Simpson Hopes Carry Aces All Way Fiesta-Conf; Freeman, Lewis, Aj, Back

Their pride in tatters after another title bust in the recent Philippine Cup, the Alaska Aces hope to turn their fortunes around in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference with the help of a 22-year-old recognized for his defense.

Diamon Simpson, named to the All-America Defensive Team while playing for the St. Mary’s Gaels, has been signed up by Aces to beef up the team in the season-ending conference that starts on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The presence of Simpson along with new recruit Sam Eman and Sonny Thoss shores up Alaska’s frontline, no wonder Alaska coach Tim Cone is excited about his new starting lineup.
Simpson averaged 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds while playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the National Basketball Association Developmental League.

But his strongest suit is his defensive acumen. He averaged 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while playing the power forward spot for his collegiate squad. In 2008, he was cited as Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com.

Leroy Hickerson, a two-time slam dunk champion in the Mexican League, was scheduled to arrive last night to carry the colors of Air21.

Hickerson is listed as 6-foot-5. He ruled the slam dunk competition in the Mexican LNBP All-Star Game in 2008 and 2009. He worked out with the Memphis Grizzlies last summer and was named Player of the Year, Guard of the Year and Import Player of the Year by Latinbasket.com.
In 41 games last year, Hickerson averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game while playing for the Halcones UV Xalapa.

Sta. Lucia, Rain or Shine, Coca-Cola Tigers and defending champion San Miguel Beer are bringing in old faces.

The Realtors are launching their campaign in the Fiesta Conference with Anthony Johnson, the Coca-Cola Tigers, on the other hand, are bringing back James Penny while burly import Jai Lewis will beef up the Elasto Painters. The Beermen are once again counting on Gabe Freeman to lead their title retention drive.

Source: Author Unknown  | PBA.ph

Air21, Coca-Cola drop opening day assignments in Dubai

Dubai, UAE – Bad officiating and jet lag were the reasons why Air21 and Coca-Cola dropped their opening day assignments at the start of the 2nd Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Basketball Tournament Thursday at the Al Nasr Sports Club in Oud Metha.

The Express suffered an 80-77 defeat against the UAE National Team while the Tigers were dominated the entire game by Al Nasr Club, 72-55.

Air21 players complained that the referees’ calls are all one-sided since the UAE National Team was very physical with their game where they even received kicks and flying elbows from some of the players.

The Express’ Willie Arboleda received a second motion kick in the face from a member of the UAE National team when both of them fell on the floor while battling for the lose ball.

Air 21 was leading by much as five points going in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter when another UAE player challenged the entire Express bench that changed the momentum of the game.

Police and officials from the Al Nasr Club immediately responded to the situation but the player was not easily pacified as Air21 just kept their cool.

“We were surprised to see that even though team managers from Al Nasr Club already intervened, the man did not back down. Anyway, this is just a basketball game and we don’t mind those kinds of rough plays," said Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez.

In another game, 6-foot-11 American import Vincent Jones and Al Nasr’s outside shooting were too much for Coca-Cola to handle as the Tigers played sluggishly due to jet lag.

The Tigers arrived in Dubai less than a day before the game and the match started at 9:30 pm which was actually 1:30 am (Friday), Manila time.

Coca-Cola played catch up the entire match but three straight three-pointers in the third quarter gave Al Nasr a 15-point spread and the hosts were never threatened after that.

Jones also dominated the paint both offensively and defensively and had six block shots, two of which came at the expense of Asi Taulava. Jones also won the slam dunk contest

Tigers coach Bo Perasol said they were not able to execute their plays as his players were feeling the jet lag.

Meanwhile, Al Nasr Club coach Tarek Selim announced that he is planning to hold a 10-day basketball camp in the Philippines next month to expose his team to more international competitions and to learn more from Philippine basketball.

Games on Friday (March 5) Al Nasr vs. UAE National Team (7 pm Dubai time/ 11 pm Manila time) and Burger King vs. Coca-Cola (9pm); Saturday (March 6) UAE National Team vs. Coca Cola (7pm Dubai time/ 11 pm Manila time); Al Nasr vs. Burger King (9 pm).

Source: Angel Tesorero  | GMANews.TV

Coca-Cola, Air21 see action in Dubai tourney

DUBAI – Two more Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams – the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Air21 Express (formerly Burger King Whopper) – will try to test UAE’s top two cage squads when the 2nd Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum International Basketball Tournament opens on March 4 at the Al Nasr Sports Club in Oud Metha.

The Tigers and Express hope to duplicate, if not surpass, Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas’ third place finish in the 21st Dubai International Basketball Championship last January.

The 2nd Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum International Basketball Tournament ends on Saturday, March 6.

Speaking highly of Philippine basketball, Naji Aljabri, CEO of New Generation Sport Marketing Event and organizer of the tournament, said he wants to test the mettle of his UAE National Team and Al Nasr Club against PBA teams.

Aljabri considers the PBA as one of the most organized and prestigious basketball leagues in the world next to NBA (National Basketball Association) and the Euro League.

“I want to bring the same professional experience and game intensity of the PBA in the UAE and also to provide entertainment to the Filipino expats who are known basketball fans," said Aljabri.

He said his teams are young but with huge potential, strong and determined to become the best in the Middle East and North Africa region.

UAE National team is composed of all local players while Al Nasr Club is led by American import Vincent Jones, who at 6-foot-11 is a dominant inside player, supported by Talal Salem, Talal, Musabah, Khalid Obaid, Ibrahim Obaid, Saleh Sultan and Salem Obaid.

Scheduled games are UAE National Team vs. Burger King (7 pm Dubai time; 11pm Manila time) followed by Al Nasr vs. Coca-Cola (9 pm Dubai time) on March 4 (Thursday); Al Nasr vs. UAE National Team (7 pm) and Burger King vs. Coca-Cola on March 5 (Friday); and UAE National Team vs. Coca Cola (7pm) and Al Nasr vs. Burger King (9 pm) on March 6 (Saturday).

The three-day tournament named after the deputy ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance of the UAE, will follow FIBA rules and a one-round elimination series format. Three foreign players can be included in the line-up but only two will be allowed to play at the same time.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

TNT, Coke imports known

Talk ’N Text will have former University of Cincinnati player Eric Hicks as its reinforcement while James Penny has agreed in principle to play anew for Coca-Cola in the next PBA conference – the Fiesta Cup.

“Just confirmed last night (Thursday),” said TNT mentor Chot Reyes when asked Friday if they have already an import for the Fiesta Cup starts on March 21.

Hicks, regarded as a reliable inside player, is set to arrive on Monday.

TNT hopes to do better in the Fiesta Cup after failing to retain the Philippine Cup title when it lost to Barangay Ginebra in a five-game quarterfinal series, 3-2.

After his stint with the UC Bearcats, the 6-foot-6 Hicks played professional basketball for Telindus BC Oostende in Belgium, Polpak Swiecie in Poland and CSK VVS Samara in Russia.

His experience playing in the NBA Summer League where he suited up for Miami Heat and Boston Celtics is expected to serve TNT in good stead.

Hicks averaged 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in his last stint in the tough Euro League.

Coke, on the other hand, will have the 6-foot-5 Penny only if he can join the team in Dubai for an invitational tournament set March 5.

Penny just finished playing in Mexico and the Tigers are expecting his arrival on Monday.

“He’s actually third on our list, but he’s the first available player for the Dubai meet,” Coke head coach Bo Perasol said. “I’m hoping that if he plays for us in Dubai, Penny will be the first and last import for us in the PBA.”

“It’s a tough tournament in Dubai. Teams are allowed to bring three imports. We don’t want to play there just for the sake of competing, we want to use that to jumpstart our campaign in the PBA with a winning attitude,” he added.

Perasol also said that having Penny, who powered Red Bull (now Barako Bull) to the Fiesta Cup title in 2006, in the Dubai meet will give him time to adjust particularly with new teammates like rookie guard Chris Ross and sophomore playmaker Marvin Cruz.

Purefoods, which leads Alaska, 1-0, in the best-of-seven Philippine Cup Finals, is eyeing several imports, including Reggie Larry.

The 6-foot-5 Larry almost made it to the team in last season’s Fiesta Cup but suffered an injury during a practice game. The Giants replaced him with Brian Hamilton, and then Jahmar Thorpe before settling with Marquin Chandler.

Air21 (formerly Burger King) will also compete in the Dubai meet and the Express are expected to bring their import Leroy Hickerson.

Aside from TNT, Coke and Air21, other ball clubs already with import are defending champion San Miguel with reigning Best Import winner Gabe Freeman, Ginebra will have former NBA campaigner Awvee Storey, and Rain or Shine has tabbed anew Jai Lewis.

Sta. Lucia is finalizing its deal for the return of Anthony Johnson, while still searching for their imports are Alaska and Barako Bull.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Coca-Cola to tap best import James Penny

COCA-COLA may tap again the service of 6-foot-6 former best import James Penny to be the team’s import in the coming Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta reinforced conference, which begins on March 21.

Gerard Francisco, the team’s assistant manager, said on Monday the team is considering the high-leaping Penny to be the Tigers import next conference, because of his competitive nature and all-around play.

“Right now, we still have no import but Penny is among our candidates,” said Francisco, who confirmed that there’d be no local players’ movement for the meantime. “We’re going to settle to our line-up next conference.”

Coca-Cola lost to wildcard survivor Rain or Shine in the previous Philippine Cup, and is hoping for redemption in the next conference.

Penny, who played for Red Bull in 2006, averaged 26.1 points and 12.7 rebounds for Coca-Cola in 11 games played last Fiesta Conference.

The Sta. Lucia Realtors, meanwhile, are currently in negotiation table to bring back 6-foot-6 scoring demon Anthony Johnson, according to head coach Boyet Fernandez.

On the other hand, semifinalist San Miguel Beer tapped last year’s best import Gabe Freeman, while Rain or Shine will settle anew for burly import Jai Lewis.

Source: Josef Ramos  | The Manila Times

Rain or Shine storms to quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines - Last seed Rain or Shine scored two straight upset wins with a 99-84 ripping of Coca-Cola last night at the Ynares Sports Center, allowing the Elasto Painters to gatecrash the KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

The Elasto Painters fought with grit and guts like they did against the Sta. Lucia Realtors Sunday, completing a triumphant wildcard-round ride that sent them to the quarters versus the third-seeded Purefoods Giants.

The best-of-five quarterfinals series begin with Game One tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum with Rain or Shine and Purefoods slugging it out at 5 p.m. then Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text clashing at 7:30 p.m.

In surviving the wildcard plays, Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia believed his chargers would be upbeat in their quarters showdown with the Giants.

“It would be tough playing Purefoods but if we continue to play with intensity, enthusiasm and energy, we’ll have a chance to beat them,” said Garcia.


“I think we’re peaking at the right time. If we hit a good rhythm, we would be alright,” said Sol Mercado, Rain or Shine’s tremendous sparkplug in their big reversal of Asi Taulava and his Coke teammates.

Mercado erupted for 28 points, eight assists and two steals and had the bulk of his production in their stirring run in the second half that had them beating the Tigers in the final knockout stage of the wildcard.

Gabe Norwood, Eddie Laure, Jeff Chan and Mike Hrabak had huge contributions as Rain or Shine stunned Coca-Cola, making the Tigers the fourth casualty in the tourney after the Barako Bull Boosters, the Sta. Lucia Realtors and the Burger King Whoppers.

Laure, Norwood, Mercado and Hrabak combined in a dizzying 11-to-nothing run the Elasto Painters unleashed to break away at 80-64.

Norwood, Chan and Laure were three other Rain or Shine players who finished in double figures. Hrabak added six points, including a trey closing their back-breaking attack in the fourth period.

Chan had 16 points on the eve of his wedding.

Mercado opened the game with back-to-back triples and Chan had his own treys highlighting Rain or Shine’s charge in the second quarter that gave the Elasto Painters a 41-35 lead at halftime.

The Elasto Painters pounded crucial Coca-Cola miscues enabling Rain or Shine to lead by as many as nine points early on.

The two teams engaged in a defensive battle at the onset with the Tigers doing a bit better, as they took a 20-19 edge at the close of the opening quarter.

In the first 24 minutes of play, the Tigers lorded it over the boards, 34-18, but committed nine errors more than the Elasto Painters got.

Mercado did better than Chris Ross in the opening half, piling up six points and three assists while the Coke rookie couldn’t make a single basket and, worse, turned the ball over five times.

But getting into foul-trouble situation, Mercado had to sit down precious minutes in the third period, and the Tigers pounced on the situation to regain the lead at 57-56.

Mercado himself restored order in their game on his return towards the end of the quarter.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Quarters or bust for Tigers, E-Painters

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola, powered by a solid frontline led by Asi Taulava and Dennis Espino, and Rain or Shine, boasting of a talented backcourt tandem, slug it out tonight in the final knockout stage of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard round at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Tigers and the Elasto Painters clash in a lone game at 7 p.m. with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals against the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants.

Meanwhile, the PBA will be giving free tickets for tonight’s match through its “Barkada Mo Sagot Ko” special promo. The limited offer entitles a group of three for every purchase of one ticket at the gallery section and two seats for a purchase of one ticket at lower level.

Expect a down-to-the-wire battle between Coca Cola and Rain or Shine with both teams hoping to stay in contention in the all-Filipino tourney.

“We will definitely fight for the win. We’ve gone this far enough to deserve a quarterfinals seat. Rain or Shine is a tough opponent but we are prepared for them,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.


“This is our only chance to make the quarters. We’ll give it our best shot,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

While it will be a question of execution, the two coaches believe a key factor is which team gets to impose its game.

The Tigers thrive on a deliberate half-court game with their plays revolving around big men Taulava and Espino while the Elasto Painters draw energy on the run-and-gun games of guards Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood.

JayR Reyes and Mark Telan will have tough job cut out for them against Taulava and Espino.

Gary David and Chris Ross, meanwhile, are the two players likely to be paired with Mercado and Norwood.

“I’m excited to battle with Mercado and Norwood. It’s a tough assignment but I’ll be ready,” said David, after an explosive performance leading Coke past his former team Burger King Wednesday.

Coca-Cola is the slight pick, having a better showing in the elimination round capped by a three-game romp on the return of Taulava from a foot injury.

The two teams split their elims games with Rain or Shine winning their first encounter, 92-84, while Taulava was out in sickbay.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Rain or Shine, Coca-Cola set for duel

Rain or Shine and Coca-Cola arranged another knockout duel after beating their respective rivals in the wildcard stage of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The No. 9 seed Elasto Painters downed the No. 6 Sta. Lucia Realty, 90-86, while the No. 7 Tigers survived No. 8 Burger King, 118-112, to set up another do-or-die game on Wednesday for the last quarterfinal seat.

Veteran forward Eddie Laure converted a crucial finger-roll attempt over Realtors center Marlou Aquino in the closing seconds that sealed the win for Rain or Shine.

Ex-Whopper Gary David completed a three-point play while RJ Rizada had a crucial putback that allowed the Tigers to weather the spirited rally of Burger King, which came back from 21 points down early in the fourth but lost steam in the end.

David led Coke with 21 points to spoil the conference-highs of ex-teammates Ronjay Buenafe (27 points) and Ronnie Matias (23 points, career-best).

Sol Mercado netted 18 points and 7 rebounds to lead the balanced attack of the Elasto Painters (4-14), who entered the game as underdogs as they were six games behind the 10-8 Realtors.

“We worked hard in practice because Sta. Lucia is a tough team to beat. We were just lucky tonight,” said Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia. “Almost everybody stepped out tonight for us.”

Gabe Norwood added 15 points while Jeff Chan and Ryan Arana chipped in 14 and 13 markers respectively.

Laure finished with just 8 points but none bigger than his assurance basket in the final 11 seconds of the game.

Kelly Williams led Sta. Lucia with 27 points and 18 rebounds, his 16th double-double performance in the conference, while rookie Josh Urbiztondo added 20 markers on 6-of-9 shooting from the three-point area.

Marlou Aquino and Joseph Yeo chipped in 16 and 12 points respectively for Realtors mentor Boyet Fernandez, who got only 4 points apiece from Nelbert Omolon and Ryan Reyes.

Sta. Lucia was actually in the lead at 77-74 when Chan drilled two to highlight an 8-0 run to grab an 82-77 lead.

The Realtors quickly got back at 83-86 before Norwood hit a jumper for an 88-83 lead. Urbiztondo banged in a triple to put SLR within striking distance, 86-88 and the Realtors got the chance to tie or take the lead after Norwood missed his three-point attempt.

Mercado lost control of the leather but was able to throw the ball to Laure who scored on a scooping lay-up over Aquino to beat the shot clock, 90-86, 11.4 ticks left.

Urbiztondo’s 3-point attempt was way off the target and Norwood secured the board to send Rain or Shine in another playoff encounter.

Source: Author Unknown  | abs-cbnnew.com

Coca-Cola arranges KO match vs. RoS

ANTIPOLO -- Coca-Cola, sustaining the momentum of a three-game closing romp in the elimination round, whipped Burger King, 118-112, to advance to the final knockout stage of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard round at the Ynares Sports Center here Sunday night.

Mark Macapagal and Norman Gonzales led the Coca-Cola assault in the first half then Gary David and Dennis Espino took over in the second as the Tigers dominated the Whoppers, gaining the right to face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the closing phase of the wildcard.

The Elasto Painters beat out the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 90-86, in a fierce showdown earlier in the day. The Tigers and the Elasto Painters battle in another do-or-die encounter in the same venue Wednesday with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals versus the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants. "Surely, we don't want wasted the streak we've got now.

We'll do our best to make it five in a row Wednesday for us to get into the quarters," said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol. "We know though that it won't be easy. We have a gritty opponent in Rain or Shine. They've just shown they can compete in a big game," Perasol also said. Both Coca-Cola and Rain or Shine fought with great resolve as they eased out Burger King and Sta. Lucia.

The Realtors, who narrowly missed an outright quarters seat, settled for eighth place with the Whoppers next at ninth. Asi Taulava, averaging 17 points in the tournament, made only eight this time but he provided the Tigers a huge defensive and inside presence which proved to tough to overcome for the Whoppers.

Macapagal, David, Espino and Gonzales supplied the points as the Tigers battered the Whoppers in the middle quarters before slowing down in the final canto. David had a solid performance in his first game versus his former team, drilling in 21 points. Macapagal had 22, Espino 16 and Gonzales 14.

"Hindi ako nakatulog noong nalaman kong Burger King ang kalaban namin -- excited na hindi malaman. Na-survived namin sila at ngayon excited akong makalaban si Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado," said David. The former Lyceum star made four straight charities at the finish helping Coke hold off BK's endgame chase. Ronjay Buenafe put in a personal conference-high of 27 points and starred in BK's fourth-quarter chase that saw them cut a 21-point deficit to four twice in the last two minutes.

The Tigers eventually finished off the Whoppers as RJ Rizada pulled off a big offensive rebound then scored on a putback making it 118-112 with 30 seconds left to play. Rookie Ronnie Matias came through with a career-best 23 points, carrying the cudgels for BK early on before fouling out with nine minutes left to play. (SB)

The scores:

Coca-Cola 118 - Macapagal 22, David 21, Espino 16, Gonzales 14, Ross 10, Cruz 8, Calimag 8, Taulava 8, Rizada 6, Rodriguez 5.

Burger King 112 - Buenafe 27, Matias 23, Yee R. 19, Belga 10, Cabagnot 10, Gonzales W. 9, Quinahan 5, Sharma 4, Yee M. 3, Williams 2, Billones 0.

Quarterscores: 38-29, 67-54, 91-75, 118-112

Source: Author Unknown  | PBA.ph

Painters, Tigers survive, clash for quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine and Coca-Cola fought with grit and determination in their do-or-die matches with Sta. Lucia and Burger King, pulling off gripping victories to advance to the final knockout stage of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard round at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo last night.

The Elasto Painters outlasted the Realtors, 90-86, while the Tigers topped the Whoppers, 118-112, to stay in the running for the last berth in the quarterfinal round.

They play in another knockout duel in the same venue Wednesday with the winner gaining the right to play the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in a best-of-five quarterfinal series.

Sol Mercado once again took charge for Rain or Shine with Jeff Chan and Eddie Laure contributing huge baskets at the finish as the Elasto Painters outlasted the Realtors in a furious battle.

Gary David, meanwhile, came through with a productive game in his first game versus his former team, leading the Tigers to the six-point win over the Whoppers.


Sta. Lucia and Burger King took the exit in the all-Filipino tourney with the Realtors winding up eighth and the Whoppers ninth.

“We survived Sta. Lucia Realty but it’s only the first half of the task we have to accomplish in this tough wildcard round,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. “We still have a tough job ahead of us versus Coca-Cola.”

“We’ve got past Burger King and we’re now looking forward to our Wednesday game versus Rain or Shine. Hopefully, we can sustain the momentum,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

Against Sta. Lucia, the Elasto Painters had to overcome Kelly Williams’ 27 points and 18 rebounds and Jason Urbiztondo’s six three-pointers.

Rain or Shine pulled through as Mercado, Chan, Laure, Mike Hrabak and Gabe Norwood teamed up to outplay Williams, Urbiztondo, Ryan Reyes, Nelbert Omolon and Marlou Aquino at the finish.

Chan nailed two three-pointers, Laure converted a short jumper and a lay-up and Norwood made a fade-away shot in a decisive 12-4 exchange pushing Rain or Shine ahead to stay at 86-81.

The Realtors threatened for the last time at 86-88 before Laure sealed their win on another jumper with 11 seconds left in the contest.

Mercado led Rain or Shine with 18 points and seven rebounds with Norwood adding 15, Chan 14 and Arana 13.

Woe to the Realtors, Ryan Reyes struggled for a second straight game.

The usually prolific Fil-Am guard bled for four points after winding up with a fat zero versus Purefoods Friday.

Nonetheless, the Realtors engaged the Elasto Painters in a battle with Williams exploding for 17 points and 12 rebounds right in the first half.

Aquino and Joseph Yeo chipped in 16 and 12 points, respectively, but the rest of the Realtors groped for form.

They wound up eighth place in the tourney after being beaten by the Elasto Painters for the first time in the last three conferences.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

4 teams start bid in cutthroat playoffs

MANILA, Philippines - The KFC PBA Philippine Cup playoffs begin today at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo with four teams clashing in the initial stage of the tough wildcard plays to determine which team gets the last slot in the quarterfinals.

Sta. Lucia Realty mixes it up with Rain or Shine at 4 p.m. then Coca-Cola slugs it out with Burger King at 6:30 p.m. in Day One of the playoffs leading to the best-of-seven championship in late February or early March.

Landing in the lower half of the chart at the close of the double-round eliminations, the Realtors, the Elasto Painters, the Tigers and the Whoppers are now all after a backdoor entry to the quarters.

Only one of them will remain alive by Wednesday, gaining a crack at the semifinal round versus No. 3 seed Purefoods.

“The good thing about the tournament format is that you have a good chance to go all the way for as long as you’re not eliminated,” said Burger King coach Yeng Guiao.


The three other teams are also hopeful of their chances, including the Elasto Painters although they fared poorly in the elims, getting only four wins against 14 defeats.

In the first stage of the wildcard, the Elasto Painters are ranged against a Sta. Lucia team which narrowly missed an outright quarters berth with a 10-8 slate.

“Wildcard games are tough. Rain or Shine is a dangerous opponent but we have put the elims behind us and we’re looking forward to beat them,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

Sta. Lucia beat Rain or Shine in two close games in the elims, scoring a 95-90 decision on Oct. 21 then repeating with a 95-91 win on Jan. 6.

The Elasto Painters have lost all their last four games, including a 94-95 heart-breaker to the Alaska Milk Aces Friday.

Coca-Cola and Burger King, meanwhile, split their two games in the elims with the Whoppers notching a 106-97 victory on Nov. 18 and the Tigers getting even at 106-94 on Dec. 13.

“We have to sustain our momentum in this crucial game. BK is tough but we are prepared and definitely aware of the consequences,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

“The Burger King-Coke battle is very interesting. We got involved in a trade deal that have made both teams better. The game will involve a lot of pride,” said Guiao.

Gary David and Chico Lanete are now with Coke while Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales are with BK.

“Wesley and Alex are blending well with us. We’re getting better with these two guys,” Guiao said.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Tigers boot out Boosters

MANILA, Philippines - Asi Taulava knocked in a turnaround shot with 1.8 seconds left and Coca-Cola closed the playoffs door on Barako Bull with a 91-89 squeaker in the penultimate play date of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup elimination phase at the Astrodome last night.

The Tigers nearly blew away a 20-point spread but Taulava came to their rescue, saving the day and giving the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters a free lift to the wild card round.

Finishing with a 6-12 win-loss card on a three-game closing romp in the elims, the Tigers set up a wild card confrontation with the Burger King Whoppers.

The other wild card pairing pits Rain or Shine against either Purefoods, Talk n Text or Sta. Lucia Realty.

“That’s not the ending we’d like to happen. We wanted a game that would’ve helped us prepare for the playoffs,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol, unhappy they squandered a huge lead and barely pulled through on Taulava’s endgame heroic.


“We’re not able to sustain the momentum. We didn’t show a killer’s instinct. We didn’t have that mentality that we have to be sharp going up against anybody,” Perasol added.

The Tigers will be back in action at the start of the playoff phase either Sunday or Wednesday.

Taulava was the Tigers’ hero, scoring the game-winning shot to cap another double-double game with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

The 6-foot-9 behemoth himself was the biggest factor in Coca-Cola’s strong finish in the elims. The Tigers have gone 5-2 since Taulava’s return from a foot injury.

Burger King foiled Alaska Milk’s second shot at an outright semifinal entry as the Whoppers stunned the Aces, 87-80, in the nightcap.

“It’s a good way to close out our elims. It’s also a big morale-booster for our wild card series. I’m still very hopeful of our chances. We’re two wins away from the quarterfinals although we’re also a loss away from a long vacation,” said BK coach Yeng Guiao.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Taulava's jumper lifts Coca-Cola to win

Asi Taulava hit a turn-around jumper with 1.8 seconds left, lifting Coca-Cola to a tense 91-89 win over Barako Bull and finally eliminating the Energy Boosters from the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“The Rock" made the shot against Alex Crisano just below the free-throw line, sinking the attempt he doesn’t usually make as the Tigers overcame the loss of a 20-point lead to complete their 18-game elimination round campaign with a 6-12 (win-loss) record.

Coca-Cola will thus face Burger King in the knockout stage wild card. The Whopper were still playing as of posting time, trying to foil Alaska’s bid to claim the second outright semi-finals berth.

The win also aided Rain or Shine, which is now assured of advancing to the wild card even if it loses its final elimination round match against the Aces on Friday.

“Watch out for the Tigers, we’re on the prowl," said Taulava after the game.

He finished with another double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Once again, Barako Bull has failed to make the playoffs. This is the third time that the Boosters have not advanced past the preliminary stage.

Still, it was a performance that merited respect.

Teams of lesser stuff would already have flamed out after Coca-Cola built a 74-54 lead early in the final period.

The Tigers erected that seemingly insurmountable spread after seizing control with a rare 17-0 blast bridging the second and third quarters that erased a 39-33 deficit and established a 50-39 advantage for them.

The Tigers were still ahead, 87-75, but the Energy Boosters came ferociously back with a 14-0 assault, tying it for the last time at 89 after Aries Dimaunahan hit a triple with 5 seconds to go.

The Tigers then sued for time to map out the final offensive play. Taulava received the inbounds pass, dribbled once before turning around for the game-winner.

Crisano matched his career-high of 19 points to lead the Energy Boosters.

The scores

Coca-Cola 91 - Taulava 20, David 16, Rodriguez 15, Rizada 11, Macapagal 10, Gonzales 7, Ross 6, Espino 4, Calimag 2, Bono 0, Cruz 0, Enrile 0.

Barako Bull 89 - Crisano 19, Aljamal 14, Dimaunahan 14, Duncil 12, Najorda 9, Alonzo 8, Hubalde 4, Belano 3, Menor 2, Fernandez 2, Reyes 2, Faundo 0.

Quarterscores: 21-23, 44-39, 70-54, 91-89.

Source: Author Unknown  | gmanews.tv

Coke keeps sizzling with Asi back

MANILA, Philippines - With Asi Taulava providing the leadership and inspiration, Coca-Cola has racked up two key wins to assure itself of a stint in the wildcard phase of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup.

Taulava continued to dish out fine form as he turned in averages of 20.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists in powering the Tigers to victories over San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine.

That netted the 2003 MVP the KFC/Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the period Jan. 11 to 17, his second after emerging the top player during the Dec. 14-20 week.

But Taulava refused to take sole credit for those victories, saying it was a total team effort.

“I appreciate the recognition, but I have to give the credit to coach Bo (Perasol) and the team for bringing the best out of me. Also, to boss JB (team manager JB Bayron) for always being there for the team and his all-out support,” said the 6-foot-9 Fil-Tongan.


“He had been a steady presence for us on both ends of the floor. He inspires intensity and enthusiasm in practice and during the game,” said Perasol.

With those victories, Coke improved its win-loss slate to 5-12.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Ross blossoms, gives Tigers insurance win

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola put in another worthy showing in a follow-up to its 118-107 win over league-leader San Miguel Beer Wednesday, blasting Rain or Shine, 105-83, to further enhance its bid for the KFC PBA Philippine Cup playoffs at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Rookie Fil-Am guard Chris Ross had his finest game in the pros with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists while Asi Taulava came through with another steady performance with 14 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, leading the resurgent Tigers to a fourth win in their last five outings.

Nailing a fifth win in 17 games overall, the Tigers assured themselves of a playoff crack at a wildcard round berth.

Coca-Cola clinches outright entry in the post-elims play if it wins its last game versus Barako Bull Wednesday.

Rain or Shine, meanwhile, slid to 4-13, now only half-game ahead of tail-ender Barako Bull at 3-13.


“Basically, it’s a game that can go both ways. I challenged the guys ‘why complicate matters?’ I urged them to beat Rain or Shine rather than wait for Barako to win,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

“I have to give credit to coach Alex (Compton). He gave us good opinions on what’s the best to do against Rain or Shine,” Perasol also said of his new assistant coach who used to sit on the Rain or Shine bench as assistant to Caloy Garcia.

Perasol also lauded Gary David who made a decent debut with the Tigers, helping the team get back at the Elasto Painters.

Rain or Shine played well and beat Coca-Cola, 92-84, in their first meeting, but struggled in the rematch.

JayR Reyes, the team’s starting center, stayed on a slump, finishing with a fat zero.

Taulava terribly outclassed Reyes and Mark Telan while Ross held his own against Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado as they made the big difference in the contest.

Mark Macapagal, RJ Rizada and David provided big support as the Tigers started strong and finished even stronger for the emphatic victory.

Macapagal contributed 17 points and four rebounds, Rizada chipped in 13 points while David added 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.

“At first, I was worried on whether Gary would be comfortable with his new teammates. He showed skills that he can share the ball with the old guys in our team,” said Perasol.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Tigers get back at Elasto Painters

Rookie guard Chris Ross produced a breakout performance Friday night as Coca-Cola got back at Rain or Shine, 105-83, to firm up its bid for a wildcard seat in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-1 Ross, acquired by the Tigers from Burger King in an off-season trade, showed why he won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the PBL last season by scoring 18 points – a career-best – aside from posting 9 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 33 minutes.

His output bettered his previous high of 13 points in a 79-88 loss to Purefoods last December 2. Prior to the game, he averaged only 5.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.2 assist this conference.

The win – a big follow-up to their stunning 118-107 over early semifinalist San Miguel Beer last Sunday – allowed the Tigers, who lost to the Elasto Painters in the first round, 92-84, to move up to solo eighth spot with a 5-12 win-loss card, one game ahead of the Elasto Painters, who fell to 4-13.

Coca-Cola tries to formalize its entry to the knockout wildcard phase when it battles Barako Bull (3-13) on Wednesday, while Rain or Shine must win against Alaska on Friday to earn at least a playoff for the last wildcard slot.

In a fitting follow-up to his 27-point performance over the Beermen over San Miguel Beer, Asi Taulava came through with another double-double showing with 14 points and the same number of 14 rebounds. He also had a remarkable eight assists to help the Tigers turned a close contest into a rout.

The scores:
First Game
Coca-Cola 105 — Ross 18, Macapagal 17, Taulava 14, Rizada 13, David 12, Rodri.guez 8, Cruz 7, Calimag 5, Espino 5, Gonzales 5, Enrile 1, Bono 0

Rain or Shine 83 — Norwood 14, Mercado 14, Laure 14, Chan 12, Arana 12, Telan 8, Dulay 6, Hrabak 3, Arellano 0, Ibanes 0, Reyes.

Quarters: 30-22, 49-46, 76-65, 105-83.

Game Saturday (Zamboanga City)
5 p.m. — San Miguel vs Talk ’N Text

Games Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Sta. Lucia vs Barako Bull
6:30 p.m. — Burger King vs Ginebra

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Tigers determined to advance, says David

MANILA, Philippines - With two games left in Coca-Cola’s PBA Philippine Cup schedule, newly reacquired Gary David said yesterday the Tigers are dead set to survive the double-round eliminations and advance to the wildcard playoffs.

David and Chico Lanete were traded by Burger King to Coca-Cola for Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales two weeks ago. They will make their first appearance in a Tigers uniform against Rain Or Shine at the Araneta Coliseum tonight.

David, 31, was Coca-Cola’s first round pick and 10th overall in the 2004 draft. He played two conferences with the Tigers then was dealt to Fed-Ex, later renamed Air-21 and Burger King.

Only one of the PBA’s 10 teams will not make it to the playoffs. Rain Or Shine (4-12), Coca-Cola (4-12) and Barako Bull (3-13) are battling to avoid an early vacation. The Elasto Painters play the Tigers tonight and Alaska on Jan. 22 in their remaining outings. Barako Bull faces Sta. Lucia Realty on Sunday and Coca-Cola on Wednesday to complete its schedule.

The Bulls-Tigers game could come down to a do-or-die knockout to decide which team will be eliminated.


“It’s an uphill climb,” said David. “Coach Bo (Perasol) is confident that we’ll be in the playoffs. We have to work hard to do it. Management has supported us all the way. It’s too bad Asi (Taulava) got injured. He missed nine games and we won only once without him. But he’s back. I’m excited to be back, too. Coach Bo and I were together for almost five years so I’m familiar with his system.”

Since Taulava’s reactivation, Coca-Cola has won three of five, beating Burger King, Alaska and San Miguel Beer while losing close decisions to Sta. Lucia Realty and Barangay Ginebra. David said things are falling into place.

“We just have to believe in ourselves,” said David. “It’s all about playing with a winning attitude.”

David said he doesn’t foresee a problem of sharing time with two-guard Mark Macapagal who’s hitting at a 13.8 clip.

“I can play two or three and Mark was my teammate in the PBL so we know each other well,” said David. “Besides, a lot of PBA teams are using three-guard lineups now so coach Bo can play Marvin (Cruz), Chico or Chris (Ross) at point guard, Mark at offguard and me or R. J. (Rizada) at small forward. We can become a running team with Asi controlling the boards.”

David said he can’t wait to play for the Tigers. He would’ve suited up against the Beermen last Wednesday but sat out a one-game suspension for committing a flagrant-2 foul in Burger King’s 85-74 loss to Purefoods last Dec. 25. Lanete also skipped the San Miguel contest, nursing a slight hamstring strain.

Perasol confirmed that David and Lanete will play tonight.

“We’re all excited,” said David. “Asi told me he’ll take care of the inside and I can operate in the perimeter and open court. Asi’s working very hard to make us a strong team. He’s helping out our big guys like Dennis Espino, Ken Bono, Larry Rodriguez and Ricky Calimag in the gym. He’s a very positive influence on all of us. Our veteran guards Rodney (Santos) and Dale (Singson) are also giving us advice at practice.”

David said playing for coach Yeng Guiao at Burger King was a big break in his career.

“I learned a lot from coach Yeng, particularly in becoming a complete player,” he said. “In his system, there are no superstars and I couldn’t just be an offensive player. I had to contribute in defense, too. In the PBA, you’ve got to be able to play both ends. You can’t be a one-sided player.”

David said stepping into a situation where Coca-Cola is fighting to stay alive is a challenge he’s ready to take with his new teammates.

“I’m a professional so when I was traded, I accepted it and looked forward to continue playing hard,” said David. “I know there’s pressure on our team to win but I’m not thinking of that. I’m not thinking I’m Gary David and I’m supposed to score a lot of points. I’ll be out there to play my role, work hard and do my part in coach Bo’s system.”

What’s inspiring David is his family.

Whenever he troops to the line for a free throw, David kisses a tattoo of his wife Jenny Rose on his right bicep - a ritual he started last conference.

“It’s good luck,” said David, referring to his free throw routine. “Jason Kidd used to do something similar, blowing a kiss before shooting a free throw. For a while, I stopped kissing the tattoo and just touched it with my right hand before shooting a free throw. But my shooting percentage went down, maybe because my right hand got sweaty so I’m back to kissing.”

Last season, David led the league in foul shots made and free throw percentage. This conference, he’s averaging 13.9 points and shooting .779 from the stripe. David has scored in double figures in nine of his last 10 outings.

David, a devoted family man, said he wants his wife and two daughters Maxine, 6, and Garielle, 2, in the stadium to watch all his games. “They come all the time,” he said. “When I’m playing in the first game, Maxine can’t watch because of her school but if it’s the second game, they’re all complete.”

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Tigers mangle Beermen, 118-107

Coca-Cola, its back against the wall, stunned erstwhile league-leader San Miguel Beer, 118-107, Thursday night to fuel its playoff hopes in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Asi Taulava anchored the Tigers’ victory with a double-double 27 points and 15 rebounds with six assists.

Coca-Cola, which avenged its 84-107 loss to the same team last Nov. 21 in Cebu City, also got solid contributions from guard RJ Rizada, who averages only 6.6 points this all-Filipino conference but came off the bench to score a career-best 20 points, 12 in the fourth quarter, and forward Norman Gonzales, who chipped in 22 points and eight boards.

The Tigers were up by 11, 106-95, after Larry Rodriguez converted his freebies off Mick Pennisi, who was assessed a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 for planting an elbow on Rodriguez’s neck with 2:55 left.

But the Beermen, playing without injured players Jay Washington (back), Dorian Pena (knee), Danny Seigle (strained leg), and Danny Ildefonso (ankle), rallied with an 8-0 explosion to threaten, 103-106, a little over two minutes to go.

Taulava, however, scored on a drive, and, after a miss by Enrico Villanueva, Rodriguez scored to give the Tigers breathing room, 110-103, with 1:14 to play.

The victory improved Coca-Cola’s win-loss record to 4-12 for a share of eighth spot with idle Rain or Shine.

The Beermen, who have clinched the first automatic semifinals slot, slipped to 13-4.

Coke coach Bo Perasol credited his players for stepping up big time in a game that has a lot of importance in their playoff bid.

“We’re lucky to catch San Miguel in a game that has no importance to them, but is very important for us. I told my players that whatever happens, we have to feel good for ourselves because we have two important games,” Perasol said.

Perasol is referring to Coke’s last two games against Rain or Shine this Friday at the Big Dome and on January 20 versus Barako Bull.

“We’ll make sure that we’ll not be the first to be eliminated this conference,” added Perasol, who is now 3-6 since he took over the Tigers, replacing Kenneth Duremdes, now the team’s alternate governor in the PBA board.

Rodriguez had 14 points, 12 rebounds, while Mark Macapagal had 13 for the Tigers, who missed the services of Gary David, serving a one-game suspension for his F2 on Purefoods’ Rico Maierhofer, and injured Chico Lanete. They were acquired in a trade with Burger King last month.

The scores:

First Game

COCA-COLA 118 – Taulava 27, Gonzales 22, Rizada 20, Rodriguez 14, Macapagal 13, Calimag 8, Ross 4, Enrile 4, Bono 2, Cruz 2, Espino 2.

SAN MIGUEL 107 – Santos 22, Tugade 19, Cortez 12, Miranda 12, Pennisi 11, Miranda 11, Custodio 8, Villanueva 6, Racela 5, Hontiveros 5, Eman 4, Holper 4.

Quarters: 28-30, 51-47, 82-74, 118-107.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin