2012 PBA Governor’s Cup Semifinal Cast Complete: Powerade’s season ends on a sour note

Meralco Bolts logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The semifinal cast of the 2012 Philippine Basketball Association Governor’s Cup is complete after the Meralco Bolts eliminated the hard-fighting Powerade Tigers tonight with a score of 94-86.

After being down by a solitary point at half-time, the Bolts took advantage of the fatigue factor by blitzing the Tigers at the start of the second half.  The Tigers were playing in back to back nights after eliminating the Red Bull Barako last night.  Meralco outscored Powerade 25-15 in the 3rd period to built a 9-point cushion going to the final 12 minutes of the game.  Meralco Import Mario West negated the explosive performance of Powerade counterpart Omar Sneed by scoring 26 points. Sneed finished with a double-double by scoring 29 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.  From a 63-76 deficit, the Tigers were able tighten up the score at 86-90 after Sneed hit a three-point shot with 1:32 left in the game.  Mario West, however, scored in the other end to bring back the lead to 6 at 92-86 in favor of the Bolts. A miss by Sneed at the next possession sealed Powerade’s fate as Mac Cardona scored the final basket in the game for the final count.

The loss ended the season of Powerade who had a magical run in this season’s All-Filipino Cup. They finished 2nd to the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the first conference but they failed to advance in the final 2 conferences of the year. Gary David was a revelation this year as he was practically on fire all throughout the season.  Top pick Jayvee Casio will be a fixture at PG in the years to come.  Powerade traded explosive rookie Marcio Lassiter before the Governor’s Cup started. It was a challenging season for the team management as rumors were spread the team is for sale.  Coach Bo Perasol has been offered to coach the Ateneo Blue Eagles. It will be an interesting offseason for the Tigers.  If they will still remain next year, they will have a good young core composed of Casio, Sean Anthony, James Martinez, Rey Guevarra, and Rabeh Al-Husseinei.

As for Meralco (4-5), they will join early qualifiers Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (8-1), B-Meg Llamados (6-3), Talk ‘N Text (5-4), Barangay Ginebra Kings (5-4), and Petron Blaze Boosters (5-4).  The teams will carry over their elimination round records in the semifinals.  They will play each other once and top 2 teams will battle for the championship. If a team wins 4 of its 5 semifinal matches yet fail to land in the top 2, they will play the No.2 team in a knockout match for the second finals slot.  This incentive means that teams at the bottom of the standings will have a chance to catch up and the set-up assures that there will be no “no-bearing” games in the semis.

The scores:

Meralco 94 – West 26, Cardona 24, Hugnatan 14, Mercado 10, Reyes 6, Taulava 6, Macapagal 4, Ross 2, Artadi 2, Bulawan 0.

Powerade 86 – Sneed 29, David 22, Casio 9, Salvador 7, Anthony 6, Guevarra 4, Tugade 4, Adducul 3, Belasco 2, Martinez 0, Lingganay 0, Vanlandingham 0.

Quarter scoring: 18-25, 44-45, 69-60, 94-86

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• Ravelismo: What’s next for these Teams? (ravelismo.wordpress.com)
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• Bolts zap Tigers (gmanetwork.com)

PBA: 3 cliffhangers so far this weekend

The 2012 Commissioner’s Cup in its full swing and this weekend is marked with 3 very close encounters. Here are the results of the most recent games in the PBA:

Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (1-0) 102 – 96 Meralco Bolts (1-2)

The defending champions Talk ‘N Text started their defense with a win against sister team Meralco Bolts. Import Omar Samhan dominated the boards by scoring 20 points, grabbing 20 rebounds and blocking 4 shots. Samhan actually had a tough debut as he missed his first 9 shots. Meralco import Jarrid Famous had 28 points and 13 rebounds. The game was nip and tuck from the start but the Tropang Texters was able to finally pull away in the overtime period behind Samhan’s 6 points.

Samhan got a lot of local support as Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, Kelly Williams, and recent Finals MVP Larry Fonacier scored in double figures. Mark Cardona and Chris Ross combined for 44 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists, and 6 steals for the losers.

Talk ‘N Text (102) – Samhan 24, Alapag 14, Castro 13, Williams 12, Dillinger 10, Fonacier 10, De Ocampo 9, Peek 6, Aguilar 4, Carey 0.

Meralco (96) – Famous 28, Cardona 25, Ross 19, Hugnatan 10, Borboran 6, Espinas 5, Aljamal 2, Taulava 1, Timberlake 0, Macapagal 0, Artadi 0.

Quarterscores: 19-22; 45-42; 68-68; 92-92; 102-96.

Powerade Tigers (1-0) 122 – 120  Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (0-2)

The Powerade Tigers has once again shown that they have the number of the Yeng Guiao-coached Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. After being down much early in the game, the Tigers unleashed under 4th quarter comeback behind the hot hands of Gary David, rookie Jvee Casio, and import Dwayne Jones. David scored 32 points and hit the game breaking trifecta for a 122-119 lead with 13 seconds left in the game. Rain or Shine only managed to get 1 point in its final possession behind Gabe Norwood‘s free throw.

Dwayne Jones had 34 points 21 rebounds. Painter’s Duke Crewes had 23 points and 12 rebounds. Casio finished the game with 14 points and 13 assists. Marcio Lassiter and reserve big man Ricky Calimag also scored in double figures for the Tigers. Five locals led by Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan scored more than ten points each for the Painters.

Powerade (122) – Jones 34, David 32, Casio 14, Lassiter 13, Calimag 11, Anthony 9, Vanlandingham 6, Allera 3, Martinez 0, Lingganay 0, Kramer 0, Cruz 0, Adducul 0.

Rain or Shine (120) – Crews 23, Norwood 16, Chan 13, Arana 13, Quinahan 12, Cruz 10, Belga 9, Lee 8, Buenafe 7, Ibanes 7,Matias 2.

Quarterscores: 24-33; 50-59; 83-94; 122-120.

Alaska Aces (2-1) 76 – 74 Barangay Ginebra Kings (1-1)

In the out of town Saturday game, the Alaska Aces made a magical comeback against the Barangay Ginebra Kings in Lucena City. L.A. Tenorio scored 7 points in the last 19 seconds that comprised of a rare 4-point play and a game winning 3-point shot. With the Aces down 69-72, Tenorio made an improbable 3-point shot just as Mike Cortez was trying to foul him. He made the bonus free throw for a 73-72 lead. Kerby Raymundo made a fade-away with 6 seconds left to give back the lead to the Kings. Tenorio, however, was not done as he drilled another three with 2 seconds left to shock the pro-Ginebra crowd. All in all, Tenorio finished the game with 23 points. Cyrus Baguio top scored with 29 points. Mark Caguioa, Mike Cortez and Raymundo combined for 44 points. The imports negated each other as Adam Parada and Chris Alexander only scored 7 points apiece.

Alaska (76) — Baguio 29, Tenorio 23, Parada 7, Baracael 5, Thoss 4, Reyes 4, Bugia 2, Custodio 2, Eman 0, Salamat 0.

Ginebra (74) — Caguioa 19, Cortez 13, Raymundo 12, Ababou 9, Alexander 7, Helterbrand 5, Canaleta 4, Labagala 3, Mamaril 1, Wilson, W. 1

Quarterscores: 18-17, 32-41, 58-56, 76-74

Games today

Barako Bull Energy vs. Air 21 Express

Petron Blaze Boosters vs. B-Meg Llamados

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PBA 37: Shopinas losses in debut

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Powerade buck the absence of top pick Jvee Casio to give Shopinas a loss in its first game in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), 98-87. The Power Tigers started very hot as they led 37-16 at the end of the first quarter. The Shopinas clickers tried to rally in the next 3 quarters but in the end, Powerade held on for the win.

Gary David led the Tigers with 31 big points. He was supported by Celino Cruz, ex-Gilas Marcio Lassiter, and Josh Vanlandingham, who all scored in double figures. For Shopinas, Ren-Ren Ritualo looked comfortable in the Coach Franz Pumaren’s offense as he topped the scoring with 19 markers. Pumaren was Ritualo’s coach at De la Salle University when the Green Archers dominated the UAAP in Ritualo’s tenure. Ritualo was supported by Jojo Duncil who scored 11 points and led a furious rally that cut down the Tiger’s lead to 2 at one point in the 3rd canto. Rookie James Sena had a notable debut as he scored 15 points.

Next up for Powerade is fellow 1-0 team Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday while Shopinas.com will test the Meralco Bolts a week from now.

The scores:

Powerade (98) – David 31, Cruz 15, Vanlandingham 14, Lassiter 10, Antonio 8, Lingganay 6, Kramer 6, Anthony 4, Calimag 4, Adducul 0.

Shopinas.com (87) – Ritualo 19, Sena 15, Duncil 11, Mirza 9, Sison 8, Hermida 7, Espiritu 6, Jazul 6, Menor 6, Canlas 0, Canta 0, Se 0.

Quarterscores: 37-16; 55-42; 79-71; 98-87.

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PBA Draft Results and draft day trades

A new batch of basketball talents has been chosen in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft.  Just one week ago, the 2011 PBA season ended and last night was the first night of preparations for the next season. The draft talent was augmented with the inclusion 7 Smart-Gilas standouts.  Only 24 of over 30 draftees were selected after 4 rounds. These were the lucky players who got picked in the PBA Draft for the 2011-12 Season.

1^st Round Pick 1 (Powerade) JV Casio (DLSU-Smart Gilas) – As expected, the Gilas’ top sniper was picked as this year’s no.1 overall. It has been 8 years since a point guard was picked as No.1. Casio will be primarily be used as PG but could slide down to SG should Powerade decides to have a quick line-up.

1^st Round Pick 2 (Rain or Shine) Paul Lee (UE)- Lee is probably the most PBA-ready among the draft picks. He has shown his capability of carrying a team on his back with UE and Cobra Energy. Yeng Guiao will definitely have a very potent offensive weapon at his disposal.

1^st Round Pick 3 (Petron via Barako Bull) Chris Lutz (Marshall University-Smart-Gilas) – With Lutz, Petron has now a versatile forward that could be a tall SF/SG in the mold of Danny Seigle. A starting five of Cabagnot, Lutz, JWash, Arwind, and Al-Husseini with Miranda, Hontiveros, Ildefonso, et. al at the bench is definitely championship-caliber.

1^st Round Pick 4 (Powerade) Marcio Lassiter (Cal State Fullerton -Smart-Gilas) – Casio and Lassiter backcourt will be the guard tandem for Powerade in the years to come. It will be a very dangerous guard combination.

1^st Round Pick 5 (Shopinas) Mark Barroca (FEU-Smart Gilas) – Barroca will probably be a favorite in the rookie of the year voting since he comes in a team that is rebuilding and he could get a lot of minutes. He has been a capable scorer and passer in college and national team, he could easily be the team leader for coach Franz Pumaren.

1^st Round Pick 6 (Alaska) Mac Baracael (FEU- Smart-Gilas) – Baracael has shown that he can defend PBA players and he has that toughness that Tim Cone is looking for in his forwards. He will be new a Hugnatan but with better offensive skills.

1^st Round Pick 7 (Meralco) Jason Ballesteros (SSC- Smart Gilas) – His height is a major asset in this league and with few marquee big man options available, Meralco might have a steal at Number 7.

1^st Round Pick 8 (Barako Bull via Petron) Allain Maliksi (UST) – Capturing the PBA D-League MVP surely helped raise his stock. He has been seasoned in the minors and he has been showing that he is PBA-ready.

1^st Round Pick 9 (Ginebra) Reil Cervantes (FEU) – A young versatile big man for the aging Kings is just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully, he can adjust fast and man the post for Ginebra.

1^st Round Pick 10 (Barako Bull) Dylan Ababou (UST- Smart Gilas) This tall swingman can be the primary back up to Danny Seigle this season. He will also be reunited with former UST Tiger teammate and fellow PBA rookie Allain Maliksi.

2^nd Round Pick 1 (Shopinas) Magi Sison (UP)

2^nd Round Pick 2 (Talk ‘N Text) Pamboy Raymundo (SSC)

2^nd Round Pick 3 (Alaska) Eric Salamat (ADMU)

2^nd Round Pick 4 (Alaska) Julius Pasculado (Wilbur Wright)

2^nd Round Pick 5 (Alaska) Ariel Mepaña (UV)

2^nd Round Pick 6 (BMEG) Brian Ilad (DLSU)

2^nd Round Pick 7 (Meralco via Alaska) Gilbert Bulawan (SSC)

2^nd Round Pick 8 (Ginebra) James Martinez (UE)

2^nd Round Pick 9 (Barako Bull) Ken Acibar (UE)

2^nd Round Pick 10 (Barako Bull) Joseph Sorongon (UP)

2^nd Round Pick 11 (Powerade via Talk ‘N Text) Marc Agustin (Adamson)

3^rd Round Pick 1 (Shopinas) Marc Cagoco (JRU)

3^rd Round Pick 2 (Petron) Felimon Fernandez (Orange Coast College)

4^th Round Pick 1 (Petron) Gerald Lapus (Arellano)

Trades:

Barako Bull – Petron Trade

Dondon Hontiveros, Carlo Sharma, and Chris Lutz (Barako Bull) for Mick Pennisi, Sunday Salvacion, Allain Maliksi, and 2014 2^nd Round Pick (Petron)

Meralco – TNT – Powerade Trade

Meralco gets Jason Ballesteros (7^th pick), Mark Yee (TNT), Mark Macapagal (Powerade)

Talk ‘N Text gets  Shawn Weinstein, Bam Gamalinda (Meralco)

Powerade receives Ogie Menor and Chris Timberlake (Meralco), Mark Agustin (21^st pick)

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PBA Governors Cup: Alaska and Powerade enters the winning column

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Alaska Aces and Powerade Tigers finally broke into the winning column with contrasting victories last night.  Both teams now carry a record of 1 win with 2 losses in the Philippine Basketball Association‘s season-ending conference.

The Tigers left the Air 21 Express in the cellar by winning the opening game of last night’s double-header 109-91. The Tigers were led by rookies Sean Anthony and Jai Reyes.  The two combined for 35 points, 24 came in the last quarter to rout the Danny Seigle-led Express. The import match-up was so lopsided in favor of Tiger’s Chris Porter who finished the night with 22 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals while Alpha Bangura had a dismal 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists performance. The Express played import-less majority of the 2nd half. With the loss, the fate of the once reliable import is now at the hands of the management.

In the main game of the night, Alaska Aces somehow extracted some form of revenge against Joe DeVance who asked to be traded at the end of the last conference.  Alaska was forced to trade the MVP candidate to the Air 21 Express who made another deal to ship DeVance to the Derby Ace Llamados. Alaska got lanky Jay-R Reyes from the trade. Last night, was the first time that DeVance faced the Aces after the split.  Alaska limited DeVance to 10 points (2/10 FG).  Alaska import Jason Forte found his stroke from the midrange to lead the Aces with 29 points along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocked shots. Sonny Thoss (20 points, 10 rebs, 7-12 shooting) somehow negated the monster game by James Yap who led the Lllamados with 28 points while 4 of his 6 3-point attempts. Stefhon Hannah played his best game as an import with 18 points but was ineffective in the crunchtime.  He raised his scoing average to 11.3 points a game which is still the lowest among imports in the history of the PBA.

Games on Friday will be:

Araneta Coliseum

5:00 PM Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2-1) vs. Petron Blaze Boosters (2-1)

7:15 PM Brgy. Ginebra Kings (1-1) vs. Meralco Bolts (2-0)

caloycomment: Games last night saw the importance of having an import that can lead your team to victories. The winning teams had imports dishing out performances that were expected of them while Bangura and Hannah might have played their last games in their PBA careers.  Hannah is just too small and can easily be guarded by Filipino guards. Bangura has been off-form lately and Danny Seigle have better numbers than the Express import this conference.

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