Smart Gilas stays unbeaten

Smart Gilas-RP national team salvaged a 73-all standoff with Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Tuesday night to remain unbeaten in three exhibition games in Canberra, Australia.

Chris Tiu led the Nationals with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 29 minutes of action while University of the Visayas big man Greg Slaughter registered 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.

The Nationals had the chance to defeat AIS anew when Japeth Aguilar and Mark Barroca joined force to give Smart Gilas-RP a 73-70 lead with 27 ticks left.

But Anthony Drmic answered back with a booming trey 12 seconds later to tie the game. The Nationals had another opportunity to turn the game around but Smart Gilas' Marcio Lassiter turned the ball over with three ticks left.

Drmic sizzled with 18 points on an impressive 4-of-7 shooting from the 3-point area while Cameron Bairstow added 13 points and nine rebounds.

In their first game, they scored 78-67 victory over the Australia U-19 national team Monday night before beating AIS, 79-73, in what was described by Tiu as a physical matchup.

In that contest, Slaughter made 16 points and five rebounds while Barroca added 13 points.

As of presstime, Smart Gilas is playing the Canberra Gunners of the Southeastern Australia Basketball League. It will also play the NSW Sports Institute this Friday before completing its assignment against Sydney City on Saturday.

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin

Cossack notches 4th straight win

Cossack Blue turned back the spirited challenge of Ani-FCA to eke out a thrilling 70-69 win and move on the threshold of bagging the first semis berth in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

James Martinez and Paul Zamar combined forces as the Spirits erased a 58-65 deficit to post their fourth straight win in as many outings.

The Spirits can clinch the first semis berth with another win against dangerous Pharex B-Complex on Saturday.

Earlier, Patrick Cabahug hit a tough basket with 7.3 ticks left as Cobra Energy Drink ended a three-game winning run of Excelroof, 66-65, in the first game.

Cabahug’s last-gasp basket enabled him to redeem himself after committing a crucial error that saw Excelroof grab the lead, 65-64, with 41.2 ticks left.

"Hulog ng langit yung tira ni (Patrick) Cabahug but we'll take it," said coach Lawrence Chongson.

The Excelroof 25ers had one chance to turn the game around but Pamboy Raymundo missed a running shot before a battle for the loose ball led to a rebound by Allan Mangahas at the buzzer.

The win was the third for Cobra in four starts, thus tying its victim and idle Pharex B-Complex for second to fourth places.

A big letdown for Excelroof was NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino who was held to just 9 points on a horrible 4-of-17 shooting.

Martinez topscored for the Spirits with 18 points while Zamar added 14.

The Ironmen teetered on the brink of collapse after losing star guard Paul Lee to fouls with still six minutes left but they persevered to ward off to avoid another meltdown.

Cobra suffered a stinging 90-91 overtime loss to sister team Cossack Blue after leading most of the way last Sunday.

Still, Chongson rued the manner they closed out the game.

"Ang hindi ko lang nagustuhan is we got complacent in the last three minutes (of the game),” said Chongson.

“Mabuti na lang naging maganda ang effort nila banding huli.”

Games Saturday (The Arena in San Juan)
2 p.m. – Ani-FCA vs AddMix
4 p.m. – Pharex B-Complex vs Cossack Blue

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin

Cobra, Excelproof shoot for lead

Cobra Energy Drink and newcomers Excelroof and Pharex B Complex shoot for a share of the lead this Friday in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Ironmen and the Fighting Maroons collide in the 2 p.m. opener while the 25ers look to join either team at the top of the leaderboard when they play opening day loser Agrinurture (ANI-FCA) at 4 o’clock.

Behind the explosive performance of Paul Lee, Cobra rallied from an eight-point deficit to stop upset-conscious AddMix, 81-77, last Thursday while Pharex B Complex leaned on unheralded Vic Manuel, Woody Co and San Beda standouts Chico Tirona and JR Tecson to defeat ANI-FCI, 82-62.

On the other hand, Excelroof relied on San Sebastian cagers Jimbo Aquino, Calvin Abueva, Pamboy Raymundo, Gilbert Bulawan, and Ronald Pascual to stun Unity Cup bridesmaid Ascof Lagundi, 82-73, last Tuesday.

Lee, the team’s playing assistant coach, once again displayed the offensive prowess that gave him a place in the UAAP Mythical Five and fired 18 of his 25 points in the payoff period to give Cobra the win.

Coach Lawrence Chongson is hoping that his squad will come out with a better showing as the season-opening tournament progresses.

Games this Saturday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — Pharex B Complex
vs Cobra Energy Drink
4 p.m. — Excelroof vs ANI-FCA

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin

Cobra adds more sting in lineup

Cobra Energy Drink tries to live up to its lofty billing when it collides with AddMix in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup this Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Iron Men, who made back-to-back semifinal appearances last season, beefed up their already formidable squad by acquiring Ateneo’s Jai Reyes and former UAAP scoring champion Patrick Cabahug.

Together with last year’s Rookie of the Year winner Paul Lee of the University of the East, they will form the team’s deadly trio when they battle the AddMix Enforcers at 2 p.m.

Also with the team are La Salle’s Peejay Barua, Jose Rizal University’s Marvin Hayes, Mapua’s Allan Mangahan, and UE’s Pari Llagas.

Cobra could become more dangerous if Ateneo allows wily guard Eric Salamat to join the team. But despite being labeled as the team to beat, Chongson downplays their chances.

“Tama lang itong team namin, hindi naman masyadong malakas, di naman mahina," Chongson said. “We don’t know how far we can go, but one thing’s for sure, we’re going to play our best each game. This is a short tournament, so each game is each important."

They will play the Transformers, bannered by players from Adamson University before newcomers Ani-FCA and Pharex B Complex collide in the second game at 4 p.m. with both teams out to keep abreast with Excelroof and Cossack Blue.

The Excelroof 25ers leaned on NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino and the hardworking Calvin Abueva to defeat Ascof Lagundi, 82-73, while the Spirits relied on a double-double effort of JR "Baby Shaq" Taganas to defeat Fern-C, 81-77.

AddMix coach Leo Austria, who coached the Falcons to a fifth-place showing in the UAAP, is hoping that his squad that will be led by Jan Colina and NCAA Mythical Five member Gio Ciriacruz has what it takes to upset the Iron Men.

“Cobra is a very strong team, but we will rely on our own system. We need a total team effort on the defensive end to beat them,” said Austria, who coached Shark Energy Drink and Welcoat to PBL titles early in the last decade.

Meanwhile, Pharex-B will be led by players from University of the Philippines in Smart-Gilas member Magi Sison, ex-RP Youth standout Mark Lopez, and ex-UAAP players Nestor David of UP and Ford Arao of Ateneo.

The Ani-FCA Cultivators will lean on a pair of former cagers from Jose Rizal University in 6-foot-6 James Sena, a first-round pick in the recent PBA draft, and point guard Marc Cagoco.

Games on Thursday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — Cobra vs AddMix
4 p.m. — Agri Nurture vs Pharex B Complex

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin

Philippine Patriots hungry and eager

Gabe Freeman said Tuesday playing in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) is more physical than in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), but the level of competition is still a notch lower than the more established pro league.

"ABL is more physical than the PBA. But the difference of both leagues is that a lot of young and eager guys who want to accomplish a lot of things. In the PBA, they are already set, they are already accomplished," Freeman said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum.

Freeman, the 6-foot-6 import of the Philippine Patriots, led the San Miguel Beermen to last year's PBA crown.

He believes that a lot of his teammates are hungry and eager to play in order to get a shot of making it to the PBA ranks.

Among them players are ex-UAAP cagers Nonoy Baclao, Elmer Espiritu, Val Acuña, and Khasim Mirza and PBL veterans Jerwin Gaco, JP Alcaraz, and Erwin Sta Maria.

"I think these guys here are hungrier because they haven't made there yet, that's their goal," he said.

"My thing is, I don't want to lose a game so they can take that whatever they want to take it but we don't want to lose a game," said Freeman. "We’re not here to lose so my prediction is we want to sweep them. That's any athlete or any team wants to do."

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin

Being ready key to Patriots victory – Alas

After a remarkable comeback victory over the KL Dragons that enabled them to sweep the semifinal round of the ASEAN Basketball League, Philippine Patriots coach Louie Alas bared his thoughts on his team's possible opponent in the best-of-five finals that starts next Friday.

Alas believes that both the Singapore Slingers and Jakarta-based Satria Muda BritAma are two contrasting teams that are capable of giving the Patriots a tough challenge in the championship round that will decide the league's inaugural champion.

"Singapore is a more organized team but I feel that Indonesia (BritAma) has a very deep bench and their locals are much stronger so you can't pick any of these teams," said Alas. "What we'll have to do is we have to develop our mental toughness, especially on the road."

Alas also believes that the nine-day rest will play a huge factor for the Patriots although it will boil down to how they prepare for the series.

"For me, this rest will be an advantage for us because we can rest our import, check our strengths and weakness and at the same time scout their game on Sunday (Game 3)," Alas said. "Disadvantage, though, is that we will be a bit rusty but I think we can make up for that because of our home court advantage."

The Patriots shot an abysmal 25-percent shooting along with poor defense in the first half as the Dragons, supported by a boisterous crowd, made 63-percent of their shots that gave them a 16-point advantage early in the second quarter.

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin

Patriots claim first ABL finals berth

KUALA LUMPUR — The Philippine Patriots bucked a lethargic start to score a 70-65 come-from-behind win over the Kuala Lumpur Dragons and claim the first finals berth in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Wednesday at the MABA Stadium here.

The Patriots rode on another splendid performance from their veteran guards before turning to the 6-foot-10 American Jason Dixon who provided the finishing touches to complete a sweep of their best-of-three semifinal series.

The squad co-owned by Harbour Centre Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco, will face either the Singapore Slingers or Satria Muda BritAma of Indonesia in the finals. The Indons forced a playoff in their own semis series with a convincing 74-45 win.

Dixon had 22 points, including a completed three-point play that gave the Patriots a breather, 68-63, with a little over two minutes left. He also had 11 rebounds for his 12th double-double in 14 games.

"We were very complacent in the first half," said coach Louie Alas. "Luckily, we were able to talk to ourselves at halftime that we must keep our toughness on the defensive end and I guess that's the story of the game."

Gabe Freeman had 6-of-18 shooting from the field but still finished with 17 boards and 12 boards.

The backcourt tandem of Jaypee Alcaraz and Warren Ybanez overcame early foul trouble to finish with seven points, four rebounds and two assists and five points, four assists and two steals, respectively.

But one of the key factors for their win was forward Jerwin Gaco, who used his defensive skills to provide the spark they needed. Gaco wound up with six points, one rebound, one assist, and one block.

"We relied too much on our imports and we rarely attacked the basket in the first half," said Alas. "But when Jerwin came in the third quarter, he was attacking aggressively. That was the key because JP, Warren and Christian (Coronel) followed suit."

The scores:
RP PATRIOTS 70 — Dixon 22, Freeman 17, Alcaraz 7, Wainwright 6, Gaco 6, Ybanez 5, Coronel 5,
Sta Maria 2, Acuna 0, Baclao 0.

KL DRAGONS 65 — Kuete 20, Lingganay 13, Loh 12, Brown 11, Hugnatan 7, Wee 0, Ng 0, Koh 0, Chee 0.

Quarters: 13-22; 32-40; 50-55; 70-65.

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin

Patriots, KL Dragons set for best-of-3 semis

Mikee Romero, co-team owner of the Philippine Patriots, believes that defense holds the key to their success when they play against the Kuala Lumpur Dragons at the start of their best-of-three semis series this Sunday in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

"We have to take them seriously since the Dragons are on a roll,” said the president and CEO of Harbour Centre. “We have to raise our level of game several notches, especially on defense.”

“It’s important to win the opening game of the series, that will boost our confidence going into Game 2 which will be played in Kuala Lumpur,” said Romero, whose PBL team – Harbour Centre – strung a record seven straight championships.

“This is payback time for us,” said Romero.

The Patriots beat the Dragons two in a row but the latter got back at the Filipinos big time when they scored a 77-59 three weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur.

Even coach Louie Alas is wary of the Dragons’ improved shooting.

"KL has been relying so much on their outside shots. It's almost like a Korean style where they drive and kick so our main focus will be on defense. They are no pushover team," said Alas.




Alas is also banking on his locals to stop KL's Filipino players in former UE Red Warriors' Rudy Lingganay and Fhadzmir "Toto" Bandaying along with one-time Adamson Falcon Roel Hugnatan.

Of the three, Lingganay has been a huge revelation, averaging 12.1 points on 43 percent shooting.

Alas is expected to put Jaypee Alcaraz and Warren Ybanez to neutralize the wily guard.

"He (Lingganay) is really gaining a lot of confidence from playing in Malaysia so we have to rely on our guards to control him," said Alas.

The import match-up is equally exciting with former PBA Best Import winner Gabe Freeman and Jason Dixon going up against KL’s Cameroonian Chris Kuete and Jamal Brown.

On Freeman, Romero said: “No wonder he’s one of the most sought after imports in the PBA. He’s so talented, he can shoot, jump and defend.”

“But more importantly, he’s a good leader. He’s a perfect partner of our other import is rock solid in the shaded lane,” Romero added.

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin

Slingers, Indons stalk RP Patriots

The Singapore Slingers and Satria Muda BritAma kept pace with the Philippine Patriots for the elusive top spot in the semifinals after blasting separate rivals recently in the ASEAN Basketball League.
The Slingers stretched their winning streak to three games following a 92-74 rout of the KL Dragons at home Tuesday while BritAma blasted the Brunei Barracudas, 98-84, Monday for their fourth straight victory.

Singapore improved to a record of 8-4 while the Indonesians climbed up to 8-5 as both squads moved closer to the Patriots, who is on top with a 9-4 record but has lost their last two games.

The Filipinos will try to get back on winning track this Sunday when they take on the skidding Thailand Tigers in Bangkok.

Slingers’ import Michael LeBlanc led six players in double figures with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Filipino guard Al Vergara added 17 points, three rebounds and four assists while American Kyle Jeffers recorded 16 points and 12 boards.

On the other hand, Amin Prihantono fired 22 points, 6-foot-9 lefty Nakiea Miller scored 19 points and hauled down 15 rebounds and Alex Hartman tallied 16 points for the Jakarta-based squad.
Also contributing was Mario Wuysang with 13 points in his second game with the squad. Wuysang was signed up to replace Renzy Bajar after being released by BritAma’s Indonesian Basketball League rival Garuda Flexi Bandung.
The Barracudas fell to 5-7 but remained in fourth spot while the Dragons slid to 5-8 for fifth.

Source: Jonas Terrado  | Manila Bulletin