Abueva makes history as Stags claim twice-to-beat edge By Karlo Sacamos

SSC Stags star Calvin Abueva, pictured going for a drive against the San Beda Lions, became the first player in the country's major leagues to lead a season in scoring, rebounds, and assists. Jerome Ascano

CALVIN Abueva stepped up in the absence of Ronald Pascual and made history in the process as San Sebastian scored a huge 69-55 victory over San Beda on Monday night at the end of the elimination round of the 88^th NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Proving why he is the best player in college basketball, Abueva delivered in the payoff period by either hitting threes or dishing to his teammates to lift the Stags to their 13^th win in 18 games and a season sweep of the Lions.
Finishing with 23 points, 16, rebounds, and three assists, the league’s reigning MVP also became the first player in the country’s major cage leagues to lead a league in points, rebounds, and assists.
With his point total, Abueva finished the season with a 20.1-point average (just a fraction of a point ahead of Letran’s Kevin Alas), 16.4 boards, and 6.5 assists (also just one-tenth of a point ahead of San Beda’s Baser Amer).
The win secured for the Stags the second seed in the Final Four and the twice-to-beat advantage that comes with it.
The Lions nevertheless are assured of the top seed entering the semifinals with a 15-3 elimination-round record.
Although Amer finished with seven assists to threaten Abueva’s record, the sophomore playmaker was held to just four points in 20 minutes off the bench.
“Strategy namin is pilitin wag magkaroon ng kumpiyansa yung Amer, wag siya maka-distribute, at nagawa naman namin,” Stags interim coach Allan Trinidad said.
The Stags chances’ of completing a sweep of the two-time defending champions appeared bleak early on after Pascual was ejected after being slapped with a questionable disqualifying foul on San Beda’s Rome dela Rosa following a rebound play.
For a while, the Stags appeared to cope with his ejection as they managed to hold on to an eight-point halftime lead.
But soon after the Lions, led by Ola Adeogun, staged a third quarter comeback and cut the deficit to just two heading into the final frame.
The Stags, however, made the necessary stops and turned to Abueva in the payoff period as they were never threatened again by the reigning champions.
“Siya (Abueva) lang ang may lakas ng puso tumira sa amin kanina, so sumugal na kami. Kung hindi maka-shoot, recover sa depensa. Although malaking kawalan si Pascual, nakagawa kami ng adjustment. Our defense made it for us,” Trinidad said.
Meanwhile, Trinidad said the Stags, through athletic director Frank Gusi, have appealed to the management committee for the call on Pascual to be downgraded to an ordinary foul to avoid a possible suspension.

The scores
SSC (69) -- Abueva 23, Sangalang 19, Maiquez 13, Juico 6, Gusi 5, Dela Cruz 3, Rebollos 0, Vitug 0, Miranda 0, Antipuesto 0, Pascual 0
SBC (55) -- Dela Rosa 12, Lim 11, Caram 7, K. Pascual 6, J. Pascual 6, Adeogun 5, Dela Cruz 4, Amer 4, Mendoza 0, Ludovice 0, Koga 0
Quarterscores: 9-7, 30-22, 43-41, 69-55.

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/abueva-makes-history-as-stags-claim-twice-to-beat-edge

Tams reunite at San Mig By Mei-Lin Lozada

“Syempre masaya ako kasi may kakilala na ako sa team, may nakakakulitan na ako kasi andyan si Mark at si Kuya Jonas,” says former Tamaraws center Aldrech Ramos. Jerome Ascano

IT’S not surprising if rookie big man Aldrech Ramos readily feels at home with the San Mig Coffee team.
Suiting up for the Mixers meant a reunion of sorts for the 6-foot-5 Ramos with former Far Eastern University teammate Mark Barroca and ex-Tamaraw Jonas Villanueva.
Barroca also happened to be a fellow Smart-Gilas Pilipinas batchmate during their stint with the national team.
No wonder, the fifth overall pick in the last rookie draft said he immediately felt comfortable with the Mixers and their coach Tim Cone.
“Syempre masaya ako kasi may kakilala na ako sa team, may nakakakulitan na ako kasi andyan si Mark at si Kuya Jonas,” said the former Tamaraws center.
Ramos was originally picked by Barako Bull in the first round, but was shipped right away to the Mixers in exchange for Fil-Am Sean Anthony and San Mig Coffee’s pick in the second round (no. 12), which Barako used to select San Beda’s Dave Marcelo.
Although a little bit surprised following the draft-day trade, Ramos was nonetheless thrilled to reunite with Barocca.
Ramos also noted how the two former FEU stars in the San Mig team had been very supportive to a rookie like him.
“Blessed ako na kasama ko sila dito sa team. Nagpa-payo sila sa akin ano ang gagawin ko, pag may mali or kailangan i-improve andyan sila para mag-advice,” he said.
Ramos gave a good account of himself in his PBA debut. In 10 minutes of action, he finished with six points – on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from the field – and two rebounds as the Mixers routed Alaska Aces, 103-83.
Villanueva, the Mixers’ team captain, is happy to see San Mig Coffee land another ex-FEU player like him and Barroca.
“Masaya ako na may ibang FEU na nagsa-succeed da PBA. Excited ako para sa kanila na ipakita nila yung kaya nila,” said Villanueva.

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/special-reports/tams-reunite-at-san-mig

VIDEO | Cliff Hodge and Alex Mallari face off in a rap battle

Jaemark Tordecilla · Monday, October 8, 2012 · 4:35 pm

Meralco’s Cliff Hodge and Petron’s Alex Mallari battled in a different arena in Sunday’s edition of the AKTV Center. The rookies came with their best rhymes, but who came away with the win?
For more videos from the AKTV Center, visit the official Facebook page.


source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/video-cliff-hodge-and-alex-mallari-face-off-in-a-rap-battle

PBA suspends referee in Ginebra-Rain or Shine duel

Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Monday, October 8, 2012 · 2:16 pm

The PBA has handed down a suspension on referee Jun Marabe upon review of the official’s performance in Ginebra’s 98-94 win Sunday night over Rain or Shine.

Marabe called a crucial foul on Elasto Painters guard Gabe Norwood during a loose ball scramble with LA Tenorio, which Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao protested.

“Referee Marabe is suspended upon review of the call he made on Gabe Norwood late in the game between Ginebra and Rain or Shine,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud, adding the official was banned because of “non-observance of the game officials’ respective areas of jurisdiction to make a call and his disregard of the league’s official guidelines on loose ball situations.”

Marabae will be suspended for three weeks, a period comprised of 11 game days.

Rain or Shine earlier asked for a review of the officiating, but did not file a protest.

“Sanay naman kami na natatalo, but we’re not really happy with the calls last night, particularly that last play where Norwood was called for a foul,” said Rain or Shine co-owner Raymond Yu. “It should have been let go by the ref. In my opinion, games should be decided by team and players’ execution and not the refs’ call.”

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-suspends-referee-in-ginebra-rain-or-shine-duel

Yeng Guiao slams officiating in Rain or Shine loss to Ginebra

Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Monday, October 8, 2012 · 2:06 pm

AKTV/Paolo Papa

Fiery Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao slammed the officiating during his team’s 98-94 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in front of a packed Sunday crowd at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The multi-titled mentor questioned the foul called by referee Jun Marabe on Rain or Shine guard Gabe Norwood, who grabbed the ball from Ginebra’s LA Tenorio during a loose ball struggle late in the game.
“With the physicality we’re implementing in the league now, I don’t know why they would call that a foul,” said Guiao, who also noted that Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was only called two fouls in the first half, which only gave the Elasto Painters two free throws in the first 24 minutes of play.
“It was a good game and the fans were delighted. You don’t want the referees to decided on the outcome of the match.”
Guiao said he already called PBA media bureau chief and special assistant to the commissioner Willie Marcial to talk about the officiating as early as Sunday night.
On Monday, the Elasto Painters wrote the PBA commissioner’s office to ask for a review on the matter.
“We’re not protesting. We just seek clarification about the calls, particularly that last play where the referee decided the outcome,” said Guiao.
“Siguro naman maski five percent lang ng fans namin ang nandoon kagabi sa Araneta, may karapatan naman kaming i-raise yung issue. I believe it’s also the job of the commissioner to ensure he’s on top of everything, including the officiating.”

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/yeng-guiao-slams-officiating-in-rain-or-shine-loss-to-ginebra

FTW: The great FTW debate - Best PBA Muse

source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/135746/ftw/ftw-the-great-ftw-debate-best-pba-muse

Caguioa, Tenorio shoot Ginebra past Rain or Shine to take early lead

InterAKTV · Sunday, October 7, 2012 · 9:02 pm

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel just had too many weapons in its arsenal.
The Gin Kings hit one big shot after another to come away with a thrilling 98-94 win over Rain or Shine to seize the solo lead of the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Kerby Raymundo, Mark Caguioa, and LA Tenorio took turns carrying the scoring load for Ginebra in the final quarter to deal the Elasto Painters their first loss in the tournament.
Caguioa finished with a team-high 22 points while Tenorio bounced back from a two-point game in his debut and tallied 20 points.
Raymundo had nine of his 12 points in the frenetic fourth period as both teams exchanged runs.
“We’re happy we’re able to squeeze the game. We didn’t play well,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.
“But it’s a good win for us especially against one of the top teams like Rain or Shine na very fluid na maglaro.”
Caguioa banged in a three-pointer to tie count at 90-all with 2:49 remaining. Rico Maierhofer then followed up an airball attempt by LA Tenorio, who later added a free throw to give Ginebra a 93-90 lead.
Rain or Shine scored four quick points on a drive by Ibanes and a follow-up by Norwood to take a slim 94-93 lead.
Tenorio again came to the rescue with a short jumper, before a questionable foul call on Norwood led to Tenorio’s two free throws gave Ginebra a 97-94 lead with 16.5 seconds left.
Chan’s three-pointer missed the target in the next play, allowing the Kings stayed unbeaten after two games.
“Kailangan pa namin maging consistent and it will come. We have really not jelled as a team,” said Tanquingcen.
Jeff Chan led all scorers with 25 points for the Elasto Painters.
The scores:
BRGY. GINEBRA 98 – Caguioa 22, Tenorio 20, Maierhofer 12, Raymundo 12, Maliksi 9, Wilson 6, Mamaril 6, Cortez 5, Ellis 2, Jensen 2, Helterbrand 2, Hatfield 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 94 – Chan 25, Matias 14, Norwood 11, Rodriguez 10, Cruz 7, Belga 7, Tang 6, Ibanes 6, Quinahan 5, Arana 3.
Quarters: 30-30, 46-49, 69-67, 98-94

source:http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/caguioa-tenorio-shoot-ginebra-past-rain-or-shine-to-take-early-lead