Alaska winning streak to fourth, deals Ginebra fourth streak loss

Alaska delivered another ace of a game that led to one more Barangay Ginebra San Miguel checkmate.

The Aces stretched their winning streak to four matches after pulling off a masterful 87-69 victory against the skidding Gin Kings to grab a share of second spot in the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Rookie Calvin Abueva fell a rebound short of notching his third straight double-double performance, but it was enough to lift Alaska to its fourth straight win to join Rain or Shine at the No. 2 spot with a 4-2 win-loss mark.

For Ginebra, it was the team’s fourth loss in a row after a 2-0 start, leaving them sliding deeper in the team standings.

“I think we’re lucky because Ginebra is not on its best now and probably with chemistry issue right now,” said Aces coach Luigi Trillo, who drew 19 points and nine rebounds from Abueva.

“But I thought the bottom line [was] in the first quarter Ginebra had 22, 16 in the second, 14 in the third and 17 in the fourth. Ginebra is a team that runs and it’s their strength. I think our defense did it today.”

Jvee Casio chipped in 16 points for the Aces while Cyrus Baguio netted 12. RJ Jazul and Sonny Thoss contributed 12 apiece for Alaska, which led the game from start to finish.

Dylan Ababou had 14 points in his first game back with Ginebra this season, but others failed to contribute for the Kings who shot miserably from the field (22-of-61).

Ababou’s three-pointer put Ginebra within three points, 51-48, in the third quarter. But an 11-0 explosion by the Aces capped by Abueva’s jumper pushed their lead back to 62-48, with 2:02 remaining in the period.

The lead ballooned to as high as 20 points, 81-61, after Baguio and Casio banged in a three-pointer each in a run that put the game away, silencing the dominant pro-Ginebra crowd.

It was Alaska’s first four-game winning streak since the Aces swept Ginebra in the 2009-10 Philippine Cup semifinals under former coach Tim Cone. That was also the last time the Kings have lost four in a row.

“It’s nice to win four in a row. The last time we did this was coach Tim’s time,” said Trillo who was then one of the assistants of Cone.

The scores:

ALASKA 87 – Abueva 19, Casio 16, Baguio 14, Jazul 12, Thoss 12,Hontiveros 5, Espinas 4, Baracael 2, Dela Cruz 2, Reyes 1, Eman 0.

GINEBRA 69 – Ababou 14, Caguioa 12, Tenorio 10, Maierhofer 7, Mamaril 6, Cortez 6, Raymundo 5, Ellis 4, Wilson 3, Jensen 2, Helterbrand 0.

Quarters: 25-22, 46-38, 64-52, 87-69

-InterAKTV

alaska aces , barangay ginebra gin kings , calvin abueva

Beast performance from Calvin Abueva as it drubbed Barangay Ginebra

ALASKA rode another beast of a performance from Calvin Abueva as it drubbed Barangay Ginebra, 87-69, to remain unbeaten since the super rookie joined them in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.

Abueva, the second overall pick in this year’s Draft, barely missed on a third successive double-double as he had a game-high 19 points and nine rebounds on top of three assists and one steal for the Aces, who extended their winning streak to four games after starting the conference with two losses.

Abueva provided the spark off the bench right in the first period where he pumped in nine markers to give his team the lead which they protected throughout.

It was not just an one-man show, however, as JV Casio, Cyrus Baguio, RJ Jazul, and Sonny Thoss all delivered significant numbers for the Aces, who dealt the Kings their third straight loss.

In just his first game back from an injury, Dylan Ababou led the Kings with 14 points, while LA Tenorio added 10 in his first game against his former squad.
-@KarloSacamos, Spin

alaska aces , barangay ginebra gin kings

‘We were robbed’, Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi on San Mig Coffee win

San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone called it a “smart play.”

PBA commissioner Chito Salud said it as a “legal play.”

But Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi had a different opinion about the final play of his team’s 92-91 loss to San Mig Coffee, in which San Mig Coffee center Rafi Reavis tapped the ball while it was on the rim.

“We were robbed of a win,” Baculi told reporters after the game.

“Ang interpretation namin sa FIBA rules, if it’s still bouncing, then you can tap the ball out of the cylinder, but when the shot has a chance of going in, dapat counted.

“That’s my opinion and I’m entitled to it. For me, the shot should be counted. We ran a well-executed play and the shot has a chance of going in. For me, they should let the players decide the game. That’s an unwritten rule, but they should let the players decide the outcome.”

Baculi said he will confer with Barako Bull management about the team’s next step. Under PBA rules, a team can file a protest within 24 hours after the game.

“We will confer with the management our next line of action,” said Baculi, who also wants clarification from the PBA about which rules have been adopted by the league from FIBA.

“We would also ask which among other FIBA rules we’re adopting. As far as I know, we’re following the PBA rules. FIBA has a maximum of five personal fouls while we have six in the PBA, they’re using a 10-minute per quarter and we’re using 12-minute per quarter.”

Baculi added that the league revise goaltending rules for the benefit of teams and fans.

“They should do away with such rule, it robs a team’s chance of winning,” said Baculi.
-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

barako bull , junel baculi , rafi reavis , san mig coffee mixers

Rafi Reavis swipe out the ball as San Mig Coffee wins over Barako Bull

Rafi Reavis made a heady play in the dying seconds to help San Mig Coffee preserve a 92-91 victory over Barako Bull in a thrilling finish in the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Reavis swatted the ball away from the cylinder on an attempt by Rico Villanueva with about two seconds remaining to secure the much-needed win for the Coffee Mixers.

“I don’t see any controversy there. That’s legal in our league,” said San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone.

“We’re using FIBA rule [on goaltending]. You can knock the ball on the rim. It’s not the NBA rule anymore. And it was really a smart play by Rafi. He keeps on doing that since they changed the rule four or five years ago.”

It was a sorry loss for the Energy Colas, who trailed by as much as 12 points in the third period before rallying back in the fourth quarter behind Ronald Tubid.

James Yap led all scorers with 21 points but missed a couple of shots in the closing minutes that allowed Barako Bull to get back in the contest.

Peter June Simon added 15 points, including the marginal basket, while rookie Aldrech Ramos had his best game with 10 for the Mixers, who snapped a two-game skid for a 3-2 win-loss mark.

Tubid had 17 points and was responsible for putting his team on top with back-to-back three-pointers and a feed to Villanueva to give Barako Bull 91-90 lead with 1:18 remaining.

Simon reclaimed the lead for San Mig Coffee after he followed up a Yap’s missed jumper, 92-91, with just 19.4 seconds left on the clock.

Then came the controversial finish as Villanueva’s attempt, which appeared to be trickling in, was denied by Reavis, who tapped the ball while on the rim as time expired.

Barako Bull players and officials vehemently protested the non-goal tending call.

“They should let the players decide. If you asked my opinion, it was counted,” said Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi, who will confer with the management about what steps to take. “Sayang. We were robbed of the win.”

Villanueva added 16 points for Barako Bull, whose record fell to 2-4.

The scores:

San Mig Coffee (92) – Yap 21, Simon 15, Ramos 10, Barroca 9, Gonzales 9, Pingris 9, De Ocampo 8, Devance 5, Reavis 5, Villanueva 1.

Barako Bull (91) – Tubid 17, Villanueva 16, Urbiztondo 14, Kramer 12, Pennisi 12, Najorda 9, Yap 5, Anthony 4, Cervantes 2, Alvarez 0, Ballesteros 0.

Quarters: 17-24, 42-48, 66-61, 92-91
-InterAKTV

barako bull , rafi reavis , san mig coffee mixers

Last play in San Mig Coffee win over Barako Bull was not goaltending

Barako Bull management is seeking clarification regarding the PBA’s rules on goaltending.

This came on the heels of the controversial last play in the Energy Colas’ 92-91 loss to the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

Enrico Villanueva’s game-winning attempt circled the cylinder before San Mig Coffee’s Rafi Reavis tapped the ball out, preventing the shot from trickling in and preserving the victory for the Mixers.

“We will seek whatever remedy possible,” Barako Bull team manager Raffy Casyao told InterAKTV. “We would like to ask for review and also ask clarification about the rules whether a player can tap the ball when the ball is rolling in the cylinder and has a chance of going in.”

A visibly-frustrated Villanueva, along with the rest of the Energy Colas, stormed out of the playing court, contesting the non-call by the referees.

But the PBA said the officials exercised correct judgment on the play.

“A defensive player can tap the ball while the ball is on the cylinder of the rim,” said PBA operations manager and technical committee member Rickie Santos said, adding that the league adopted the FIBA rules on goaltending several years ago to prepare players for international competition.
-Rey Joble, InterAKTV 

: barako bull , rafi reavis , san mig coffee mixers

Shoulder Injury, Danny Ildefonso out in five months

Danny Ildefonso’s hurting shoulder will need surgery that will require him to sit out five months, adding to the list of the walking wounded frontline of the Petron Blaze Boosters.

Ildefonso hurt his shoulder in Petron’s victory over Ginebra last Sunday.

Petron was already missing rookie center June Mar Fajardo, who underwent surgery to treat a scrotum injury he sustained two weeks ago.

With two slotmen out, Petron coach Olsen Racela is now looking to sign a center to reinforce the squad. The team currently has veteran Dorian Peña and second-year player Magi Sison to man the center spot.

Racela said they are looking at offering a spot to former Meralco and Air 21 center Bryan Faundo.

“He’s the one we’re looking at now,” said Racela. “But we will also look at the free agency.”

danny ildefonso , june mar fajardo , petron blaze boosters

Barako Bull, Talk ‘N Text wants NBA veterans as imports for Commissioner’s Cup

Two NBA veterans have emerged as import prospects for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, which imposes no height limits for reinforcements.

Al Thornton, who played for three NBA teams before signing for the Zhejiang Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association, might suit up for the Barako Bull Energy Colas after his commitment in China.

Talk ‘N Text, meanwhile, has expressed interest in tapping seven-foot center Jerome Jordan.

Sheryl Reyes, the local agent who represents Thornton, told InterAKTV in a text message that she has already talked to Barako Bull team manager Raffy Casyao about a potential deal.

“I will be going to China to watch his workout and preseason games. He is interested to come to the Philippines after his China stint,” said Reyes, who revealed that Casyao had expressed interest in her client even prior to this season.

“He told me they’re always been interested with Thornton, but never had a connect with his agents in the States.”

On Twitter, Thornton seemed to express interest in the idea.

“@FemaleAgentSR let’s get money. You got that brown bag?” wrote Thornton.

A product of Florida State, Thornton was a first round draft choice of the Los Angeles Clippers. He also played for the Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors.

Meanwhile, Reyes said Jordan, who was recently waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, has told her of his desire to play in the PBA, and has garnered interest from the Tropang Texters.

Jordan was drafted 44th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2010 NBA draft before being traded to the New York Knicks. He has had stints in Serbia, Slovenia, and the NBA D-League.
-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

al thornton , barako bull , jerome jordan , talk 'n text tropang texters

Alaska takes on Ginebra; San Mig Coffee contends Barako Bull

Alaska tries to extend its winning run to four games while three squads gun for a much-needed bounce-back wins in the resumption of the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces face the slumping Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the main game at 6:30 p.m. while San Mig Coffee eyes to put an end to its two-game slum against Barako Bull in the opener at 4:15 p.m.

After a two losses to open their campaign, Alaska has notched three straight victories, including a 92-81 win against Air 21 last Friday to improve their win-loss mark to 3-2.

The Aces will be facing the struggling Kings, who have dropped their last three assignments after a 2-0 start.

And that somehow concerns Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.

“We understand how potent Ginebra can be. They play better with their backs against the wall,” said Trillo, who again drew a double-double game from rookie Calvin Abueva against the Express.

“They push the ball hard and they have an abundance of scorers. We will have to dig deep with back to back games for us.”

The game will feature the first time Ginebra guard LA Tenorio will face his former squad after a blockbuster offseason trade sent him to the Gin Kings.

Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen said his team just needs to play as a cohesive unit to get back to its winning ways.

“We have to play smarter and take care of the little things on both ends of the court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Coffee Mixers try to snap a two-game slide against the Energy Colas.

“Needless to say, we need a big bounce-back game. We lost two tough games to two high-quality teams, but there were stretches in both games where we played very good basketball,” said San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone, whose team is coming off a heartbreaking 80-79 loss to Rain or Shine last Wednesday.

“There’s no reason for us to lose confidence in ourselves. We expect to come out firing on all cylinders tomorrow.”

For Barako Bull to stand a chance, Baculi said defense would be the key in their game plan.

“We are capable of bouncing back. Again, defense will be the key. Limiting James Yap, Peter June Simon and Yancy de Ocampo is tough but can be done,” said Baculi.

The Energy Colas are coming off a tough 79-76 defeat to defending champion Talk ‘N Text last Wednesday.

-InterAKTV

alaska aces , barako bull , barangay ginebra gin kings , san mig coffee mixers

PBA Standings as of October 27, 2012

In PBA Sabado Nights action, Talk ‘N Text rallied to defeat Rain or Shine, 80-77, to remain unbeaten in the 2013 Philippine Cup.

Team	W	L	PCT	GB	STREAK
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters	6	0	1.000	-	W6
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters	4	2	0.667	2	L1
Meralco Bolts	3	2	0.600	2.5	W1
Alaska Aces	3	2	0.600	2.5	W3
Petron Blaze Boosters	3	3	0.500	3	W2
San Mig Coffee Mixers	2	2	0.500	3	L2
Barako Bull Energy	2	3	0.400	3.5	L1
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel	2	3	0.400	3.5	L3
Air 21 Express	1	5	0.167	5	L4
GlobalPort Batang Pier	1	5	0.167	5	L2

-InterAKTV

pba standings

Talk ‘N Text remains unbeaten in Philippine Cup

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters pulled out a thrilling 80-77 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Saturday in Victorias City, Negros Occidental to remain undefeated in the Philippine Cup.

Talk ‘N Text had to go through the eye of the needle to pull out its sixth win in as many games. Rain or Shine, which saw its three-game winning run end, suffered just its second loss against four wins.

Larry Fonacier posted 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, leading the Tropang Texters rally from a 13-point deficit early in the second half.

“We played a good defense on Jeff Chan,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black. The Rain or Shine sharpshooter was hounded to just four points after coming into the game averaging better than 23 per game.

“But we missed a lot of free throws. If we made our free throws, we could have won by a big margin,” added Black.

Rain or Shine looked poised to run away with the game after taking 53-40 advantage in the third quarter, before Talk ‘N Text steadily clawed back.

The Tropang Texters tied the game, 71-all, with six minutes left, before Jimmy Alapag, who led all scorers with 15 points, hit the go-ahead three-pointer a couple of plays later to give them a 74-73 advantage. Fonacier hit a runner to give the Tropang Texters more breathing space, 76-73, heading into the homestretch.

Talk ‘N Text was still leading, 78-74, before Jeff Chan and TY Tang combined for three quick points to tow Rain or Shine to within one point. After a defensive stop, Gabe Norwood couldn’t convert for the Elasto Painters, who sent Ranidel De Ocampo to the line for two free throws.

Down by three points, Rain or Shine tried to find Chan in the ensuing possession, but Tang could not find the open passing lane, instead back-rimming a three-pointer.

Talk ‘N Text left the door open for the Elasto Painters after two missed free throws by Fonacier. But a final attempt by JR Quinahan clanged harmlessly off the rim at the buzzer, preserving the victory for Talk ‘N Text.

The scores:

TALK N’ TEXT 80 – Alapag 15, De Ocampo 13, Fonacier 12, Peek 11, Reyes 7, Williams 7, Dillinger 6, Raymundo 5, Carey 2, Ferriols 2, Gamalinda 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 77 – Cruz 14, Rodriguez 13, Ibanes 9, Quinahan 9, Belga 8, Matias 7, Norwood 7, Tang 6, Chan 4, Arana 0.

Quarters: 19-22, 42-38, 63-67, 80-77
-InterAKTV

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Chris Tiu makes Extra Rice

 The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are in Bacolod City for their Saturday matchup in adjacent Victorias City against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters on Saturday. Traveling with the team is injured rookie Chris Tiu, who seems to be taking part in the favorite activity of Rain or Shine’s Extra Rice, Inc:

Christopher Tiu

• ✔

@chris_tiu

Never had so much chicken skin at Maskara Chicken House here in Bacolod! Followed by yummy cakes at Calea! So much for healthy eating!

We can’t blame Chris, though; we’ve been to Bacolod and we’ve tasted the inasal and the Calea cakes, and they’re really good.
-Jaemark Tordecilla

chris tiu , rain or shine elasto painters

Talk ‘N Text vs Rain or Shine in Victorias City

The top two teams in the tournament face off on Saturday in Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Saturday when Talk ‘N Text takes on Rain or Shine as the 2013 Philippine Cup resumes.

Tipoff is set at 6:30 p.m.

Both teams are coming off thrilling victories in their previous assignments last Wednesday. The Tropang Texters survived a tough challenge from Barako Bull, 79-76, while the Elasto Painters pulled off a big rally over San Mig Coffee, 80-79.

New Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black said he has been happy with his team’s effort on defense, but added that the Tropang Texters offense is still a work in progress.

“Defensively, this is how the way I wanted it,” said Black on the new defensive system he implemented on the squad. “Offensively, we’re still trying to work on our communication.”

Talk ‘N Text remains the only undefeated team after five games in the Philippine Cup, but a loss would put them in a tie with Rain or Shine, which carries a 4-1 win-loss record heading into the game.

Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao admitted that their victory over the Mixers was “ugly” but he’d take it.

“This win is beyond analysis and assessment, but this will rank as one of my weirdest wins ever,” said Guiao.
-InterAKTV

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