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

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

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

Cobra, Cossack seek entry into Final Four

MANILA, Philippines - Sister teams Cobra Energy Drink and Cossack Blue try to complete the semis cast today when they battle separate rivals at the close of the elimination round of the 2010 PBL PG Flex Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Cobra Ironmen collide with the already eliminated Fern-C at 2 p.m. while the Cossack Spirits tangle with the dangerous AddMix at 4 p.m.

Both Cobra and Cossack are tied for third and fourth places with similar 4-2 cards but they still need to beat their opponents to formalize their entry in the Final Four of this season-opening tournament.

A Cobra win coupled with a Cossack Blue loss will enable the Ironmen to gain the No. 2 spot and a twice-to-beat advantage over Excelroof because of the winner-over-the-other rule. The Ironmen beat the 25ers during their lone elimination round encounter.

But if both teams prevail, then Excelroof takes the No. 2 spot, Cossack takes third spot while Cobra slips to fourth, and a clash with top-seeded Pharex B-Complex in the Final Four.


However, if Cobra and Cossack lose, a three-way tie will occur with Ascof Lagundi joining them. If that happens, Ascof and Cossack will join Pharex B Complex and Excelroof in the semis.

A Cobra win, though, will automatically eliminate Ascof from contention even if Cossack loses due to the winner-over-the-other-rule. But a defeat plus a Spirits victory will push the Ironmen out of the semis picture.

Last Saturday, Cobra wasted a double-digit deficit but held on to beat Ani-FCA in overtime, 87-85, while Cossack suffered its second straight loss when it bowed to Excelroof, 89-82, on the same day.

Ironmen coach Lawrence Chongson admitted that his team hasn’t reached its peak yet.

“We’re still not the Ironmen that everyone expects. Wala pa kami sa peak namin but we hope come the semis makuha namin yung consistency kung aabot kami dun,” said Chongson.

Manpower-wise, the Ironmen appear to have the clear advantage with the presence of UAAP sensation Paul Lee of University of the East, former Ateneo star Jai Reyes, ex-UAAP scoring champion Patrick Cabahug and Pari Llagas.

But they can’t take Fern-C for granted since the Ferntastics are determined to close out their campaign with a bang.

Fern-C has only one win to show in six games but it can take pride of its maiden performance since four of its defeats were decided in the last three minutes.

Expected to lead Fern-C are reigning NCAA MVP John Wilson, Anthony Espiritu and Allan Evangelista.

The same thing can be said of the AddMix Transformers.

Though they have only two wins in six games, the Transformers of coach Leo Austria are capable of matching the firepower of the Cossack Spirits.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Pharex turns back Excelroof for No. 1

MANILA, Philippines - Pharex B-Complex blew a 19-point lead in the second quarter but recovered in time to score a 74-68 victory over Excelroof and clinch the No. 1 spot in the Final Four in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Woody Co came away with 14 points and seven rebounds while guard Mark Lopez finished with 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and three shot blocks for the Pharex Fighting Maroons who closed out the single-round eliminations with the best 6-1 record.

Pharex B thus gained a twice-to-beat advantage against the No. 4 team in the semis. The Excelroof 25ers finished with a 5-2 card.

“We’re No. 1 in the semis but we want to be No. 1 two weeks from now. This will be all nothing if we don’t win the championship,” said Pharex B coach Aboy Castro in Filipino.

Meantime, Ascof Lagundi, actually the main team of Pascual Laboratories, clobbered Ani-FCA, 78-65, to stay in the semis race.


The Natural Cough Busters finished the elims with a 4-3 record but will have to hope for both Cossack Blue and Cobra Energy Drink to drop their respective games tomorrow to force a three-way tie for third.

In case of a triple-tie, Ascof and Cossack will clinch the last two semis berths due to superior tiebreak scores.

Co and Lopez canned all but one of the team’s six foul shots in the last 90 seconds before Vic Manuel sealed the win with a slam at the buzzer.

The Fighting Maroons roared to a 23-4 lead behind 17 unanswered points which veteran Nestor David highlighted with a trey.

But the 25ers charged back behind Pamboy Raymundo, Jimbo Aquino and Adrian Celada and wrested the lead at 42-37 with three minutes to go in the third quarter.

The Maroons regrouped and fought back to draw level at 49 before Ian Sangalang scored on a power play to shove Excelroof to the lead.

Pharex B countered with a decisive 15-0 run to take a 64-51 lead but Excelroof refused to yield and struck back to within, 63-66, on Raymundo’s triple with 1:31 left in the contest.

The Maroons, however, went to their defense to break a series of Excelroof’s plays en route to the victory.

“Obviously, Excelroof is such a great team with championship experience but they just wouldn’t give us the game. Hats off to them, they played really well,” said Castro.

The scores:

First Game

Pharex 74 – Co 14, Lopez 12, Arao 11, Adolfo 10, Manuel 8, David 6, Braganza 5, Reyes E. 4, Tecson 4, Maniego 0, Reyes M. 0, Hipolito 0, Astorga 0.

Excelroof 68 – Raymundo 17, Aquino 16, Celada 14, Sangalang 8, Agustin 4, Bagatsing 2, Mendoza 2, Abueva 2, Taylor 2, Bulawan 2, Pascual 0, Delgado 0, Suguitan 0.

Quarterscores: 14-4; 29-24; 49-49; 74-68

Second Game

Ascof Lagundi 78 – Canlas 22, Gamalinda 15, Uyloan 9, Aguilar 8, Labagala 7, Gerilla 6, Mazo 3, Co 3, Bauzon 3, Leynes 2, Bustos 0, Lanete 0, Asoro 0.

Ani-FCA 65 – Ong 10, Custodio 10, Sena 10, Cagoco 10, Gelasque 8, Pascual J. 8, Acosta 3, Flores 2, Sevilla 2, Pascual N. Lee 0.

Quarterscores: 29-8; 42-33; 62-48; 78-65

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Excelroof, Pharex dispute No. 1 seed

MANILA, Philippines - Excelroof and Pharex B-Complex dispute the No. 1 seeding in the Final Four today while fancied Ascof Lagundi tries to keep its semis hopes alive against ousted Ani-FCA in the PBL PG Flex Erase Placenta Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Pharex B-Complex and Excelroof took the first two semis berths in the season-opening tournament with identical 5-1 slates with the winner in the 2 p.m. encounter gaining the No. 1 seat in the semis for the twice-to-beat edge.

Ascof Lagundi, meanwhile, battles Ani-FCA at 4 p.m. with the Cough Busters out to close out their elimination campaign on a 4-3 card.

The Cough Busters need to beat the Cultivators to stay in the semis hunt. Cossack Blue and Cobra Energy Drink are the two other semifinal contenders with 4-2 marks.

The Cultivators almost nailed their first win in six games last Saturday but lost steam in overtime and dropped a sorry 85-87 decision to Cobra.


“It’s going to be an interesting one,” said Excelroof coach Ato Agustin. “This is a good match up.”

The 25ers are coming off an 89-82 win over Cossack Blue – their third in a row.

Like Excelroof, Pharex B-Complex is also on a roll.

Built around the core of University of the Philippines squad, Pharex B-Complex hopes to extend its winning streak to five, but coach Aboy Castro is wary of their chances against the 25ers.

For one, the Fighting Maroons must find ways on how to neutralize Excelroof’s Big Four – Jimbo Aquino, Calvin Abueva, Pamboy Raymundo and 18-year-old 6-foot-6 Ian Sangalang.

Agustin can also count on the services of veteran forward Chester Taylor and Gilbert Bulawan but must stop Pharex’s Vic Manuel.

“He’s deadly and very agile. So we have to focus on him,” said Agustin.

Aside from the 6-foot-4 Manuel, Castro can also bank on veteran Woody Co, Ford Arao, JR Tecson, Arvie Braganza and Marlon Adolfo.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Excelroof enters semis; Cobra wins

MANILA, Philippines - Excelroof, banking
on the sterling efforts of Jimbo Aquino, Marc Agustin and Marc Abueva, outlasted Cossack Blue, 89-82, to secure a semifinals berth in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup yesterday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.

Abueva came through with a lot of hustle plays while Aquino and Agustin hit clutch baskets enabling Excelroof to cut loose from a tight, seesawing duel.

Aquino, the 2009 NCAA MVP awardee, finished with a team-high 19 points, Abueva got away with double-double numbers with 13 points and 14 rebounds while Agustin made six important points at the finish.

The three negated Earl Saguindel’s 29-point explosion as Excelroof clinched the second semis berth with a 5-1 win-loss record.

Pharex B-Complex took the first slot last Thursday with a thrilling 86-83 win over AddMix.

Excelroof, owned by Edwin Chua and managed by Oliver Gianan, and Pharex meet Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan, disputing the No. 1 spot and a twice-to-beat edge in the semis.

After a perfect 4-0 start, the Spirits suffered a second straight loss to move down to third place in a tie with sister team Cobra Energy Drink.

Guards Paul Lee and Jai Reyes played big as the Cobra Ironmen, coached by Lawrence Chongson and Mark Herrera, nipped Ani-FCA, 87-85, in overtime in the second game.

“The boys didn’t give up and we got the win that kept us in the running for the No. 1 spot,” said Excelroof coach Ato Agustin.

“Abueva made a big difference as he played with so much energy and his effort rubbed off to his teammates,” Agustin added.

Back-to-back key plays by Abueva had Excelroof taking a commanding eight-point spread at 78-70.


Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Excelroof, Cossack dispute 2nd semis berth

Excelroof and Cossack Blue dispute the second semis berth Saturday while powerhouse Cobra Energy Drink tries to bounce back from a stinging loss the last time in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.

The Excelroof 25ers and the Cossack Spirits are tied for second and third places with similar 4-1 records but they will part ways starting at 1:15 p.m.

The winner will join early semifinalist Pharex B-Complex, which scored a gutsy 86-83 win over AddMix last Thursday for a 5-1 mark.

Cobra Energy Drink battles Ani-FCA at 3:15 p.m. with the Ironmen out to rebound from a 71-74 defeat to Ascof Lagundi last Tuesday to keep their semis hopes alive in the single-round elimination.

Ateneo star Jai Reyes, University of the East sensation Paul Lee and former UAAP scoring champion Patrick Cabahug are again expected to lead the assault of the Ironmen, who have yet to dish out their full potential in this short season-opening tournament.

With a 3-2 card, the Ironmen must win their two remaining games, including against Fern-C on Thursday, to advance to the semis and possibly gain a shot at a twice-to-beat advantage.

Though the Ani-FCA Cultivators are already out of the semis picture with a 0-5 record, they determined to end their campaign on a high note.


The top two placers after the elims get a twice-to-beat bonus in the next round.

Though they have similar records, the Excelroof 25ers enjoy a huge psychological advantage over the Cossack Spirits after pulling off a thrilling 87-83 win Fern-C last Tuesday through the heroics of high-leaping Calvin Abueva and Jimbo Aquino.

The Cossack Spirits, on the other hand, absorbed a crushing 66-96 defeat at the hands of red-hot Pharex squad last Saturday.

James Martinez was a big letdown for Cossack the last time out but he hopes to regain his shooting touch against the San Sebastian College-led Excelroof.

He was averaging 20 points a game but during their match against Pharex, he was held to just nine points.

Team Standings

* Pharex B Complex 5 1
Excelroof 4 1
Cossack Blue 4 1
Ascof Lagundi 3 3
Cobra Energy Drink 3 2
AddMix 2 4
Fern-C 1 5
Agri-FCA 0 5

*Semis

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Manuel propels Pharex to semis

MANILA, Philippines - Vic Manuel came through with a split and a hard drive in the closing seconds to lift Pharex B-Complex to a big 86-83 victory over AddMix for the first semifinal berth in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

The 6-foot-4 Manuel shattered an 83-all count with a split then drove through a slew of AddMix defenders for the basket that sealed the Fighting Maroons’ fifth victory against a lone setback.

Pharex B, which held AddMix scoreless in the last 4:40, thus became the first team to advance to the Final Four while dealing AddMix its fourth loss against two victories.

Pharex goes for the first twice-to-beat advantage in the semis against Excelroof on Tuesday.

Manuel’s endgame heroics capped the former PSBA star’s sterling performance as the finished with another double-double effort – 16 points and 12 rebounds.


JR Tecson of San Beda topscored for Pharex B with 19 points, including 18 coming from the first half.

“I’m very happy that we are now in the semis. We’ve got one foot now in the finals,” said Pharex coach Aboy Castro.

More than clinching a berth in the semis, Castro said he was more pleased with the way his boys closed out a game in a tight situation.

“I liked it because the game was close,” said Castro.

The Fighting Maroons actually trailed majority of the way, the last at 78-83 on three free throws by Alain Maliksi with 4:40 remaining.

Ascof Lagundi made it a double celebration for Pascual Laboratories as it ousted Fern-C, 83-71, in the other game to keep its Final Four bid alive.

The loss ended the Ferntastics’ campaign with a 1-5 win-loss card.

The Cough Busters built a commanding 31-point lead late in the third, but the Ferntastics, behind John Wilson, struck back to within, 71-78.

But that was the closest Fern-C could get as Edwin Asoro took over to power the Coughbusters the victory, their third against the same number of losses. But the Maroons never gave up and held their rivals scoreless the rest of the way.

“It’s a good thing we made a lot of stops in the last seven possessions,” said Castro.

“He’s very athletic and tough to defend. I’m not surprised with his big game,” said Castro of Manuel.

The Transformers opened the second quarter down by 11 points, 15-26, but Ciriacruz and Jan Colina kept their team within striking distance before Liztan Amplado completed a three-point play to knot the count at 40, 2:45 left.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Pharex targets semis; Fern-C fights for life

MANILA, Philippines - Pharex B-Complex shoots for the first semifinal seat today as it collides with AddMix even as Fern-C fights for survival against Ascof Lagundi in the PBL PG Flex Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Pharex Fighting Maroons hope to break out of a three-way tie with Excelroof and Cossack Blue as they gun for their fifth win in six games against the AddMix Transformers in the 2 p.m. opener.

Clashing at 4 p.m. are Fern-C and Ascof Lagundi with the Ferntastics, with only a win to show against four losses, needing a win to keep their flickering semis hopes alive.

The top four teams after the single round elims will advance to the Final Four with the top two teams earning the twice-to-beat advantage.

Out of the race is Agri-FCA, which dropped its first five games.


Meantime, PBL chairman Ding Camua of Pascual Laboratories announced that the reported resignation of commissioner Chino Trinidad will be discussed by the board upon his return from the United States.

“We can’t discuss his planned resignation because there’s no official letter yet. We just read it in the newspapers, so it’s better that we focus on the games,” said Camua. “The tournament is getting hotter and exciting.”

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Excelroof holds off Fern-C, shares lead

MANILA, Philippines - Calvin Abueva and Jimbo Aquino delivered the baskets that mattered most as Excelroof outlasted a tough Fern-C side, 87-73, in overtime to gain a share of the lead with Pharex-B and Cossack in the PG Flex Erase Placenta Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Aquino shattered the 83-all count then Abueva came away with a pair of splits in the last 17 seconds while the 25ers held their rivals scoreless to pound out the win, their fourth in five games. (Related story on A-25)

“It was a scary win but we will take it,” said Excelroof coach Ato Agustin. “It’s a good thing that Calvin stepped up when we needed him most.”

The 6-foot-2 Abueva actually did everything on the court all game, providing picks and screens while towering over the Fern-C defenders with his tremendous leaping ability.

The late-game heroics of Abueva and Aquino also negated another 30-point explosion of John Wilson.


It marked the third time in five games that Wilson churned out a 30-point output for Fern-C, which faced elimination after absorbing their fourth loss against a lone win.

Pamboy Raymundo led the Excelroof 25ers with 24 points but was held scoreless in the extra period although Chester Taylor stepped up and combined with Aquino and Abueva in overtime.

The 6-foot-5 Taylor finished with 12 points, including a triple to start off the extra period.

Aquino was held only to a basket in the first three quarters but found his touch in the fourth where he scored eight points, including back-to-back baskets that gave them a 69-66 lead.

But the Ferntastics countered behind Ray Maconocido, who came through with a triple to send the game into overtime.

In the second game, Ascof Lagundi turned back Cobra Energy Drink, 74-71, to stay in the hunt for a semis berth with 2-3 card while stalling the Ironmen’s own semis bid.

Rob Labagala, a former stalwart of University of the East, scored 15 points for the Cough Busters who led from start to finish.

Cobra slid to 2-3.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

PBL surprised over Chino 'resignation'

MANILA, Philippines - Majority of officials and representatives of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) yesterday expressed disbelief over the reported resignation of commissioner Chino Trinidad.

“I don’t think Chino will do it, he might just be tired,” said Toyota Otis board representative Gil Angeles. “Unless I see him and he says it in front of me that he’s resigning then that’s the time I will believe.”

“Besides, the board has yet to receive a letter informing us about his supposed resignation. For now, we just have to wait for him to arrive before we can act on this matter,” said Angeles, noting Trinidad might be tired emotionally since he’s been away from his family for almost a month now.

Trinidad, who has been at the helm of the league since 2000, is in Los Angeles covering the training of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao for his fight against Joshua Clottey at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas on Saturday (Sunday Manila time).

Even PBL chairman emeritus Raymund Yu of Welcoat Paints and last year’s chairman Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre franchise were also caught by surprise by Trinidad’s reported resignation.


Romero and Yu said they will try to talk to Trinidad when he returns from his coverage.

“If it is true then the league will lose a great leader. But no matter what happens next, the league must go on, the show must go on,” said Yu.

Romero, who owns a record seven straight championships but whose franchise took a leave of absence this conference, echoed Yu’s sentiments.

“I was surprised to read it in the papers. I know his passion for sports, especially for basketball. But I will still try to talk to him,” said Romero. “He spent 10 good years of his life in the PBL, so maybe we can still do about it.”

PBL executive director Butch Maniego, however, already had an inkling that Trinidad is just biding his time before stepping down.

“He already broached the idea of resigning when the opening of this tournament was postponed for the third time,” said Maniego. “But I had always hoped he would reconsider.”

Excelroof team manager Oliver Gianan was also surprised, saying: “We joined the league through the prodding of Mr. Trinidad because we have the same vision for basketball.”

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Fern-C, Ascof try to keep semis hopes alive

Excelroof and Cobra Energy Drink will try to play the executioners role when they face Fern-C and Ascof Lagundi in Tuesday’s action in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at The Arena in San Juan City.

The 25ers will face the Ferntastics in the 2 p.m. opener while the Ironmen clash with the Cough Busters in the 4 p.m. main game.

Excelroof and Cobra are hoping to earn a win that could improve their chances of earning the coveted twice-to-beat advantage that will be given to the top two teams after the single elimination round.

The top four teams will advance into the semifinals with the top two squads to enjoy the twice-to-beat advantage over their rivals in the cross-over semis.

Pharex B Complex and Cossack Blue are at on top of the standings with identical 4-1 records while a game behind are Excelroof and Cobra at 3-1.

Fern-C and Ascof, on the other hand, are in a must win situation since a loss would send them in the company of Ani-FCA, which is now eliminated with 0-5 record.

Fern-C is coming off a huge 81-78 victory over Ani-FCA a win that snapped the teams three-game losing streak.

"It’s a big win for us because it gave us momentum into our next important games. We’re still adjusting but the win showed we're slowly reaching our winning form," said rookie mentor Bal David.

An interesting showdown is expected to take place in the first game between two NCAA most valuable player winners.

Fern-C has on their side John Wilson, the regular season MVP for Jose Rizal University, who is the leagues best scorer with close to 29 points a game.

Leading the charge of the 25ers is Jimbo Aquino, the NCAA Finals MVP after steering San Sebastian College to the title against San Beda College.

Aquino is expected to play with a mission as he is coming of a poor 2-of-10 shooting and wound up with just nine markers in the team's last game against Cobra, 65-66.

The second game will feature the meeting between pre-season favorites.

But so far, Cobra has lived up to its billing and sadly the Cough Busters are a disappointment mainly because of having new players who have yet to get adjusted to each other.

They have to get their acts together or have an early vacation in this season opening conference. Expected to take charge for Ascof are veterans Sean Co, JR Gerilla and Edwin Asoro.

Paul Lee will be again the Ironmen's main man but can count on the support of Patrick Cabahug and Pari Llagas.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Pharex shares lead; AddMix alive

Neil Pascual of Agrinurture takes an easy shot over Julius Colina (left), Alexander Nuyles and Liztian Amparado of AddMix. JOEY MENDOZA
| Zoom
MANILA, Philippines - Streaking Pharex B-Complex stalled the semis bid of Cossack Blue with an emphatic 96-66 win to grab a share of the lead in the 2010 PBL PG Flex Erase Placenta Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

With Woody Co, Vic Manuel and Arvin Braganza leading Pharex’s assault, the Fighting Maroons got off to a fiery start, taking a 32-11 lead at the end of the first quarter on the way to their third straight win to tie their victim at the helm on similar 4-1 records.

Showing none of the enthusiasm and energy they dished out in winning their first four games, including thrilling wins over sister team Cobra and Ani-FCA, the Spirits fell behind by 30 points, 68-38, in the third quarter.

The Spirits made a decent attack late in the third but the Fighting Maroons refused to be cowed, coming through with their own run to complete the day of routs.

Earlier, AddMix held Ani-FCA to just 19 points in the final two quarters as the Transformers romped to a 90-49 win and kept its semis bid alive.


The Transformers of coach Leo Austria led only by 10 points at halftime, 40-30, before turning on the heat starting in the third quarter where they limited the Cultivators to just seven points while exploding for 22 points to take a commanding 62-37 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

Unforgiving to the very end, the Transformers, owned by Gilbert Cruz, came through with a 10-2 run midway in the payoff period to practically settle the issue, 80-48.

With the win, the Transformers improved their record to 2-3 while handing the Cultivators their fifth straight defeat, thus becoming the first team to be eliminated in this short tournament.

Ani-FCA’s 41-point defeat was the largest losing margin since Red Bull defeated Montana, 89-45, on May 17, 1999.

Cossack’s James Martinez was a huge letdown, scoring only nine points after averaging 20 points in the team’s last three wins.

Woody Co led the Fighting Maroons with 18 points, including nine from the three-point zone while Vic Manuel added 13.

“It’s good thing we won again – this is crucial for us, it’s a morale-boosting one,” said Austria. “But we can’t relax. We need to win our remaining two games to make sure we advance to the semis.”

What made the win doubly significant for Austria was the way his boys closed out the match.

“It doesn’t matter if we win by one point as long as we closed out the game well. That’s what’s important for me,” added Austria.

AddMix battles Pharex B-Complex on Thursday before closing out their campaign against Cossack Blue on March 18.

Alex Nuyles led the team’s well-balanced attack with 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting while Canada added 14 markers. Jeff Morial and Terre Guillermo were the two other AddMix players who scored in double figures with 10 points.

So tight was AddMix’s defense that only veteran Mark Cagoco scored in double figures for Ani-FCA. Veteran James Sena, who was drafted by San Miguel Beer last year, scored only six points.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Cossack targets first semis berth vs Pharex

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten Cossack Blue shoots for the first semifinal berth as it squares off with Pharex B-Complex today at resumption of action in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Streak shooting James Martinez is expected to lead the Spirits’ bid again after averaging 20 points in the team’s last three victories, including a 24-point output in their 91-90 overtime win over sister team Cobra Energy Drink last week.

But against the Pharex Fighting Maroons, Martinez would need a lot of help and screens to sustain his scoring spree with support to come from Paul Zamar and Raffy Reyes.

Pharex, on the other hand, will lean on Woody Co, Marlon Adolfo, Arvie Braganza and Vic Manuel, who came off the bench to score 27 points in leading Pharex to a 103-89 over sister Ascof Lagundi last Saturday.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.


The Spirits swept their first four matches and need only a win to advance to the next round. The Maroons, on the other hand, are in joint second with Excelroof and Cobra with 3-1 marks.

Clashing in the 2 p.m. opener are AddMix and Ani-FCA with the former out to bounce back from a stinging 83-75 setback to Excelroof last week.

With a 1-3 record, the AddMix Transformers need to hurdle the winless Cultivators to stay in the hunt for a Final Four berth.

The top two teams after the single round elims will clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

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

League merger seen as long-term solution

MANILA, Philippines - Even as the PBL has launched its new season, SBP executive director Noli Eala said yesterday talks are ongoing to merge the country’s premier semi-pro league and the regional Liga Pilipinas with the view of finding a long-term solution to the economic problem of staying commercially viable under difficult business conditions.

“We’re certainly not undermining the ongoing PBL conference,” said Eala. “In fact, the SBP congratulates the PBL Board, led by chairman Ding Camua, and commissioner Chino Trinidad, for successfully opening the new season with eight clubs. We’ve got a core group designated to discuss the terms of reference in a merger and we’re moving forward, trying to meet every week to talk about eligibility rules, formats, schedules, pay scales and drafting procedures.”

Among those involved in the merger discussions are prime mover PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, Camua, Chito Loyzaga, Robert Non, Patrick Gregorio, Yayoy Alcoseba, Joe Soberano, Trinidad and Eala.

“We’ve got the support of San Miguel Corp. and PLDT to proceed,” said Eala. “We’re looking at creating a new corporate structure for the merger, perhaps to involve a third party contributing equity, maybe, a TV partner. We’re sorting out a timetable.”

As for Liga, Eala said it recently held a preseason tournament with Cebu, Mandaue, Laguna and General Santos City in Cebu City but has put the next conference on hold to await the results of the merger talks.


“Liga is ready to start the next conference with at least eight teams,” said Eala. “Two more teams are close to joining. To conserve resources, Liga decided to hold off the opening of the next conference until there is some clarity on the merger. But we’re preparing just the same for our opening with live radio and delayed TV coverage.”

Eala said if the merger is good for Philippine basketball, then the SBP will support it all the way.

“This could be the best solution to the economic difficulties of running a basketball league,” said Eala.

Trinidad said the important thing is to agree on basic principles with the merger being mutually beneficial to the two leagues.

“I can’t see a hindrance to working together,” said Trinidad. “It’s a matter of finding the middle ground. If the PBL Board agrees, then by all means, let’s establish a relationship between the two leagues, conceptualize, rationalize and take it a step further.”

Eala said at the moment, the SBP is focusing on developing programs for women and the youth. He has also been in close contact with former FIBA president Carl Ching Men Ky in preparing for the SEABA Congress next month and the FIBA-Asia Congress in April.

Eala also mentioned Bernie Atienza, Butch Antonio, Rico Meneses and Joey Bautista continue to be involved in Smart-Gilas’ affairs.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Excelroof, Cossack eye No. 4

MANILA, Philippines - Co-leaders Excelroof and Cossack Blue try to extend their win run to four when they take on separate rivals today in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Cossack Spirits hope to ride the momentum of their shock 91-90 overtime victory over sister team and title favorite Cobra Energy Drink last Saturday as they collide with the Ani-FCA Cultivators in the 4 p.m. encounter.

James Martinez, fully recovered from an ACL injury, sizzled for 24 points the last time and is again expected to spearhead Cossack’s bid for the solo leadership in the season-opening tournament.

Other players to watch for the Spirits are veteran Earn Saguindel, Jorel Canizares and one-time San Beda star JR Taganas.

Despite dropping their first three games, the Cultivators remain a threat on a team built around veterans James Sena, Christian Luanzon and Neil Pascual.


The 25ers, meanwhile, are coming off an 83-75 win over AddMix. But the rigors of playing in a couple of tournaments, including the just-concluded Ched Games, might have taken their toll on the San Sebastian College-backed team as they face the Cobra side in the 2 p.m. opener.

For the second straight game, Jimbo Aquino led Excelroof with 21 points despite converting only four of 11 tries from the field while Ian Sangalang finished with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Excelroof turns back AddMix, shares lead

MANILA, Philippines - Excelroof, drawing another solid game from NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino, wore down AddMix, 83-75, to gain a share of the lead with Cossack Blue in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Aquino went 10 for 10 from the line as he atoned for a so-so 4-of-11 performance from the field, finishing with 21 points for the 25ers, who picked up their third straight victory.

The 6-6 Ian Sangalang also held his ground against AddMix’s big men, churning out a double-double job of 14 points and 13 rebounds.

The AddMix Transformers actually closed in at 68-71, but Aquino and Sangalang made one clutch play after another to hold off their rivals.

Earlier, reigning NCAA MVP John Wilson fired 29 points as Fern-C hacked out an 81-78 win over Agri-FCA.


Wilson highlighted his shooting rampage with four triples but it was Anthony Espiritu’s late trey that snapped the Ferntastics’ three game skid.

He hit a wide-open trey from the left corner for an 80-78 lead before a series of defensive stops enabled Fern C to post the hard-earned win.

“This win is important for us. But we hope to improve and play with more cohesion,” said former PBA star Bal David in notching his first victory as coach.

Former UST forward June Dizon came away with 15 points and three rebounds while Jun Tanuan added 11 points.

Fern-C tied idle Ascof Lagundi for a share of sixth at 1-3 while the Cultivators fell to 0-3.

The Ferntastics led by as many as 15 points, 44-29, as Wilson erupted for 19 points in the first half.

But the Cultivators fought back and tied the count at 64 with 7:02 remaining on a three-point shot by former UST scorer Christian Luanzon.

They even took the lead at 78-77 on a follow-up by Neil Pascual with 2:27 left but Espiritu made a trey as Fern-C regained control.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com

Excelroof shoots for share of lead; Fern-C eyes first win

MANILA, Philippines - Excelroof shoots for a third straight win and a share of the lead when it battles dangerous AddMix while Fern-C hopes to end a three-game losing run today in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The 25ers and the Transformers clash at 4 p.m. with the former out to score a follow-up to their smashing 83-59 win over Nutri-FCA last week.

A victory by 25ers will enable them to tie Cossack Blue for the lead. The Cossack Spirits streaked to their third straight win last Saturday by downing sister team Cobra Energy Drink in overtime, 91-90.

The Ferntastics and the Agri-FCA Cultivators collide at 2 p.m. with both teams determined to barge into the win-column.

Though NCAA MVP John Wilson scored back-to-back 30-point plus the first in recent history of the league the Ferntastics continued to struggle, dropping their first three games, including a heart-breaking 85-77 loss to Pharex B Complex last Thursday.


Agri-FCA coach Toto Dojillo said they have to raise their level of play several notches to have a fair chance of beating the Ferntastics. The Cultivators lost their first two games by an average of 22 points.

Veterans James Sena and Christian Luanzon must work doubly hard in both ends to inspire their rookie teammates to play well.

NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino is again expected to lead the assault of the 25ers although coach Ato Agustin wants everybody to step up to lessen the burden for their star player.

Knowing how deadly is Aquino from the perimeter, AddMix coach Leo Austria is expected to design a defensive strategy to force the six-foot guard out of his comfort zone.

Aside from Aquino, Agustin can also count on high-leaping Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual.

Austria, on the other hand, must find a way to get the best from Lisztian Amaparado, Julius Colina, Jerick Canada, Gio Ciriacruz and Alain Maliksi in order to improve their 1-2 record.

Source: Author Unknown  | Philstar.com