The Year In Sports: Bowles Carries B-Meg In An Epic Game 7

By Charlie Cuna | Judgment Call – Wed, Dec 26, 2012 11:29 AM PHT

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(Editor’s note: Yahoo! PH Sports looks back at the year that was with a series of blogs recalling the highlights and lowlights of Philippine sports.)

Finals MVP James Yap and Game 7 hero Denzel Bowles celebrate B-Meg's championship. (Photo by Sid Ventura)

It would be a Clash of the Titans, for sure, with two of the perennial contenders going at it for the 2012 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and the B-Meg Llamados (now San Mig Coffee Mixers) had gone through rigorous challenges in the eliminations and playoff rounds, and were set to meet in what promised to be an epic duel for the 2012 Second Conference Championship.

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Along the way, the number 3 seed Llamados had to beat Meralco 2-1 in the quarterfinals, and then go up against the second-seeded Barangay Ginebra Kings in the semis. B-Meg upset the outright semifinal qualifier Barangay in four games, 3-1.

TNT had an easier time, as the second outright qualifier to the semis, where it waited for Barako Bull, which had ousted Alaska 2-1 in the quarterfinals. The Texters were challenged, but eventually prevailed over Barako, 3-2.

The stage was set. Powerful lineups would go at it for the crown. On one side were the two-time MVP James Yap, ably supported by scorer Peter June Simon, The Fireball Josh Urbiztondo, rebounder Marc Pingris, and long centers Yancy de Ocampo and Raffy Reavis. TNT had a virtual All-Star lineup, with premier players at every position, led by former MVPs Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams, supported by The Blur, Jason Castro, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Larry Fonacier, among others.

The giant imports were a stark contrast. Young Denzel Bowles for B-Meg was barely out of college, playing just his second overseas stint. He was a jump-shooter, above-average rebounder, but neither quick of foot nor rock-strong in the paint. Donnell Harvey was an NBA veteran, a first-round draft pick, who had an iffy shot, but could pound the ball inside and had a knack for put-backs from offensive boards.

In Game 1, B-Meg drew first blood, winning 88-82. The imports led their teams in scoring and rebounding (Bowles 25 and 11, Harvey 25 and 13), and the close score was only a slight indication of things to come in what would be one of the most memorable Best-of-Seven series in recent memory.

Talk ‘N Text quickly recovered to claim Game 2, with an even closer score of 104-102. Again, the imports took center stage (Harvey 29 and 14, Bowles 33 and 13), but this time the TNT locals ably supported Harvey (Castro 23, Reyes 13, Peek 12, Williams 8) in the scoring column to help eke out the game. Bowles’ made a crucial passing error late in the game that aided TNT in securing the victory.

In the crucial Game 3, Ryan Reyes (21 points) stepped up together with Harvey (21 and 14 rebounds), but their efforts went for naught as B-Meg held on in the endgame to take a 2-1 series lead with a 91-87 victory. Bowles had a monster game with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 6 blocked shots before fouling out. Yap had 21 points of his own.

In what was becoming a see-saw series, TNT took control in Game 4 in what would be the first rout in the match-up, going on to win, 100-85. Bowles only had 17 points and the B-Meg locals’ shooting went sour, as the shooters of Talk ‘N Text delivered all game long. Seven TNT players scored at least 9 points, led by Jared Dillinger and Fonacier with 18 points apiece. In this game, Texters rookie Pamboy Raymundo was thrown out for hitting, first, Urbiztondo with an elbow, then later, Joe Devance, after Devance reacted to the earlier elbow on his smaller teammate. Devance was also sent to the showers early for throwing the ball at Raymundo.

With the series tied at 2 games each, B-Meg took its turn to win big in the series in Game 5, seizing an 82-66 victory, led by The Man with a Million Moves, Big Game James Yap, who tallied 30 points, shooting 10 of 16 from the field. The game was actually tight through three quarters, but Yap hit a last second three-pointer at the end of the third, to stretch the B-Meg lead to 6, 59-53. The Llamados dominated in the fourth, pulling away, and once again held a one-game lead in the series, with only one win left to win it all. Bowles ended with 28 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks. His nickname, Monster Bowles, was becoming more and more appropriate with each monster game.

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Talk ‘N Text in recent years has always been a title contender, and showed in Game 6 why they are a team feared by the rest. They played smartly all game long, led by Castro’s 25 points and tied the series to force a Game 7 decider, winning 92-82. Former NBA center Luc Longley and boxing trainer Freddie Roach were in the audience, to witness the Texters withstand the 33 points of Bowles and 27 of Yap. No other Llamado scored in double figures, however, dooming the team in the process.

As if the series had not had its share of controversy, Game 7 would truly be one for the books. TNT Coach Chot Reyes mentioned that, since it all boiled down to one game anyway, they should not have played the first six. Point taken, but then they would have deprived the fans of endless drama, action, suspense, horror, and occasional comedy along the way.

All series long, Bowles had delivered for B-Meg. Sure, he had a miscue here and there, a missed jumper every so often, but he was emerging more and more each game, dominating in scoring and on the boards, more than he had done earlier in the Conference. Game 7 would be the perfect setting for him to cement his legacy in the annals of PBA Finals greatness.

The game was a tight one all the way, and late in the fourth quarter, it seemed TNT had taken control. Alapag (29 points) was having his best scoring night of the series, and his team led in the last minute. In what is deemed to be one of the most controversial foul calls in PBA history, Kelly Williams was called for a push on Bowles, after Bowles muffed a lay-up off a brilliant Yap pass, with TNT ahead by 2 points with a little over a second left in regulation. Pressure mounted, Bowles looked visibly worried, but stepped up to the line to drill two game-tying free throws, sending the game into overtime.

Denzel Bowles sank two free throws with 1.2 ticks left to send Game 7 into overtime. (Photo by Sid Ventura)

Bowles cried. He was in tears in front of more than 20,000 fans, as Team Manager Alvin Patrimonio hugged him, but reminded him that there was still a five-minute overtime period to play. Bowles composed himself, then, it seems, decided that he would not rest on his achievement of sending the game into OT. He took control from that point, scoring 11 of B-Meg’s 14 OT points, putting the game, and the series, away, 90-84. Book it. 2012 PBA Commissioner’s Cup goes to the B-Meg Llamados!

Overall, this was one of the most-watched series in recent PBA history. People were talking about it, word spread about how intense each game went, and attendance, as well as viewership, rose from game to game. An average of more than 16,000 paid to watch each game live at the Big Dome, and the crowds were loud and very involved. James Yap was adjudged the Finals MVP, but the spotlight was undoubtedly on Bowles, who played the best basketball of his life, leading his team to the championship. Controversy and all, this series will be remembered for years to come.

The B-Meg Llamados lift the Commissioner's Cup trophy. (Photo by Sid Ventura)
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San Mig star Yap vows to stop complaining about refs and start scoring By:Snow Badua

`Big Game' James is raring to take on all Rain or Shine defenders head on. Jerome Ascano

JAMES Yap is taking on a new mentality going to San Mig Coffee’s crucial Game Four encounter against Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

Shackled anew by the Elasto Painters daunting defense, the league two-time MVP vowed to readily adjust on the physicality of their opponents heading to Thursday’s game at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Siguro ngayon kahit sundan pa nila (defenders) kami sa banyo, hahanap na kami ng paraan para umiskor,” quipped the San Mig star who was held to just six points in Rain or Shine’s 98-72 blowout win over the Mixers on Christmas Day, allowing the reigning Governors Cup champions to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Yap – along with teammates Marc Pingris and Peter June Simon – later told Spin.ph that inconsistencies in calls made by game officials cost them the match.

You won’t hear the same words again from Yap himself especially after the focal point of the team’s practice on Wednesday afternoon centered on how to adjust to Rain or Shine’s physicality.

“Nag-adjust na kami. Alam namin na walang mangyayari kung magre-reklamo kami ng magre-reklamo.”

Coach Tim Cone welcomed the new-found frame of mind of his top gunner.

“I am hoping that my players won’t get too roughed up. It’s something we can’t control. We can’t just play the referees that way. In a playoff series, we just got to put them away, and make sure we don’t get distracted,” said Cone.

“Bottom line is we can’t control the referees. We got to turn around and do the things we need to do to be successful. We gotta play better and we got to play harder.”

Yap did admit the Elasto Painters’ physicality, especially of defenders Jireh Ibanes, Ronnie Matias, and Ryan Arana, had gotten into his nerves.

“Yung depensa nila talagang hinahawakan na kami halos. Ako lang hindi makakilos kasi parang literal na nakaposas mga kamay ko,” said the pride of Escalante, Negros Occidental.

But taking on a much broader philosophy, `Big Game’ James declares himself ready to take on all Rain or Shine defenders head on.

Bring them on.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/yap-raring-to-find-ways-in-cracking-elasto-painters-defense

Off-Game James: Rain or Shine effort, smarts, luck add up to Yap’s miserable performance

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

It took effort and intelligence combined with a little bit of luck.
That was how Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao explained how his team was able to hold the deadly James Yap to just six points on 1-of-11 shooting on Christmas Day, allowing the Elasto Painters to cruise to a 98-72 victory.
“Jireh Ibañes, Gabe Norwood and Ryan Araña really committed themselves to playing defense against James. Wala naming special formula except that these guys are intelligent enough and knows how to defend James properly. They just showed extra effort on defense in Game Three, especially after James erupted in Game Two,” said Guiao.
“We defended well, on the other hand, he was having an off night as well. Maybe the law of averages caught up with him because it’s hard to follow up a game where you played fantastic.”
Yap’s miserable performance came just a game after he sizzled for 34 points in Game Two, which the Mixers won, 106-82.
After the woeful outing, Guiao said he remains wary of Yap’s capacity to explode.
“You can’t just put anybody who’s quick enough to defend him. You need intelligent defenders to defend against an intelligent player like James Yap,” said Guiao.
“Si James, matalino siya because he knows how to use the screens properly and he has the special ability to catch off guard his defenders.”
Guiao expects Yap to continue to be a key to the series.
“San Mig Coffee knows that its best chance of winning is for James to score more, while our chances of winning is to try and stop him from producing more points.”

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/off-game-james-rain-or-shine-effort-smarts-luck-add-up-to-yaps-miserable-performance

Frustrated Cone wants to see San Mig play with more urgency in Game Two By Richard Dy

“It’s just that we didn’t play the game with playoff intensity. That’s where the frustration was," says San Mig coach Tim Cone, who left the Big Dome without talking to the players after Game Two. Jerome Ascano

TIM Cone was so frustrated after San Mig Coffee’s 83-91 Game One loss to Rain or Shine on Wednesday night that he didn't bother to talk to the players inside the dugout and headed straight home.
The multi-titled coach was in a better mood after the Mixers' practice on Thursday morning, or at least in the mood to talk.
“It’s just that we didn’t play the game with playoff intensity. That’s where the frustration was," Cone toldSpin.ph as he poured out his frustrations over a game where the bigger and well-rested Mixers were outrebounded, outhustled, and outplayed by a Rain or Shine team coming off just a day's rest.
"But we expect a lot of improvement tomorrow (Friday),” Cone added.
Cone holed himself up with his staff to review the video and obviously found a lot of things wrong. But he said one of the main things he addressed during practice was their failure to execute their plays well.
“We didn’t do a good job executing in Game One. It was obvious from the video," Cone said. "So come Game Two, we want them to be more aggressive and play with a sense of urgency. We thought we could have played a lot better but we just didn’t.”
Relying on just one legitimate playmaker in Mark Barroca in the absence of regular starter Jonas Villanueva has also created problems for the Mixers, who also turned the ball over 16 times which led to 15 bonus points for the Elasto Painters.
Cone, who turned 55 last Dec. 14, said the team misses Villanueva, the team captain who is still recovering from a bout with dengue.
But Cone said he now expects Villanueva to be available for Game Three on Christmas Day.
“The target was for Jonas to play in Game Four. But he was able to do shooting drills this morning. So because of his activity, Christmas Day game is a possibility for Jonas,” said Cone.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/frustrated-cone-wants-to-see-mixers-play-with-more-urgency-in-game-two

James Yap skips practice but vows to play through the pain in Game Two By Richard Dy

San Mig star James Yap hyperextended his right knee during a loose ball scuffle with Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood late in the Game One loss to Rain or Shine on Wednesday night. Jerome Ascano

SUPERSTAR James Yap skipped San Mig Coffee’s Thursday morning practice as the team’s medical staff advised him to rest his right knee which he hurt late in a Game One loss on Wednesday night.
The two-time PBA MVP hyperextended his right knee during a loose ball scuffle with Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood late in the fourth period, a situation that alarmed Yap as he limped off the court.
“First time ko kasi makaramdam ng ganung klaseng sakit sa tuhod. Sabi sa akin (ng team staff) na ipahinga ko na lang muna,” said the former University of the East star.
Yap's knee was wrapped in ice the whole time while the rest of the Mixers went through their paces in practice.
Yap, however, vowed to play in Game Two on Friday even if he has to play through the pain, something he had done often in his nine-year PBA career that began with the same franchise that drafted him second overall.
“Kung ako lang, kahit naman may masakit basta kaya ko, practice lang ako. Ngayon kung masakit pa rin bukas (Friday), mag-pain reliever na lang ako,” said the 32-year-old.
Yap is also determined to come out stronger offensively in the second game of the best-of-seven series after finishing with 11 points on 3-of-13 shooting in the Mixers’ 91-83 loss to the Painters.
“Medyo nanggigil din kasi ako sa Game One kaya marami akong mga miss sa drive ko saka jump shot. Pero maganda din depensa sa akin. Ganun lang talaga, kailangan lang bumawi,” Yap said.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/james-yap-skips-practice-but-vows-to-play-through-the-pain-in-game-two#.UNKo2KPOujg.twitter

REPEAT OR REVENGE

source: http://pba.inquirer.net/5901/repeat-or-vengeance

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One team is out for validation of its worthiness as a champion and the other is out for redemption.

Four months after their title clash last conference, Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee meet in another playoff showdown with all the trimmings of a classic duel.

They battle on one side of the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series with the winner advancing to the titular playoff versus the victor of the Talk n Text-Alaska Milk faceoff.

The Mixers and the Elasto Painters, the second and third best teams in the elimination round, start their semis confrontation at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rain or Shine seeks a repeat its conquest of San Mig Coffee (then called B-Meg) last conference, ending its six-year wait for a breakthrough championship in the pro league.

San Mig Coffee, meanwhile, is out for vengeance, redemption and more respect, being a champion team itself that last hoisted a PBA trophy just at the end of the last Commissioner’s Cup.

Thus, it’s a battle of champs that both sides expect to be a tough grind.

“It’s a battle that may come down to a deciding Game Seven,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

“It should be a great series,” said San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone.

Rain or Shine narrowly escaped with an 80-79 win in their first meeting in the elims last Oct. 24 then San Mig evened up also with a hairline of a win, 93-92, on Dec. 2.

Making their semis duel showdown more exciting is both teams playing with a complete, healthy lineup. They have great individual matchups at the backcourt and up front.

“As opposed to our championship series last conference, we feel we match up better this time around,” said Cone.

“Paul Lee’s and Chris Tiu’s additions have certainly made RoS a deeper, tougher team, but having Joe (Devance), JC (Intal) and Wes (Gonzales) available for us this time around helps even things out,” Cone added.

It’s the combo of James Yap, PJ Simon and Mark Barroca versus Lee, Tiu, Ryan Arana, Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood at the backcourt and the gang of Devance, Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis and Yancy de Ocampo against Beau Belga, JR Quinahan, Jervy Cruz, Larry Rodriguez and Ronnie Matias at the frontcourt.

Yap, the biggest ace on Cone’s sleeves, could be up for a tougher grind if RoS defensive specialist Jireh Ibanes is able to come back from injury. (SB)

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Bad news for James: Nemesis Ibanes passed fit in time for series against Yap and San Mig By Richard Dy

Rain or Shine defensive stopper Jireh Ibanes, back in action after being sidelined for a month by a broken hand, has a long history of animosity with San Mig star James Yap. Jerome Ascano 

BAD news for James Yap.
When San Mig Coffee starts its PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against Rain or Shine on Wednesday, one player in the Painters camp who not only has had success stopping him but also has clearly gotten under the skin of the league's most famous player has been passed fit just in time to play in Game One.
Rain or Shine defensive ace Jireh Ibanes is set to return to action for the opener of the best-of-seven series after being sidelined for over a month by a fractured hand he suffered while going for a steal in the Painters' 71-62 win over Air21 on November 17 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
The former UP Fighting Maroon had missed the team’s last four games in the eliminations and the three-game quarterfinal series against Barangay Ginebra but, unfortunately for Yap, has been declared fit for the San Mig series.
The two have a long history of animosity that took roots during last season's Governors Cup Finals, which the Painters won in seven games. The bad blood came to a boil during the two teams' first meeting of the season last October 24 when Yap uncharacteristically lost his cool.
During that game, Ibanes' defensive tactics, which Yap later claimed bordered on the dirty, had the San Mig star being called for a technical for second motion in the first half, and later ejected from the game for a flagrant foul after he went after Ibanes on a fastbreak and tagged him with a hard foul.
Yap was still steaming after the ejection that instead of retreating to the dugout he went straight to the press room to watch the rest of the match on TV. The Painters won, 80-79, completing a comeback from an 18-point second-half deficit.
Painters coach Yeng Guiao said he’s confident Ibanes can bring the defensive energy they need against a power-packed Mixers roster, but he did not say exactly if he really timed - or rushed - Ibanes' return precisely for the series against Yap and the Mixers.
“I know he can defend because that has been his designation in the team, he’s our best defensive stopper and his assignment basically will be to guard James Yap and PJ Simon,” Guiao told Spin.ph.
Guiao however, is uncertain if Ibanes’ shooting stroke is back, since the 30-year-old Rain or Shine guard only resumed ball handling lately.
“Tingnan ko na lang sa game kung balik na siya sa kundisyon niya since late na rin siya humawak ng bola. I’m not so sure how he can handle the ball, though in practice, mukha namang okay. Pero siyempre, iba pa rin yung game,” said Guiao.
"Saka I’m not sure about his shooting stroke, so maybe, I’ll first give him about 15 minutes," he added.
The six-year PBA veteran averaged 23.4 minutes, producing 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists during his first 10 games of the conference before he got injured.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

Nonito Donaire vs Jorge Arce Full Fight - December 16, 2012 REPLAY

SOURCE: http://www.trupinoytv.com/2012/12/nonito-donaire-vs-jorge-arce-full-fight.html

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SAN MIG COFFEE BOOKS SEMIS SEAT

2:09 pm | Thursday, December 13th, 2012

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Put to a test, sophomore Mark Barroca rose to the occasion and helped San Mig Coffee redeem itself from its harrowing experience in the same stage of the PBA Philippine Cup last season.

Barroca dazzled at the finish as the Mixers squeezed out a 92-87 win in overtime over the Petron Blaze Boosters and booked a berth in the Final Four before a good Thursday crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The rookie playmaker was all over the floor at endgame, coming through with one crucial play after another to personally ease Petron Blaze out of the tourney.

It was redemption for the whole team after topping the elims of the tourney last season only to bungle its twice-to-beat advantage versus eventual second placer Powerade.

There’s no stopping coach Tim Cone and his troops from moving to the next round this time.

“Talk about being put in a wringer…..just facing Petron in the quarters is tough. That’s why we really wanted it done right away. We didn’t want a second game,” said Cone.

“It was such a crucial performance by us tonight to knock them out. They had great expectation coming into the season. And getting knocked out is tough. We experienced it last year,” Cone also said.

It took the Mixers great individual effort, including that of Barroca, who curiously was doubtful for this game two days ago.

“He’s Wolverine for us. He is knocked out one moment and he heals in the next moment. On Tuesday in practice, we thought we lost him to an elbow injury. The next day, he showed up and said he’s ready to play,” said Cone.

And what a game Barroca played!

Seeing extended minutes with Jonas Villanueva downed by dengue, the former Smart Gilas mainstay proved up to the task and even emerged the team’s biggest hero with numerous key plays down the stretch.

He took a steal then set up Rafi Reavis for a play that sent the latter to the stripe. He later scored on a jumper then drained two charities to keep the Boosters at bay in OT.

The Mixers had a chance to win it right away in regulation but James Yap missed a step-back jumper off Chris Lutz in the dying seconds.

Yap nonetheless had his moments, leading all scorers with 23 markers.

Marc Pingris piled up double-double numbers with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Joe Devance and PJ Simon added 12 markers each.

The two teams figured in a battle with June Mar Fajardo, Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos leading the Petron Blaze charge.

Lassiter failed to finish the game after a bad fall with 5:51 left to play. He was taken out of the venue on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital. (SB)

source: http://pba.inquirer.net/4891/san-mig-coffee-books-semis-seat

Stand-in starter Barroca's clutch baskets aid San Mig's escape in OT thriller By Richard Dy

Petron rookie June Mar Fajardo towers for a short stab against a phalanx of San Mig players. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee leaned on the second-half brilliance of sophomore guard Andy Mark Barroca as the Mixers pulled off a come-from-behind 92-87 overtime win against sister Petron Blaze to reach the semifinals on their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Barroca, the 5’8” guard out of Far Eastern University who started only because of the absence of Jonas Villanueva, came through with 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and extension period as he helped engineer the Mixers’ huge comeback from an 11-point second-half deficit.
“Talk about being put on the wringer, we’re put in the wringer just with the idea of facing Petron in the quarterfinals. We just want it one and done. We don’t want to give them momentum. It’s such a crucial performance for us to knock them out,” said a relieved San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone.
The Mixers can finally heave a sigh of relief after exorcising the ghost of their shock exit in this same conference last season, when as top seeds they blew a similar twice-to-beat edge against Powerade in the quarterfinals - only the third No. 1 team to bow out in the first round of the playoffs.
Cone said he was happy to see Barroca play his heart out in the quarterfinal game, hitting the big baskets that allowed the Mixers to claw back successfully from a 46-57 deficit late in the third period.
“They call Mark the Wolverine because he gets knocked out or hit but he still gets up and play. He got hit in Tuesday’s practice but next day, he just got back told me he’ll play. We were shocked,” said Cone.
“He hyperextended his elbow and we thought it might have torn ligament. He was on the ground for 10 or 15 minutes. That was Tuesday. He had a hard time getting up. We thought he’s not gonna play. But he showed up in practice. It was really gruesome if you see that, yet he just started shooting after that,” he added.
Despite struggling in the second half, James Yap managed to lead the Mixers on offense with 23 points, on top of seven rebounds and two steals.
Petron's early exit put to naught a career game by top rookie pick June Mar Fajardo, whocame away with 22 points and 15 rebounds along with three blocks in 35 minutes of play.
Alex Cabagnot added 21 while Lassiter chipped in 16 spiked with four triples before the bad fall in the fourth quarter.
The scores:
San Mig 92 - Yap 23, Pingris 20, Barroca 15, Devance 12, Simon 12, De Ocampo 4, Ramos 3, Reavis 3, Intal 0, Gonzales 0
Petron 87 - Fajardo 22, Cabagnot 21, Lassiter 16, Santos 13, Washington 8, Lutz 4, Faundo 2, Yeo 1, Lanete 0, Miranda 0, Pena 0
Quarterscores: 17-17, 39-39, 61-63, 79-79, 92-87

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/stand-in-starter-barrocas-clutch-baskets-aid-san-migs-escape-in-ot-thriller-v02

‘Coffee Prince’ sizzles as San Mig Coffee survives Petron in OT to avoid QF upset Rey Joble, InterAKTV

AKTV file/Pranz Kaeno Billones

James Yap and Marc Pingris had excellent games for San Mig Coffee, but it was Mark Barroca who hit the biggest baskets in the Mixers’ pulsating 92-87 overtime victory in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals Thursday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, the Mixers booked a seat in the tournament’s final four, avoiding the complications of a do-or-die match against the dangerous Boosters.
“Talking about being put through a wringer gives you the idea of facing Petron,” said San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone. “Our idea was to run and gun with these guys. We don’t want a second game with this team. It was a crucial performance for us to knock them out. If we didn’t win tonight, I don’t know how we’re going to win our second game against them.”
San Mig Coffee had reason to be wary. Then known as B-MEG, the team also had twice-to-beat advantage last season against the Powerade Tigers, but were victims of an upset against a team that caught fire at the right time.
This year, the Mixers made sure they advanced.
Barroca scored the final five points of regulation for San Mig Coffee, including a three-pointer that put the Mixers up 79-76 with just 26.3 seconds left. But Arwind Santos hit a tying three-pointer less than 16 seconds later to force the extra period.
San Mig Coffee was up by a slim 87-85 margin late in overtime when Barroca hit a floater and two free throws to put the game away for the Mixers. The second-year guard, who finished with 15 points, also took a key charge during that stretch.
Yap had 23 points and seven rebounds while Pingris added 20 and 11 to lead San Mig Coffee, which trailed by as much as 10 points in the third quarter.
The loss spoiled the performance of top overall pick June Mar Fajardo, who had the best game of his career with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks.
The scores:
SAN MIG COFFEE 92 – Yap 23, Pingris 20, Barroca 15, Devance 12, Simon 12, De Ocampo 4, Ramos 3, Reavis 3, Intal 0, Gonzales 0.
PETRON 87 – Fajardo 22, Cabagnot 21, Lassiter 16, Santos 13, Washington 8, Lutz 4, Faundo 2, Yeo 1, Lanete 0, Miranda 0, Pena 0.
Quarters: 17-17, 39-39, 61-63, 79-79, 92-87

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/coffee-prince-sizzles-as-san-mig-coffee-survives-petron-in-ot-to-avoid-qf-upset

PBA PHILIPPINE CUP QUARTERFINALS PREVIEW By JC Ansis

WHICH TEAMS WILL ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND?

The PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals is set to commence on Wednesday, December 12. After an exciting two months of battle, things will get even rowdier as we enter the playoff stages of the conference.

 

Let’s take a look at the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal matchups.

 

(1) Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. (8) Air21 Express

 

The Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters once again find themselves on top of the standings with a 12-2 card at eliminations end. In the previous year, the Texters won the Philippine Cup championship, and it seems they want to win it again this season. But Coach Norman Black’s troops will have to dispatch Air 21 first to do that. The Express boast of an offense that heavily relies on the services of Nino Canaleta and Mike Cortez. Their bench is weak and will likely have a tough time keeping up with TNT’s reserves. Air 21 is young and inexperienced, factors that I think will pose problems for them in going up against a tested and solid, well-oiled Talk N’ Text squad. If the Express can control the tempo, they might have a chance. But I doubt it.

 

Forecast: Talk N’ Text

 

(2) San Mig Coffee Mixers vs. (7) Petron Blaze Boosters

 

San Mig Coffee and Petron. This series has “upset” written all over it. Though they’re only a seventh seed, the Boosters mustn’t be overlooked. They’ve got a stat monster in Arwind Santos and a very capable point guard in Alex Cabagnot. Plus, Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter’s athleticism and pesky style of play can dent the Mixers’ defense. So yes, this team is loaded. Petron can space the floor well and their guards are good at running the fastbreak – even their big men can get up and down the court. The Boosters have more depth than the Mixers with the likes of Lutz, Jay Washington and Dennis Miranda providing offense off the bench. Aside from James Yap and Peter Jun Simon, I don’t think anyone else from San Mig Coffee is capable of exploding.

 

Forecast: Petron

 

(3) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. (6) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings

 

Just like the Mixers-Boosters matchup, this will be a crowd-pleasing, pants-wetting series. In their last recent duel, Barangay Ginebra rallied back from an 18-point deficit to beat the Elasto Painters, much to the delight of the crowd. In order for Rain or Shine to advance to the semis, they will need to take advantage of their physicality - their frontline should bully Ginebra in the post. And they’ll need to win the rebounding battle since they were outdone on the boards in both losses to BGSM. Chris Tiu and Paul Lee will definitely provide Rain or Shine more firepower so Ginebra’s backcourt of LA Tenorio and JayJay Helterbrand will need to stay on their toes on defense as well. The x-factor in this series is Jeff Chan. If Chan clicks on all cylinders, Ginebra could bow out early in the playoffs.

 

Forecast: Rain or Shine, 2-1

 

(4) Meralco Bolts vs. (5) Alaska Aces

 

Based on their two Philippine Cup meetings, Meralco and Alaska look evenly matched. Sol Mercado, Mark Cardona, and Cliff Hodge vs. JVee Casio, Cyrus Baguio, and Calvin Abueva. The backcourt production of both squads will most likely cancel each other out. One thing that should be looked at is the battle in the post. Whichever team’s frontline can perform better will have the advantage in this series. Mercado has been playing lights out this conference and it would be fitting for him to lead the Bolts to a semifinals berth, but I think fans would rather see Abueva in the next round.

 

Forecast: Alaska, 2-1

Source: http://www.solarsportsdesk.ph/bk/bkfeatures/2012/12/10/pba-philippine-cup-quarterfinals-preview

As PBA Philippine Cup enters its playoffs, here are 16 scenarios that may happen By Fidel R. Mangonon III

ONLY four games remain in the elimination round of the 2012-13 PBA Philippine Cup.
Barako Bull takes on Rain or Shine while San Mig Coffee battles Globalport on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena while Meralco goes up against the Mixers and two-time defending champion Talk ‘N Text ends the elims with its rematch against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday in the same venue.
Seven teams – Talk ‘N Text, San Mig Coffee, Rain or Shine, Alaska, Meralco, Barangay Ginebra and Petron Blaze – are already assured of places in the quarterfinals and only one slot remains unfilled, left to be fought for by Air21 and Barako Bull.
Globalport is already out of the playoffs and is simply looking to end the conference on a winning note.
If the Energy Cola beat the Elasto Painters Friday, Barako Bull and Air21 will figure in a playoff on Monday at the Cuneta Astrodome for the eighth and last quarterfinal berth opposite the Tropang Texters. Otherwise, the Express will advance automatically to the quarterfinals and the Energy Cola join the Batang Pier in an early Christmas vacation and early preparation for the Commissioner’s Cup.
Aside from that, here are the other pertinent things you should know:
1. Win or loss against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, Talk ‘N Text will finish the elims on top and with the No. 1 seeding in the playoffs. Even if it loses and San Mig Coffee manages to tie the Tropang Texters at 11-3, TNT will still be No. 1 as it beat the Mixers twice in the elims.
2. The Tropang Texters are going to have the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals against either Barako Bull or Air21.
3. San Mig Coffee will automatically be No. 2 and with the other twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals if it wins any of its last two games. If this happens, the Mixers will square off with No. 7 Petron Blaze in the quarterfinals.
4. If San Mig Coffee loses its last two games in the elims against the Batang Pier and the Bolts and Rain or Shine beats Barako Bull, the Mixers and the Elasto Painters will figure in a playoff for the No. 2 ranking, also on Monday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
5. The quarterfinal pairings are  No. 1 vs. No. 8 and No. 2 vs. No. 7 with Nos. 1 & 2 having the twice-to-beat advantage; No. 3 vs. No. 6 and No. 4 vs. No. 5 are best-of-three affairs.
6. A win by San Mig Coffee and Rain or Shine on Friday will complete the quarterfinal cast – meaning no more playoff games – and these pairings:
a. No. 1 Talk ‘N Text vs. No. 8 Air21, TNT with twice-to-beat advantage
b. No. 2 San Mig Coffee vs. No. 7 Petron Blaze, Mixers with twice-to-beat advantage
c. Best-of-3: No. 3 Rain or Shine vs. either Barangay Ginebra or Meralco
d. Other best-of-3: Alaska vs. either Meralco or Barangay Ginebra
Here the last 16 scenarios with the resulting rankings and corresponding point-differentials and PBA quotients in case of ties:

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/by-the-numbers/as-pba-philippine-cup-enters-its-playoffs-here-are-16-scenarios-that-may-happen#.UMGDmJ18bPo.twitter

San Mig not taking any chances against minnows By Richard Dy

“We just gotta worry about Globalport because they’re gonna play relaxed. We gotta go out and prepare for that game," says San Mig coach Tim Cone ahead of Friday's match. Jerome Ascano

SAN MIG Coffee has two chances to seal its place in the top two and gain a valuable advantage in the semifinals — against cellar-dwelling Globalport in its penultimate elimination-round match and versus midtable Meralco at the end of its schedule.
The earlier the Mixers can get it done, the better.
A win over the also-ran Batang Pier on Friday at the MOA Arena will give the Mixers the No. 2 spot, a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals, and a chance to take it easy on the final elimination match in preparation for the playoffs of the Philippine Cup.
The Mixers take on the Batang Pier at 7:30 p.m. and coach Tim Cone has made clear the team has no intention of dilly-dallying as it tries to clinch the second twice-to-beat incentive after Talk ’N Text secured the first one last week via a 95-82 win over Petron.
The Mixers currently tote a 9-3 record, while the Tropang Texters are at 11-2.
Cone’s charges scored a 93-92 decision over third-running Rain or Shine last week, seriously denting the Elasto Painters’ bid for No. 2 spot and the twice-to-beat incentive. The only chance now for Rain or Shine to steal No. 2 is if it wins its last elimination match and San Mig drops its last two, resulting in a tied record and a playoff game.
Against the Batang Pier in their first encounter, the Mixers went through anxious moments before scoring an 82-78 win.
“We just gotta worry about Globalport because they’re gonna play relaxed. We gotta go out and prepare for that game.  We gotta clinch our spot on Friday,” said Cone, who's got an armada of gunners to lean on in their game against the Batang Pier.
James Yap will no doubt be at the forefront of San Mig Coffee’s offense, though additional scoring support is also expected from steady shooter Peter June Simon, Joe Devance and big men Yancy de Ocampo and Marc Pingris.
The Batang Pier, who officially bowed out of the playoffs following their 101-95 loss to the Alaska Aces in Dipolog City, are playing their final game in the Philippine Cup.
Globalport has lost its last nine games, including a lopsided 92-113 decision against Air21 on Wednesday night that saw Express forward KG Canaleta erupt for a career-high 41 points on six-of-nine shooting from beyond the arc.
The Batang Pier own a woeful 1-12 record, their lone win this conference scored at the expense of the Bolts, 105-104, on October 17 also at the MOA Arena.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

SOURCE: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-not-taking-any-chances-against-globalport

Yeng earns his spurs as Cone praises Painters' 'San Antonioesque' play By Reuben Terrado

Yeng Guiao's Rain or Shine side plays with the same consistency and toughness as the San Antonio Spurs, says San Mig coach Tim Cone. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone may have won the latest round of his long-running rivalry with Rain or Shine's Yeng Guiao, but he only has respect and admiration for the enemy.
Moments after San Mig survived a torrid Rain or Shine comeback to pull off a 93-92 victory at the Big Dome, Cone reserved his biggest praise for their opponents, going as far as comparing the Elasto Painters to the San Antonio Spurs and their coach to Greg Popovich.
The way Guiao has turned Rain or Shine into a tough, fighting unit that plays consistently from the first minute to the last, regardless of which team it was facing, reminds him of the very same qualities that have made Popovich's Spurs perennial title contenders in the NBA, Cone said.
“Kinda reminds me of Popovich,” said Cone of Guiao after the hard-earned win. “They play the same offense and defense. They just keep coming back.”
What makes the Elasto Painters tough to beat is that they play with the same intensity from beginning to end, Cone said.
“His (Yeng Guiao) teams play the same way all the time. They don’t change. They play the same tempo, they play the same defense and offense from the first minute to the 48^th minute. It doesn’t matter what the score is,” Cone said.
The multi-titled coach said that it is that consistency that makes Rain or Shine a strong team even though the ballclub doesn't have a superstar in its lineup.
“They stay consistent while the other teams, they tend to change their play depending on the score. Some teams play a little faster on taking shots, but this team stays consistent and that’s what makes them tough in my opinion,” Cone said.
“I always say that with San Antonio,” he added.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @reubensports

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/yeng-earns-his-spurs-as-cone-praises-painters-san-antonioesque-play