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