Chris Tiu uses star-status to save lives

Anyone who’s turned on a television over the past couple of years should know who Chris Tiu is.

After achieving great success as the talismanic leader of the Ateneo Blue Eagles collegiate basketball team, the mercurial 24-year-old has gone onto a larger stage in professional basketball, playing for the Smart Gilas team. He also is a celebrated TV host, with two popular shows – “Pinoy Records” and “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” – on GMA-7, as well as a popular image model and a sitting barangay kagawad. Rounding out his list of accomplishments are degrees in Management Engineering and Mathematical Finance. Clearly, Chris is all about worthy ventures.

Chris’ latest may be his most important one. The basketball superstar and all-around nice guy is now looking to parlay some of his fame and renown in teaching others about the dangers of HPV infection and the importance of prevention. He is at the helm of a new campaign against the disease called Help Fight HPV, with a TV commercial in the works that’s set to premier sometime before the end of the month.

He recently joined us at the Good Times booth to talk about his new found advocacy.

“HPV, which is short for human papilomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world today,” said Chris. “But while we all know that HPV can lead to cervical cancer, no one really talks about how men are threatened by the virus as well.”

Chris makes a good point. Women have known about the risks posed by HPV infection for years. In the country, about 12 Filipino women die each day of cervical cancer, a disease linked with HPV. The virus is also seen as a cause of vaginal and vulvar cancers.

But while doctors estimate that up to 50 percent of sexually active people will catch HPV in their lifetime, few seem to know about just how commonplace the infection is, with a great number of cases going undiagnosed.

Even more are unaware of the equally serious threat that HPV poses to men. Certain HPV types cause highly contagious genital warts – a disease that affects both men and women – and that is passed on to about 32 million people around the world each year.

“Abstinence really is the surest way of preventing HPV. The good news though is that, today, both men and women can prevent HPV infection through vaccination,” added Chris. “So I urge everyone to go ask their doctor about getting vaccinated.”

Source: DJ MOJO JOJO  | Manila Bulletin

Smart Gilas Pilipinas routs South Wales in Aussie tour

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas walloped South Wales Institute of Sports, 82-63, for its fourth win in as many games in its Australian tour.

The RP training team earlier downed the Canberra Gunners, 101-84, topped Australia team B, 79-73, edged Australia Under-19 squad, 78-76, then fought Australia team B to a 73-all standoff.

Smart Gilas will conclude its Australian training tour with a game versus the Sydney team tonight.

“Every game is a learning process for the team and we hope to keep on learning and getting tough,” said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim.

After their Australian tour, the Gilas team flies to Serbia for a series of exhibition games against tall European squads.


Smart Gilas, mentored by Serbian Rajko Toroman, is in deep preparation for the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship where it hopes to snare a berth in the 2012 London Olympics.

Source: Joey Villar  | Philstar.com

PBA Fiesta Conference on: Kings, Texters renew grudge match

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text, two teams which figured in a highly charged, highly emotional all-Filipino quarterfinals confrontation, face each other again right on opening day of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Emotions could still be high as the Kings and the Tropang Texters clash at 6:30 p.m., succeeding the 4 p.m. setto between Barako Energy Coffee (formerly Barako Bull) and Sta. Lucia Realty.

Noelle Cassandra, Asia’s only female harpist, singer and songwriter, and Christine Love, Viva record’s new female artist, provide entertainment during the halftime breaks.

The Kings and the Texters engaged in a passionate and melodramatic quarters battle in the recent Philippine Cup marked by Talk n Text’s infamous walkout in Game Four of the best-of-five series.

Both went short of their bids in the end, and they’re returning in the Fiesta Conference with retooled lineups, hoping to do better than what they achieved in the Philippine Cup.


After settling for fourth place in the all-Filipino tourney, the Kings made two trade deals, acquiring big men Yancy de Ocampo and John Ferriols. Ginebra also reactivated Junthy Valenzuela from the injured list.

Talk n Text, meanwhile, gave up De Ocampo and Renren Ritualo to get solid role players in JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.

Ginebra has NBA veteran Awvee Storey as import while Talk n Text will be reinforced by former Air21 resident import Shawn Daniels.

The opening game pits two teams which also effected changes in their lineups after the Philippine Cup.

Barako changed its coach and team name, then acquired four new players with hopes of regaining their old fire following back-to-back last-place finishes.

Junel Baculi makes his debut as PBA head coach, up against the Sta. Lucia team which is determined to redeem itself from a sorry playoffs fold-up in the Philippine Cup.

Sta. Lucia has given up wingman Joseph Yeo to soup up its backcourt with its acquisition of Bonbon Custodio.

The Realtors are upbeat as they’re reunited with versatile import Anthony Johnson.

The Energy Coffee Masters, however, have also high hopes on their import Sammy Monroe, known to be an energetic player remembered for smashing a backboard in the NBA-D League.

Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods), which completed a fairytale ride in the Philippine Cup, won’t see action in the tourney until April 4.

Coach Ryan Gregorio and his troops return to practice only today.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

PBA: By the numbers

Here are 10 numbers to keep in mind as the PBA inaugurates its Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

23 – players who saw action in at least one game in the last Philippine Cup but are not listed in any opening-day lineup for the Fiesta Conference. The absentees are Japeth Aguilar, Erwin Sotto, Benedict Fernandez, Alex Crisano, Bruce Viray, Magnum Membrere, Adonis Sta. Maria, Gec Chia, Kevin White, Johnny Abarrientos, Cesar Catli, Francis Allera, Dale Singson, Rodney Santos, Ronjay Enrile, Nur Jam Alfad, Chris Calaguio, Ardy Larong, Chris Pacana, Chito Jaime, Mark Benitez, Orlando Daroya and Jonathan de Guzman.

15 – players moving to new teams from last conference. The transferees are Mike Cortez, Rich Alvarez, Ren-Ren Ritualo and Doug Kramer of Air21, Sam Eman of Alaska, Yancy de Ocampo and John Ferriols of Barangay Ginebra, Chito Lanete of Coca-Cola (traded last Jan. 4 but hasn’t suited up for the Tigers), Alex Cabagnot and Joseph Yeo of San Miguel Beer, Bonbon Custodio and Donbel Belano of Sta. Lucia Realty and Mark Yee, J. R. Quinahan and Aaron Aban of Talk ‘N’ Text.

12 – players undrafted since 2005 but in lineups in the Fiesta Conference. The late bloomers are from the 2005 pool, Christian Coronel and Jerwin Gaco, from 2006, Dennis Daa, Chad Alonzo, Don Dulay, Lanete, Erick Rodriguez and Al Vergara, from 2008, Yee and from 2009, Josh Urbiztondo, Bryan Faundo and Ramsey Williams.

8 – players returning from injuries or whatever reason after sitting out last conference. The comebacking veterans are Rodriguez of Air21, Coronel, Rob Wainwright and Vergara of Barako Coffee, Junthy Valenzuela of Barangay Ginebra, William Antonio of Coca-Cola, Allan Salangsang of Rain Or Shine and Kelvin Gregorio of Sta. Lucia Realty. Coronel, Wainwright and Vergara saw action in the inaugural season of the Asean Basketball League (ABL). Antonio, who hasn’t played since 2007, retains his position as assistant coach with Coca-Cola.


5 – new imports signed up for the Fiesta Conference. Barako Coffee’s Sammy Monroe smashed a backboard on a breakaway dunk en route to powering the Rochester Razorbacks to a 142-112 win over the Arkansas Impact in the 2008 Premier Basketball League title game. He did it again in Rochester’s 152-115 romp over the Battle Creek Knights in retaining the crown the next year. Both shatters caused a 45-minute delay to replace the damaged boards. Alaska’s Diamon Simpson is a Chuck Hayes play-alike and finished his St. Mary’s career as the all-time leader in rebounds, blocked shots, steals, free throws made and free throws attempted. He averaged 16 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Los Angeles Defenders in the NBDL this year. Simpson was among the Golden State Warriors’ final cuts last October. Ginebra’s Awvee Storey played for New Jersey, Washington and Milwaukee in the NBA and led the Wonju TG Sambo Xers to the Korean league championship in 2005. Air21’s Keena Young was a 2006-07 honorable mention All-American after averaging 17.4 points, shooting .543 from the floor and .803 from the line, as a senior for Brigham Young, the same school that produced Danny Ainge and Kresimir Cosic. B-Meg Derby Ace’s Lorenzo Wade is fresh from playing in Greece and was a star in three years at San Diego State whose coach Steve Fisher described him “as athletic a player as there is in the league ... extremely confident, intelligent and a big-time player, he carries himself in a fashion that he expects himself to be successful.”

5 – assistants in B-Meg Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio’s staff. No other team has more than four assistants. Gregorio’s lieutenants are Ronnie Magsanoc, Koy Banal, George Gallent, Rey Evangelista and Dayong Mendoza. Teams with four assistants are Alaska (Joel Banal, Dickie Bachmann, Luigi Trillo, Jojo Lastimosa), Rain Or Shine (Richard del Rosario, Mike Buendia, Jay Legacion, Jericho Ilagan), San Miguel Beer (Gee Abanilla, Biboy Ravanes, Pido Jarencio, Freddie Abuda) and Talk ‘N’ Text (Nash Racela, Aboy Castro, Patrick Fran, Joshua Reyes).

3 – team name changes. Burger King is back as the Air21 Express. Barako Bull is now the Barako Coffee Energy Masters. And the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants are the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados.

1 – rookie free agent breaking into the league. Jerwin Gaco, 29, was not picked in the 2005 PBA draft where Jay Washington was the top overall choice. The 6-1 1/2 forward from Quezon was an anchor for the Harbour Centre franchise that established a dynasty in the PBL. In 1999, the former La Salle standout teamed with James Yap, Paul Artadi and Erick Arejola to lead a crack Philippine selection to the Nike high school invitational championship in Taipei under coach Gallent and assistant Trillo. Gaco played for the Philippine Patriots that just won the ABL title and will suit up for Barako Coffee.

1 – new head coach. Junel Baculi takes over from Leo Isaac as Barako Coffee head coach. Isaac remains with the team as consultant. Baculi served briefly as one of coach Yeng Guiao’s assistants at Burger King last conference. Baculi’s assistants with the Energy Masters are Raymond Celis and former Letran hotshot Elmer Bola-bola.

1 – team with no roster changes from last conference. B-Meg Derby Ace, formerly Purefoods, made no lineup moves and retains the same cast that took the team to the Philippine Cup title. Gregorio begins practice tomorrow at the Green Meadows gym with import Wade booked to plane in early this morning on a Philippine Airlines flight.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Pharex gains final slot; Cobra loses sting

MANILA, Philippines - Pharex B-Complex steadily pulled away in the second half en route to a 96-83 win over Cossack Blue and the first slot in the 2010 PBL PG Flex Erase Placenta Cup finals at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Vic Manuel poured in 27 points while Marlon Adolfo tossed in 21 as the Maroons eased out the Spirits, gaining a crack at the championship either against the Excelroof 25ers or the Cobra Energy Drink Ironmen.

Excelroof outlasted Cobra in a gripping battle, pulling off an 89-81 decision to force a sudden death match in their semis duel.

The 25ers and the Ironmen meet in a do-or-die game Tuesday at the San Juan gym.

“We’re truly blessed. We hope we can sustain this run to win the coveted crown,” said Pharex coach Aboy Castro.


Manuel dished out a big game, scoring 11 points in the homestretch to personally write finis on Cossack’s bid.

“Same old story, Vic put on another huge game. Definitely, he (Manuel) is the best player in this conference. He is so hardworking,” said Castro of Manuel who also got away with 12 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 26 minutes of action.

Adolfo, a former Far Eastern University star, also played a key role, drilling in clutch shots that helped Pharex B-Complex build a 65-55 lead after the third quarter.

The Spirits waged a comeback early in the final period, coming through with a 9-4 run to come to within five at 64-69.

They had a chance to come closer but JR Taganas lost his balance on an attack, ramming into Nestor David for an offensive foul.

Cossack coach Rena Baena wildly protested the call and incurred a technical infraction, and the team yielded the momentum.

Adolfo later converted two free throws that sparked a telling 14-4 run.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Beermen, Aces determined to win Fiesta Cup title

San Miguel wants to keep the Fiesta Cup crown while Alaska hopes to finally nail a 13th title so they can finally join the legendary Crispa Redmanizers as the two most winningest franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

This was according to Gee Abanilla and Dicky Bachmann, the assistant coaches of the Beermen and the Aces, during Friday’s SCOOP sa Kamayan weekly session in Manila.

The PBA’s Fiesta Conference opens on Sunday, March 21, at the Araneta Coliseum with the Sta. Lucia Realtors taking on the Barako Energy Coffee Masters (Barako Bull) in the 4 p.m. opening game while the Barangay Ginebra Kings battle the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters at 6 p.m.

San Miguel and Alaska became victims of eventual champion Purefoods (now the Derby Ace Llamados) in the recently concluded Philippine Cup with the Giants eliminating the Beermen in the semifinals. Purefoods then scored a 4-0 sweep of Alaska in the finals series.

The Beermen, who captured the same tournament at the expense of sister team Ginebra, beefed up their already formidable lineup to assure themselves of a back-to-back Fiesta Cup crown.

The Aces, likewise, revamped their lineup to avenge their embarrassing loss.

Abanilla said bringing back last year’s best import winner Gabe Freeman is one of the moves San Miguel has down to show its determination that they want to keep the crown in the import-laced tournament.

The Beermen also traded playmakers Mike Cortez and Bonbon Custodio in favor of Air21’s Coca-Cola’s Alex Cabagnot and Sta. Lucia’s Joseph Yeo.

Bachmann, on the other hand, said during their acquisition of Beermen Samigue Eman from the free agent market midway through the Philippine Cup, is exactly what the Aces needed to strengthen their almost intact roster.

The Aces, who actually are eyeing a 13th championship that would tie them with the Redmanizers as the second winningest ballclub in PBA history, will be parading a new reinforcement in Diamon Sampson.

Sampson’s impressive showing in the National Basketball Development League impressed Alaska head coach Tim Cone.

“Let’s just say that we’ve learned our lessons in the last conference which we believe have already been addressed," Bachmann said, admitting that the Alaska management was disappointed in what happened to the Aces last conference.

Ginebra team manager Samboy Lim, who spoke in behalf of coach Jong Uichico, said that addition of Yancy de Ocampo from Talk ‘N Text and John Ferriols from Alaska strengthened the Gin Kings’ frontcourt.

Lim said the Ginebra coaching staff is satisfied in choosing Awvee Storey, who played alongside Gilbert Arenas with the Washington Wizards, as their reinforcement.

“Ang Ginebra naman lagging contender ke malakas o mahina ang lineup. This is because of our do-or-die style of play which we will maintain in the Fiesta Cup," Lim said.

Also present were Freeman, assistant coaches Cholo Martin of Sta. Lucia Realty, Nash Racela of Talk ‘N Text and newly-appointed coach Junel Baculi of the Coffee Masters.

Martin said Yeo’s absence would hardly be felt with Custodio’s arrival and Felix Belano returning in a Sta. Lucia jersey.

He added that unlike last year where Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes spent most of their time on the bench due to injuries, the Realtors expect to have a healthy and injury-free lineup this year.

Tal ‘N Text believes they already solved its defensive woes when it acquired Aaron Aban and Mark Yee from Air21 and having Shawn Daniels as its reinforcement.

Baculi, who replaced Leo Isaac, said mainstays of the ASEAN Basketball League champions Philippines Patriots would help the Photokina franchise reclaim its old winning form.

The Coffee Masters recruited Rob Wainwright, Jerwin Gaco and Christian Coronel from the Patriots.

“Being last placers in the previous conference, the teams, I believe can go nowhere but up," said Baculi, a former assistant of Burger King coach Yeng Guiao.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Pharex, Cobra try to seal PBL showdown

Pharex B Complex and Cobra Energy Drink try to seal their 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup finals showdown when they face separate rivals on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Fighting Maroons and Ironmen need to win just once against the Cossack Blue Vodka Spirits and the Excelroof 25ers to make it to the best-of-three championship series. Pharex and Cobra enjoy Coach Abboy Castro, who steered Pharex to the No. 1 seeding after the single round elimination with a 6-1 record, said they are aiming to win the title in the season-opening conference.

“I was really expecting this team to be in the Final Four but being on top is a blessing. But we want to be number one and I expect the players to play their best this Saturday to make it to the Finals," said Castro.

The Maroons are favored to beat the Vodka Spirits in their 1:45 p.m. contest by virtue of their 96-66 rout in the elimination round.

But the lopsided loss might be an added motivation for the Rene Baena-mentored Cossack squad to raise its level of play in order to force a deciding match on Tuesday.

The Spirits have also lost three straight games.

Cobra also holds the psychological edge against Excelroof after its 66-65 win in the elimination round.

Despite the win, coach Lawrence Chongson said he expects to face a different Excelroof team since the 25ers have shown better chemistry compared to the Ironmen.

“We have beaten the two best teams by one point and the worst team by only two points. That’s how we are playing right now. I just hope the players’ refusal to lose and their pride to help this team will be there in the semifinals," said Chongson.

Standings
W-L
x-Pharex 6-1
x-Cobra 5-2
x-Excelroof 5-2
x-Cossack Blue 4-3
Ascof 4-3
AddMix 3-4
Fern-C 1-6
Ani-FCA 0-7

x - semifinalist

Games Saturday
(Ynares Sports Arena)
1:45 p.m. – Pharex vs Cossack
3:45 p.m. – Cobra vs Excelroof

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Arboleda starts signature drive in PBA return bid

Banned Air21 guard Wynne Arboleda is hoping the captains of the 10 participating teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) would support his signature drive so he could play in the coming Fiesta Cup.

Arboleda, the Air21 team captain who is seeking to get a second chance in his basketball career, was suspended for the rest of the season after attacking a heckling fan last year.

The Express’ stocky 5-foot-9 playmaker already collected four signatures as of press time with Alaska’s Jeffrey Cariaso, Jimmy Alapag of Talk ‘N Text, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola and Air21 assistant captain Carlo Sharma threw in their support.

Arbolda expects other team captains to support his bid of asking the PBA board to lift his season-long ban and allow him to play in the import-laced Fiesta Conference.

“Medyo kumikilos tayo ng kaunti at humihingi ng tulong sa kapwa natin team captains na payagan na tayong lumaro," Arboleda told GMANews.TV. “Sa palagay ko, sapat na yung naranasan ko na penalty."

“So far, nakaka-tatlo pa lang kami. But I’m confident na makakakuha pa kami ng pirma from other team captains."

Arboleda’s name was included in the Air21 line-up that was submitted to the PBA office. His inclusion fueled speculations that he might be reinstated anytime and could suit up for the Express in the Fiesta Cup.

PBA chairman and Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez said the reason for Arboleda’s inclusion doesn’t mean the four-time All-Defensive Team member is now allowed to play.

Alvarez added they cannot replace Arboleda’s spot as teams are prohibited to replace a suspended player.

“And even if nilagay namin siya sa lineup, may open and close parenthesis doon which states suspended. It is also one way of thinking positive na baka we can persuade commissioner Sonny Barrios to reinstate him. We feel enough na rin yung penalty na naibigay sa kanya."

Barrios wasn’t surprised to see Arboleda’s name in the lineup.

“It’s short of saying Air21 wants to have a positive outlook," said Barrios. “There’s nothing wrong with that."

But Barrios clarified he hasn’t received any formal letter from Arboleda’s camp seeking for the lifting of his suspension.

“The truth is, I have yet to receive any letter from them," said Barrios. “But if they’re gathering signatures from the team captains, I assume na isasabay na nila dyan yung letter or wait and see if they can get more signatures."

“Parang gaya ng sa mga tatakbo na gumawa ng signature campaign. They want to know first if they can get more signatures before they run."

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

San Mig, Derby Ace teams to beat in Fiesta

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer, the defending champion, and Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods), the Philippine Cup winner, are among the teams to reckon with in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference, which comes off the wraps tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

Coaches also pointed to Alaska Milk, Talk n Text and Barangay Ginebra as the teams likely to figure prominently in the fight for the championship in the event won by the Beermen over the Kings last year.

The others, however, are not totally discounted with the coaches stressing the imports role in the reinforced tourney.

They mentioned Rain or Shine last year when the Elasto Painters made the Final Four for the first time in franchise history behind hard-working import Jai Lewis

Barako Energy Coffee and Sta. Lucia Realty clash in the 4 p.m. curtain-raiser then Ginebra and Talk n Text collide in the 6:30 p.m. main setto on opening day.


On Wednesday also at the Big Dome, Barako squares off with Coca-Cola at 5 p.m. then Air21 tangles with San Miguel Beer at 7:30 p.m.

However, San Miguel, Derby Ace, Alaska, Ginebra and Talk n Text remain the favorites to fight it out for the crown.

Coaches say the Beermen, the Llamados, the Aces, the Kings and the Tropang Texters have the built-in advantage with their solid local crew.

Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio said San Miguel and Alaska are the teams to beat but the Llamados will be out there to contend for a possible double championship.

For Alaska coach Tim Cone, San Miguel, Derby Ace and Ginebra are the teams that could well pose biggest problems to his troops.

“It’s hard to make predictions without seeing all the imports, but the SMC teams (San Miguel, Derby Ace and Ginebra) will all be favored, especially SMB with returning import Gabe Freeman. Purefoods, as the all-Filipino champion, will be there as well as Ginebra since they went to last year’s Fiesta Conference finals,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“But as I always say, it’s not about getting the best import. It’s about getting the import that best fits your team. San Miguel has shown that already,” Cone added.

Bo Perasol and Siot Tanquingcen are two coaches which rated Talk n Text in the Top Three. Chot Reyes and Boyet Fernandez, meanwhile, included Alaska Milk in their lists. Jong Uichico picked San Miguel, Derby Ace, Alaska and Talk n Text but not necessarily in that order.

“San Miguel should be there because it’s the defending champion, Purefoods should also be a top choice since it’s the all-Filipino champion, then there’s Alaska with its great import,” said Reyes.

“Purefoods should be there. Talk n Text is also tough with Shawn Daniels. Ginebra will be a tough contender with the return of Rudy Hatfield, the addition of Yancy de Ocampo, the continuous improvement of JC Intal and the presence of healthy Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand. Rain or Shine, to me, is a contender with Jai Lewis and its young, energetic local crew,” said Tanquingcen.

“San Miguel, Talk n Text and Purefoods are strong contenders with their solid local lineups,” said Perasol.

Aside from Freeman, Daniels and Lewis, other imports seeing action in the tourney are James Penny for Coca-Cola, Anthony Johnson for Sta. Lucia, Lorrenzo Wade for Derby Ace, Keena Young for Air21, Diamon Simpson for Alaska, Sammy Monroe for Barako and Awvee Storey for Ginebra.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Smart Gilas slams Canberra Gunners

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas continued its impressive showing Down Under as it blasted the Canberra Gunners, 101-84, to remain undefeated in its six-game Australian Tour at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium Thursday night.

Dylan Ababou, the reigning UAAP MVP, exploded for 20 points he spiked with five triples while Mac Baracael and skipper Chris Tiu chipped in 15 and 14 points, respectively, to anchor the lopsided win for the Filipinos.

It was the third win by the Nationals, who downed Australia’s Under-19 team, 78-67, and Australia’s second team, 79-73.

Their other game ended up in a 73-all draw.

The Smart Gilas team was playing NSWIS last night and is scheduled to face a club from Sydney City tomorrow.


“We’re doing great,” said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim. “But more than the wins, we hope to toughen up and learn many things from training games like this.”

The win over the Gunners, one of the top teams in the Southeast Australia cage league, came as a big surprise since the host team did not only have size advantage but was also backed by foreign-bred players like Glenn Baird, who played college ball in the US NCAA, and Zlatko Todorovski, a Macedonian-born player.

Fil-Am Greg Slaughter continued to dish out solid games as he finished with nine points, five rebounds and two shot blocks after scoring a combined 29 points in the last two games.

Jason Ballesteros also returned after sitting it out in the team’s previous game as he turned in nine points, 11 rebounds, one shot block, a steal and an assist.

After struggling for just a pair of triples the last time out, the Filipinos torched the rim with 13 treys with Ababou leading the attack.

Source: Joey Villar  | Philstar.com

PBA: Early grudge showdown

Two teams that figured in a controversial quarterfinal series in the previous conference face off right on opening day of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Barangay Ginebra and Talk ’N Text, which battled in a Philippine Cup quarterfinal series marred by a walkout that cost the Texters more than P1 million in fines, square off at 6:30 p.m. right after the opening game tussle between the “new look” Barako Coffee Masters and Sta. Lucia Realty at 4 p.m.

Ginebra, which lost to sister team San Miguel Beer in the semifinals of the All-Filipino tournament, strengthened its frontline by acquiring Yancy de Ocampo in a trade with Air21 and signing free agent John Ferriols.

Plus, the Kings are expecting 32-year-old rebound demon Rudy Hatfield to rejoin the team next month.

“He’s [Hatfield] always a positive addition and I’m sure he still has the same heart and intensity,” said Uichico, who now faces a dilemma on who to relegate in the reserve list once Hatfield joins the team.

“Also, he is a stabilizing presence, not only in the locker room and on the court but also even in practice. Kaya siguradong makakatulong siya, not only with my team pero kahit na saang team,” he added.

Hatfield played six seasons in the PBA and was part of the Ginebra team that ruled the 2006-07 Philippine Cup before returning to the US to help his bride-to-be Bethany sort out some problems from her previous marriage.

Uichico said that aside from resuming his basketball career in the country, Hatfield will also be involved in missionary work.

The Kings are parading former National Basketball Association campaigner Awvee Storey, whom Uichico described as an all-around player

“He’s a hard worker, nothing flashy. A defender, rebounder and a team player,” he said.

Talk ’N Text, also added three role players in a trade with the Express, giving up de Ocampo and Renren Ritualo.

Debuting for the Tropang Texters are Mark Yee, JR Quinahan and Aaron Aban, while coach Chot Reyes decided to get back import Shawn Daniels after their original choice, Erick Hicks, fell short of expectations.

“I’m very pleased with our practice the past week and I’m looking forward to a great conference for us,” said Reyes, who failed to defend their Philippine Cup title after losing to the Kings in a quarterfinals marred by a walkout.

Reyes added that the new additions, including the burly Daniels, will provide new dimensions to the team known for its scoring prowess.

“Iyung mga basurero, mga pulot-pulot, depensa, hustle,” he said. “Sila ’yung magbibigay ng ibang dimensions sa team namin and I’m very happy with them.”

Daniels, who is fresh from a stint in Puerto Rico, arrived on Thursday morning.

“He’s exactly the kind of import we need, a team player who can complement the locals and has the defensive attitude,” said Reyes.

Source: Joel Orellana  | BusinessMirror.com.ph

How do you improve PBA officiating?

As the PBA Fiesta conference opens this Sunday, it will be another three months of watching the teams get used to the personnel changes and the imports.

It’s always fascinating to see which imports stay for the long haul or are dismissed for their inability to fit into a coach’s system.

But let’s face it. Officiating will also have its fair share of the limelight with frustrated teams howling to the heavens how life is so unfair and with coaches and players nit-picking almost every call.

From the simplest out-of-bounds decision to the intricacies of charging and blocking, there will always be a bone of contention among the dramatis personae in a game.

You can’t blame the players, coaches and team owners. Everybody wants to win.

* * *

Some say basketball is almost impossible to officiate. It is arguably the most frenetic of sports with the ball changing hands quickly and 10 individuals fighting for position and possession.

Attempts at the basket happen at least twice in every minute of play with a slew of possible violations along the way.

Hank Nichols, once in charge of officials in the US NCAA, said in Last Dance, John Feinstein’s engaging book on the Final Four, that what coaches are begging for is consistency in the way calls are made and discernment at crucial times of the game.

Thus, what the game needs are uncommon men (and women, perhaps in the future) who will referee the game ably in all its complexity.

* * *

This is perhaps the end in mind of PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios during his watch: To have officials with integrity and the skills to officiate the game as best they can, fully aware of the stress on teams to win and the demands of a discerning public.

Barrios is not a wishful dreamer who hopes that walkouts or a critical endgame call will never happen again.

In the PBA pressure cooker of intense competition, anything can be triggered by frustration or perceived unfairness.

Barrios has been in the league long enough to understand how the heat of battle can shape perception on the way the games are called. Talking with him, you sense he does not believe that nothing can be done about officiating.

Barrios is striving to find individuals who will face the challenge of better basketball officiating straight in the eye. He has underscored the fact that his office has been unceasing in holding training programs and post-game evaluations for the refs.

And yet, he remains open to suggestions on how officiating can further improve and be consistent without imposing on the flow and appreciation of the games.

* * *

On that note, let’s begin with personnel. If teams travel far (which includes scouting for Fil-Ams) to look for talent, the PBA has to do its own talent search and not merely rely on walk-in applicants.

So far, the commissioner has warmed up to the idea of doing talent searches in the cities the league will hop to in the upcoming conference.

There are diamonds in the rough among the whistle blowers in the north as well as in the Visayas and Mindanao that are hoping for a chance to do PBA games.

Being a previous player or having ref experience shouldn’t be the main criteria for acceptance, though. Attitude, body language and communication skills should also be of paramount importance.

That’s because the complaining will never really go away. What are needed are refs who can stand the heat and still call the game as best they can.

Source: Sev Sarmenta  | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Barako Coffee to relive winning tradition

Barako Bull, with a new head coach and a slew of new player acquisitions, will also have a brand new name in Barako Energy Coffee as it plunges into action in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference beginning Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“With the changes we’ve had, we look forward to a highly competitive campaign in the coming PBA tourney,” said team owner George Chua.

“We’re raring to improve on our poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, determined to make good on the playing court and make an impact for the brand Barako Energy Coffee which we’re introducing to the public,” Chua added.

Coach Junel Baculi will call the shots for the team featuring new recruits Jerwin Gaco, Rob Wainwright, Al Vergara, and Christian Coronel and old hands Yousif Aljamal, Rob Reyes, Gilbert lao, Jojo Duncil, Aris Dimaunahan, Leo Najorda, Ogie Menor, Chad Alonzo, and Brian Faundo.

The team will be reinforced by Sammy Monroe, a 6-5 1/16 forward out of Newberry U with a recent stint with the Austin Toros in the NBA Developmental League.

At the moment, only Raymond Celis is listed as assistant coach, while Leo Isaac was elevated as the new Team Consultant. The team is expected to name at least one more assistant coach in the next few days. Jay Llanos Dee remains as team manager and Dr. John Lim as Team physician.

The moniker of the team, which is sponsored by Harbour Centre in this conference, has also been changed from Energy Boosters to Energy Coffee Masters, with the players vowing to live up to it through and through.

“We assure the PBA fans that our team will come out and give its best effort in each game we play. We intend to relive our winning tradition,” said Raffy Casyao, the team’s alternate representative to the PBA board.

The team joined the league as an expansion franchise in 2000 and has since won three championships.

Source: Author Unknown  | Manila Bulletin

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

Smart Gilas defeats Canberra Gunners, 101-84

The Smart Gilas Philippine National team continued its tour of Australia with an impressive 101-84 win over the Canberra Gunners one of the top teams in the South East Australia Basketball League at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium on Thursday.

A dazzling first quarter where the nationals opened up a 29-14 lead and a tremendous final quarter where Smart Gilas outscored the Australians 32-21 nailed down the team’s third win in four games with Wednesday’s rematch with the Australian Institute of Sports ending in a 73-73 standoff in regulation and both coaches deciding not to play an extra five minutes since it was effectively a no-bearing practice game.

Dylan Ababou seeing extended minutes for the first time led all scorers with 20 points in just over 19 minutes of action while Mac Baracael finished with 15 points, sweet shooting team captain Chris Tiu adding 14 points aside from pulling down 4 rebounds and handing off 2 assists in nearly 27 minutes on the court.

Lanky Japeth Aguilar played just under eleven and a half minutes but contributed 10 points with 1 rebounds and 1 shot block while Greg Slaughter continued his consistent run with 9 points to go with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in only 7 minutes 42 seconds of action.

Jason Ballesteros scored 9 points and was the leading rebounder with 11 boards aside from 1 shot block and 1 assist. Marcio Lassiter also played a key role with 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 shot block while RJ Razul added 6 points.

The Canberra Gunners were led by star center/forward Glenn Baird who played in the US NCAA and can shoot the three, with 14 points and 7 rebounds while Jonathan Miller checked in with 13 points and 3 rebounds, point guard Shane Brown 12 points and 3 rebounds and Jamie Mesman 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

One of the keys to the rousing win for coach Rajko Toroman and his Smart Gilas youngsters was their ability to keep Macedonian-born guard Zlatko Todorovski in check. The Filipinos went to the dugout at halftime with a 15 point cushion 49-34 which the Canberra Gunners with a solid third cut to 6 at 69-63.

But spitfire point guard Mark Barroca buried a three less than 30 seconds into the final quarter and then pulled off a steal and when Ballesteros scored the Smart Gilas lead was quickly up to 11 74-63. After Shane Brown scored Ababou replied almost immediately and with a three point play made it 77-65 time down to 8:12.

An Ababou triple made it 83-69 before Lassiter and Slaughter split their charities to push Smart Gilas in front by 16, 88-72. Todorovski scored back-to-back baskets including a three-point shot for a 91-78 count with 2:48 remaining A basket by Baracael, a triple by Jazul and another triple by Lassiter sandwiched baskets by Aaron Coddington and Jonathan Miller but when Todorovski was forced into a turnover on an errant pass and Ballesteros scored Smart Gilas enjoyed their biggest lead of the ballgame, 19 points with 48 seconds left to play before Daniel Jackson scored the final basket for the Gunners to make it 101-84.

For the first time in their Australian stint the Filipinos were able to hold their own off the boards with both sides pulling down 31 rebounds. However, Smart Gilas out-hustled the Gunners with 5 steals to 1, had 5 shot blocks against 2, committed less turnovers 6 to 9 , shot better from beyond the arc with 13- of- 28 for 46 percent compared to 6-of-15 by the Gunners for a 40 percent clip and converting 26-of-32 free throws for a high 81 percent while the Canberra squad made 22-of-33 for 67 percent.

Smart Gilas Stats:
FG - 31/64 (48%)
3pts FG - 13/28 (46%)
FT % - 26/32 (81%)
Rebounds - 31 (Ballesteros 11)
Assists - 7
Steals - 5
Blocks - 5 (Slaughter 2)
Turnovers - 6
Points in the Paint - 22

Boxscore:
Smart Gilas 101 - Ababou 20, Baracael 15, Tiu 14, Barroca 10, Aguilar 10, Slaughter 9, Ballesteros 9, Lassiter 8, Jazul 6, Cawaling 0, Sison 0.

Canberra Gunners 84 - Baird 14, Miller 13, Todorovski 13, Brown 12, Mesman 11, Jackson 7, Aaron Coddington 6, Heaton 4, Lacey 2, Malcom 2.

Quarters: 29-14, 49-34, 69-63, 101-84

Source: Ronnie Nathanielsz  | InsideSports.ph

Bulls see better finish with new recruits, name

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Bull acquired four new players and changed its coach and team’s name in a bid to regain its old glory in the PBA.

The team will be known as Barako Energy Coffee as it looks to redeem itself from a poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, hopeful of making a good run in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference which kicks off Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy Coffee Masters, now under coach Junel Baculi with four new recruits in Rob Wainwright, Jerwin Gaco, Al Vergara and Christian Coronel and with import Sammy Monroe, play the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the opening game.

Barako Energy Coffee also sees action in the next playdate on Wednesday as it battles Coca-Cola, also at the Big Dome.

“With the changes we’ve had, we look forward to a highly competitive campaign in the coming PBA tourney,” said team owner George Chua.


“We’re raring to improve on our poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, determined to make good on the playing court and make an impact for the brand Barako Energy Coffee which we’re introducing to the public,” Chua said.

Chua also expressed gratitude to the Harbour Centre of Mikee Romero for their sponsorship deal for the duration of the season.

Yousif Aljamal, Rob Reyes, Gilbert Lao, Jojo Duncil, Aris Dimaunahan, Leo Najorda, Ogie Menor, Chad Alonzo and Ryan Faundo have been kept in the lineup of the team which has high expectation on import Monroe, a 6-5 1/16 forward out of Newberry U with a recent stint with the Austin Toros in the NBA Developmental League.

Monroe is a tremendous dunker, who smashed a backboard in the D-League.

He played one season at Newberry after spending first two years at Clinton Junior College in South Carolina and Tallahassee Community College in Florida.

He led Tallahassee in rebounding (6.5 rpg) and blocked shots (1.0 bpg) while ranking second in scoring (14.2 ppg) in 2005-06. He scored 20 or more points six times and posted four double-doubles.

At Clinton JC in 2003-04, he averaged 17 points, earned Second Team Region X honors while helping the team to a 22-10 record and a conference championship.

At the moment, only Raymond Celis is officially listed as assistant coach. The team is expected to name Louie Alas also as assistant coach in the next few days.

“We assure the PBA fans that our team will come out and give its best effort in each game we play. We intend to relive our winning tradition,” said Raffy Casyao, the team’s alternate representative to the PBA board.

The team joined the league as an expansion franchise in 2000 and has since won three championships.

Through the 2008-09 season, the team had a .536 winning performance (with 247 wins against 214 losses), better than the records of Coca-Cola (.504), Purefoods (.500), Ginebra (.482), Talk n Text (.469), Burger King (.469), Sta. Lucia (.455) and Rain or Shine (.314).

Then known as the Red Bull Barakos, the team nailed a championship right on its second year of participation in the league, ruling the 2001 Commissioner’s Cup under the tutelage of coach Yeng Guiao.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Cobra, Cossack seal Final 4 cast

MANILA, Philippines - Cobra Energy Drink fended off Fern-C’s rally in the final quarter as it hacked out an 88-82 victory to clinch the third semis berth and give sister team Cossack Blue a free ride to the Final Four in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

The Ironmen rode on a big third quarter run to build a 15-point lead but sputtered in the fourth in the face of Fern-C’s spirited charge before hanging tough to pound out the victory.

Cobra thus finished the single round elims with a 5-2 record, securing the No. 2 spot behind Pharex B-Complex, which topped the field with a 6-1 card.

The Ironmen actually finished tied with the Excelroof 25ers but took the second spot and the other twice-to-beat incentive on a winner-over-the-other rule. Cobra nipped Excelroof, 66-65, last March 4.

Cobra’s victory also enabled Cossack to grab the fourth and last semis seat despite losing via rout, 53-88, to AddMix in the second game.


Pharex B-Complex will take on Cossack while Cobra battles Excelroof in the other semis pairing.

Cossack wound up with a 4-3 record, the same card of Ascof Lagundi. But the Spirits grabbed the last spot as they edged the Ascof side, 88-87, in their previous encounter.

For the third straight time, former UAAP top gun Patrick Cabahug led Cobra with 25 points and finished with seven rebounds while UE stars Paul Lee and Pari Llagas backed him up with 20 points each.

Llagas also pulled down 14 rebounds to complete another double-double performance.

“It was a struggle but somehow we got there. But our play still needs so much to be desired. I don’t know but I’m trying to work on it but then somehow we managed to survive against some of the top teams in the tournament,” said Cobra coach Lawrence Chongson, who is assisted by Mark Herrera.

Lee gave the Ironmen their biggest lead at 19 points, 67-48, with 29 seconds left in the third canto.

But the Ferntastics rallied behind former Ateneo guard Yuri Escueta and pulled within eight points, 61-69, with 7:06 remaining in the contest.

Cabahug, however, drained two triples and came up with a split as Cobra surged to another double-digit spread at 76-61 with five minutes to go in the contest.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Llamados tap young import as Fiesta Cup reinforcement

The Derby Ace Llamados (formerly Purefoods TJ Giants) don’t want to be an underdog in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference.

"How teams perform in the Fiesta Conference depends on the right import, that is why we evaluated carefully who’s the right choice for us," Gregorio told GMANews.TV.

Llamado is a Spanish word meaning called or named but its translation in Filipino is favored.

That’s the reason why coach Ryan Gregorio and team manager Alvin Patrimonio took some time before choosing 6-foot-6 lefty Lorrenzo Wade, the import they believe is the right piece that would help Derby Ace complete its bid of winning a second straight PBA crown.

"After all, we really want to figure prominently in the Fiesta Conference where we have a chance to score a modern-day grandslam."

The Llamados, then known as the Giants, scored a 4-0 sweep of the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Cup.

Wade played for the Rick Pittino-coached Louisville Cardinals that reached the US NCAA’s Final Four tournament during the 2004-05 season. He transferred to San Diego and played two seasons with the Aztecs, 2006-08.

Wade, who possess a great leaping ability that made him an excellent dunker, averaged 25.3 points and 9.8 rebounds in the 66 games he started with the Aztecs. He also had an average of 6.2 assists, 2.9 steals and 1.8 blocks in his two years in San Diego.

This year, Wade played in Greece where he also figured prominently.

"We don’t want to disrupt team chemistry. I believe Lorenzo Wade can fit well with us. He’s a lefty, an open court player, but he’s long, highly athletic and very skillful. He’s an incredible dunker with decent perimeter shot," said Gregorio.

Daniels back for another PBA stint

But while the Llamados tapped a young and talented import, Talk ‘N Text opted for a grizzled veteran who knows what Filipino basketball is.

Talk ‘N Text got the services of Shawn Daniels as Erick Hicks’ replacement even before the Tropang Texters battle the Barangay Ginebra Kings when the import-flavored conference opens on Sunday, March 21, at the Araneta Coliseum.

This was confirmed by Texters team manager Virgil Villavicencio who said that 6-foot-6 Daniels will arrive on Thursday.

"Erick Hicks is good, but we felt he cannot carry us all the way to the finals. Our objective is to make it to the championship round and he is not the right fit," said Villavicencio in a telephone interview.

Daniels, known for making his teammates better, will join a team loaded in talent. The 30-year-old import will be reunited with former Air21 and Burger King teammates Ranidel de Ocampo and JR Quinahan.

PBA approves 4 imports

The PBA commissioner’s office allowed four more imports to finally suit up for their respective teams after passing the 6-foot-6 height requirement.

The Kings will have Awvee Storey (6-foot-5 3/16) as their reinforcement when they face the Daniels and Texters in Sunday’s second game.

The Barako Energy Coffee Masters will be relying on Sammy Monroe (6-foot-5 1/16) when they go up against Anthony Johnson (6-foot-5) and the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the opening game.

Other imports that will be seeing action in the Fiesta Cup are Diamon Simpson (6-foot-5 15/16) for the Alaska Aces and the Air21 Express’ Keena Young (6-foot-5).

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Ferriols to boost Ginebra line-up for coming Fiesta Cup

Barangay Ginebra, a talented but aging team like the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, has bolstered its frontline – by securing veteran John Ferriols.

Ferriols’ acquisition by Ginebra became official on Wednesday night when the 35-year-old former Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) most valuable player (MVP) became an unrestricted free agent.

Alaska Milk put the 6-foot-5 lefty center/forward on the reserved list to make room for new recruit big man – 6-foot-9 Samigue Eman.

Ginebra took advantage as Ferriols officially became an unrestricted free agent being put on the reserved list.

Alaska team manager and board representative Joaqui Trillo said, in a telephone interview, that they’re putting Ferriols on the reserved list. Eman, who was picked up by the Aces during the latter stretch of the Philippine Cup, moved up to join the Aces’ regular roster.

“He’s still with us, but he can be picked up by any team as long as he agrees to play with them," added Trillo.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, whose team just picked up 6-foot-9 Yancy de Ocampo from Air21 a few days ago, was happy to have an additional frontliner in Ferriols.

The multi-titled mentor, however, said he wants young players who can provide support to his aging veterans, who may have to play reduced minutes to be preserved in the long stretch.

“Let’s face it. Our team is not getting any younger. We have a 35-year-old Ferriols coming over and we have a 33-year-old Rudy Hatfield returning. So as veterans Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand who are not getting any younger either and if maglalaro pa si Johnny Abarrientos, we will have the oldest player on the squad," said Uichico.

“We need young players that could somehow eat up 10 to 12 minutes from our veterans and hopefully preserved our older guys for the long stretch," he added.

Ginebra’s sister team, San Miguel Beer, a squad loaded in offensive firepower, had added another marquee player in Joseph Yeo, who was plucked form Sta. Lucia in exchange for Bonbon Custodio.

Yeo will be included on a rotation that has Dondon Hontiveros, Lordy Tugade and Jonas Villanueva. The team recently added Alex Cabagnot, who will also share minutes with Denok Miranda and Olsen Racela.

Trading not yet over

More trade are expected to take place as teams get busy retooling their respective lineups before the opening of the Fiesta Conference.

A source, who requested anonymity, said that the Beermen and the Gin Kings are not done yet with their wheeling and dealing.

“San Miguel are loaded with guards while Ginebra still needs to bolster some positions," said the source. “I believe there will be more movements in the next few days," said the source.

Speaking for Ginebra, Uichico admitted there are still offers left on the table.

“There were offers on the table, but I don’t see it happening before Sunday or the next few days or weeks," said Uichico. “Bottom line, our team is not getting any younger and we want young, quality players who will play as backup for either JayJay Helterbrand or some of our veteran frontliners."

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Smart Gilas ties AIS in exhibition game, 73-73

Canberra, Australia - Chris Tiu scored 20 points, Greg Slaughter added 13 points and 7 rebounds, and the Smart Gilas ties Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) Men's basketball team in exhibition game.








Smart Gilas Stats:
2pts FG - 27/69 (39%)
3pts FG - 5/17 (29%)
FT % - 14/21 (67%)
Rebounds - 30
Assists - 13
Steals - 10
Blocks - 5 (Slaughter 3)
Turnovers - 12
Points in the Paint - 32

Boxscore:

Smart Gilas 73 - Tiu 20, Slaughter 13, Aguilar 12, Barroca 9, Cawaling 7, Lassiter 5, Jazul 5, Baracael 2,

AIS Men's Team 73- Drmic 18, Bairstow 13, Odigie 10, Hadziomerovic 8, Baldridge 7, Fenton 6, Cadee 4, McCarron 4, Thomas 2, Rowe 1

Quarters: 19-16, 34-32, 52-53, 73-73

Smart Gilas Pilipinas - Australian Tour Schedule:
March 15 - Smart Gilas def. Australian U19 NT, 78-67
March 16 - Smart Gilas def. AIS, 79-73
March 17 - Smart Gilas ties AIS, 73-73
March 18 - Smart Gilas vs. Canberra Gunners
March 19 - Smart Gilas vs. NSWIS
March 21 - Smart Gilas vs. Sydney City

Source: BalotSports.info