, paying tribute to the team’s veterans.

The Sta. Lucia oldies ruled with Aquino logging 18 points, six rebounds and two assists and Espino adding six rebounds, three assists, four points and two blocks.

Seven-year pro Paolo Mendoza contributed four triples and a total of 18 points with the rest of the team having their share as they pounded Talk N Text’s shaky game, handing the Pals their second loss in four starts.

The Pals committed 31 turnovers – the most by any team this season. Incidentally TNT averaged only 17.7 errors in their first three games.

Jimmy Alapag, Jay Washington, Mark Cardona and Yancy de Ocampo finished in double figures but each one accounted for at least three errors.

The Realtors produced 29 points on those Talk N Text errors – certainly a big boost for the team which led from start to finish.

Sta. Lucia led by as many as 25 points before carrying a 70-56 spread over into the final half.

Washington hit his stride in the third quarter, pumping in 13 points to rally the Pals to within seven at 54-61, but Mendoza and rookie Melvin Mamaclay strung up three straight triples to defuse the tension.

Another rookie Dennis Daa and Aquino took over at the start of the final period and the Realtors stayed in firm control at 81-60.

Alapag had 14 points, two assists and two rebounds in the first half – numbers approximated by Ryan Reyes and Mendoza, who made 13 points and 12 rebounds together.

Reyes, however, hurt his foot and sat out the final half. (NC)

The scores:

Sta. Lucia 97 – Aquino 18, Mendoza 18, Williams 11, Omolon 10, Yeo 9, Daa 7, Reyes 6, Miranda 6, Espino 4, Mamaclay 3, Coronel 3, Gonzales 2.
Talk N Text 87 – Alapag 24, Washington 19, Cardona 14, De Ocampo 12, Ritualo 5, Billones 4, Aljamal 3, Taulava 3, Belano 2, Allado 1, Carey 0.
Quarterscores: 33-16, 52-35, 70-56, 97-87.

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MAGNOLIA GETS BACK ON TRACK WITH WIN OVER COKE

Tugade sizzles in fourth period to lead Beverage Masters to 3rd win in 4 starts
Philippine Basketball Association website
Sunday, 28 October 2007

Against a team that showed a lot of determination, the Magnolia Beverage Masters needed to dig deep into their defensive arsenal and a couple of jolting threes from Lordy Tugade to avoid another impending heartbreaker.

Tugade unleashed 13 of his game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter to anchor a fiery comeback by Magnolia on the way to an 89-78 victory over the Coca-Cola Tigers Sunday night in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.


Coming off its first loss of the conference via a 93-90 loss to Purefoods last Friday, Magnolia seemed headed for another frustrating night as it struggled to get its rhythm – offensive and defensively -- against an energized Coca-Cola unit that kept the Beverage Masters’ star-studded opponents reeling off the ropes for most of the early part of the game.

Missing its targets so badly, they then decided to turn their focus on defense.

It worked wonders.

Magnolia's perfectly-executed zone forced the Tigers from taking their shots from outside where they fared poorly and eventually committed crucial turnovers in their next possessions.

By the time the Tigers showed signs of cracking up, Tugade suddenly found his shooting touch and completed the annihilation of Coca-Cola.

After Mark Telan, who finished with(13 points and 11 rebounds, made two free throws to tie the count at 70-all, Tugade conspired with Dondon Hontiveros and veteran playmaker Olsen Racela in unleashing a deadly 9-0 blast over a five-minute stretch.

Telan answered with a 3-pointer to pull Coke to within 73-79 with 3:05 remaining but Tugade quickly replied with two threes of his own as Magnolia all but sealed the game for its third win in four starts.

"We made a little adjustment down the stretch. Good thing the zone worked,” said Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"But we're still struggling. We're still trying to get everybody in the grove specially the starters. I'm trying to give everybody their minutes but right now it’s not possible," he added.

Ali Peek scored 16 points and cornered 11 rebounds and rookie Ronjay Buenafe and John Arigo had 11 apiece for Coke, which picked up its second loss in three games.

Three-pointers by Chester Tolomia, Ronjay Enrile and Ricky Calimag midway in the second quarter put Coke in control 40-33.

The Tigers stretched their lead to 52-40 on free throw by Telan early in the fourth but they began to lose their grip of the lead as their shooting started to turn sour. Coke shot woeful 28 percent (6-of-21) from the field in the third and trailed Magnolia 65-62 heading to the final period. They never led again.

The scores:

Magnolia 89 -- Tugade 21, Seigle 12, Villanueva 11, Ildefonso 11, Villanueva 7, Racela 6, Hontiveros 6, Fonacier 5, Tenorio 3, Gonzales 3, Eman 2, Wilson 2.
Coca-Cola 78 – Peek 16, Telan 13, Buenafe 11, Arigo 11, Tolomia 9, Calimag 7, Enrile 6, Rizada 4, Duremdes 1, Isip 0.
Quarterscores: 22-14, 38-44, 65-62, 89-78.

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Lookin' to bounce back

People's Journal
October 27, 2007

Games today
(Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Magnolia vs Coca-Cola
6:50 p.m. – Sta. Lucia vs Talk ‘N Text

STILL reeling from a stinging loss two nights ago, Magnolia Beverage hopes to get back on the winning ways at the expense of Coca-Cola which it takes today in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beverage Masters face the Tigers at 4:30 p.m., in the first game of a Sunday doubleheader that has Talk ‘N Text and Sta. Lucia battling in the 6:50 p.m. featured match.

Magnolia is going into the game fresh from a 93-90 upset courtesy of Purefoods, a loss that denied the powerhouse team a grip of the solo lead.

Their first setback in three outings left the Beverage Masters sharing second place with the Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals.

The Pals themselves fell prey to the Giants, 112-97, in the tournament’s first road game this season in Dumaguete City.

But showing their will to bounce back, the Pals used the loss as the driving force in their 111-102 drubbing of defending champion Barangay Ginebra Kings in their next outing.

“Sinalaula kami ng Purefoods. We’re humiliated,” admitted Talk `N Text coach Derrick Pumaren. “The days that followed, we were just talking about the importance of bouncing back. We used the loss as a motivational tool and we came out with boundless energy, intensity and effort.”

That’s what the Beverage Masters exactly have to do if they have to get past the Coca-Cola Tigers and avoid a second straight loss.

The Tigers have an even 1-1 card, bunched together with four other teams for third place.

Their standings could have been even better had they not lost steam in the endgame of a 94-98 loss to the Alaska Aces Friday night.

Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia (0-2) is eyeing to break into the win column against Talk ‘N Text after losing its first two games against Purefoods and Magnolia.

The encounter with the Phone Pals will have an interesting match up between Realtor rookie guard Ryan Reyes and veteran and national team playmaker Jimmy Alapag.

Reyes, picked no. 3 overall by Sta. Lucia in the last Rookie Draft, has yet to play his breakthrough game in the league.

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WELCOAT PAINTS ROXAS CITY RED, ROUTS GINEBRA IN HUGE UPSET

Nic Belasco-led Dragons finish big after nearly blowing 23-point bubble
Philippine Basketball Association website
Saturday, 27 October 2007

ROXAS CITY. – Welcoat traveled here and painted the town red.

Winless in two starts in Manila, the Dragons ended their dry spell with the biggest upset by any team in the conference so far, a surprising 82-64 blowout of the defending champion Barangay Ginebra Kings in a 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup road showcase at the Capiz Gymnasium here Saturday night.

The Dragons pounced on the Kings’ poor start then fended off a furious endgame chase by the crowd-favorites to score their first win in the season following back-to-back defeats to the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Red Bull Barakos.

The Kings, who came up with the lowest output in the conference and their lowest under head coach Jong Uichico, suffered a second loss in three games, obviously missing the services of injured main men Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk.

But this one could prick the Kings’ pride with the defending all-Filipino champions embarrassed by the team which was good for only three wins in this tourney last year.

Trailing by as much as 23 pts. in the third period and by 16 entering the fourth, the Kings used an 18-0 run anchored on Jayjay Helterbrand, Sunday Salvacion and rookies Macky Escalona and JR Aquino to rally to within two at 64-66 with 5:47 left to play but didn’t score the rest of the way even as the Dragons came up with a 16-0 finishing kick anchored on Nic Belasco and JayR Reyes.

With the win, Welcoat curiously caught up with the two champions last season -- all-Filipino ruler Barangay Ginebra and Fiesta Conference titleholder Alaska Milk -- at 1-2.

It was a big win for Welcoat which had only seven victories in all last season. It was actually the most lopsided win by the Dragons in all their eight wins in the pro league thus far, not having won by more than 10 in their previous seven.

The Dragons were already on the brink of total collapse, nearly losing a 62-46 third-quarter bulge, when they regained composure led by Belasco who finished with 17 points and a conference-high 19 rebounds.

Rob Wainwright and Jay-R Reyes also starred for the Dragons, finishing with 15 and 14 points, respectively with the latter adding 13 rebounds.

Welcoat, which also held Barangay Ginebra to a conference-low 27.8% shooting from the field, scored the first seven points of the game and led by as many as 16 at 24-8 before taking the half at 42-30.

The Kings closed in at 30-36 but Wainwright defused the tension by knocking in back-to-back jumpers.

So dominant were the Dragons in the early goings that the lone highlight coming from Ginebra was a three-pointer from Johnny Abarrientos just before the buzzer sounded in the first quarter.

The Dragons went 6-of-17 from the three-point range as against the Kings 3-of-11 shooting from the same distance in the first 24 minutes of play.

Billy Mamaril led the Kings with 17 points and five rebounds while Helterbrand finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Curiously, Barangay Ginebra was also Welcoat’s only victim in four games during the preseason tournament, winning their encounter 99-97 last Sept. 16 in Tarlac City. (NC)

The scores:

Welcoat 82 --Belasco 17, Wainwright 15, Reyes 14, Devance 8, Lopez 8, Baguion 7, Araña 5, Gelig 6, Ibañes 2, Dulay 0.
Ginebra 64 -- Mamaril 17, Helterbrand 14, Macapagal 7, Reavis 6, Tubid 5, Aquino 4, Escalona 4, Salvacion 4, Abarrientos 3, Artadi 0, Lao 0, Holper 0.
Quarterscores: 24-11, 42-30, 62-46, 82-64

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Search for PBA comish to intensify

By Joaquin Henson
Philippine Star
Sunday, October 28, 2007

PBA officer-in-charge Sonny Barrios said yesterday he will not extend his stay as interim commissioner beyond the end of the Philippine Cup conference and expressed confidence the Board of Governors will find a permanent replacement for Noli Eala before long.

Barrios said PBA chairman Tony Chua is convening the search committee after the All Saints Day break and will cast the mold to determine which of the available contenders fit.

Barrios said in last Tuesday’s Board meeting, Chua attempted to schedule a committee meeting the next day but some of the members had previous commitments. The committee is made up of Chua, immediate past PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, Lito Alvarez, Robert Non and Joaquin Trillo.

“If the Board won’t appoint a permanent commissioner by the time the conference ends, then there will be another OIC to replace me,” said Barrios.

Vargas said he expects the permanent commissioner to be named by Jan. 1.

It was during Vargas’ last Board meeting as chairman where Barrios was picked. The meeting took six hours.

“Maybe, there’s a David Stern out there waiting to be appointed,” said Vargas, referring to the NBA commissioner. “Seriously, I researched the backgrounds of several sports commissioners and I found the characteristics of an ideal commissioner to be – he must be a professional manager, a marketing guy and one who understands finance, loves the game and has high integrity.”

Vargas said the committee will set the standards for the new commissioner. But he didn’t hesitate to describe what he thinks the mold should look like.

“For one thing, he shouldn’t be afraid to lose his job,” said Vargas, senior vice president for the international and carrier business group and human resources group of PLDT. “He should do what is right. He should have no other ambition than to do his best as commissioner. He should not be overwhelmed by the public adulation and the power of his office. He shouldn’t be afraid to take risks. He should have a strong marketing sense with a lot of new ideas. He should be an innovator, trying out things even if they’re untested.”

An important factor is the ability to understand and manage the Board.

“The Board is composed of 10 men with different personalities, styles of doing things and interests,” said Vargas. “The commissioner must know how to facilitate the process of gathering a consensus, to create a culture among many cultures. He must gain the respect of the Board and that means coming with a high level of integrity.”

Vargas said the list of candidates includes Freddie Webb, Robert Jaworski, Chito Salud and Lambert Ramos.

“The commissioner is the face of the league and he will always be in the public eye,” he continued. “We’re not looking for a political leader. We’re looking for an inspiring leader who can deliver the league’s message to 20,000 people listening to him in the coliseum. He must almost be charismatic in nature without being abrasive or awed by his power.”

Vargas said if the plan to transform the PBA into a corporation materializes, the commissioner will become the president or chief operating officer with commissioners for marketing, finance and operations. The chairman will be the chief executive officer.

Vargas, whose grandfather Jorge was the Philippine Olympic Committee president from 1936 to 1955 and the first Filipino to become an International Olympic Committee member, was the PBA chairman last season when league income grew by 47% and gate receipts by 17%. He brought the PBA back in the pink of financial health and laid out a long-term vision that includes building its own coliseum, expansion and a transformation into a corporation.

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RP five whips Bacchus

People's Journal
October 27, 2007

Games Tuesday
(Ninoy Aquino)
2 p.m. -- Harbour Centre vs. Bacchus Energy Drink
4 p.m. -- RP Team vs. Toyota Balintawak

THE RP men’s team showed a glimpse of its true potential, routing Bacchus Energy Drink, 105-71, to post the most lopsided win so far in the 2008 PBL V-Go Energy Drink Cup.

The Nationals pounded the Raiders early on with their accurate outside shooting, nailing 8 three-pointers in the first half alone when they ripped the game open and set the tone for the one-sided game at The Arena in San Juan.

Boyet Bautista had three treys during that stretch and Patrick Cabahug two as the RP squad bound for the 24th Southeast Asian Games raced to 51-29 lead late in the second period.

Halftime ended with the Nationals ahead by 19 points.

“This is the way we should play. As the national team, dapat kami ang mag-set ng tone ng game. The past few games kasi, sumasabay lang kami sa level ng play ng PBL,” said national coach Junel Baculi.

The 34-point blowout is the second win in a row for the RP 5 after being stunned in their opening game by defending champion Harbour Centre, 83-74.

Big man Alex Crisano played well for the second straight game, topscoring for the Nationals with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 block shots. The controversial Fil-Am went 5-of-7 from the field and a perfect 9-of-9 from the stripe.

Jason Castro added 14 markers, and so did Cabahug and Bautista, whose two free throws with 2:22 left in the game gave the Nationals their biggest lead at 105-65.

Baculi said the Harbour Centre-backed RP team still has a lot more to offer especially on the defensive end. He expects the Nationals to be truly tested once they meet the league’s bigwigs.

“I think our true test will come against teams such as Toyota Balintawak, San Mig Coffee and Hapee Toothpaste,” said the outspoken coach.

The first of those acid test comes on Tuesday when the Nationals play the league-leading Road Kings at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Bacchus Energy Drink fell to its second straight loss, joining Mail & More and newcomer Pharex down the cellar of the tournament co-presented by Xtreme Magic Sing and supported by Gerry’s Grill, ACCEL, LED multi display, Suzuki Motors, Spalding and Gold’s Gym.

Mark Fampulme was the only player to finish in double figures for the Raiders with 12 points .

The scores

RP (105) -- Crisano 19, Castro 14, Bautista 14, Cabahug 14, Cruz 13, Salansang 10, Belga 8, Dela Cuesta 6, Alonzo 4, Chan 3, Fernandez 0, Tan 0.
Bacchus (71) -- Fampulme 12, Mondragon 9, Guevarra 8,
Cagoco 8, Martinez 7, Raymundo 6, Dizon 5, Llagas 5, Dela Cruz 4, Mendoza 3, Viardo 2, Labagala 2, Thiele 0, Williams 0.
Quarterscores: 34-28; 63-44; 85-59; 105-71.

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PUREFOODS POWERS PAST MAGNOLIA FOR SOLO LEAD

James Yap, rookie Lanete star as Giants remain only unbeaten team
Philippine Basketball Association website
Friday, 26 October 2007

Purefoods Tender Juicy has beaten two giants, thus, emerging the biggest giant at least in the first two weeks of the 2007-08 PBA campaign.

James Yap and the gang came charging back from an early 17-point deficit and upended Magnolia, 93-90, to take the solo lead in the Smart Philippine Cup Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

"Our initial goal was to win two of our first three games. We over-hit the goal but we’re far from the final destination we want to be. We’ve made just little steps. We don’t want just small steps, we want big leaps," said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

"If we’re to be the best, we have to be beat the best teams out there. We’ve beaten two of the preseason favorites. So we’re living up to our names as Giants after three games," added Gregorio, whose charges have pulled the rug from under top contenders Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals and the Magnolia Beverage Masters.

Purefoods remained the lone unbeaten team in the league with a 3-0 win-loss card, counting Sta. Lucia Realty among its victims.

Yap scored 13 of his 25 points in the final canto, sustaining the firepower sparked by rookie Chico Lanete in the third period as the Giants survived a 14-31 deficit early on to hand the Beverage Masters their first defeat in three starts.

The Giants were still staring at a double-digit deficit at 70-80 with seven minutes left to play when Yap fuelled a 20-5 blitzkrieg to stem the tide in their favor.

The 2006 MVP winner himself clinched the win with two free throws, making it 93-90 with 1.7 ticks left.

"It’s a good test. We passed it through perseverance," said Gregorio on their pulsating victory in the match marked by two technical fouls and the ejection of ace guard Roger Yap.

Roger Yap (no relation to James) was ejected midway through the second period as he hit LA Tenorio on the ribcage, sending the Magnolia guard on the floor writhing in pain.

It was a highly emotional match that also had Gregorio and Magnolia assistant coach Aboy Castro having an altercation on the way to the dugout at the half.

James Yap, the former MVP, also had eight rebounds and one assist on top of his game-high 25 points. Lanete added 16 points with 12 coming in the third period, his best game in his young pro career.

Lordy Tugade made 23 to pace the Beverage Masters who also drew double-digit outputs from Rico Villanueva, Danny Seigle, Danny Ildefonso and Dondon Hontiveros.

Magnolia gave up so much rebounds but shot well from the field to take the half at 17-36.

The Beverage Masters were hotter in the first period, shooting 69% from the field and jumping the gun on the Giants to enjoy a 31-14 spread going into the second quarter.

Magnolia dominated the opening half, though badly beaten, 17-36, in the battle off the boards. (NC)

The scores:

Purefoods 93 – Yap 25, Lanete 16, Simon 13, Raymundo 11, Salvador 10, Pingris 6, Adducul 5, Yap R. 4, Yee 2, Larong 1, Sanz 0, Cablay 0.
Magnolia 90 – Tugade 23, Villanueva R. 16, Seigle 12, Ildefonso 12, Hontiveros 11, Tenorio 6, Racela 6, Wilson 4, Eman 0, Fonacier 0, Calaguio 0.
Quarterscores: 14-31, 32-45, 66-69, 93-90

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ALASKA FINALLY BREAKS INTO WIN COLUMN

4th quarter explosion by Cariaso paces Aces in win over Tigers
Philippine Basketball Association website
Friday, 26 October 2007

Willie Miller was far less explosive Friday night than he was in his first two games of the season. But he did knock a couple of big shots and came up with a crucial stop in the closing seconds to preserve Jeffrey Cariaso's gutsy effort and help Alaska get out of a slump.

The Aces, who are coming off a championship conquest in last July’s season-ending Fiesta Conference, continued to struggle under the new rules imposed by the league this new season but managed to hang on this time and beat the Coca-Cola Tigers, 98-94, for their first win in three games in the Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

With Miller having an off night, the Aces turned to Cariaso, who patiently held the team together on the strength of his experience and court savvy.

The veteran guard led all scorers with 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 11 in the fourth quarter to anchor Alaska's frantic charge down the stretch which enabled the Aces to overhaul an 83-76 Coca-Cola lead with under nine minutes to play.

"It's hard to win these days. The case is so frenetic. It looks like we no longer have control of the game," offered Alaska coach Tim Cone, admitting it seems hard for his team to win what has now become a fast-paced game.

"The coaches feel like they no longer have control of the game. It's like a high school game. It makes us look stupid," the American tactician said in the post-game interview.

Ronjay Enrile brought Coca-Cola back on top, 87-84, with an eight-foot jumper from the right corner with 3:26 to play. But Mike Cortez, who had 16 points and nine assists, hit a 3-pointer and Cariaso knocked another one to give Alaska a one-point lead.

Ali Peek, Coke's tireless center, completed a three-point play to tie the count at 90-all with 2:35 left but Cortez and Miller each sank a free throw and Cariaso scored on a Cortez pass as the Aces took the lead for good.

Two free throws by John Arigo pulled the Coke to within 92-94 and the Tigers made the situation scary when Reynel Hugnatan, who had 17 points, turned the ball over in Alaska's next possession.

Unfortunately, the Tigers couldn't capitalize. Rookie Ronjay Buenafe, who took the inbound, found himself working against Miller, who then gave the rookie guard no room to maneuver in the process forcing a turnover.

Miller, the reigning league MVP, came into the game averaging 34 points a night. But on Friday he managed just 11 points on a 2-of-11 shooting from the field.

Peek turned in 20 points and Arigo added 15 for Coke which evened its record to 1-1 with the loss. (DBC)

The scores:

Alaska 98 – Cariaso 22, Hugnatan 17, Cortez 16, Miller 11, Thoss 9, Ferriols 8, Laure 6, dela Cruz 4, Bono 3, Quinahan 2.
Coca-Cola 94 – Peek 20, Arigo 15, Buenafe 14, Telan 13, Enrile 10, Calimag 10, Echavez 5, Misolas 3, Isip 2, Tolomia 2, Duremdes 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 51-49, 73-76, 98-94.

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Pro league alters schedule of games

Malaya
October 27, 2007

INTERIM Commissioner Sonny Barrios, acting on the request of the PBA’s official broadcast partner, has moved the tip-off time of the first game of the league’s regular doubleheader a few minutes later, a welcome development for fans who regularly watch games live at the Araneta Coliseum and other venues.

Starting this Sunday, weekend games will start at 4:30 p.m., instead of 4:05 p.m., with the second game starting at 6:50. First games during Wednesdays and Friday’s will start at 4:50 p.m., instead of 4:35 p.m., while the second game will keep its original 7:20 p.m. schedule.

The slight change was an offshoot of the games being finished earlier than usual due to the implementation of FIBA officiating rules.

"We’ve been closely monitoring the progress of the games since we started implementing the new rules. Mas mabilis matapos ang laro ngayon because the new rules have lessened the unnecessary lulls," Barrios said.

Although the first game will start a little bit late, the league’s top brass is optimistic the regular doubleheader will still finish early.

For Barrios, the latest development is a blessing in disguise coming at the right time considering his efforts to attract more "warm bodies" in playing venues.

"This is truly an encouraging sign for us. By starting the game a little late, we are giving our fans a chance, particularly the working force, to catch majority part of the first game during weekdays.

"It also provides a good opportunity for students to come and enjoy the games on weekends without worry of getting late for classes the next day because the games finish early, unlike before when the games run up to 10 o’clock in the evening," Barrios said.

According to Botong Chavez of the league’s operations department that keeps track of each game, last Wednesday’s match between Red Bull and Welcoat was the shortest game played so far, taking just 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete.

"We foresee that as the players and teams adjust to the new rules, less fouls will be committed. That means mas bibilis and laro and mas maagang matatapos ang games," Barrios said.

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Top players, coaches feted

Malaya
October 27, 2007

GOOD SPORT and good spirit marked the 2007 Collegiate Basketball Awards presented by the UAAP and NCAA Press Corps and Anta on Thursday night at the Manila Pavilion.

"I wouldn’t be here without my players, coaching staff, the management and the La Salle community," La Salle coach Franz Pumaren said after receiving the UAAP Coach of the Year plum.

Pumaren steered the Green Archers to the 70th UAAP championship with a two-game sweep of the University of the East Red Warriors in the Finals.

Carmelita Mateo of UE, recipient of the UAAP Executive of the Year, good-naturedly said: "The award somehow soothes my broken heart that has been hit by an arrow."

Mateo, UE executive vice president and team manager, received the honor for her unwavering support and influence in forming the squad that went a historic 14-0 in the elimination round.

Letran mentor Louie Alas also felt humbled in accepting the NCAA Coach of the Year award.

"I’m really surprised with this honor even if we didn’t win the championship," said Alas, recognized for molding a team of underachievers who unexpectedly earned a Finals stint against NCAA back-to-back champion San Beda Red Lions.

San Beda got the lion’s share in individual awards with stalwart Yousif Aljamal bagging a spot in the ANTA Collegiate Mythical Team, Ogie Menor as the San Miguel Scoring Champion, Nigerian behemoth Sam Ekwe as the San Miguel Defensive Player of the Year and Mike Advani as Team Manager of the Year.

The Archers also dominated the UAAP winners led by veteran point guard TY Tang (Super Senior), JV Casio (San Miguel Scoring Champion), Cholo Villanueva (Mr. Clutch), Rico Maierhofer (Energy Player) and Hero Yu and Terry Capistrano (Team Magers of the Year).

UAAP secretary-treasure Felicitas Francisco received a special tribute for her five-decade service and contribution to the solid sports program of University of Sto. Tomas.

"This is just a fitting send-off to my retirement," said Francisco during the rites supported by the Philippine Sportswriters Association, San Miguel Corp., the Philippine Sports Commission, Harbour Centre and Hapee Toothpaste.

Joining Aljamal in the ANTA Collegiate Mythical Team were UAAP Most Valuable Player Jervy Cruz of UST, NCAA MVP Kelvin de la Peña of Mapua, UE’s Mark Borboran and Ateneo’s Chris Tiu.

"You have been given the talent in basketball, I hope you’ll put it into good use," said guest speaker Chito Loyzaga, a member of the San Beda team that won a back-to-back titles in 1977-78.

Other top varsity athletes who took home honors were Ateneo’s Ford Arao and Letran’s Bryan Faundo (Most Improved), Far Eastern U’s JR Cawaling and Mapua’s Jonathan Banal (Rookie), UE’s Paul Lee and Letran’s Rey Guevarra (Sixth Man), RJ Jazul (Mr. Clutch), Jose Rizal’s Marvin Hayes (Sixth Man), Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao (Defensive Player), UE’s Jorel Cañizares and St. Benilde’s Kris Robles (Sportsmanship), JRU’s Vincent Fabella (Executive of the Year).

Juniors MVPs Joshua Webb of La Salle Zobel and San Sebastian’s Ryan Buenafe and juniors top rookie Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo led the high school winners.

Former UE assistant coach Gido Babilonia was honored with a Posthumous Award received by his wife Bing and children Tomi and G-boy.

The Pasco family also accepted the Posthumous Award for former abante Tonite reporter Ace Pasco.

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All eyes on Norwood as Hapee faces San Mig

Malaya
October 27, 2007

FIL-AM Gabe Norwood will be put to another tough test today when Hapee Toothpaste battles San Mig Coffee in a match-up between two unbeaten teams in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup.

The Sparklers and Coffee Kings have similar 1-0 slates in a three-way tie for second place with defending champion Harbour Centre. The winner of the 4 p.m. game at The Arena in San Juan will join idle Toyota Balintawak (2-0) on top of the heap.

The 6-foot-5 Norwood, a former George Mason University stalwart, played for the San Miguel-sponsored national team that finished ninth in the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship last August in Japan.

"I’m looking forward to this game. It’s going to be fun. I’m here to help my team to win so we’ll definitely have our hands full," said Norwood, tabbed by the Lamoiyan franchise as the No. 1 pick in the last PBL Rookie Draft.

Norwood debuted without much fanfare, finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds as Hapee beat Mail & More 80-74.

The Coffee Kings also won their opening game in the tournament co-presented by Xtreme Magic Sing and supported by Gerry’s Grill, ACCEL, LED multi-display, Suzuki Motors, Spalding and Gold’s Gym, beating newcomer Pharex 68-65 but will go into the game from a week-long break.

"Of course, Norwood is a concern for us, but Hapee is not just all about him," said San Mig Coffee coach Koy Banal, noting the Sparklers also have in their fold the likes of Mark Borboran, Reed Juntilla, Larry Rodriguez and Roel Hugnatan who can all pose match-up problems.

"But definitely, it’s not going to be an easy outing for us," added Banal.

The other game features the RP men’s team against winless Bacchus Energy Drink.

The Nationals, whose stint is being funded by Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero as part of their preparations for the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December, evened their card at 1-1 with a 94-84 thrashing of Mail & More last Tuesday.

That victory somehow eased the pain of the RP squad’s stinging 83-74 loss to defending champion Harbour Centre in their first game.

"We played like an all-star team nung unang laro namin. So I kept reminding the boys that we’re not an all-star team but the national team. Paunti-unti, nakaka-adjust na rin sila," said coach Junel Baculi, whose squad is a virtual selection of star players from different collegiate teams.

The Raiders are bidding to make it to the win column after losing to the Toyota Balintawak Road Kings in their opening game 78-81.

Read More......

2007-08 Philippine Cup Statistical Leaders

	POINTS
	PLAYER	TEAM	GP	TOT	AVE
1)	Miller, Willie	ALASKA	3	79	26.3
2)	Yap, James	PUREFOODS	3	78	26.0
3)	Santos, Arwind	AIR21	2	40	20.0
4)	Belasco, Nic	WELCOAT	2	39	19.5
5)	Canaleta, Nino	AIR21	2	37	18.5
6)	Tubid, Ronald	GINEBRA	2	37	18.5
7)	Tugade, Lordy	MAGNOLIA	4	71	17.8
8)	Seigle, Danny	MAGNOLIA	4	70	17.5
9)	Arigo, John	COCA-COLA	3	52	17.3
10)	Macapagal, Mark	GINEBRA	2	32	16.0

	REBOUNDS
	PLAYER	TEAM	GP	TOT	AVE
1)	Belasco, Nic	WELCOAT	2	28	14.0
2)	Telan, Mark	COCA-COLA	3	39	13.0
3)	Raymundo, Kerby	PUREFOODS	3	38	12.7
4)	Pingris, Marc	PUREFOODS	3	33	11.0
5)	Peek, Ali	COCA-COLA	3	32	10.7
6)	Williams, Kelly	STA LUCIA	3	31	10.3
7)	Villanueva, Enrico	MAGNOLIA	4	41	10.3
8)	Hugnatan, Reynel	ALASKA	3	29	9.7
9)	Wainwright, Robert	WELCOAT	2	19	9.5
10)	Se, Homer	AIR21	2	18	9.0
	De Ocampo, Ranidel	AIR21	2	18	9.0

	ASSISTS
	PLAYER	TEAM	GP	TOT	AVE
1)	Helterbrand, Jay	GINEBRA	2	16	8.0
2)	Miller, Willie	ALASKA	3	19	6.3
3)	Racela, Olsen	MAGNOLIA	4	25	6.3
4)	Echavez, Edgar	COCA-COLA	2	11	5.5
5)	Arboleda, Wynne	AIR21	2	11	5.5
6)	Cortez, Mike	ALASKA	3	16	5.3
7)	Cariaso, Jeffrey	ALASKA	3	14	4.7
8)	Hontiveros, Dondon	MAGNOLIA	4	17	4.3
9)	Alapag, Jimmy	TALK N TEXT	4	17	4.3
10)	Lopez, Denver	WELCOAT	2	8	4.0
	Yeo, Joseph	STA LUCIA	3	12	4.0

	BLOCKS
	PLAYER	TEAM	GP	TOT	AVE
1)	Peek, Ali	COCA-COLA	3	6	2.0
2)	Santos, Arwind	AIR21	2	4	2.0
3)	Washington, Jay	TALK N TEXT	4	7	1.8
4)	Adducul, Rommel	PUREFOODS	3	5	1.7
5)	Belasco, Nic	WELCOAT	2	3	1.5
6)	Holper, Michael	GINEBRA	2	3	1.5
7)	Salvador, Jondan	PUREFOODS	3	4	1.3
8)	Telan, Mark	COCA-COLA	3	4	1.3
9)	Villanueva, Enrico	MAGNOLIA	4	5	1.3
10)	Quinahan, JR	ALASKA	3	3	1.0
	Carey, Harvey	TALK N TEXT	4	4	1.0
	Seigle, Danny	MAGNOLIA	4	4	1.0
	Reyes, Jay-R	WELCOAT	2	2	1.0
	Wainwright, Robert	WELCOAT	2	2	1.0
	Mamaril, Billy	GINEBRA	2	2	1.0
	Pingris, Marc	PUREFOODS	3	3	1.0
	Espino, Dennis	STA LUCIA	3	3	1.0

	STEALS
	PLAYER	TEAM	GP	TOT	AVE
1)	Yap, Roger	PUREFOODS	3	7	2.3
2)	Hontiveros, Dondon	MAGNOLIA	4	9	2.3
3)	Belasco, Nic	WELCOAT	2	4	2.0
4)	Reyes, Ryan	STA LUCIA	3	5	1.7
5)	Miller, Willie	ALASKA	3	5	1.7
6)	Lanete, Chico	PUREFOODS	3	5	1.7
7)	Miranda, Dennis	STA LUCIA	3	5	1.7
8)	Echavez, Edgar	COCA-COLA	2	3	1.5
9)	Canaleta, Nino	AIR21	2	3	1.5
10)	Arboleda, Wynne	AIR21	2	3	1.5
	Baguion, Froilan	WELCOAT	2	3	1.5
	Wainwright, Robert	WELCOAT	2	3	1.5

	FT%
	PLAYER	TEAM	FTA	FTM	PCT
1)	Fonacier, Larry	MAGNOLIA	1	1	100.00%
2)	Canaleta, Nino	AIR21	5	5	100.00%
3)	Dimaunahan, Aris	AIR21	2	2	100.00%
4)	Intal, JC	AIR21	1	1	100.00%
5)	De Ocampo, Ranidel	AIR21	7	7	100.00%
6)	Sanz, Robert	PUREFOODS	2	2	100.00%
7)	Mendoza, Paolo	STA LUCIA	5	5	100.00%
8)	Reyes, Ryan	STA LUCIA	8	8	100.00%
9)	Ritualo, Ren Ren	TALK N TEXT	5	5	100.00%
10)	Belano, Felix	TALK N TEXT	2	2	100.00%
	Quinahan, JR	ALASKA	2	2	100.00%
	Ferriols, John	ALASKA	3	3	100.00%
	Bono, Kenneth	ALASKA	2	2	100.00%
	Belasco, Nic	WELCOAT	2	2	100.00%
	Baguion, Froilan	WELCOAT	2	2	100.00%
	Salvacion, Sunday	GINEBRA	4	4	100.00%
	Baguio, Cyrus	RED BULL	2	2	100.00%
	Sharma, Carlo	RED BULL	3	3	100.00%
	Adriano, Francis	RED BULL	1	1	100.00%
	Simon, Peter	PUREFOODS	2	2	100.00%
	Yee, Richard	PUREFOODS	2	2	100.00%
	Laure, Eddie	ALASKA	2	2	100.00%
	Misolas, Jason	COCA-COLA	1	1	100.00%

	2-FG%
	PLAYER	TEAM	FGA	FGM	PCT
1)	Villanueva, Jonas	MAGNOLIA	2	2	100.00%
2)	Artadi, Paul	GINEBRA	9	7	77.78%
3)	Racela, Olsen	MAGNOLIA	16	11	68.75%
4)	Kramer, Douglas	AIR21	3	2	66.67%
5)	Valenzuela, Junthy	RED BULL	9	6	66.67%
6)	Salvador, Jondan	PUREFOODS	12	8	66.67%
7)	Santos, Arwind	AIR21	17	11	64.71%
8)	Buenafe, Ronjay	COCA-COLA	11	7	63.64%
9)	Pingris, Marc	PUREFOODS	24	15	62.50%
10)	Helterbrand, Jay	GINEBRA	8	5	62.50%

	3-FG%
	PLAYER	TEAM	FGA	FGM	PCT
1)	Ildefonso, Danny	MAGNOLIA	1	1	100.00%
2)	Mente, Joey	WELCOAT	1	1	100.00%
3)	Valenzuela, Junthy	RED BULL	3	3	100.00%
4)	Hrabak, Mike	RED BULL	1	1	100.00%
5)	Pennisi, Mick	RED BULL	5	4	80.00%
6)	Chia, Jec	AIR21	3	2	66.67%
7)	Dimaunahan, Aris	AIR21	7	4	57.14%
8)	Yap, James	PUREFOODS	21	11	52.38%
9)	Dela Cruz, Tony	ALASKA	4	2	50.00%
10)	Espino, Dennis	STA LUCIA	2	1	50.00%
	De Vance, Joe	WELCOAT	8	4	50.00%
	Bono, Kenneth	ALASKA	4	2	50.00%
	Villanueva, Jonas	MAGNOLIA	2	1	50.00%
	Mamaclay, Melvin	STA LUCIA	2	1	50.00%

	TURNOVERS
	PLAYER	TEAM	GP	TOT	AVE
1)	Telan, Mark	COCA-COLA	3	16	5.3
2)	Miller, Willie	ALASKA	3	13	4.3
3)	Raymundo, Kerby	PUREFOODS	3	12	4.0
4)	Cortez, Mike	ALASKA	3	11	3.7
5)	Enrile, Ronjay	COCA-COLA	3	11	3.7
6)	Santos, Arwind	AIR21	2	7	3.5
7)	Cardona, Mark	TALK N TEXT	4	14	3.5
8)	Yap, Roger	PUREFOODS	3	9	3.0
9)	Taulava, Asi	TALK N TEXT	4	12	3.0
10)	Arboleda, Wynne	AIR21	2	6	3.0
	Belasco, Nic	WELCOAT	2	6	3.0
	Tubid, Ronald	GINEBRA	2	6	3.0
	Membrere, Magnum	RED BULL	1	3	3.0
	Hugnatan, Reynel	ALASKA	3	9	3.0

	FOULS
	PLAYER	TEAM	GP	TOT	AVE
1)	Tubid, Ronald	GINEBRA	2	11	5.5
2)	Canaleta, Nino	AIR21	2	9	4.5
3)	Arboleda, Wynne	AIR21	2	9	4.5
4)	Se, Homer	AIR21	2	9	4.5
5)	Mamaril, Billy	GINEBRA	2	9	4.5
6)	De Ocampo, Yancy	TALK N TEXT	4	16	4.0
7)	De Ocampo, Ranidel	AIR21	2	8	4.0
8)	Macapagal, Mark	GINEBRA	2	8	4.0
9)	Salvacion, Sunday	GINEBRA	2	8	4.0
10)	Hontiveros, Dondon	MAGNOLIA	4	15	3.8

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