A few days after they got robbed right inside the Mall of Asia Arena, the Meralco Bolts rebounded by finishing strong and beating the Air21 Express. Sol Mercado and Mac Cardona combined for 42 points to lead the Bolts, now at 3 wins and 2 losses, while Reynel Hugnatan and Jay-R Reyes paired up for 17 points and 24 rebounds down low.
Meralco employed great defense here, limiting all but one Express player to single digits (John Wilson netted 16 points), while also forcing 19 Air21 turnovers. Meralco coach Ryan Gregorios wards shot a blistering 41% from beyond the arc, highlighted by a combined 10 treys from Mercado, Cardona, and Ronjay Buenafe.
In the second game, the Boosters relied on steady execution in the second half to turn back the tough-fighting Ginebra Kings. Alex Cabagnot came through this time around, seemingly responding to the call-out made by teammate Arwind Santos after their previous loss, scoring 25 points while dishing out 9 assists. For his part, Santos recorded a monster double-double, scoring 22 markers, collaring 17 rebounds, and blocking 2 shots. Former Gilas standout Chris Lutz, who engaged Ginebra ace Mark Caguioa in a word war throughout the match, also did well, putting up 18 points. Former Green Archer Joseph Yeo, meanwhile, hit 4 triples on his way to finishing with 16 markers.
Caguioa led the Kings with 23 points, but he shot just 9-of-25 from the field. LA Tenorio also had a good game, bouncing back from his subpar performance last Friday by recording 15 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. It was all for naught, however, as Ginebra fell for the third time in a row after winning its first two assignments.
Game Recaps: MERALCO BOLTS over AIR21 EXPRESS, 85-72
Meralco notched a win that somehow eased the pain on its horrific experience from its previous trip at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bolts vented their ire on the Air 21 Express for an 85-72 win in the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup, coming out winners this time at the state-of-the-art venue in Pasay City.
We defended well today. We defended our things well and the numbers put up by Air 21 are not so significant, said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio, who was among Bolts member victimized by thieves who ransacked their locker room last Wednesday, during halftime of their 105-104 loss to GlobalPort.
After that harrowing experience, we were able to bounce back strong, came out with better focus, competed and played good basketball.
Gregorio blamed himself on their one-point loss to Batang Pier but his players came out with better focus and determination for 48 minutes to claim their third win in five matches.
With Meralco management deploying its own security personnel for the locker room, the Bolts were able to concentrate on the battle on the court.
Solomon Mercado finished with a game-high 24 points spiked by five three-pointers, while Mark Cardona and Ronjay Buenafe contributed 18 and 13 points, respectively, for the Bolts
Reynel Hugnatan also came up huge for Meralco with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
John Wilson was the lone Air 21 player in double figures with 16 points. The Express win-loss record dropped to 1-4.
Air 21 was in the thick of things early in the fourth quarter, trailing 63-59, before Hugnatan and Cardona joined forces for a decisive 16-3 burst to pull away from a tight contest with 5:13 left in the game.
Were lacking consistency right now. We can compete in certain level but we cant execute down the stretch, said Express coach Franz Pumaren. I guess the players are still feeling each other.
PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS over BGY. GINEBRA KINGS, 98-95
Arwind Santos scored 22 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, while Alex Cabagnot added 25 points as Petron snapped its two-game Philippine Cup losing streak with a 98-95 victory over Ginebra Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The victory came just two days after Santos called out his teammates for lacking heart. In earlier comments to InterAKTV, he specifically mentioned Cabagnots play.
After the game, Santos stood by his statements.
Alam niya naman kung bakit ako nagsalita ng ganoon. Alam niya naman ang pagkatao ko, said Santos.
Sana yung pagkakabitaw ko ng salitang yun, sana magtuloy-tuloy pa. Sana maintindihan nila ako. Sabi ko kay Alex, Prove it to me.
Petron was up in the fourth quarter, 89-80, on a layup by Joseph Yeo, before Ginebra rattled off an 11-2 run to come within two points. A putback by Willie Wilson a couple of plays later tied the game at 95-all.
Petron regained the lead on a layup by Joseph Yeo, before LA Tenorio threw the ball away in the ensuing possession with less than 10 seconds to go. Ginebra sent Cabagnot to the line, and the Boosters point guard split his free throws.
Mark Caguioa had one last shot to tie the game for Ginebra, but his three-point attempt hit the back of the iron, allowing Santos to collar the rebound to seal the win.
Cabagnot added eight assists, while Chris Lutz had 18 points. Yeo chipped in 16 points, including four three-pointers.
I think Petron plays better with an injured lineup, said Boosters coach Olsen Racela, who lost veteran Danny Ildefonso during the game due to a dislocated left shoulder. The team is already without top pick June Mar Fajardo, who underwent an operation for his swollen scrotum.
It really shows the character of the team. Everyone is helping out, added Racela.
It was Ginebras third consecutive loss after winning its first two Philippine Cup assignments. Petron moved into a tie with the Gin Kings in the standings with similar 2-3 win-loss records.
PBA Round 1 (Commissioners Cup): TNT Ka Tropa defeats leader Global Port - 7 hours ago
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The Regular Season in PBA Commissioners Cup just started. Here is the last round review presented by ESL. The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Global Port (0-1) in Makati on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by TNT Ka Tropa (1-0) 128-114. TNT Ka Tropa looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 32 personal fouls committed by Global Port helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Jayson Cas... [read more]
The Regular Season in PBA Commissioners Cup just started. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Global Port (0-1) in Makati on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by TNT Ka Tropa (1-0) 128-114. TNT Ka Tropa looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 32 personal fouls committed by Global Port helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Jayson Castro-William (180-86) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists (made all of his eight free throws). Roger-Ray Pogoy (189-92) contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized American forward Sean Anthony (193-86) answered with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Global Port. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. TNT Ka Tropa is looking forward to face Phoenix in Quezon in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Global Port will play on the road against Meralco Bolts (#1) in Manila and is hoping to win this game. Very important is a home loss of Columbian Dyip (1-1) against Meralco Bolts (1-0) on Wednesday night. Host Columbian Dyip was defeated by Meralco Bolts in Makati City 116-103. American power forward Arinze Onuaku (206-87, college: Syracuse) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 19 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks (on 14-of-15 shooting from the field) for the winners and Chris Newsome chipped in 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. At the losing side American power forward CJ Aiken (206-90, college: St.Joseph's) responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Meralco Bolts will play against Global Port (#11) in Pasig in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Columbian Dyip's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Makati City to the arena NLEX RW. The game between Blackwater Elite (0-2) and Columbian Dyip (1-1) in Caloocan City on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Makati City outscored Blackwater Elite 126-98. Jerramy King nailed 30 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Jarrid Famous came up with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 22 rebounds for Blackwater Elite in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Columbian Dyip's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Makati City to the arena NLEX RW.
In the last game of round 1 winless Blackwater Elite lost to undefeated Phoenix on the road 102-107. The most impressive performance of 1st round was 31 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks by James N. White of Phoenix.
The game between Blackwater Elite (0-2) and Columbian Dyip (1-1) in Caloocan City on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Makati City outscored Blackwater Elite 126-98. Columbian Dyip forced 32 Blackwater Elite turnovers. Strangely Blackwater Elite outrebounded Columbian Dyip 69-52 including 27 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Point guard Jerramy King (183-90, college: CS East Bay) nailed 30 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and American power forward C.J. Aiken (206-90, college: St.Joseph's) accounted for 9 points, 22 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals. Four Columbian Dyip players scored in double figures. American-Lebanese power forward Jarrid Famous (209-88, college: S.Florida) came up with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 22 rebounds and forward Allein Maliksi (190-87) added 22 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Blackwater Elite in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Columbian Dyip's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Makati City to the arena NLEX RW. Top scorers: Columbian Dyip: J.King 30+7reb+4ast, R.McCarthy 22+4reb+6ast, C.Lastimosa 14+2reb+3ast, E.Camson 12+3reb+1ast, R.Tubid 12+1reb, C.Aiken 9+22reb+4ast Blackwater Elite: J.Famous 35+22reb+1ast, A.Malicsi 22+8reb+2ast, R.Mark Belo 11+2reb+1ast, N.Pinto 8+4reb+1ast, J.Paul Erram 8+13reb+4ast, D.Marcelo 4+2reb
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Global Port (0-1) in Makati on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by TNT Ka Tropa (1-0) 128-114. TNT Ka Tropa looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 32 personal fouls committed by Global Port helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Jayson Castro-William (180-86) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists (made all of his eight free throws). Roger-Ray Pogoy (189-92) contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized American forward Sean Anthony (193-86) answered with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Bahrain power forward Malcolm White (205-88, college: LSU) added 27 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Global Port. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. TNT Ka Tropa is looking forward to face Phoenix in Quezon in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Global Port will play on the road against Meralco Bolts (#1) in Manila and is hoping to win this game. Top scorers: TNT Ka Tropa: J.Castro William 21+6reb+10ast, R.Ray Pogoy 20+7reb+3ast, J.Cruz 16+5reb+2ast, J.Tyler 14+12reb, R.Reyes 13+3reb+1ast, T.Don 11+6reb Global Port: S.Anthony 34+10reb+5ast, M.White 27+12reb+3ast, S.Pringle 14+6reb+7ast, M.Tautuaa 10+7reb+2ast, E.Juan 10+4reb+5ast, K.Nabong 9+8reb+2ast
No shocking result in a game when Phoenix (1-0) beat Blackwater Elite (0-2) in Quezon 107-102 on Wednesday. Phoenix dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Blackwater Elite's 36. Phoenix forced 27 Blackwater Elite turnovers and outrebounded them 55-43 including 21 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. American forward James N. White (203-93, college: Georgia Tech) nailed a double-double by scoring 31 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks for the winning side and naturalized Canadian guard Matthew Wright (193-91, college: St.Bonaventure) accounted for 19 points and 8 assists. American-Lebanese power forward Jarrid Famous (209-88, college: S.Florida) came up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds and point guard Shej-Roi Sumang (177-90) added 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Blackwater Elite in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Phoenix will meet TNT Ka Tropa (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Blackwater Elite will play against Alaska Aces (#5) and hope to win that game. Top scorers: Phoenix: J.N. White 31+14reb+5ast, M.Wright 19+3reb+8ast, J.Chua 17+9reb, J.Chan 11+4reb+4ast, W.Wilson 10+9reb+5ast, R.Jazul 9+2reb+1ast Blackwater Elite: S.Roi Sumang 20+5reb+5ast, J.Famous 19+16reb+3ast, R.Mark Belo 19+1reb+2ast, M.Digregorio 11+3reb+2ast, A.Malicsi 11+5reb+4ast, E.Renz Palma 7+2reb+2ast
Very important is a home loss of Columbian Dyip (1-1) against Meralco Bolts (1-0) on Wednesday night. Host Columbian Dyip was defeated by Meralco Bolts in Makati City 116-103. Meralco Bolts forced 20 Columbian Dyip turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists. Meralco Bolts brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Columbian Dyip was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Arinze Onuaku (206-87, college: Syracuse) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 19 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks (on 14-of-15 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Chris Newsome (187-90, college: N.Mexico Highlands) chipped in 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. At the losing side American power forward CJ Aiken (206-90, college: St.Joseph's) responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks and the other American import guard Rashawn McCarthy (185-89, college: Old Westbury) scored 16 points and 6 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Meralco Bolts will play against Global Port (#11) in Pasig in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Columbian Dyip's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Makati City to the arena NLEX RW. Top scorers: Meralco Bolts: A.Onuaku 30+19reb+6ast, C.Newsome 18+7reb+7ast, N.Salva 13+2reb+2ast, N.Canaleta 12+6reb+2ast, J.Dillinger 11+7reb+1ast, C.Hodge 8+4reb+3ast Columbian Dyip: C.Aiken 21+18reb+1ast, R.McCarthy 16+3reb+6ast, C.Lastimosa 16+3reb+2ast, E.Camson 15+6reb+1ast, R.Celda 14+3reb+3ast, J.King 12+3ast
Justin Brownlee (197-F-88, college: St.John's) and Renaldo Balkman (203-F-84, college: S.Carolina) combined for San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas in holding off a gritty Mono Vampire in overtime, 143-130, to win in Game One of the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Finals last April 22. Brownlee scored 46 points setting a finals record in scoring in a game regarded as the highest scoring ABL game. The explosive world import added 11 rebounds and nine assists that saw Alab erased a four point deficit... [read more]
Brownlee scored 46 points setting a finals record in scoring in a game regarded as the highest scoring ABL game.
The explosive world import added 11 rebounds and nine assists that saw Alab erased a four point deficit in the last 19 seconds to tie the game through a put back by Balkman in the delight of the home crowd at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
Balkman finished with 39 markers and 14 boards, Bobby Ray Parks (193-G-93) added 27 points, five rebounds and three steals before fouling out late in the fourth quarter and Lawrence Domingo (196-F-93, college: E.New Mexico) scored 14 points off the bench.
The win moves Alab two victories away in being the third Philippine team, after the AirAsia Philippine Patriots and San Miguel Beer, to clinch the coveted ABL title.
Michael Singletary (198-F-88, college: Texas Tech) exploded for 42 points while heritage import Filipino Paul Zamar (180-PG-87) finished with 25 markers which went for naught.
Spitfire guard Jason Brickman (181-PG-91, college: LIU Brooklyn) added 15 points, 14 assists, eight rebounds and five assists before falling under cramps late in regulation.
Seven-foot-five Maltese-Italian Samuel Deguara (223-C-91), who gave Alab lots of headaches inside the paint, scored 21 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks before fouling out which proved to be the game changer.
Aris Ignacio is from the Philippines and has always been a big fan of Philippine basketball. Aris' follows the Philippine Basketball Association since the late 80's and has learned the history and personalities of the PBA. He also has interest with other basketball tournaments in the Philippines and beyond most specifically college basketball (UAAP, NCAA), the Asian Basketball League (ABL), FIBA Asia and World Cup tournaments. Follow Aris Ignacio on Twitter at aris_ignacio.
Asia-Basket.com All-PBA Philippine Cup 1st Team 2018
Thompson
Ross
Santos
Sangalang
Fajardo
Finals MVP: June Mar Fajardo (210-C-89) of SM Beermen Player of the Year: June Mar Fajardo (210-C-89) of SM Beermen Guard of the Year: Scottie Thompson (188-G-93) of Ginebra Kings Forward of the Year: Arwind Santos (193-F-81) of SM Beermen Center of the Year: June Mar Fajardo (210-C-89) of SM Beermen Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Ross (185-G-85) of SM Beermen Coach of the Year: Leovino Austria of SM Beermen
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