OFFICIAL PBA THREAD

PHONE PALS DWARF GIANTS TO EVEN SERIES
Washington, Yancy come up with career-highs in scoring to lead TNT
Wednesday, 17 January 2007


Size spelled the difference for Talk N Text Wednesday night with big men Anthony Washington and Yancy de Ocampo providing the big plays in the Phone Pals 110-92 victory over the defending champion Purefoods Chunkee Giants in Game 2 of their quarterfinal series at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Washington and De Ocampo registered career-highs in scoring with 26 points apiece as they practically carried the fight for the Phone Pals, who completely dominated the Giants in a game that turned ugly in the closing seconds.

Tonight we played to our potential, said TNT coach Derick Pumaren after the Phone Pals tied the series at one game apiece.

We were a completely different team this game. In Game One, we came out flat. But tonight we showed a lot of grit and hustle and the urgency to tie the series, Pumaren explained.

Game 3 of the Talk N Text-PBA Philippine Cup best-of-five series is set Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Phone Pals indicated their desire to win the early going by being aggressive on offense that saw them shooting 50 percent from the field in the first half while holding the Giants to an awful 36 percent clip thanks to a tough defense that forced the Giants to shoot from the outside where they fared poorly.

TNT also got huge games from their guards Renren Ritualo, Felix Belano and Mark Cardona who combined for 40 points. Asi Taulava, who played for just 18 minutes due to De Ocampos outstanding performnace, managed just two points, his lowest since going scoreless in a 92-89 loss to Alaska on May 3, 2006.

Washington got the Phone Pals going by warming up early, shooting 16 of his points in the first half with most of them on lay-ups as he often found himself uncovered.

I was really hard on Anthony in Game 1 because I know he is the one guy in my lineup who can really match up with any player from Purefoods with his height, quickness and athleticism. Im glad tonight he responded well, Pumaren said.

But when Washington took a breather, De Ocampo picked up the slack especially when the Giants threatened to turn things around.

After Jun Simon hit successive baskets to pull Purefoods within 67-75, De Ocampo knocked in a three-pointer which sparked a 16-6 run as the Phone Pals stretch their lead to 20 points from which the Giants never recovered.

When we traded for Yancy, we know what he could provide us. And he proved us right, said Pumaren.

De Ocampo was at his best in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points. He capped his remarkable performance by grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing four assists in 30 minutes.

The game nearly got out of hand in the closing seconds after TNT guard Jimmy Alapag and Purefoods playmaker Paul Artadi traded barbs and taunted each other following a collision.

Both were slapped a double technicals.

James Yap led the Giants with 25 points, including a 7-of-15 stint from three-point range.

He scored 14 of his total output in the middle quarters while Roger Yap provided the energy as the Giants rallied from a 44-25 deficit and pulled within 49-55 on a triple by James Yap with 8:52 left in the third.

But the Phone Pals quickly answered with a 14-8 blast to stem the tide.

The scores:

Talk N Text 110 Washington 26, de Ocampo Y. 26, Ritualo 18, Cardona 11, Belano 11, Carey 9, Alapag 7, Taulava 2, Fran 0, Noble 0, Pablo 0.

Purefoods 92 Yap J. 25, Raymundo 15, Simon 12, Limpot 8, Salvador 7, Yap R. 7, Artadi 5, Evangelista 4, Castillo 3, Pingris 2, Yee 2, Camaso 2.

Quarterscores: 21-19, 53-41, 73-61, 110-92.
 
RED BULL NIPS SLR IN OVERTIME
Barakos level series as slumping Villanueva wakes up in OT
Wednesday, 17 January 2007


Sta. Lucia Realty botched a game-winning play in regulation play and a game-tying shot in overtime, allowing Red Bull to pull even after two games of their 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup best-of-five quarterfinal showdown.

Enrico Villanueva came alive in overtime play and the Barakos outplayed the Realtors at crunch time, hacking out a 100-98 decision at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday night.

"Ang hirap manalo. Kinailangan pa namin mag-sablay sila ng crucial shots para manalo," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao with a big sigh after avenging their 89-96 defeat in the series opener Sunday.

Dennis Espino missed a potential game-winning shot on a fade-away off Mick Pennisi in the closing seconds of regulation play. Bitoy Omolon, meanwhile, saw his close stab rim out as they were trying to force a second extension play.

Thus, the Barakos won the game, reducing the best-of-five series to a best-of-three affair.

The two teams mix it up in Game Three Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

"Its down to a three-game series. Ang tingin ko it will reach the distance and were preparing for a long haul," said Guiao. "Being well-rested, the longer the series goes, the better our chance to win it."

Guiao was surprised by the physical strength the Realtors have been showing in the series. "Mas mukhang kami ang pagod kaysa sa kanila," said Guiao.


As in Game One, the Realtors came out strong and dominated the opening half, but committed crucial errors on the Barakos pressing defense in the second half.

"We pushed the pace in the second half and that was the key," said Guiao.

Cashing in on their defensive stops, the Barakos pulled ahead at 74-72 and enjoyed an 89-85 cushion with time down to 2:01.

The Realtors, however, came through with their own defensive gems and Marlou Aquino scored back-to-back baskets as they drew level at 89-all with 57 seconds to go.

Neither team could break that count with Carlo Sharma lapsing into a crucial error, then Espino missing a shot to send the game into overtime.

Struggling in the series, Villanueva rose to the occasion in the extra period, scoring three straight baskets as Red Bull took a four-point margin which Sta. Lucia failed to survive.

A three-point shot by Alex Cabagnot followed by an error by Celino Cruz actually gave Sta. Lucia a chance to force another overtime.

After a timeout, Paolo Mendoza was able to set up Omolon underneath the basket. Omolon, however, failed to convert and the Barakos whooped it up in a frenzied celebration.

Junthy Valenzuela, Pennisi, Cruz, Cyrus Baguio and Sharma all scored in double figures but Villanueva seized the thunder on his six-point production in OT.

Kelly Williams and Aquino both tossed in 22 points which went to naught.

The scores:

Red Bull 100 Valenzuela 18, Pennisi 16, Cruz 14, Baguio 14, Sharma 10, Villanueva 8, Fonacier 6, Bugia 6, Alvarez 4, Robinson 4, Najorda 0.

Sta. Lucia 98 Williams 22, Aquino 22, Omolon 19, Mendoza 14, Cabagnot 8, Gonzales 6, Espino 5, Isip 2, Bughao 0, Catli 0, Calimag 0.

Quarterscores: 23-24, 37-44, 62-68, 89-89 (reg.), 100-98 (OT).
 
RED BULL ROUTS SLR IN GAME 3, GOES AHEAD 2-1
Villanueva leads 6 Barakos in double figure scores and never gave the Realtors even a slight chance to turn the game around.


And they successfully did it with a standout defense that forced the Realtors to commit 25 turnovers that translated to 20 big points.


After leveling the series with their 100-98 Game 2 win last Wednesday, Guiao said then he was looking forward to a long series. But now that his team is holding on a 2-1 lead, he announced in the post-game conference after Game 3 they will cash on the opportunity and try to end the series on Sunday.


Game 4 is set at 6:20 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome.


"We now have a twice-to-beat advantage going into Sunday's game so hindi na namin ito pakakawalan," Guiao proclaimed.


Unlike the first two games where they where in the thick of the fight, the Realtors never really got their rhythm going in Game 3 due in part to their inconsistent shooting and lack of aggressiveness on the defensive end.


Nelbert Omolon scored 21 points, Paolo Mendoza had 19 and rookie Kelly Williams added 14 to lead the Realtors although not one of them really managed spark the team when it needed a push.(DBC)

The scores:

Red Bull 114 Villanueva 20, Valenzuela 16, Baguio 14, Fonacier 12, Membrere 11, Cruz 11, Sharma 9, Najorda 8, Alvarez 4, Robinson 4, Pennisi 3, Bugia 2.

Sta. Lucia 96 Omolon 21, Mendoza 19, Williams 14, Gonzales 14, Espino 11, Isip 9, Aquino 5, Cabagnot 3, Bughao 0, Catli 0, Calimag 0.

Quarterscores: 30-22, 53-45, 80-63, 114-96.
 
to answer my own question...i think eto suot niya..



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RED BULL ROUTS SLR IN GAME 3, GOES AHEAD 2-1
Villanueva leads 6 Barakos in double figure scores and never gave the Realtors even a slight chance to turn the game around.


And they successfully did it with a standout defense that forced the Realtors to commit 25 turnovers that translated to 20 big points.


After leveling the series with their 100-98 Game 2 win last Wednesday, Guiao said then he was looking forward to a long series. But now that his team is holding on a 2-1 lead, he announced in the post-game conference after Game 3 they will cash on the opportunity and try to end the series on Sunday.


Game 4 is set at 6:20 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome.


"We now have a twice-to-beat advantage going into Sunday's game so hindi na namin ito pakakawalan," Guiao proclaimed.


Unlike the first two games where they where in the thick of the fight, the Realtors never really got their rhythm going in Game 3 due in part to their inconsistent shooting and lack of aggressiveness on the defensive end.


Nelbert Omolon scored 21 points, Paolo Mendoza had 19 and rookie Kelly Williams added 14 to lead the Realtors although not one of them really managed spark the team when it needed a push.

The scores:

Red Bull 114 Villanueva 20, Valenzuela 16, Baguio 14, Fonacier 12, Membrere 11, Cruz 11, Sharma 9, Najorda 8, Alvarez 4, Robinson 4, Pennisi 3, Bugia 2.

Sta. Lucia 96 Omolon 21, Mendoza 19, Williams 14, Gonzales 14, Espino 11, Isip 9, Aquino 5, Cabagnot 3, Bughao 0, Catli 0, Calimag 0.

Quarterscores: 30-22, 53-45, 80-63, 114-96.
 
TALK N TEXT CLOBBERS PUREFOODS, CLOSES IN ON SEMIS
Taulava, Cardona & Ritualo lift Pals to within a win of SF duel vs Ginebra
Friday, 19 January 2007

Slotman Asi Taulava and gunners Renren Ritualo and Macmac Cardona stepped up in the absence of point guard Jimmy Alapag as Talk N Text made it two in a row over Purefoods to move within a win of the semifinals.

Taulava, Ritualo and Cardona produced significant numbers as the Pals dwarfed the Giants, 102-78, Friday night to gain the pivotal 2-1 lead in their 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup best-of-five quarterfinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The three combined for 61 points and starred in Talk N Text's fiery second half assault paving the way for the Pals' breakaway victory.

The two teams actually figured in a fierce battle early on, fighting through nine deadlocks with the last at 57-all halfway through the third quarter.

But Purefoods suddenly blew cold, scoring only a single basket in the next eight minutes.

The Pals pounced on the Giants' dry spell to break the game open, then eventually breezed through to move within a win of a semifinal duel with the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

Marc Pingris' exit in the second quarter due to a sprained ankle also proved to be a big break for Talk N Text.

"I don't think we had aggressiveness in the first half. We talked about it at halftime and we came up with a great second half," said Talk N Text coach Derrick Pumaren.

"We now have the edge and we should take that advantage. Dapat tapusin na namin ito in Game Four," Pumaren added.

Pumaren had good words for Felix Belano and Patrick Fran whom he
thought played well at the point in lieu of Alapag, who served his
suspension in the aftermath of his fight with Paul Artadi in Game Two.

Cardona and Ritualo, however, stood out for the team as they scored 24
and 23 points, respectively. They made 15 apiece in the second half where the Pals outscored the Giants, 56-33.

Cardona and Taulava teamed up in an 8-2 closing run in the third period as Talk N Text carried a 65-59 lead into the final quarter.

The Pals simply rode the momentum in the payoff period.

Taulava, earlier, scored on a short stab before the buzzer sounded and the Pals took a 46-45 edge at halftime.

The Giants shot well from the field, hitting 51.4 percent of their shots but were clobbered in the battle off the boards, 19-26, in the first 24 minutes of play.

James Yap went 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, 4-of-6 from the two-point zone and 3-of-4 from the stripe to lead all scorers in the first half with 14.

Ritualo, however, had his spree in the second quarter, giving the Pals the needed boost as they wiped out a 20-26 deficit after the opening period. (NC)

The scores:

Talk N Text 102 Cardona 24, Ritualo 23, Taulava 14, Washington 12, De Ocampo 10, Belano 8, Carey 5, Noble 4, Fran 2, Pablo 0.

Purefoods 78 Raymundo 19, Yap J. 16, Yap R. 10, Yee 8, Simon 7, Evangelista 5, Castillo 5, Limpot 4, Salvador 2, Artadi 2, Pingris 0, Camaso 0.

Quarterscores: 20-26, 46-45, 65-59, 102-78.
 
nbasa ko sa website ng abante kaninang umaga...may injury si eric menk sa hinlalaki ng paa nya...nkipagrambulan daw sya sa The Fort...
 
Menk injured in bar fight
By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star 01/21/2007

Ginebra San Miguel ace big man Eric Menk could be out for the rest of the Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup.

The 6-foot-6 Fil-Am behemoth suffered calf and toe injuries in a bar fight, according to reports. The STAR tried to make calls but failed to get confirmation from the Ginebra team.

Sources, however, said Menk has been absent from the Ginebra training since Wednesday.

The Kings are bracing up for their coming Final Four showdown with either the Talk n Text Phone Pals or the Purefoods Chunkee Giants.

Ginebra topped the classification round with a 15-3 win-loss card with Menk averaging 14.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists for the team.

Menk is second to Mark Caguioa (22.7 points a game) in scoring and also second in rebounding behind Rudy Hatfield (11.8 per game).

The 2005 MVP winner ranks No. 5 in offensive rebounds with 3.4 a game.
 
WASHINGTON, CARDONA-LED PHONE PALS DETHRONE GIANTS
TNT sets up best-of-7 semis duel vs. No. 1-ranked Ginebra
Sunday, 21 January 2007


Virtually never heard in the first half, Anthony Washington showed up and made noise in third quarter as the Talk N Text Phone Pals pulled away for a 115-96 victory over the Purefoods Chunkee Giants Sunday night and wrapped up their best-of-five quarterfinal series in four games at the Cuneta Astrodome.


Washington, who was practically silent in the first 24 minutes with just five points, came away with 11 in the third canto to lead a decisive charge by the Phone Pals, who broke away from a close first half.



Mac-Mac Cardona, who showed the way for the Phone Pals for the second straight game with 23 points, and Harvey Carey, who tallied 15 points, teamed up with Washington in that decisive period as the Phone Pals outscored the Giants, 29-19.



Their third consecutive win earned the Phone Pals a place in the best-of-seven semifinals of the Talk N Text-PBA Philippine Cup against elimination round topnotcher Barangay Ginebra.



It will be the first semifinal appearance for the Phone Pals since the 2005 Fiesta Conference.



For the Giants, their downfall ended their aspirations of becoming the first team in 22 years to repeat as all-Filipino conference champions.



It was Purefoods first do-or-die loss since Game 6 of its titular showdown versus Red Bull in last seasons Fiesta Conference. But the absence of power forward Marc Pingris, who sat out the all-important match with a sprained ankle, proved costly.



"We didn't do a good job in the first half. They (Giants) were getting a lot of easy baskets, drop shots, open shots and we were even outrebounded," observed Talk N Text head coach Derick Pumaren, who advanced to his first conference semifinals for the first time since the 2000 Governors Cup when he was still Purefoods mentor.



"But in the second half it was all business. We made them work, beat them down the floor and soon they break down, " he added.



The end for the Giants came in the third period as Washington began to make his presence felt. He aggressively helped defend the shaded lane, went after every loose ball and helped knocked down big plays.



Washington eventually finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes of action for his seventh double-double this conference.



The stubborn Giants still tried to make a game out of it, battling back in the fourth quarter behind veteran forward Jun Limpot but got no closer than seven points with under eight minutes to play as James Yap and Kerby Raymundo couldn't get their games going.



Limpot scored 21 points to lead the Giants, who trailed by just 53-57 at the half. James Yap still managed 18 points on a 7-for-19 shooting from the field and Raymundo tallied 10 points on a 4-of-10 clip while adding a team-high 12 rebounds.

The scores:

Talk N Text 115 Cardona 23, Taulava 20, Washington 18, Carey 15, Ritualo 13, Pablo 10, Alapag 6, de Ocampo Y. 6, Fran 3, Noble 1, Belano 0.

Purefoods 96 Limpot 21, Yap J. 18, Artadi 11, Simon 11, Camaso 11, Raymundo 10, Salvador 5, Evangelista 4, Yee 3, Yap R. 2.

Quarterscores: 28-22, 57-53, 86-72, 115-96
 
FONACIER, VILLANUEVA TOW RED BULL TO FINAL FOUR
Barakos love underdog tag vs San Miguel in semis, slowed down in the third quarter but regained their bearing in the final canto, whipping the Realtors, 105-90, to seal a semifinal showdown with the San Miguel Beermen in the 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup.

Red Bull and San Miguel figure in a rematch of their semis showdown in the same tourney last year. The Barakos overcame the Beermen then in a classic Game Seven but bowed to the Purefoods Chunkee Giants in the Finals.

The Barakos ride the momentum of a searing run as they start their grudge match with the Beermen Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. They beat the Realtors three in a row and have won eight of their last 11 games.

"This is our third straight entry to the semis. Tingin ko yun daan namin sa quarters blessing in disguise. We played four games which could be enough for us to be competitive and sharp going into battle against San Miguel," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

"Isa lang ang major concern ko in match-ups with them. Si Danny Seigle. Its either smaller or slower than him ang panapat namin," Guiao added.

Guiao said they have long accepted the fact that theyre the underdogs against the Beermen but love their situation.

"Were certainly missing Lordy Tugade whos with them now. But we have guys whom we didnt have before and theyre playing well for us now. Carlo Sharma is one of them," said Guiao.

"Im not worried in terms of our capacity to stay with San Miguel," he added.

Larry Fonacier went 3-of-3 from beyond the arc and was one of five Barakos who finished in double figures as they finally showed the Realtors the door.

Sta. Lucia bombed out of contention after playing nine straight games since the resumption of the tournament after the holiday break on January 3.


The Barakos got off to a blazing start and showed great will in erecting a 19-point, 53-34, bulge at halftime.

Eleven Red Bull players, led by Enrico Villanueva with eight points, contributed in a well-balance attack early on that had them dominating the Realtors in the first 24 minutes of play.

But the Realtors waged a determined fightback in the third, getting back in the heat of the battle at 74-72.

Villanueva slammed off Ronnie Bughao while Junthy Valenzuela nailed two charities against a twinner by Dennis Espino as Red Bull took a 78-74 lead at the end of the third period.

The Barakos regained a comfortable margin at 85-74 on a seven-to-nothing roll by Villanueva, Valenzuela and Larry Fonacier.

Red Bull finished off Sta. Lucia on timely conversions by Fonacier, Leo Najorda and Celino Cruz at the finish.

The scores:

Red Bull 105 Fonacier 15, Membrere 13, Villanueva 13, Valenzuela 13, Baguio 11, Najorda 9, Alvarez 8, Bugia 7, Sharma 6, Cruz 5, Pennisi 3, Robinson 2.

Sta. Lucia 90 Gonzales 20, Bughao 17, Omolon 15, Espino 13, Aquino 10, Williams 6, Cabagnot 6, Mendoza 2, Calimag 1, Isip 0, Catli 0.

Quarterscores: 21-16, 53-34, 78-74, 105-90.
 
18K GOLD TROPHY FOR PHILIPPINE CUP CHAMPION
National Artist Orlina commissioned for P.5M masterpiece
Monday, 22 January 2007

Since its inception in 1975, the All-Filipino Conference has been regarded as the centerpiece event of the Philippine Basketball Association. This season, Asia's first pay-for-play league is adding a new meaning to its most prestigious tournament by institutionalizing the awarding of the Perpetual Trophy to the champion of the Philippine Cup.

A brainchild of PBA commissioner Noli Eala, the hardware is truly a work of art. No less than renowned national artist Ramon Orlina was commissioned by the league to design the special trophy made out of 18 karat gold and worth half a million pesos.

Certainly, the league's ultimate prize also comes with a price.


Only the team that wins the tournament three successive times will earn the right to possess the coveted trophy.

Otherwise, only a replica of the award will be handed out to one-time or two-time winners although they will be allowed to keep the Perpetual Trophy for one year until the next Philippine Cup champion is crowned.

"We're institutionalizing the Perpetual Trophy since the Philippine Cup has long been considered as the most prestigious tournament in the history of the PBA,
being an all-Filipino conference," said PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

"This trophy will highly emphasize the prestige and honor of winning the Philippine Cup."

Eala took the occasion to extend the league's gratitude to Orlina, who has consistently dazzled the art scene with his glass sculptures.

"We truly appreciate the time and effort being put up by Mr. Ramon Orlina in this special project considering the hectic schedule he has with his constant traveling abroad," the league commissioner added.

An owner of a Bachelor of Science in Architecture diploma at the University of Santo Tomas, Orlina has been into the arts for more than 30 years now.

Among his famous masterpieces include ARCANUM XIX Paradise Gained (1976), the public project for the Greenbelt Lagoon Chapel at the heart of Makati City (1983), Wings of Victory (1986), Fertile Crescent (1986) and Quintessence (1995), all commissioned for Singapore, Perfection (2006), Diamond Sky (2006), Love Offering (2006), Rising Amber (2006), Blue Sapphire (2006), Soaring (2006) and Infinity II (2006).

In 2000, he won 1st prize in the Sculpture Category in the II International Biennial of Basketball in the Fine Arts held in Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain, after which, sports had been part of Orlina's sculptural concepts.

Apart from the PBA Perpetual Trophy, Orlina is currently working on Tetraglobal, an outdoor monumental work commissioned by UST for its 400th anniversary celebration.

In the 32-year history of the PBA, no team has won an All-Filipino tournament three successive times.

Crispa and Great Taste came close to achieving the feat by winning back-to-back All-Filipino crowns. The legendary Redmanizers did it twice, in 1979 and 1980 and in 1983 and 1984, while the Coffeemakers were the last to do the trick in 1984 and 85 (two All-Filipino Conferences were held in 1984).

The Redmanizers have the most number of All-Filipino titles won with five, followed by San Miguel, Great Taste and Purefoods with four each.

The Giants tried to make it two-in-a-row this season, but failed in their bid after being ousted by the Talk N Text Phone Pals on Sunday in Game 4 of their quarterfinal series in the ongoing Philippine Cup. (DBC)
 
Menk definitely outing tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

And because the cutoff for roster changes was the last day of the double-round eliminations, Uichico said hes not able to hire a replacement. That means Rodney Santos wont be reactivated from the injury list until next conference.

Without Menk, things will be a little harder for the Kings to get by the Phone Pals but Uichico said hes not losing sleep over it.

"Well be okay," said Uichico. "Were ready to play."

Talk N Text coach Derick Pumaren, meanwhile, isnt jumping up and down over news of Menks absence.

Pumaren said hes preparing for the Ginebra series as if Menk will be in the lineup "to avoid complacency."

Talk N Text is fresh from eliminating Purefoods, 3-1, in their best-of-5 quarterfinal series and the Phone Pals cant wait to take on the Kings in what looms to be a war of attrition.

Ginebra hasnt played since Christmas Day when the Kings formalized their outright entry into the semifinals. Coming off a long layoff may be a disadvantage although if you ask Uichico, hell never admit it. The upside in an extended rest is the players are able to relieve their aches and pains. Additionally, they get hungry to play.

What may be a cause for Uichicos concern is Ginebra hasnt beaten Talk N Text in two encounters so far this season. The Phone Pals won, 113-98, in their first meeting and repeated with a 115-104 decision. Menk scored his conference-high 29 points in the initial matchup so his offense will be missed.

Pumaren said rebounding and transition will be the key factors in the series. Talk N Text dominated the boards and ran Purefoods to the ground with an avalanche of fastbreak points to sweep the last three quarterfinal games after losing the opener. Pumaren will use the same formula in trying to take out Ginebra.

"Because of Ginebras big advantage in their frontcourt, they dominated the eliminations," said Pumaren. "Without Menk, at least we can now match up with their frontcourt. But our preparation will still be based on Menk playing to avoid complacency. The team that will do a great job will win the series."

Phone Pals sharpshooter RenRen Ritualo said he has absolute trust, faith and confidence in Pumaren.

"Coach hates to lose," said Ritualo. "Hes always very well-prepared for a game. He gives us details on what to expect, what to do. Its like spoon-feeding because he leaves nothing to chance."

Its a tough job for Pumaren to keep the Talk N Text Text stars happy but hes getting it done. Somehow, Pumaren manages to rotate his players in a way that they all log significant minutes without taking time away from each other.

In Talk N Texts 115-96 win over Purefoods last Sunday, nine players logged at least 10 minutes, seven at least 20 and three at least 30. Asi Taulava had the lions share of playing time as he collected 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots in 37 minutes. By the way, Asi hit 8-of-9 from the stripe, making Purefoods pay dearly for the gamble of putting him on the line. Jimmy Alapag played 36 minutes, finishing with six points, nine rebounds and 12 assists. Anthony Washington checked in for 31 minutes and wound up with 16 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. High scorer was MacMac Cardona who tallied 23 points in 27 minutes.

Ritualo chipped in 13 points, including two treys that raised his career total to 473. Hes now only 27 shy of reaching the 500 plateau and at the rate of two triples a game, it looks like hell be joining the elite club early next conference. There are only eight players in history to knock down at least 500 Allan Caidic (1,242), Ronnie Magsanoc (1,171), Al Solis (1,000), Robert Jaworski (649), Boybits Victoria (642), Jojo Lastimosa (581), Pido Jarencio (576) and Noy Castillo (500). Kenneth Duremdes and Olsen Racela are also close to the 500 mark, with 487 apiece.

Racela is only 13 short of hitting 500 and might just be able to do it this conference, if San Miguel goes all the way to the finals.
 
QFINALS & SEMIS: WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT TO EXPECT
"The loss of Menk will be a 'Major Pain' to the championship efforts of Ginebra.. They took full advantage of the rust of Red Bull who last played last year compared to the Realtors who have seen action in every playdate of 2007. The swing game of the series was Game 2. SLR had a chance to put Red Bull away but the championship poise of the Barakos was in full display as they battled back to force OT and eventually won the game. From that point on, it was RBs series. They took apart SLR in Games 3 and 4 and are now headed to their fourth consecutive semifinals.

Key of series:

Red Bull kept the pressure on SLR and dared them to either stop them from running. The Barakos mentally and physically beat the Realtors using the premise that the former were a well-rested team while the latter was a team playing the most number of games in a conference in franchise history.

Talk N Text vs. Purefoods (3-1)
The first game of the series went to Purefoods courtesy of an excellent effort from Marc Pingris. It was the only game that was a defensive struggle. In Games 2, 3 and 4, Talk N Text showed the true offensive might of its lineup. After only coming up with 84 pts in Game 1, the Phone Pals hit more than a 100 points in all the subsequent games. The firepower from the likes of Ritualo, Cardona, Washington and Asi (especially in Game 4), was just too much for the Giants to handle. The Pingris/Noy Castillo injuries also took a lot of air out of Purefoods as this is a team that is not really that deep.

Key of series:

TNT is a team that has proven that it can score but it was its defense which was inconsistent during the eliminations. In the quarterfinals, they were able to keep the Purefoods offense in check, limiting them to fewer than 90 pts in the series.

SEMIFINALS PREVIEW

Barangay Ginebra vs. Talk N Text

Barangay Ginebra
Fueled by its millions of fans, Ginebra was the No. 1 team in the league after the eliminations. Off-season acquisitions Rudy I-dont-do-halftime-interviews! Hatfield, Rafi Reavis, Johnny A and on-season acquisition Ronald Tubid, have fit in perfectly to coach Jongs system. The championship core of Helterbrand, Caguioa and Menk had been the steadying factor. I say had because word is Eric Menk will be out for the rest of the conference with a fractured toe and a torn calf muscle (Ouch!). The loss of Menk will be a 'Major Pain' to the championship efforts of Ginebra. Their one true post-up option is lost! Now what will happen to the half-court offense of Ginebra?

Talk N Text
This seems to be the team of destiny this year. Check this out The Phone Pals dream of getting an automatic quarterfinal slot was a long shot at best, but they got it. In their quarters match-up with Purefoods, Marc Pingris was injured in Game 3 plus they made heads turn by beating the Giants without Alapag (suspended in Game 3). Now, they face Ginebra who must play them without Menk. This team is hot right now and seems to be peaking at the right time. (The extra help was acceptable too.)

The Series:
Expect a high scoring encounter, as these two teams have the highest-ranked offense left in the semis. The big difference between the two will be on the defensive end. Ginebra is a two-way team -- they score a lot of points and they are a dog defensively as well (second-best in the conference). On the other hand, TNT is a team that has held up defensively just recently. With Menk out of the series, the Kings will need to see more MVP-caliber games from Caguioa. We should see a lot more running on the side of Ginebra to address their height/bulk deficiency (if they can control the boards). For Talk N Text, expect Asi to get a lot of touches, get swarmed and be able to find his teammates. We should see Cardona picking Caguioa -- we should also see some color when this happens. Ginebra was unable to beat TNT in the elims with a complete lineup (although the Christmas Day game was non-bearing for the Kings)Can they actually take the Phone Pals out without Major Pain?

EDGE: Talk N Text

San Miguel Beer vs. Red Bull

San Miguel Beer
After starting the season very poorly, the Beermen came back to snatch an automatic semis berth. A team loaded with potential and actual Philippine team members. The last time they played was Christmas Day. People are wondering if the team is rusty. With the depth of their line-up, I am sure practice has seemed like they were playing an actual PBA team. The rest should have been good for the veterans and for the rookies/new additions, it should have meant additional time to gel with the regulars. Their depth will be integral in this best-of-seven series.

Red Bull
A team that simply knows how to win...if you look at their line-up from top to bottom, you would be hard-pressed to pick a guy that is dominant in his position. Coach Yeng continues to get excellent results with the team he works with (Membrere and Sharma?). The rust they encountered during the first game of the quarterfinal series is gone and they are right back in gear with their running game. The best asset of this team seems to be the fact that they know who they are and they know what it takes to win.

The Series:
Red Bull broke many SMB fans hearts last tournament in that thrilling seven-game semis series. Expect that to fuel most of the Beermen. Both coaches have a lot of confidence in their players so we should see their entire lineup for the series. The weapons of San Miguel Beer offensively should be in full display, as they own a plus-8 in scoring over Red Bull during the elims. One of them will be Tugade, who Im sure is eager to get this series against his former team started. On the other hand, Red Bull will be hoping to contain that offense of SMB and will try to keep the Beermens scoring in the 80s. This should end up to be a series between the respected stars of the Beermen versus the Barakos who want the respect of stars.

EDGE: San Miguel Beer
 
VETERANS SHINE AS SMB WINS SEMIS OPENER VS. RED BULL
Hontiveros, Ildefonso outscore entire Barako squad in 4th
Wednesday, 24 January 2007



For three quarters San Miguel Beer head coach Chot Reyes watched grimly as his off-form troops struggled to get their offensive flow and repeatedly threw away crucial possessions.

But when it seemed Reyes was ready to concede the game, Danny Ildefonso and Dondon Hontiveros picked up their rhythm and rallied the Beermen to a 114-109 victory over the Red Bull Barakos in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown in the Talk N Text-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Ildefonso and Hontiveros combined for 7-of-9 shooting for 23 points as they practically carried the fight for the Beermen, who came away victorious despite committing 26 turnovers, their most this conference. The two SMB veterans actually outscored the entire Red Bull squad in the fourth period, 23-21.

A 19-2 run swayed the momentum in favor of the Beermen, visibly out of game-shape due to an almost one-month break they earned for gaining outright passage in the semis.

Hontiveros, who finished with 18, scored 12 of his 13 fourth-quarter points in that telling spurt that included three huge three-pointer. His last trey of the night ended that run and shove SMB ahead to stay, 111-102 with 2:34 left.

We really expected to struggle in this ballgame with the long break that we had. Everybody was talking about the rust and the inactivity we had. I think those 26 turnovers is the best testament to how rusty we were coming into this game, Reyes said.

Besides, we are playing a tough team who is coming off a three-game winning streak and a lot of momentum. But fortunately the guys just stayed the course, they didnt panic and somehow managed to make a run. In the end we just got lucky, he added.

It was a heartbreaking setback for the Barakos, who controlled the game for the most part and seemed to have the game all wrapped up when they took an 11-point advantage, 88-77 late in the third quarter.

But Red Bull suddenly lost its grit and aggressiveness in the fourth period and experienced an offensive meltdown which saw them making just 8-of-25 shots.

I think we just outlasted them in the end because they (Barakos) were coming off a tough series, observed Reyes whose wards will try to take a commanding 2-0 lead on Friday also at the Big Dome.

With tough defenders alternating on him, Danny Seigle hardly made an impact but still managed to show the way for the Beermen with 21 points. Ildefonso matched Hontiveros for SMB which shot 54 percent in the fourth quarter and outscored Red Bull, 32-21.

Enrico Villanueva and Junthy Valenzuela scored 20 points apiece to lead the Barakos, whose poor shooting from the line was partly to blame in their downfall. Red Bull missed 15 of 32 free throws with Villanueva going 6-for-15.

San Miguel Beer's previous high for turnovers in a game this conference was its 24 against Sta. Lucia last November 29 which curiously the Beermen also still won 113-98.

The scores:

San Miguel Beer 114 Seigle D. 21, Hontiveros 18, Ildefonso 18, Tugade 10, Racela 10, Adducul 8, Pena 8, Tenorio 7, Gonzales 6, Wilson 4, Espinas 2, Calaguio 2.

Red Bull 109 Villanueva 20, Valenzuela 20, Pennis 15, Fonacier 14, Najorda 9, Cruz 8, Sharma 7, Alvarez 6, Membrere 4, Robinson 4, Baguio 2, Bugia 0.

Quarterscores: 25-27, 56-56, 82-88, 114-109.
 
CAGUIOA EXPLODES AS GINEBRA WHIPS TNT
Menk hardly missed with 5 Kings firing at least 13 points each of the 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup Final Four.

Mark Caguioa erupted for 34 points while four other Ginebra players scored at least 13 points as the Kings came out of a month-long rest working on all cylinders, blasting the Talk N Text Phone Pals, 115-100, at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

So dominant were the Kings that they led by as many as 29 points before completing the rousing victory in their first outing after topping the double-round
eliminations.

"They had beaten us twice and theyre coming off three straight wins in the quarters. They probably thought its gonna be easy. We, on the other hand, thought it wont be easy. So mas nagtrabaho kami," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

"We dominated the game but its definitely not the gauge of the series. Its a long haul. Anything can happen," Uichico added.

Uichico said they will work hard to keep their romp as they expect a big Talk N Text fightback in Game Two Friday in the same venue.

The amiable mentor said the key is for the entire team to step up with Menk likely to miss the entire best-of-seven series due to injuries.

"We have to step up and the boys did tonight, specially on defense," said Uichico.

A swarming defense coupled by a superb transition game keyed a decisive second-quarter breakaway which the Kings sustained in the final half.

The Pals actually waged a determined chase in the payoff period but could come no closer than 10.

Caguioa best typified the great energy and enthusiasm the Kings showed in the contest with the spitfirish guard going 14-of-34 from the field for 34 points that went with nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 40 minutes of action.

His output in the contest was his second best in the tourney after making 35 points in a 116-105 win over Air21 last December 3.

"I was hardly surprised with our energy. I was surprised hindi kami kinalawang," said Uichico.

The Kings outscored the Pals, 32-11, in the second period, erecting a 64-45 lead at halftime.

Having scored 15 in the first half, Caguioa added 11 in the third canto and the Kings again outscored the Pals, 30-27, in the period to stretch their lead to
22.

Everything just didnt work for Talk N Text until it was too late.

With Renren Ritualo finally hitting his mark, the Pals came to within 10 at 96-106 with time down to 3:16.

Rafi Reavis scored on a short stab then Jayjay Helterbrand completed a three-point play off Donbel Belano as the Kings put the game away for good.

The scores:

Ginebra 115 Caguioa 34, Tubid 18, Reavis 16, Mamaril 13, Helterbrand 13, Abarrientos 9, Hatfield 7, Salvacion 5, Macapagal 0, Holper 0.

Talk N Text 100 Ritualo 24, Washington 21, Taulava 14, De Ocampo 13, Carey 8, Alapag 8, Noble 7, Cardona 4, Belano 1, Fran 0, Pablo 0.

Quarterscores: 32-34, 64-45, 94-72, 115-100.
 
Can you guess Who is this guy ?He's a probable PBA#1 draft pick

His age: 24

His height: 6'10"

Bodyweight: 225lbs

According to his trainer
His skill....potentially unlimited. He has the ability to run the floor like Tony Kukoc of the Bulls while in his prime. I've seen my share of USA NCAA and NBA atheletes, and I can definitely say that this kid has the brains and the heart to go anywhere he wants to go.

[size=+2]
Standing Tall And Talented # 1
[/size]​
 
waddup nt phils, just wondering about the pba draft and how to enter...

i'm 21 5'8 140 play for the varsity team for my university in canada and have one more year after this of university and i was wondering how to go about working out for teams, entering the draft and what not...any help would be appreciated. also if it helps i was born in manila but moved here when i was seven so i now have canadian citizenship..would there be any problems with that?

thanks in advanced.
 
RED BULL GETS BACK AT SMB: Phone Pals squeeze past Kings
By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star 01/27/2007

Mark Cardona pumped in a killer trey with time down to 1.1 seconds and Talk n Text redeemed itself from a shattering defeat Wednesday, pulling off a squeaker over Barangay Ginebra last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Pals made a perfect execution in the closing seconds with Jimmy Alapag and Cardona conspiring for the game-winning play in a 99-96 victory over the Kings that put them on equal footing after two games of their Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown.

Cardona hit the winning basket from the left flank on a good feed from Alapag and the Phone Pals erupted in a frenzied celebration as they shattered the 96-all count with just 1.1 ticks left.

After a timeout, the Kings went to Rudy Hatfield who missed from atop the key, allowing the Phone Pals to complete the victory that sent their series back to scratch.

"We succeeded in forcing Ginebra to play half court game then we made a perfect execution with the game on the line," said Talk n Text coach Derrick Pumaren.

"Were challenged with the way were beaten in Game One so we worked harder tonight," said Cardona, whose heroic put to naught another explosive performance by Mark Caguioa and a career first triple-double by Jayjay Helterbrand.

Caguioa followed up his 34-point showing in Game One with a 31-point job while having verbal tussle with Cardona.

Cardona made only 21 but had the last laugh as he hit the deciding basket which he later dedicated to his college coach Franz Pumaren who was on the gallery.

Beaten by San Miguel Beer on a strong windup in Game One, Red Bull returned the favor, scoring a 106-84 rout to also force a 1-1 standoff in their own semis showdown.

"I guess we beat the best team in the league. We beat them convincingly and it should boost our confidence," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

"We have no doubt that we can beat San Miguel. But in a series like this where it can be very close, we have to make our own breaks. We cant get it from the refs," Guiao added.
 
10dime: I think you should try the PBL first... You'd have a hard time making it to the PBA with your current weight.
 
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